USA > Maine > Biographical encyclopedia of Maine of the nineteenth century > Part 52
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At the age of fifteen he entered a store at Sutton, Vermont. Subsequently he attained the dignity of town-clerk and postmaster in the same place. While resident in Sutton, he frequently drove a pair of horses to Boston, and also to Portland, and there
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exchanged his country produce for West India goods. In 1842 he removed to Norway, Maine, and there rented a store built by the late John B. Brown of Portland. In con- nection with this mercantile undertaking, Mr. Denison established a regular four-horse freight route between Norway and Portland. This institution revolutionized the local business of his own thriving village, which was and continued to be the great distributing- point for that seetion of the State. In 1848, associated with Asa Danforth, he purchased the water-power privilege at Steep Falls, in the town of Norway, and erected one of the first pape-rmills in Maine. This strueturc, which was of moderate sizc, and contained two engines and a cylinder-maehinc, made paper for news-shcets and for other publications in the Commonwealth. In 1849 and 1850, during the construction of the Grand Trunk Rail- way, he established supply-stores at Paris and Bethel, in Maine ; at Gorham, New Hamp- shire ; and also at Northumberland and North Stratford. The special business transaeted at these depots was the supply of sub-contractors on the line of that great national thorough- fare. At the same time he was copartner with C. P. True and George H. Ambrose in a general store located at Auburn, Maine.
Mr. Denison sold his interest in the paper-mill at Norway in 1851, and associated him- self in business with E. W. Fyler, a man of practical cxperience. He also ereeted the first paper-mill at Mechanic Falls, Maine. All the machinery employed in that building was constructed by John L. Seaverus, then of Worcester, Massachusetts. George W. Seaverus, brother of the machinist, was appointed superintendent of the mill, and eon- tinued in that capacity until 1872. The style of the proprietary firm was that of A. C. Denison & Co. The first mill constructed by Mr. Denison and his associates was known throughout the country as the "Eagle Mill," and retains that appellation at the present time. In or about the year 1860 the company built another mill, near the site of the "Eagle," which was known as the "Star Mill." Just at this juncture Adna T., son of A. C. Denison, and a recent graduate of Tufts College, superseded E. W. Fyler as a member of the firm. Theneeforward the business was successfully conducted ; other mills were raiscd, improvements in harmony with the spirit and progress of the times were effeeted, until a manufacturing plant that had cost over half a million dollars constituted the prin- cipal business centre of Mechanic Falls.
The long business career of Mr. Denison has always been distinguished by close ap- plication to duty, grasp of principles, and minute attention to details. None knew better than he the wisdom embodicd in the old Scotch maxim, "Many mickles mak a muckle." Solidity and durability characterize his works. He was wont to "build to stay." The same disereet eonseientiousness, and appreciation of relative values appcar in his personal habits. He never used tobacco in any form. In all commercial transactions he kept a conseience void of offence toward God and man. The temperance reform commanded his fullest approbation and assistance. By voice and vote, purse and power, he did what
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in him lay to crown the plans of the philanthropic reformers with complete success. His individuality is as marked in religious as in secular affairs, His excellent parents were of the Baptist persuasion, but he himself embraced the doctrinal opinions of the Universalists. In the councils of the latter denomination he has been prominent.
Politically, Mr. Denison is a Republican. Official position he has neither sought nor desired; but, on the contrary, has shrank from the acceptance of such honorable responsi- bility when thrust upon him. In 1868 he allowed himself to be persuaded into acceptance of an election to the Legislature of Maine. During the two following years he served as Senator from the Androscoggin District, and carried into the highest councils of the State the various knowledge, sound wisdom, and administrative force which had marked his mercantile and manufacturing pursuits. A Freemason and also an Odd-Fellow, he is mindful of those tender charities and helpful proprieties which do so much to relieve life of its burdens, and to invest it with brightness and blessing.
Adna Curtis Denison was married on the 13th of September, 1838, to Hannah True. By her he is the father of two children, named Adna T. and Frances M. Both are living, married, and parents of families,
ICKERSON, JONATHAN GARLAND, of Belfast, Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine. Born at New Chester, New Hampshire, on the 5th of November, 1811. He was the second son of Jonathan and Hannah (Garland) Dickerson of New Chester, now named Hill, in New Hampshire. His studies, preparatory to matriculation at Waterville College, were pursued at the Hampton Institution, and with such profit that he was able to enter the Freshman elass late in the course of its studies, and to begin the Sophomore year with credit to himself.
