Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 10

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 722

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

husband two children were born - Daniel M. and Clarence. Clarence Rand, born Novem- ber 25, 1851, has been twice married, his first wife being Estelle Titcomb, of Portland, Mc. His second wife, who lived but a few months after their marriage, was Amelia Kenworthy, of Gorham. She left one child, Clara.

Daniel M. Rand acquired the rudiments of his education in the district schools of his na- tive town. On leaving school, he went to Biddeford, where he worked for ten years in a cotton-mill, going from there to South Wind- ham, where he was employed for several years with the Sebago Wood Board Company. Being attracted toward pharmacy, he entered the drug store of George W. Swett, of South Windham, staying with him a year, and sub- sequently went to Bethel, where he studied the science for two years. In 1890 he opened his present store, and during the five years or more that he has been in business has ac- quired an extensive patronage.

Mr. Rand has been twice married. His first wife, Lizzie Mogan, of Bangor, left him one child, Milton D., born September 10, 1879. On December 7, 1895, he was united in marriage with Nellie E. Beck, of White Rock Village, Gorham. In politics Mr. Rand is a stanch Republican. In religion he is liberal in his views, believing in the father- hood of God and the brotherhood of man. He is identified with several social organizations, being a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 17, Knights of Pythias, of South Windham; the Improved Order of Red Men, Nagwamqueg Tribe, No. 36, of South Windham; and Cum- berland Lodge, N. E. O. P., of Portland, this State.

LEWELLYN BARTON, attorney and counsellor-at-law, of Portland, Me., is one of that large class of men in this country who owe their success in life to self-reliance and a determination to make the most of their opportunities. He was born at Naples, Cumberland County, Me., November 24, 1854. His early life was spent upon a farm. At the age of fifteen years he became an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, which occupation he afterward more or less

regularly followed for twenty years. He graduated from Bridgton Academy, North Bridgton, Me., in 1880, and from Bowdoin College in 1884. While studying in these institutions, he met his expenses, with the aid of a scholarship, by teaching school in winter and working at his trade in summer. In col- lege he always took an active part in literary and athletic exercises. He was one of the founders and supporters of the Bowdoin Liter- ary Association. He received several awards for oratorical and literary excellence in speak- ing and writing; was President of his college fraternity, member of the college jury, mem- ber of King Chapel choir and the college quartette, and one of the editors of the Bow- doin Orient. His defence, while a Sophomore, at an indignation meeting of the students, of a luckless Freshman, charged with a misde- meanor, was an early indication of the inde- pendence and moral courage that have since distinguished him. The whilom Freshman is now one of the editors of a prominent daily of this State, and his pen is as caustic as of yore.

In the fall of 1885 Mr. Barton began the study of law with the well-known firm of Nathan & Henry B. Cleaves, of Portland, where he remained two years. Just before being admitted to the bar, he accepted, in August, 1887, the principalship of Bridgton Academy for two years. He remained there five years, during which the school was never more prosperous. In the winter of 1890, through his efforts and the generous contribu- tions of two wealthy alumni, the grounds were enlarged and beautified. The school buildings were remodelled and enlarged, and the faculty was increased, and the courses of study improved at a cost of nearly two thou- sand dollars. The plans, specifications, and labor, were all furnished by Mr. Barton, he being the contractor. Designing to resume the study of the law, he resigned the prin- cipalship. In the following August he was elected a Trustee of the academy.

He was admitted to the Cumberland bar at Portland in April, 1893. Before this he had the unique distinction of having been per- mitted by the presiding judge, who afterward examined him for admission, to conduct a case

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

in the Supreme Court. Immediately after his admission he became associated in the prac- tice of law with General Charles P. Mattocks at 31 1-2 Exchange Street, Portland. His first cases involved questions which the court had not adjudicated. In a brief time after this he won reputation and standing by con- ducting several well-known legal contests. One of the most important of these was that which arose out of the famous Naples school controversy, and involved the interpretation of the new school law for the first time, and was of such interest that the whole State awaited the decision of the court of last re- sort, whereby the position of Mr. Barton and his associate was sustaincd in every particu- lar.

