USA > Maine > Piscataquis County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine > Part 6
USA > Maine > Aroostook County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine > Part 6
USA > Maine > Hancock County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine > Part 6
USA > Maine > Washington County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine > Part 6
USA > Maine > Somerset County > Biographical review : containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine > Part 6
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Henry M. Richardson was educated in the
town schools of Atkinson. After completing his studies he engaged in farming, rafted logs, and worked in the lumber camps until he was twenty-one, giving his wages to his father. Upon reaching his majority he leased a saw- mill in Sebec village, and carried it on for some four years; also, for a number of years he hauled logs from the stump, drove a con- veyance from Sebec village to the railroad sta- tion, and conducted boarding-houses for about two years of the time in Still Water and Brewer, Me. In 1888 he bought and re- modelled the hotel at Sebec village. Hotel- Richardson is situated at the foot of Sebec Lake, in a locality that has been for years a favorite resort of sportsmen, drawn thither by the excellent fishing afforded by the lake and adjacent streams and the abundance of game, including moose, deer, and caribou, in the woods. The house, which is heated by hot- air apparatus, is capable of accommodating fifty guests ; and its pleasant rooms and excel- lent table are all that can be desired. Eight steamers upon the lake afford ample opportuni- ties for fishing and sailing. In connection with the house is a good livery stable, which furnishes teams for driving. Sebec Lake is easily accessible from the large cities by the steamship line between Boston and Bangor or by the Maine Central and Bangor & Aroos- took Railways to Sebec station. Its popularity both as a sportsman's retreat and summer resort is increasing every year. Besides his hotel Mr. Richardson has two farms of one hundred acres each. He is actively interested in public affairs, having served as a member of
SAMUEL A. SMITH.
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the Board of Selectmen for the past five years. In politics he supports the Republican party.
On November 15, 1873, Mr. Richardson married Annette Ford, who was born in Sebec village, April 24, 1841. Her parents were Abner and Mehitable (Hatch) Ford, the for- mer of whom was a native of a place called Ford Town, named for his father. Mrs. Rich- ardson's father was a very prominent citizen and a member of the Masons of Milo, who have his portrait in their hall. He was a mill- wright by trade, and erected many mills in his day. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. Richardson is a member of Kineo Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Dover; and he and Mrs. Rich- ardson are members of the Baptist church.
AMUEL A. SMITH, one of the oldest merchants of Brownville, Piscataquis County, was born in this town, October 13, 1830, son of Daniel and Mary (Stickney) Smith. Daniel Smith, a native of Berwick, Me., was a farmer by vo- cation. He came to Brownville in 1820, took up one hundred acres of new land in the southern part of the town, and with persever- ing industry cleared a farm, which he tilled until obliged to give up active labor. He was a reliable business man and a good citi- zen. At political elections he voted the Whig ticket. He lived to be about sixty years old. Mary Stickney Smith, his wife, was born in Weare, N.H. She lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years. They had six children that grew to maturity. Of these
Mary Ann, Daniel, and Francis are deceased. The living are: Emeline, the wife of William Mayo, of Milo, Me .; Samuel A., the subject of this biography; and Martha E. Smith, who lives with her brother.
Samuel A. Smith was educated in the schools of this town and at Foxcroft Academy. Subsequently, in the capacity of a civil en- gineer for one John Ayer, he helped in the building of the Maine Central Railroad from Waterville to Bangor. He had been so em- ployed for two years when, in 1856, he started a store in Brownville, which he has since prosperously conducted. For about twenty years of this period he was in partnership with M. W. Brown. He deals in dry goods, groceries, hardware, tinware, agricultural im- plements, etc., carrying the variety of goods that an experience of over forty years has shown him will meet the demands of his cus- tomers.
In 1860 Mr. Smith was joined in marriage with Miss Martha L. Jenks, a daughter of Eleazer A. Jenks, Esq., one of the leading men of Brownville and a Justice of the Peace for forty years. They have two children liv- ing: Annie L., of Brownville; and Edgar C. Smith, a lawyer in Dover, Me. They lost one son in infancy. The Republican party has a loyal supporter in Mr. Smith. He has been Town Clerk for over twenty years, a Selectman for one term, and he has also served in the School Committee. Both he and his wife are members of the Congrega- tional church, and he has been a Deacon of the society for about thirty years.
