Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 12

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

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Mr. Mayberry married Helen G. Woodman, daughter of R. W. Woodman, of Fairfield, Me., and has two children, namely : Hattie E., who is now attending school; and J. Norman, aged two years. Socially, Mr. Mayberry is very popular, having been a member of the Star Lodge, No 155, Knights of Pythias, for the past nine years. In politics he is an ac- tive supporter of the Democratic party, and in his religious views he is a Universalist.

OSEPH CARR WHITE, the genial and accommodating proprietor of the Preble House of Portland, Cumberland County, Me., was born in Cohasset, Mass., May 25, 1849, son of William L. and Maria (Scott) White. His paternal grandfather, John L. White, was an innkeeper, being pro- prietor of a hotel in Boston during the early part of this century, as was also at a later period his son, William L. White, who (born in November, 1825) is now a resident of Bath, Me., being the Division Superintendent of the Maine Central Railroad. Mrs. William L White, who was born in 1827, was a daugh- ter of William Scott, a prominent business man of Newbury, Vt., owning and managing a large tannery in that town. She became the mother of three children - William S. ; Lucy M., wife of Captain Peter Kennedy; and Joseph C.

Joseph C. White attended the public schools of New Castle, Me., was graduated from Lin- coln Academy in that town and subsequently from Gray's Business College of Portland, re- ceiving his diploma in 1866. After a short experience as a clerk, in 1871 he purchased the Thorndike House in Rockland, Me., and was its proprietor for ten subsequent years. After a business digression he was engaged for some years in the sale of building materials in Providence, R.I., during which he returned to his favorite occupation, and managed a hotel in Leesburg, Fla., in the winter, and the Columbia Hotel at Saratoga Springs dur- ing the summer. In 1891 he took charge of the Preble House in Portland, which under his management is one of the most popular hotels in the State. Mr. White is especially well fitted for his post, having gained much

valuable experience during the exercise of his vocation in both North and South; and his pleasant manners and ready tact make him very popular as a host. On September 25, 1877, Mr. White was united in marriage with Nellie, daughter of Michael A. and Mary (Ulmer) Achorn, of Rockland, Me. Three children have been born of their union - Helen, Bessie, and Arthur, the last named being no longer living.

In politics Mr. White favors the Republi- can party. In society affiliations he belongs to Alma Lodge, No. 43, A. F. & A. M., of Damariscotta, Me .; and he is also a popular member of the Portland Athletic Club.

ON. GEORGE WARREN. The Warren family has long been a prominent one in Cumberland County, its members having early identified themselves with the growth and de- velopment of Westbrook and the neighboring towns. One of its representatives, who was long actively engaged in promoting the busi- ness interests of the locality, was the Hon. George Warren, the subject of this sketch, who died at his home in Westbrook, July 29, 1876.

George Warren was born at the old Warren homestead in Falmouth, Me., now Westbrook, October 6, 1811, and was a son of John and Eleanor (Lamb) Warren. Mr. Warren's grandfather, John Warren, Sr., was a native of North Berwick, Me., where his birth took place March 5, 1731. When a young man he settled in Falmouth, an estate located on the road leading from Saccarappa to Stroudwater, which has since become a part of Westbrook. He filled a position of prominence and useful- ness in the community, possessing the esteem and good will of his fellow-men ; and he lived many years. His wife, Jane Johnson, who was born in Falmouth in 1740, also reached a ripe old age. They were the parents of twelve children, as follows: John (first), who died while serving as a soldier in the Revolution- ary War; Polly; David; Elizabeth; Sally ; James; Jane; Margaret ; John (second) ; Rob- ert; Nathaniel; and Nancy.