Mr. Barton married September 19, 1894, Miss Grace Luctte Newman, of Portland. They reside at 122 Free Strcet, Portland, Me. Both are regular attendants of the State Street Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Barton is a member. Mr. Barton is a member of Cumberland Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Bridgton, Mc., and also of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. Mr. Barton has always becn interested in educational matters ; and in his brief respites from school work he found time to compile and publish several books for use in public schools, his most am- bitious work of this kind being an "Algebraic Review," quite extensively used. In politics Mr. Barton has been a Democrat from his youth, and has filled various public offices in his native town. In the fall of 1884, immedi- ately after his graduation from college, he was elcctcd Representative to the State legislature from the district including the towns of Naples, Raymond, and Sebago. On that occa- sion he received a letter from President Joshua L. Chamberlain, of Bowdoin, congratulating him upon his election and predicting for him in politics a notable future, which would doubtless have been realized had not the com- munity and State been so strongly Republican. During his term hc served on the Committee of Mines and Mining and the Joint Temper- ancc Committec. He took a conspicuous part in the discussions of the house, proving him- self a ready and effective debater. He drafted the original Druggists' Bill, so called, which

lacked only a few votes of passing the house, although the dominant party were very bitter against any temperance laws, on account of St. John's movement in the national campaign in 1884. At the close of the session Mr. Barton was chosen to present the customary vote of thanks to the Speaker on bchalf of the minority.

In 1888 Mr. Barton was the party candidate for Registrar of Deeds for Cumberland County, and in 1890 for Registrar of Probate in the same county. In 1891 he was chosen Chair- man of the Board of Selectmen for the town of Bridgton, a town which had been steadily Republican by a large majority for thirty years. In 1892 he was the Democratic candi- date for Representative to the legislature from the same town, and lackcd only twenty-six votes of election, running far ahead of his ticket. At the opening of the legislature in 1894, he was the Democratic candidate for State Assessor, the only office he ever sought, and lacked only cight votcs of clection. For the past few years he has taken an active part in every State and national campaign, speak- ing in various parts of the Statc. In 1893 he became Sccretary of the Young Men's Demo- cratic Club of Portland. He declined a re- election to this officc, having been chosen at the State Convention in June, 1893, a member of the State Committee for Cumberland County, a capacity in which he still serves. His political methods have always been clean, if aggressive; and he has uniformly com- mandcd the respect of his political opponents.

T HOMAS BROWN, proprictor of a cloth- ing store in Bridgton, Me., was born July 14, 1834, in Berry Brow, near Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, being one of a family of ten children (four boys and six girls), born to George and Martha Brown. Mr. Brown may be justly regarded as a self- made man, having begun life with no capital save his willing heart, couragcous spirit, and strong hands. By persevering industry and thrift he has gradually climbed the ladder of success, and has an assurcd position among the prosperous business men of Cumberland County.

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At an early age Mr. Brown began working in a woollen-mill, remaining in the country of his birth until 1863, when he sailed on the steamer "Bohemian " for America. He first found employment in a woollen-mill at Dex- ter, this State, remaining there ten months, and going thence to Lisbon, and subsequently to Sabattusville, where he secured the posi- tion of overseer of the mill. Five years later Mr. Brown removed to Portland, in which city he lived a year and a half, coming thence to Bridgton in 1871. The following two years he worked in the Forest Mills, after which he made a trip to his native land, staying four months with his relatives and friends. On his return to this State Mr. Brown became overseer in the Lisbon Falls mills, resigning that position at the end of five years to accept a similar office in the Forest Mills of Bridg- ton. In 1879 he started in business on his own account, opening the clothing store which he has since conducted with signal success, having built up a large and lucrative trade.

On December 24, 1869, the union of Mr. Brown with Miss Harriet, daughter of David Hopkins, was solemnized. Mrs. Brown is a native of Vermont, in which State she was reared and educated. She is a conscientious member of the Baptist church. Socially, Mr. Brown belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In religion he is a Universalist, and in politics a Democrat.

ELVILLE B. FULLER, an in- fluential business man of South Portland, Me., is a native of this State, having been born in Paris, Oxford County, where his grandfather, Caleb Fuller, was an early scttler. The grandfather was born and reared in Massachusetts, remov- ing from that State to Paris, where he cleared a large tract of forest land, improving it into a good farm, on which he resided until his death in 1850, at the ripe old age of ninety years. He reared a family of eight children, of whom Dr. Andrew J. Fuller, a physician in active practice in Bath, this State, is the only surviving child.