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ILLIAM WYER BRADBURY, of Machias, Washington County, Reg- istrar of Probate for the county, was born in this town, February 10, 1843, son of Wyer and Eliza (Webber) Bradbury. His grandfather, True Bradbury, who was a farmer, resided in Lubec, of which town he was one of the early settlers. Wyer Brad- bury, who was born in Lubec and attended school there, at an early age began going to sea. When twenty-five years old he was mas- ter of a vessel, and he sailed on many foreign voyages. During the latter part of his life he was engaged in the coasting trade, and he con- tinued in active work until about a year be- fore his death, when he retired. He was a member of Harwood Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M. His wife, Eliza, who was a member of the Baptist Church of Machias, became the mother of the following-named children : Isaac, who lost his life during the Civil War while in command of the gunboat "Nar- cissus "; James, who was killed at the battle of Rappahannock Station on November 7, 1864; William W., the subject of this sketch ; Benjamin F., who resides in Machias; and Lydia, who is the wife of the Hon. William S. Lawrence, the Mayor of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.
William Wyer Bradbury received his educa- tion in the schools of his native town, gradu- ating from the high school at the age of eigh- teen. He then became a clerk in a general merchandise store. After working for a num- ber of years in that position, he bought out his employer's interest, and became the pro-
prietor of the business. Having successfully conducted the store until 1890, he sold out when elected Registrar of Probate. In poli- tics Mr. Bradbury is a Republican. He has served the town as Treasurer for a number of years, for three or four years as Selectman, and for five years as Supervisor of Schools. In this last-named position he is still serving. He is also acting as Town Clerk, which posi- tion he has held for six or eight years. Fra- ternally, he is a member of Harwood Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is also Past Master; and he belongs to Washing- ton Chapter and St. Elmo Commandery. He is also connected with Machias Lodge, No. 32, Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Mr. Bradbury was married to Josephine A., daughter of John H. Fisher, of Machias. His children are Emily and Gertrude. Ger- trude is the wife of Fred J. McTeer, of Ma- chias. A member of the Congregational church, Mr. Bradbury is the treasurer for the proprietors, and president and treasurer for the parish.
HOMAS BLACKWELL, a retired farmer of Cornville township, has made a noteworthy record for persevering industry and thrift, and is a fine representative of the self-made men of Somerset County. He was born December 27, 1830, in the neighboring town of Norridgewock, son of Thomas Black- well, Sr. The latter was born and brought up in Madison, Me., a town in which he passed the earlier part of his life. Some years ago
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he became a resident of Dead River plantation, Somerset County, remaining there until his death in October, 1894, at a ripe old age. He was twice married. His first wife bore him one child, Joseph, who lives in Madison, Me. By his second union there were several children.
Thomas Blackwell, the subject of this sketch, had but meagre opportunities for ob- taining an education. He left home when but eight years of age, going first to Dover, N.H., where he spent a long winter of four months. He afterward worked for different farmers in Somerset County until he was thirty years old, being employed for the larger portion of the time in Cornville. After his marriage he began farming on his own account in Cornville, spending the first four years on a farm not far from his present home. Dur- ing the ensuing two years he resided in Canaan township. Then, not being satisfied with his environment, he returned to Corn- ville, and, buying the property then known as the Pollard farm, has since conducted a substantial business as general farmer and stock-raiser. He has one hundred and ten acres of land, well improved, and usually reaps excellent harvests of grain and hay. Of late years, owing to impaired health, he has given up the cares and responsibilities of the farm to his son, and is now spending his de- clining years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his industry.
Mr. Blackwell was married June 14, 1860, to Miss Betsey Flanders, who was born in Corn- ville, February 17, 1827. Her father, Will-
iam Flanders, born in New Hampshire, set- tled in life as a farmer in Cornville, where he and his wife, whose maiden name was Betsey Malborn, passed their last years. Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell have one child, Charles H., born June 25, 1866. As mentioned above, . Charles H. has charge of the farm, looks care- fully to the welfare of his parents, and is very active in local affairs. Both he and his father support the Republican party.