After the honorable completion of his collegiate curriculum, Mr. Dickerson entered upon the study of law in the office of Benjamin Randall-a graduate of Bowdoin College in 1809-at Bath, and subsequently perfected his preparation for practice at Waterville, under the guidance of W. B. S. Moor. Admitted to the bar of Lincoln County in 1839, he first settled in Thomaston, thence removed to West Prospect (now Searsport), and next to Frankfort. There, in 1845, he was appointed Deputy Collector of Customs. In 1849 he again changed his residenee, and thenceforward made his permanent home at Belfast.
Mr. Dickerson began his official career with appointment to the office of attorney for Waldo County in 1841, and was afterward elected, by large majorities, to the same posi- tion. In 1842 he was returned to the lower House of the State Legislature as the Repre-
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sentative of the citizens of Prospect. Further promotion followed in 1858, when he was appointed Collector of the Port of Belfast by President Buchanan. The accession of President Lincoln in 1861 again relegated him to private life. In the shattering calamities that then fell upon the nation it was apparent that in him the man was stronger than the lawyer, the citizen than the individual, the patriot than the politician. The Rev. James Bixby, his pastor, who knew and appreciated his sterling merit, said at his funeral : "Though in the political campaign which resulted in President Lincoln's election he had been a zealous leader of the opposite party, yet at the outbreak of the war he sprang promptly and enthusiastically to the defence of his country. His addresses at this time were cspecially eloquent, inspiring, and influential. By voice and pen and example he did all that he could to sustain the cause of the Union and restore the National authority over the whole length and breadth of the land."
In 1862 Mr. Dickerson was elevated to the bench of the Supreme Judicial Court by Governor Washburn. In 1869 he was reappointed to the same post by Governor . Chamberlain, and again in 1876 by Governor Connor. To him belongs the distinction of being the only incumbent of the Maine Supreme Judicial bench who has died in office. Untiring industry, sturdy honesty, and judicious independence were carried with him into his eminently responsible duties. Wise and safe as a counsellor, eloquent and earnest as an advocate, he was also learned and able as a jurist. His decisions rested rather upon prin- ciple than upon precedent. His scrupulously prepared opinions, when rendered in written form, are regarded as models of judicial expression. None ever doubted his purity and integrity. The Mainc Reports embalm his legal knowledge and wisdom. Colby University (formerly Waterville College), his Alma Mater, honored herself when she adorned him with the title of Doctor of Laws in 1866.
Some of the best qualifications of Judge Dickerson for the office he so excellently filled were doubtless burnished by his experience as a journalist. Trained in the straitest New Hampshire school of Democracy, and keenly relishing the encounters of party strife, he was an ardent politician. In 1855, having purchased an interest in the Republican Journal of Belfast, he began the guidance of its political utterances, which were of the most vigorous kind. But he was no recusant in the hour when men were called upon to decide between party and country. None could be more patriotic than he. The life of his gallant eldest son was sacrificed for the salvation of his native land. The tinge of the advocate sometimes appeared in the pronouncements of the judge, but the decisions them- selves had all the essence of legal equity.
Judge Dickerson was not a perfect man. The limitations of humanity forbid such excellence. But life was a purposeful approximation toward it. He sought to know and to do the right. His public spirit was remarkable. "I never knew a man," wrote the Chief Justice of Maine, " with broader and more generous sympathies than he. His senti-
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ments and sympathies for the weak and the suffering were a passion." Brought up under evangelieal influenee, he always found great comfort in religious thought and practice. A conscientious adherent of the Unitarian faith, he lent all the influence of his public example and professions to the cause of Christ's Gospel. In the family-circle, and as a neighbor, his spirit and action were benign and beneficent. All felt that they had experieneed irreparable loss by his removal. His last sickness was very short. Bench, bar, and civic life were largely represented at his funeral. Good men carried him to his burial. He died September 1, 1878.