John Warren, fourth son of John Warren,

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Sr., was born at the homestead, May 23, 1776, a memorable date in the family's history, as it signalized the death of his elder brother, John (first), whose name he was called to bear, as if to fill that brother's place in the family circle. John Warren entered mercantile pur- suits when a young man, later engaging in the lumber business, which he established and developed into an extensive enterprize. He followed that industry successfully during the rest of his business life, which was character- ized by a firm adherence to principles of in- tegrity ; and it is pleasing to note that his descendants have maintained the record inau- gurated by their predecessor. He died at the homestead in Westbrook, September 10, 1845. His wife, Eleanor Lamb, whom he married November 29, 1810, was born in Falmouth, July 5, 1785, and died on January 13, 1835. She became the mother of three sons, namely : George, the subject of this sketch; William L. ; and Lewis P.

George Warren in his early years received a careful home training, and acquired his ele- mentary education in the schools of his native town, afterward profiting by more advanced courses of study at Bridgton, Gardiner, and other places. When but a boy he began to be of service to his father, and before he was twenty-one he went into mercantile business with B. M. Edwards, opening a general store in Westbrook, and for some years conducting a thriving trade. After his father's death, in addition to his large share in the extensive lumber manufacturing industry which had been built up 'by his father and uncle, Mr. Warren and his younger brother Lewis were engaged with other parties in the manufacture of weavers' harnesses, wire, and moccasins. In 1876 he took the initial steps in starting a new enterprise. He was one of the Directors of the Portland & Rochester Railroad.

Mr. Warren was an active supporter of Re- publican principles, contributing toward the success of that party in his locality; and his career as a member of the Maine legislature was marked by a vigorous and progressive policy in the management of public business and a careful foresight for the best interests of his district. His political services were of a nature which inspired confidence beyond the

limits of his party, thus giving him a broad influence in State politics ; and from his useful career in the House of Representatives he was called by Governor Connor to serve as a member of his Council, a position which he held at the time of his death at the date above named, now about twenty years since.

Mr. Warren and Catherine B. Palmer, daughter of Joseph Palmer, of Hampton, N. Il., were married in 1841, and they had seven children, four of whom are living, namely : William L., born in 1843, who was formerly a member of the Maine legislature and is now residing in California; George L., born in 1847, who is engaged in the gentlemen's fur- nishing business in Portland; Ellen L., born in 1845, who married H. Mayhew, and is now residing with her mother; and Fred E., born in 1864, who is in business with his brother in Portland. George L. Warren, who is con- ducting a successful business in Portland, has two children, namely: George William, born in 1876, who is now a medical student at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. ; and Philip E., born in 1884, who is attending the Butler School in Portland.

Mr. Warren was held in high estimation both in business and social circles. He was a member of Temple Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M., in which he held all the important offices. On religious questions, as on others, he was accustomed to think for himself, being always able and willing to state clearly the reason for his belief; and, while not accepting the common orthodox views on many points of doctrine, was a constant attendant at public worship.

Mrs. Warren, who still resides at the home- stead in Westbrook, is loved and respected by a large number of friends and acquaintances.

EORGE T. DYER, for many years intimately associated with the agri- cultural interests of Cape Elizabeth, having been one of the most industrious and enterprising farmers of the place, now oc- cupies the house in which his birth occurred on July 1, 1818. His ancestors for several generations have lived in this locality, his

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

grandparents, Nathaniel and Abigail (Hig- gins) Dyer, having spent their lives here. The grandfather followed the sea for a brief period, but after his marriage engaged in till- ing the soil, and established a good home- stead. He and his wife reared eight children, Jonah, father of George T., being the first- born. Jonah spent a short time in nautical pursuits, but subsequently followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, becon- ing one of the substantial farmers of the Cape. In 1816 he married Elizabeth Roberts, who bore him nine children, three of whom are still living, namely: George T., the eldest child; Irene M., wife of William B. Higgins, of this town; and Nathaniel, who married Amanda Carpenter, of the Cape, and has five children - Sumner, Clara, Emma, Alice, and Fanny.