LONZO T. MITCHELL, of Shirley, Piscataquis County, one of the oldest and most popular guides in the State of Maine, son of William and Nancy (Shorey) Mitchell, was born in this town, April 21, 1837. His grandfather, Samuel Mitchell, one of the first settlers in Shirley, died in this town. William Mitchell, born in Plymouth, Me., and also one of the first settlers in Shirley, followed a trail marked by blazed trees in coming to the town. He was a millman and a merchant, and was engaged in trade here for a number of years. In poli- tics he was a Republican. He was Postmas- ter here for an extended period. In religious belief he was an Adventist. He died at the age of seventy-three. His wife, also a native of the Pine Tree State, died at the age of seventy-five. They were the parents of five children, namely: Charles F., who lives in the West; Julia E., the wife of L. Troy, of Shirley; Alonzo T., the subject of this biography; Samuel, residing in Guilford; and Henry, residing in Shirley.
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Alonzo T. Mitchell was reared and educated in Shirley. He has been engaged in agricult- ure for a great many years. For some time he also managed a sportsman's camp at Indian Pond. In 1889 he built Camp Caribou, onc of the best camps on Indian Pond, con- veniently located in a section abounding with game and fish, and well equipped with boats and other accommodations for sport. Mr. Mitchell has acted as a guide for several years, though he was not licensed until July, 1897. One of the best men in his calling, he is well known among the sportsmen who fre- quent the hunting-grounds of Maine, and has many warm friends. He was married January 6, 1865, to Dorcas Shorey, a native of this town. Four children have since blessed the union, namely: Linwood L., who lived but four ycars; Alphonso C., now the station agent at Shirley ; Anna, now the wife of Mark T. Simpson, a blacksmith of Shirley; and Ida M., residing in this town. Mr. Mitchell is a Republican. He has held all the offices within the gift of the town, and has served on the Board of Sclectmen for many years.
EORGE Q. NICKERSON, D.D.S., of Houlton, Aroostook County, who has won an extended reputation for skill in dentistry, was born in the neighboring town of New Limerick, May 20, 1860, son of Charles Nickerson. The father, a native of Charlestown, Mass., was reared and educated in New Limerick, Me., whither his parents
removed with their large family of children. He was brought up on the farm, which he as- sisted his father to redeem from the wilder- ness. In 1861 he removed to Hodgdon, where he has since carried on general farming with success. Public-spirited, ablc, and in- telligent, he takes much interest in town affairs, and is actively identified with the Republican party. While a member of the Baptist church, he holds liberal views regard- ing the professors of other creeds. He mar- ried Miss Martha D. Nickerson, by whom he became the father of three children - Walter, Alice, and George Q. Alice, who married James K. Osgood, died April 13, 1876.
George Q. Nickerson attended the district schools of Hodgdon, and was afterward a pupil of the Houlton Academy. He was sub- sequently a clerk for a time in the dry-goods store of Charles P. Tenney, where he ob- tained a practical knowledge of business methods and principles. The following six years were spent in business with his brother Walter in Houlton. Then he sold out his in- terest in the firm to his partner, and took up the study of dentistry, for which he had a pred- ilection. After completing a three years' course at the Philadelphia Dental College he received his degree in 1891, and at once es- tablished himself in Houlton. He was the first dentist to locate here who took a full course in dental surgery, and remains the only one who has done so up to the present. Keeping abreast of the times as regards new inventions and improvements, his work com- pares favorably with that of the best dentists
EDWIN P. SNOW.
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in the State. The natural result is that he has an extensive practice in the district.
Not restricting himself to his profession, however, Dr. Nickerson, some time ago, for five thousand dollars bought the property now known as the Highlands, and, with three other persons, formed a syndicate that laid out this property into streets and building lots, selling the latter at from three hundred dol- lars to five hundred dollars each. This vent- ure has proved a most profitable investment for its originators and a valuable addition to the city. The Doctor also finds time for rec- reation, and spends many pleasant hours in hunting, fishing, and driving. An expert horseman, he keeps trotting horses, usually of the 2.30 class, and, under his own driving, is often a winner on the track. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
JDWIN P. SNOW, M.D., an able physi- cian and surgeon of Atkinson, Piscat- aquis County, was born in this town, Septem- ber 25, 1825, 'son of Dr. Eleazar Wheelock and Dorcas (Hibbard) Snow. His grand- father, Benjamin Snow, who came to Atkin- son from the neighborhood of Bath, N. H., about the year 1818, did not reside here for any length of time. The father, who was named after a former president of Dart- mouth College, received his degree of Doctor of Medicine from the medical department of that institution. Thereupon he located in Atkinson, and practised in this town until his death, which occurred in October, 1849, at
the age of fifty-four years. The only practi- tioner in Atkinson, he visited professionally all parts of the county, generally on horse- back. He owned and cultivated a good farm. Previous to his death he decided to retire from practice in favor of his son, in order to devote his time to agriculture. He was suc- cessively a Whig and an abolitionist. In 1820 he was chosen a delegate to the conven- tion held in Portland that arranged for the separation of Maine from Massachusetts. He served as a Selectman, and was Moderator and a member of the School Board for many years ; he was also Judge of Probate. His children were: Helen P., who became Mrs. Ford; Amanda P., who was the first wife of Russ A. Snow, of this town; and Edwin P. Snow, the subject of this sketch.