Amos Fuller, father of Melville B., was

born and educated in the town of Paris, where in his very early manhood, he was for a time engaged in agricultural pursuits. He subse- quently went into the hotel business at Paris Hill, and so continued for several years, when he again resumed farm labors. While pursu- ing this peaceful vocation, he became inter- ested in religious subjects, finally becoming converted to the Methodist faith, and joining that church ; and during the two years preced- ing his death, which occurred in 1846, he was pastor of the Methodist church at Orland. Of his union with Marianda Perry five chil- dren were born, three of whom are now living, namely: Benjamin C., a mason, who lives in Portland; Melville B., whose name heads this article; and V. B. Fuller, a grocer in Portland.

Melville B. Fuller received the rudiments of his education in the schools of Paris, after- ward completing his studies in the town of Wayne. There he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for six years, when he removed to Portland, where he was engaged for another six years as foreman of the stilling- room in the Portland kerosene oil works. In 1862 Mr. Fuller formed a copartnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. W. Stinchfield, who was at the head of the firm, establishing a grocery business at Cape Elizabeth, now South Portland, and remaining in company with him four years. In 1866 Mr. Fuller's brother, V. B. Fuller, bought the interest of the senior partner, the business being contin- ued for the next ten years under the firm name of Fuller Brothers. At the end of that time Mr. Stinchfield bought the entire business, which he conducted for two years, when Mr. Fuller and his brother again purchased the store, and under their former firm title carried on a good grocery trade until 1881, when Mel- ville B. Fuller bought out his brother's inter- est, and took into partnership his eldest son, Charles L. Fuller, the business having since then been successfully carried on under its present style of M. B. Fuller & Son. Mr. Fuller has taken an active part in advancing the town's interests, contributing generously toward all beneficial enterprises, and for the past two years has served as Selectman. In politics he is a true blue Republican, and in

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

religion is liberal, believing in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.

On June 25, 1858, Mr. Fuller was married to Miss Celia E. Wing, daughter of Oben Wing, of Wayne, this State, and into their household circle four children have been born, three of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Nell Wing, wife of E. T. Wing, of Lowell, Mass .; Charles L., who is in partnership with his father; and Francis W., at home.

OLOMON CONANT, a former well- known resident of Westbrook and an extensive real estate owner, was born in Westbrook, March 30, 1801, son of Daniel and Mary (Haskell) Conant. The ancestors of his family were among the first settlers of Cumberland County; and his grandfather, Samuel Conant, was a resident of Westbrook in the early days of the town. Samuel did a good man's part in paving the way for the development of the locality, and the result of his labor is visible in the sub- stantial prosperity enjoyed by his descendants and the present residents of the place. He was a Congregationalist in his religious views. Samuel Conant's father, Lot, was a grandson of Roger Conant, the first settler of the name in America, who was in reality the first Gov- ernor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Daniel Conant, who was born in the old Pork Hill House in Westbrook, in young man- hood engaged in lumbering, which at that time constituted the principal occupation of the in- habitants. He conducted a successful busi- ness during the active period of his life, and he resided in Westbrook until his death. He supported the Democratic party in politics, and attended the Congregational church. His wife, who was a native of Westbrook, became the mother of seven children, all of whom have passed away.

Solomon Conant, having attended the pub- lic schools of his native town for the usual period, engaged in teaming, an occupation which he followed for the greater part of his active life. He was for many years employed by the Warren family, hauling lumber from their mills in Westbrook to Portland and else- where. He was also largely engaged in agri-

culture, employing many hands, and he owned much valuable farm property in Gorham and Westbrook. He was possessed of unusual energy and ability, was generally respected, and occupied a leading position among the residents of Westbrook. He was an adherent of the Democratic party in politics, and for some years he ably served as a member of the Board of Selectmen. As a citizen his aid and influence were always used for the best inter- ests of the community. As a husband and father he was kind, considerate, generous, and self-sacrificing ; and his happiest moments were passed in his family circle. He died at his comfortable home in 1869. His religious faith was that of his forefathers, all of whom were of the Congregationalist denomination.