George T. Dyer, like most farmers' sons, received a common-school education, and spent his early years in performing the necessary chores incident to agricultural life. Being reared to habits of industry and economy, he has made a success of farming, to which he settled on reaching years of maturity, pur- chasing a farm on the Cape, where he labored with persevering industry for many years. He now occupies the old homestead on which his boyhood days were spent, enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil.

On December 28, 1848, Mr. Dyer was united in marriage with Miss Elmira Dyer, a daughter of James Dyer, of Cape Elizabeth ; and into their happy household thus estab- lished three children were born, two of whom, with their mother, have passed away, Mrs. Dyer departing this life March 15, 1892, at the age of seventy-six years. The only child living is George A. Dyer, who lives with his father and carefully manages the homestead property, being an able and skilful farmer. He was born November 15, 1853, and in 1882, on the 25th of February, was united in mar- riage with Estelle E. Hartford, the daughter of Henry H. Hartford, of Denmark, Me. Their union has been blessed by the advent of three children, namely: Myra Mae, born No- vember 7, 1887; Clarence Albert, born No- vember 11, 1891 ; and Ernest E., born May 4, 1885. Politically, Mr. George T. Dyer has ever been a stanch advocate of Democratic

principles ; and religiously he is an esteemed member of the Free Baptist church.

OHN SOULE, who during his busy life occupied a prominent position among the well-to-do farmers of Freeport, Cumberland County, was born in that town in 1798. It is now difficult to gather any particulars in regard to his ancestors, owing to the lack of authentic records; but it is known that his father was an early settler of Freeport, where he cleared and improved a tract of wild land and became a prosperous farmer.

John Soule received his education in the schools of Freeport, and was reared to an agri- cultural life. In early manhood he learned the trade of a brick-maker, which he later re- linquished for agricultural pursuits, settling upon a farm adjoining the present residence of his widow, and becoming one of the thriving and representative farmers of the locality. He was widely and favorably known as a worthy and industrious man and useful citizen: He died at his home in Freeport in 1868, aged seventy years. In religious affiliation he was a member of the Congregational church, and in politics he supported the Republican party after its formation. He was twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Mary Mitchell, was a representative of the old Mitchell family of Yarmouth. She died leav- ing six sons, three of whom - Horatio D., Herbert, and Charles P. - are still living, being residents of Yarmouth. In 1854 Mr. Soule wedded for his second wife Miss Sarah Mason, who survives him.

Sarah (Mason) Soule was born in Yarmouth, February 5, 1814, a daughter of Joseph and Lusanna (Baker) Mason. She is a representa- tive of a family prominent among the pioneers of this county, members of which have been closely identified with the development and material prosperity of Yarmouth. Her great- grandfather, who was of English descent, was an early settler in Yarmouth; and her grand- father, John Mason, who was a man widely known and highly esteemed for his many ad- mirable traits of character, was a native as well as lifelong resident of that town.

JOHN SOULE.

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Joseph Mason, father of Mrs. Soule, was born at the homestead in North Yarmouth, and at an early age commenced to follow the sea. He advanced rapidly in his calling, soon becoming a master mariner, and was a noted man among the pioneer ship-masters of Yarmouth. After a long and varied expe- rience afloat he finally retired, and, settling upon a farm in his native town, followed agri- culture during the rest of his active life, dying at the age of cighty-four years. H was a man of sound sensc and energetic habits, keenly alive to all the duties of citizenship, and a good neighbor, being highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen. He was a liberal supporter of the Congregational church in Yar- mouth. His wife, Lusanna, who was a native of Yarmouth, became the mother of nine chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Soule is the only one now living. She lived to reach the venerable age of eighty-seven years, leaving the fragrant memory of a long life spent in the faithful performance of the dutes of wife and mother. Mrs. Sarah M. Soule still resides in the vicin- ity of her birthplace, and is unusually bright and active for one of her years. She is one of the oldest members of the Congregational church, having united with it in 1840; and she is among the few old residents who still survive as specimens of the strong and vig- orous manhood and womanhood of former days.