Edwin P. Snow prepared for his collegiate course at the Charleston and Foxcroft Acad- emies, and attended Waterville College for two years. His medical studies, which were begun under the direction of his father, were completed at the Bowdoin Medical College at Brunswick, Me. After graduating in 1849, he located temporarily in Brownville. Al- most immediately after he was called upon to take the place made vacant by the death of his father. Since then he has followed his pro- fession in Atkinson assiduously. From the time of entering into practice until his partial retirement some time since, he covered his father's old circuit with added territory. He owns a desirably located farm of thirty-five acres, besides considerable outlying property ; and his long period of activity has been suc.
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cessful both professionally and financially. In politics he is a Democrat. He served as United States Pension Examiner under both administrations of Cleveland, and at the earn- est solicitation of the old soldiers of this lo- cality he was recently reappointed by Presi- dent Mckinley.
Dr. Snow first married Henrictta Chase, a daughter of Captain Joseph Chase. His chil- dren by her were: Alice, the wife of T. H. Wyman, of Sebec; and Henrietta, who is no longer living. His second wife, Lovina L., a daughter of William Reed, has had three children; namely, Harry A. Snow, M.D., George S., and Edwin P. Of these the only survivor is Dr. Harry A. Snow. Both par- ents have been actively interested in educa- tional work. The Doctor taught school when a young man; while Mrs. Snow, besides hav- ing been a successful teacher previous to her marriage, has been connected with public school matters in Atkinson for upward of forty years. In 1889, his fortieth anniversary as a physician, Dr. Snow was made the recipi- ent of a handsome gold-hcaded canc by his numerous friends, on which occasion the pres- cntation was made by the latc John H. Rains- dell, and an original poem, written by Rev. N. R. Turner, was read.
EORGE H. HUNTER, of the firm Hunter, McMaster & Co., merchants of Pittsfield, was born in Bowdoinham, July I, 1830, his parents being Robert and Jane (Henry) Hunter. His father, a native of
Topsham, who was well known in the county, lived in Bowdoinham for several years, car- rying on a tannery and to some extent en- gaged in farming. In 1835 he located in a place about three miles west of Pittsfield vil- lage, and there carried on farming until his death in 1870, on May 31. He was also en- gaged in lumbering and in trading. Promi- nent as a politician and with the best inter- ests of the community always at hcart, he was chosen to represent the town in the legislat- ure, was County Commissioner for several years, and for a period a member of Governor John Danna's Council. He also served the town as Selectman for a number of years and in various other positions. In politics he was a Democrat. The first of his two marriages was contracted with Charity Rogers, of Bow- doin, who had five children - James R., Louisa, Nancy, Robert P., and Charity - all now deceased. By his second marriage, which was made with Jane Henry, there were two children: Ellen Maria, who died at the age of thirty-seven years; and George H. Both parents were members of the Universal- ist church, and were active in church work.
George H. Hunter remained with his par- ents until he was twenty years of age. Going then to Lowell, Mass., he learned the ma- chinist's trade, and subsequently worked at it for about two years each in Lowell and Port- land. After his marriage, which took place in 1851, he continued to work at his trade until 1855, when the increasing feebleness of his parents caused him to return to the farm and take care of them for the rest of their
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lives. At once he assumed the management of the farm, and, as time went on, erected new buildings and made many other improvements on the place. In 1872 he exchanged the farm for his present residence in Pittsfield village. Shortly after his arrival he was appointed Tax Collector, which position he held for five years. In 1876 he was made Deputy Sheriff. His mercantile career began in 1877. From that time until 1881 he was with Mr. Charles E. Vickery in a variety store. The burning of the store in 1881 threw him out of business for a time, but in 1885 he formed a partner- ship with Nelson Vickery that lasted for a year and a half. In the fall of 1886 he bought out Mr. Vickery's interest, and the firm of Hunter & McMaster was formed. C. E. Frost was taken into the firm in 1891, and the name changed to Hunter, McMaster & Co. The firm carries a line of first-class groceries and of flour and feed.