Jonathan G. Dickerson was thrice married. His first wife was Mrs. Getchell of Waterville. By her he had one son-the late Lieutenant Dickerson of the U. S. Army. His second wife was a daughter of Captain Jeremiah Merrithew of Searsport, by whom he had two daughters, who survived him. His third wife was Miss E. A. Berry of Cowles- ville, New York, by whom he became the father of three sons.
TANLEY, GEORGE WASHINGTON. The Stanleys in America elaim descent from an ancient and noble family in England, and fix their origin at a very remote period in English history. Near the beginning of the eighteenth century two brothers of the name emigrated with their families from England to this country, and settled in Martha's Vineyard in Massa- chusetts. Subsequently they separated, one portion going to Connecticut, and another to Topsfield, Massachusetts. A portion of the Topsfield branch afterward went to Attleborough, Massachusetts, from which the subject of this sketeh was descended. His father was Peter Stanley and his mother Criscinda Riee-said to have been a woman of more than ordinary strength of mind and character. The father of Peter, Solomon Stanley, settled at Pond Town (now Winthrop, Maine) somewhere about 1767. The place was then an almost unbroken wilderness, and the early settlers eneountered great hardships and experienced great deprivations. But they were born of hardy stock and bred to vigorous toil. They grappled with their circumstances and condition with a resolute spirit and determined per- severance. They cleared up the land, and commenced in earnest the work of transforming the desert into fruitful fields. Children were born and families reared, marked by the char- acteristies of energy and endurance which had made the lives of their ancestors heroic. It was in this desert plaee and in the midst of these rugged surroundings, which taxed to the utmost the enduranee of settlers, that George W. Stanley was born, on the 12th day of March, A.D. 1800. Of his early years very little is known. He received the scanty educa- tion which the imperfect common-schools of that period afforded. For the most part his
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learning was acquired at home, and consisted largely of instruction in the principles of industry, integrity, and honesty, rather than lessons from the books-which were few, and obtained with great difficulty. His father followed the occupation of a clothier, and young George for a time worked with him in that employment. Before he had reached his majority, however, the energy and force inherited from his ancestors demanded a wider field and more active pursuits. He determined to start out for himself, and try the world on his own account. With this resolution formed, he made a visit to the then town of Boston. He had neither money, letters of introduction, recommendations to the business men of that metropolis, nor even acquaintances among its people. He had no other reli- ance than an indomitable will, an invincible courage, and an honest purpose. Animated by these qualities, he presented himself at the counting-room of David Henshaw, then engaged in mercantile pursuits, and unfolded to that gentleman the purpose of his visit ; frankly stating his impecunious condition as well as his legal irresponsibility by reason of his minority in years. Mr. Henshaw viewed him thoroughly, and, lifting his hat from his brow, keenly scanned his face and features. "Young man," said he, "you look like an honest fellow. I shall trust you for all you want." Receiving from Mr. Henshaw a stock of goods entirely upon credit, he repaired to the town of Hallowell, and opened a store for the sale of groceries and general merchandise. The experiment, however, did not prove- a success, and was abandoned for other pursuits. The debt to Mr. Henshaw was promptly paid in full ; and in after-years, when that gentleman had achieved distinction in the service of the country, and the young Stanley in whom he had placed so much confidence and trust had taken a prominent position in the affairs of life, a friendship and intimacy existed between them which remained unbroken and unabated until the close of the honorable and eventful life of Mr. Henshaw.
After abandoning his business at Hallowell, the pursuits of Mr. Stanley were some- what varied, and void of special interest to the general reader of this sketch. He was never idle, and his natural activity and enterprise led him into varied employments, with more or less of success. On reaching his majority, he at once took a decided stand in political affairs, and espoused the Democratic side. In this field his ardent nature and strong convictions brought him immediately into prominence, and he at once assumed a leading place among the political men of his county and the State. Notwithstanding the bold and outspoken assertion of his political views in the midst of a community violently hostile to his political sentiments, he never failed to command the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens, who for many successive years elected him to preside over their town- meetings, and clothed him with other trusts in the municipal affairs of his native town.
Under the first Administration of President Jackson he was appointed postmaster of Winthrop, and held the office for several years.