A portrait of her husband, John Soule, ap- pears in this connection as that of a faithful toiler who did his part in developing the re- sources of this county before the present gen- eration had appeared on the scene.

OSES GREENLEAF PALMER, a retired merchant of Portland, Me., and a gentleman of various in- dustrial and monetary interests, was born in Norridgewock, Me., September 19, 1822. His father was John Palmer, and his paternal grandfather William Palmer, who removed to Norridgewock from Hallowell.

John Palmer was a native of Hallowell. He was born November 22, 1790; and he re- ceived his education in the district schools. In his early youth he removed to Castine, and at twenty-two years of age enlisted as a soldier

in the War of 1812. When the war was over, he migrated to Norridgewock, and there for some years he followed the toilsome but peace- ful life of a farmer. In 1827 he moved to Athens, Somerset County, Mc., where he opened a village hotel; but after two years hc changed the scene of his enterprise to Corn- ville, buying a farm, and managing it in con- nection with the country hotel that he opened in the vicinity, cleverly furnishing the supply for his own demand. After carrying on this twofold business for a number of years, he sold out his interests at Cornville, and removed to Waterville, where he purchased a farm, on which he passed his remaining years. His wife was Miss Betsey Nichols, a daughter of Nathaniel Nichols, of Monmouth. The children born of their marriage were: Sumner C .; Moses Greenleaf; Louisa M., wife of L. P. Faught, of Sidney; Emily F., wifc of Josiah Tilton, of Cornville; Anne E., who died at twenty-four years of age; Susan M., wife of N. B. Dalton, of Readfield; and Henry M., who died shortly after completing his majority.

Moses Greenlcaf Palmer, the second born of his parents, was educated in the district schools of his native town and in Bloomfield Academy. At seventeen years of age he stepped from the student's desk into the rank and file of armed soldiery, for it was in this year that the Aroostook War was raging. The block-house still standing at Fort Fair- field is a monument to the company in which he served. In 1848 he established himself in Foxboro, Mass., wherc, in connection with his elder brother, Sumner C., he became a manu- facturer and inventor. The enterprise estab- lished was a straw bonnet and hat factory; and Mr. Palmer's invention, which consisted of a plaster of Paris block instead of the hand- made wooden bonnet-block formerly used, soon became universally accepted by manufacturers, who saw at once that the reduced cost of the new blocks would greatly increase their profits. The sale of Palmer bonnet and hat blocks became so extensive that a ton of cal- cined plaster was consumed daily in producing a sufficient number to supply the demand.

Six years later Mr. Moses G. Palmer re- turned to his native State, Maine, though he

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

retained his interest in the bonnet and block factory. In 1841, or approximately that date, he opened the first wholesale millinery store ever established in the State of Maine, and succeeded in building up an extensive and profitable trade, from which he retired in 1861. In 1867 he disapproved the poet's statement that "it's all in the bonnet, and nothing in the shoe "; for he then established a flourishing retail shoe house, which is still conducted under the firm name of the Palmer Shoe Company.

Besides his mercantile ventures, inventions and manufactures, Mr. Palmer has been deeply interested in public enterprises. He was a charter member of the first horse railway company in Portland, of which corporation he was Treasurer, and in the construction and operation of which he was most active. While he was holding the position of Treasurer of the new road, the directors became dissatis- fied, and made complaint of what they termed his extravagant methods. The charges against him were that he was using an unnecessary amount of labor, a conductor and driver being considered more than was needed for one car, and the second horse a redundant force. A new manager was therefore appointed, and the road was conducted on a less expensive plan. The "superfluous" man and horse were dis- charged; and the "bob-tail" car, as it was called, was inaugurated in Portland. Three years later, however, Mr. Palmer had the sat- isfaction of seeing his own previously aban- doned methods again in operation, since which time the horse railway has been thoroughly successful.