Mr. Hunter's wife, a Clinton lady, whose maiden name was Elizabeth A. Flagg, is a daughter of Ruel Flagg, who was a farmer and carpenter, and died several years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have had two children - Charles H. and Everett W. The latter died at the age of ten years. Charles H., born in February, 1852, who is now a promi- nent physician in Minneapolis, Minn., suc- cessively graduated at Bowdoin College and the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, and subsequently studied for three years in Europe. He married Maggie O. Stone, of Brunswick, Me. Like his father, Mr. Hunter, Sr., is a Democrat and
has been active in local politics. In 1876- 77 he was Selectman. A Mason in good standing, he is a member of Meridian Lodge, No. 125, and of Ira Berry Chapter.
YMAN L. WALTON, of Skowhegan, the junior member of Walton & Wal- ton, one of the foremost law firms of Somerset County, was born in Mercer, Me., June 2, 1849. He is a son of Sylvanus B. and Martha T. (Chapman) Walton. The father, a son of Joshua and Mary (Rollins) Walton, born in Mercer, December 15, 1818, after receiving his education in the common schools, took up the calling of teacher, for which he had many natural qualifications, and followed it at intervals for over thirty years. Whatever he attempted to do he put his best self into, and he won the respect and affection of his pupils and the esteem of his associates. Also, closely connected with the legal frater- nity for years, he gathered considerable knowl- edge of the law, and drafted instruments, gave advice, and settled disputes. He served as Selectman and Treasurer of his native town, and held other offices of trust and responsibil- ity there. He was in the legislature in 1860- 61. During the Civil War he was Deputy Revenue Marshal, and from 1872 to 1874 he was County Commissioner. His death on September 11, 1893, carried sorrow to many, even in distant States.
Lyman L. Walton, after also teaching for several years, was admitted to the Somerset County bar in 1873. He conducted an inde-
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pendent practice for one year. In 1874 he became the partner of his uncle, the Hon. S. J. Walton, of Skowhegan, with whom he has been associated since. When aroused, he is an impressive and eloquent speaker, and knows how to carry his point. Reliable and honest, Messrs. Walton & Walton do not seek business. They rather counsel those who come to them for advice to avoid the law. Always working for the best interests of their clients, they stand high in their profession as able and conscientious lawyers, ranking among the leaders of the Somerset County bar.
Mr. Lyman L. Walton is a member of the Somerset Bar Association, and was its secre- tary for some time. He is also a member of the Maine State Bar Association. In politics he is a Republican. He was County Attorney from 1877 to 1880, a member of the School Committee of Skowhegan for four years, and its chairman for two years of that time. In 1880 he was a member of the State, County, and Town Republican Committees, and he was the chairman of the party's Town and County Committees for four years. In 1896-97 he represented Skowhegan in the State legisla- ture. He is a member of the Island Avenue Congregational Church of Skowhegan, a Mason, an Odd Fellow, member of the A. O. U. W., Foresters, and N. E. O. P. In lodge, school, church, town, politics, and all affairs of public interest and benefit, he is always found an earnest worker for that which is truest and best. An occasional writer for the press and literary societies, his writings, both of poetry and prose, have been much
admired. By his marriage in 1874 with Mar- tha A., daughter of David D. Smith, of Corn- ville, he is the father of two daughters.
AMUEL J. WALLACE, M.D., the well-known physician of Cas- tine, Hancock County, and a Civil War veteran, was born in Wallaceville, near Easton, Pa., May 27, 1839, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Candy) Wallace. The father, a native of the same place, which was so named in his honor, and a millwright by trade, built mills there. Besides considerable property in the town he owned an island in the Delaware River, which he connected with the shore by a suspension bridge. He was a man of large stature and powerful physique. His death, which occurred in the prime of life, was caused by an accident that befell him while repairing his grist-mill. He was twice married. Samuel J. was the only child of his second marriage. The children of his first wife were a son and a daughter.
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