Our limits will not allow us to follow Mr. Stanley through the varied scenes of his
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life from this time until he assumed a more eonspieuous place among men. The earlier years of his manhood exhibit a vigorous struggle with adverse events which would have disheartened most men ; but he never faltered, and, guided by an indomitable will and energy, and a resolute courage, he in the end reached a remarkable suecess.
After a long service in the active duties of a deputy-sheriff, on the aceession of Mr. Dunlap to the Executive chair of State, he was appointed High Sheriff of the county of Kennebee, and for several years filled that office in a faithful and prompt manner, which commanded the approbation of the court, the bar, and the general public. Very soon after receiving this appointment he removed to Augusta, the shire-town of the county, and the capital of the State. Here he at once entered upon an active business life, and became connected with various enterprises requiring the exereise of a high order of business adap- tation and skill. In the mean time the arduous duties of sheriff of the county were per- formed with unfailing promptness. It was before the days of railroads, when the only means of transportation for an extensive eastern travel was the stage-coach, when he became the manager of the great stage-line from Augusta to Bangor, which often sent forward half a dozen heavily laden coaches in a day. He was equal to the emergency always, and managed the business, involving great eare and responsibility, with wonderful success and safety to the large number of passengers transported. Often he found it neces- sary to ride from Augusta to Bangor on one night and return the next, in the mean time performing his regular task by day. But he was endowed by nature with a large physical development and muscular strength, and was blessed with robust health, so that he was able to endure a strain upon his powers which few men can bear. In addition he possessed the remarkable ability, not often met with, of commanding sleep at any moment, and was thus able to avail himself of any slight opportunity for rest and recuperation. Soon after making Augusta his residence, the late Hon. Reuel Williams, known as one of the most keen-sighted and sagacious business men of his time, was quick to recognize the business eapaeity and energy of Colonel Stanley. They were soon joined together in several enter- prises, which were largely productive to themselves and promotive of the interests of Augusta and the Kennebee valley. The union was constant and aetive for many years, until the close of the life of Mr. Williams. In the inception of the project of a railroad from Portland to Augusta they bore a prominent part, and in the trials and discourage- ments which marked its progress to completion they were closely identified as officers of the corporation, contributing largely of their means, and spending anxious days and months of their time.
In 1849 Colonel Stanley was elected Representative to the Legislature of the State from the town of Augusta, although a majority of the votes of the people for other officers was east in opposition to the political views which he held.
For many years Colonel Stanley enjoyed an intimate acquaintance with the Hon.
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Franklin Pierce, and on the accession of that gentleman to the Presidential offiee in 1853 he was appointed Marshal of Maine, the duties of which office he performed for the term of four years, receiving on his retirement the especial commendation of the Judges of the U. S. courts in Maine.
Colonel Stanley was early identified with the banking interests of Augusta, and for many years connected at various times with the management of all but one of them. On the inauguration of the National-banking system, he became President of the First National Bank of Augusta, and held the office until failing health compelled him to retire. In this department of his business life he was eminently successful from first to last. His perceptions were keen, his sagacity far-reaching, his carefulness and conservatism pro- verbial. Few men having the management of banking institutions in Maine had a better general knowledge of the financial standing and character of business men throughout the State. Hence his mistakes were few, and the losses under his administration small in amount, while the dividends to stockholders were largely remunerative.
In this eonneetion, it may not be out of place to refer to the robbery, in 1849, of the Augusta Bank, of which he was a director, and of the recovery of the large sum of money stolen from the bank under a well-laid plan, and the capture and punishment of the robbers -a result which reflected great eredit upon his skill and sagacity as a detective, when pro- fessional detectives were comparatively unknown.
In the late War of the Rebellion, Colonel Stanley, although opposed to the party in power, was patriotic and loyal, and faithful to the Government. He was employed by the Executive of the State to purehase a large number of horses for the cavalry regunents, and rodc night and day in the performance of the service. The State was without money, and as a bank officer he placed at the disposal of the Governor the entire funds f the Bank over which he presided, receiving reimbursement months afterward without in erest. The horses sent forward were admitted to be the best known to the service.