In 1850 Mr. Conant was united in matri- mony to Susan Small Libby, daughter of An- drew Libby, of Gray, Me., and became the father of four children, of whom two are now living, namely : Daniel, who occupies the old homestead; and Hattie L., wife of George W. Norton, of Portland. Mary E., who was the wife of the late Henry S. Mclellan, was the eldest of the children. She died January 20, 1892. The third child, Willie A., died in infancy.

Mrs. Conant, who still resides in West- brook, is widely known as a most amiable and intelligent lady, and is highly esteemed and respected. Daniel Conant, who appears to have inherited his father's ability, enjoys a large measure of prosperity, as well as the good will of his neighbors and fellow-towns- men.

A® LONZO HIGHT, Inspector of Customs at the United States custom-house at Portland, was born September 20, 1846, in Saco, Me. His grand- father, Dr. Samuel Hight, was engaged as a tiller of the soil at Dayton, York County. He had studied medicine; and, when a young man, he served as surgeon on board a pri- vateer. While thus employed, he was taken prisoner and carried to Dartmouth, N.S. On his escape he returned to Dayton, where he lived until retiring from active labor, when he removed to Biddeford, where he passed his last

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

years, dying at the advanced age of eighty- six years. Elisha Hight, father of Alonzo, was born in Dayton, York County, where he learned and for some time carried on the trade of harness-making. He was subsequently en- gaged in the same occupation at Saco for many years before his demise in May, 1875. He was a soldier in the late Civil War, serving at the front with the brave boys of the Four- teenth Maine Volunteer Infantry. Ile mar- ried Miss Isabelle Milliken, daughter of Joel Milliken, of North Saco, when they were both very young, his bride being but sixteen years of age. They became the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are still living- Charles, a resident of Saco; Alonzo, the sub- ject of this notice; Anna, the wife of J. H. Ramsey, of Portland; George E., of this city ; Luella, wife of William E. Noble, of Chelsea, Me. ; Herbert and William E., also residents of Saco. Both the father and mother were prominent members of the Methodist Epis- copal church, the mother being still an active church worker. Mr. Milliken, a farmer by occupation, was of pioneer ancestry. His grandfather, an early settler of Saco, was killed by the Indians.

Alonzo Hight received a practical education in the common schools of Saco. After leav- ing school he worked with his father at the harness trade for a time. When seventeen years old he ran away from home, and enlisted in the navy, from which his father afterward obtained his release. In January, 1865, he enlisted in Company K, Thirtieth Maine Vol- unteer Infantry, and was stationed with his regiment in the Shenandoah Valley until the assassination of Lincoln, when the regiment was sent to guard Washington, remaining there until after the Grand Review. The men expected then to be sent home, but in- stead were ordered to Savannah, Ga., where they did garrison duty until September, when they were remanded to Portland, Me., here receiving their discharge. Mr. Hight was subsequently engaged in various occupations. He had charge of J. W. Beatty's belt factory at Saco for a time, and continued in the manu- facturing business for ten years. While a resident of that city, he served as Ward Clerk one year, Councilman from Ward 4 one

year, and Alderman from the same ward, being elected on the Democratic ticket two years. In the fall of 1886 he received the appoint- ment of Special Inspector; and in the follow- ing spring President Cleveland appointed him Regular Inspector, an office which he has since ably filled. For the past six winters Mr. Hight has had to examine all the baggage and freight coming into this port over the Allan and Dominion lines of steamers plying between here and Liverpool via Halifax, dur- ing the cold weather, and all the goods brought in on the ocean boats throughout each year. On his appointment to this important office Mr. Hight moved to Portland, where he now makes his home.

On October 3, 1867, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Ellen Foster, daughter of Stephen and Abigail Foster, of South Thomas- ton, this State. Five children have been born of the union, four of whom are living. These are: Bert C. and Arthur L., who are with the Portland company; Mabel C., the wife of Walter Anderson, of this city; and Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Hight are highly 'es- teemed throughout the community, and are regular attendants of the Congregational church. Mr. Hight is a charter member of Fred S. Gurney Post, No. 36, of Saco, and belongs to Trinity Lodge, Knights of Pythias of Portland.

LEXANDER MCINTOSH PARKER, M. D., is in point of practice the .oldest physician in the city of Deer- ing, Me., having been located at Morrill Corners since 1859. He was born at Durham, this State, where his maternal grand- father, John McIntosh, resided for many years, having emigrated from Scotland to this country to serve in the war of the Revolution. Peter Parker, the Doctor's father, lived and died in Durham, being a sturdy tiller of the soil dur- ing his years of activity. Of his union with Miss Marcia McIntosh, daughter of John Mc- Intosh, eleven children were born, Alexander M. being the sixth child. The parents were people of eminent piety and worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Alexander Parker gleaned the rudiments of

ALEXANDER M. PARKER.

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

his education in the public and private schools of his native town, after which he read medi- cine, first with Dr. F. G. Warren, then prac- tising in Pownal, but now in Biddeford, and, secondly, with Dr. N. H. Carey, of Durham. He subsequently attended Bowdoin College, afterward taking two courses at the Harvard Medical College, from which he was gradu- ated in 1856. Entering upon the duties of his profession in the town of Dresden, Dr. Parker built up a good practice, having an extensive country ride. In 1859, desiring a larger field of action, he came to Morrill Corners, where from the first he has met with gratifying success, his reputation for ability and integrity being unsurpassed by that of any of his professional brethren.

In 1863 Dr. Parker went with the First Maine Volunteer Cavalry as Assistant Surgeon of the regiment, joining the Army of the Poto- mac in Virginia, April 15, 1863. He was present at many of the warmly contested battles of that and the following year, being at the engagement at Brandy Station, at Chancellorsville during the Stoneman raid (when the Confederate soldiers, who were close to the rear of our army, were particularly mis- chievous), at Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Spott- sylvania, and at the siege of Petersburg. He was taken prisoner near Charlestown, Va., on July 15, 1863, and was confined in Libby Prison for nearly four months. On account of ill health the Doctor was soon after granted leave of absence. His wife being sick of con- sumption, he resigned, having served faithfully for eighteen months, and at once resumed his practice in this locality. For the past few years he has been the City Physician, an office which he fills with great acceptability.

Dr. Parker is a decided Republican in poli- tics, but not an office-seeker. He is connected by membership with the Maine Medical Asso- ciation and with the Cumberland County Asso- ciation. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow, be- longing to Ligonia Lodge of Portland, and is a Mason of high standing, being a member of Atlantic Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Portland, and of Greenleaf Chapter, Royal Arch Masons.

Dr. Parker has been three times married. His first wife was Miss Mary C. Corbett, of Durham. His second wife, formerly Eliza Anı

Sawyer, died in early womanhood, leaving two daughters, namely: Carrie, who married Charles E. Clark, of Yarmouth, and has one child, named Edna Louise; and Alice Mary, wife of the Rev. W. H. Gould, of Dexter, Me., who has one child, Ella B. Gould. Dr. Parker subsequently married Mrs Florentine C. Walker, widow of Captain Joseph E. Walker and daughter of James Sawyer. Mrs. Parker's father was one of the founders of the town of Deering, where she was born, although she was reared and educated in Portland.

AMES E. TRIPP, the present owner of the old Nash homestead, as it is famil- iarly known, in Raymond, Cumberland County, Me., was born in New Gloucester, a neighboring town, on September 2, 1841. His parents were John and Deborah (Verrill) Tripp, the former of whom was a native of North Raymond and the latter of Raymond.

John Tripp spent his life as a farmer, first engaging in that vocation in North Raymond, from which place he afterward removed to New Gloucester, settling on a farm near Upper Gloucester, where he lived for eight years. He then returned to Raymond and spent the remainder of his life on the old Tripp home- stead. In addition to his agricultural labors he carried on a wood-working business. He died on September 16, 1861. His wife, whose maiden name was Deborah Verrill, lived until November 30, 1881, surviving him a little over twenty years. They were the parents of six children, of whom the following is a brief record : Mary E., born September 19, 1829, married for her first husband Richard Verrill, and after his death she became the wife of Lafayette Tenney, with whom she now lives in North Raymond; Cibele C., born Septen- ber 25, 1831, now the widow of Elisha P. Proctor, resides in North Raymond; Julia A., born June 26, 1834, who is also a resident of North Raymond, is the widow of Jonas J. Morrill; Hannah M., born June 24, 1835, married Randall Barton (deceased), and died June 1, 1864; Dorcas J., born July 12, 1838, is the wife of Judah Hall, of Saco, Me. ; and James E.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 10

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review Publishing Company Number of Pages: 722

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Boston : Biographical Review Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 722