Colonel Stanley was a man of strong convietions, firm in his opinions, and bold in the expression of his views. His integrity was unswerving, never questioned or assailed. His prompt response to every business obligation is known and admitted by all with whom he eame in contact. In his intercourse with men he was blunt and decided, and to some his manner seemed austere. While he was a man of commanding presence and resolute de- portment, his sympathies were tender and easily excited. His friendships were faithful and abiding, and having once taken one into his affeetion and trust, it was not his fault if his confidenee was not strong and enduring. His sympathy with those of his fellow-men less fortunate than himself in the affairs of life was ever quiek and active. His interest in young men starting in life without peeuniary means was in many instances which might be named notable and valuable. Some of this elass were recipients of his aid, by which they laid the foundation of competency, and in some cases of large wealth. In all the traits
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which marked his character, none shone more conspicuously than his charitable and toler- ant disposition toward the erring and offending, and his freedom from reproach or de- nunciation of those whose lives and conduct did not conform to his standard.
The life of Colonel Stanley was an eventful one, covering a long period in an age remarkable for great events and developments. As a business man, he was distinguished for more than fifty years throughout his county and State; and cven beyond the State limits he was well and favorably known in business and financial circles. Born to no for- tune except that which comes from intellect, energy, sagacity, and industry, and inheriting only rough experiences and deprivations, he achieved a remarkable success and amassed a large fortune. Until within a short time previous to his decease, confined to a home of com- fort and luxury, deprived of the powers of locomotion, his mind remained active and vigor- ous. He retained his interest in the passing events of the world, and gave his attention to the demands of his large business. The number of his years was extended far beyond the period allotted by the Psalmist for the age of man. But the revolving cycles of time finally brought to him, as it will to all, the close of life. Surrounded by every means of comfort which can be commanded on earth, and supported by every attention and kindness which affectionate hearts and willing hands could render, on the 27th day of November, 1881, at the ripe age of nearly eighty-two years, he gently and peacefully closed his mortal career. His record is one of usefulness and honor, of which his posterity may well be proud ; and his life commends itself to the imitation of young men entering upon an experience involving the results of unfolding years.
OBURN, PHILANDER, of Skowhegan, Maine. Born February 19, 1807, in that part of the town of Canaan which is now embraced in Skowhegan. His father, Eleazar Coburn, migrated to Canaan from what is now called Dracut, Massachusetts, in 1792. On the maternal side he was a descendant of the Westons, who were among the earliest and most prominent settlers of Somerset County.
The early education of young Coburn was received in the district-schools, and at the academy of his native town. The greater part of his youth was spent in the active and somewhat miscellancous occupations of a farmer's son. At the age of twenty-thrce he entered into business partnership with his father and clder brother Abner, under the firm- title of E. Coburn & Sons. This company was one of the first to enter upon extensive lumbering operations in the northern forests of Maine, and no business was ever conducted on more correct or honorable principles. In 1845 Elcazar Coburn died. Thenccforward the
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business was jointly conducted by the brothers, under the stylc of A. & P. Coburn. Un- altered principles, renewed energy, and unfaltering perseverance characterized all proceed- ings, and gave assurance of large success. Division of labor was necessarily required in the management of their widc-spread and complicated affairs. Supervision of the more strictly lumbering operations was allotted to the younger brother. For this work he was admirably qualified. With great powers of endurance and indomitable will, he united singular enterprise and tireless push. No obstacle was suffered to check nor opposition to thwart. Determined and daring in pursuit of his objects, he was also exceedingly cau- tious and prudent in the selection of his ends. Too wisc to allow anything to be donc in a careless or shiftless manner, and too judicious to excusc the vices or follies of his workmen, he was nevertheless so regardful of their rights, and so ready to share the annoyances and privations incidental to the lot of the hardy foresters, that he always won their respect, and assured their loyalty to himself and interests. Brought into contact with every phase of human character among the thousands who at different times were in his employ, it would not have been strange had misunderstandings occurred, and distrustful dissatisfaction marred the relations between them. It is strange that no such experience was known. The perfect fairness of his dealings with the workmen, the kindly acknowledgment of their manhood, the interest revealed in their prosperity, the sympathy and generous aid bestowed in scasons of misfortune, conspired to make them the warm and unwavering friends of Mr. Coburn, and of the firm of which he was a member.
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