Mr. Palmer retired from active life in 1889, having now a deserved rest from his labors. In 1872 he was elected Treasurer of the Old Orchard Camp Meeting Association, a posi- tion he has held ever since with the exception of one year. Mr. Palmer displayed his usual business acumen in 1895, when he purchased a large portion of stock of the Second Na- tional Bank of his city, which was at that time in a precarious situation and bad repute. This stock was capitalized at one hundred thou- sand dollars; and at the next annual meeting a new Board of Directors was elected, by whose skilful management financial prosperity

was restored, and the business was closed out to the First National Bank at a good profit. It was also through his instrumentality that the stock of the Maine Central Railroad, which was being sold at the low rate of two dollars and seventy-five cents per share, was elevated to its proper value. A new board, which included himself, was formed by his influence; and the improvement made by the new management has continued steadily. Mr. Palmer was the first to advocate and advise the introduction of electric light into Port- land.

Mr. Moses Greenleaf Palmer married Miss Martha Jane Ayer, the daughter of the Rev. Philip Ayer, of Monmouth; and the issue of this union was three children: Fremont M., who died when he was twenty-nine years of age ; George M., superintendent of agents - in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts - of the New York Life Insurance Company ; and Henry M., who died a little lad of twelve years. George M. Palmer married Miss Annie F. Leighton, and has two children - Harry M. and Florence A.

Mr. Moses G. Palmer is a member of Port- land Lodge, A. F. & A. M. and he is the only surviving member of the Board of Trus- tees who held office during the election of the Chestnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church edifice, upon the Building Committee of which he also served. In religious faith hus- band and wife are happily allied, both being affiliated with the church whose interests he has so faithfully served. Successful in busi- ness, active in public behalf, Mr. Palmer has won for himself the just reward which falls to individual effort and faithful citizenship.

ILLIAM B. JORDAN, superintend- ent of the Atwood Lead Com- pany's works at South Portland, was born April 25, 1837, at Cape Elizabeth, this county, being a representative of one of the earliest families to settle in this section of the State. His paternal grandfather, Captain Ezekiel Jordan, Sr., who spent his entire life on the Cape, was a farmer in comfortable cir- cumstances, his homestead farm containing about two hundred acres of land, on which he

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

labored with unremitting toil. He married Mary Simonton; and they reared five children, of whom Ezekiel, Jr., the second son, was father of William B.

Ezekiel Jordan, Jr., was reared and educated at Cape Elizabeth. On leaving school, he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he subse- quently followed for many years, both at Port- land and the Cape, winning an excellent repu- tation for expert workmanship. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Libby, was a native of Gray, Me., and a daughter of Jere- miah Libby. She bore him nine children, four of whom are now living, namely : Francis resides in Chelsea, Mass. ; Mary, wife of Wal- ter Skillings, lives in South Portland; Will- iam B .; and Lavina, the wife of Charles G. Fickett, of this town.

William B. Jordan acquired the elements of knowledge in the common schools of his native district, pursuing his studies both summer and winter. He first began work as an engineer for Mr. N. W. Low, with whom he remained five years. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union Army, in Company I, Twenty-fifth Maine Vol- unteer Infantry, being under the direct com- mand of Captain Ezekiel Westcott. He served for nine months in the army of the Potomac, being discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment, July 10, 1863. On returning home, Mr. Jordan accepted a position with the Atwood Lead Company, with which he has since been connected, having been appointed in 1872 superintendent of the works. He has also other business interests. In 1892 he en- gaged in the coal and wood business, opening an office near Vaughn's Bridge, in what is now South Portland, where he has built up a large local trade.

Mr. Jordan has been twice married. His first wife, Annie R. French, to whom he was united August 2, 1869, passed away within a year, her death occurring April 19, 1870. On September 15, 1871, he was joined in wed- lock with Miss Annie H. Huston, a daughter of Nathan L. Huston, of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan have three children living : Fred W., who is in the hay and grain business in South Portland ; Frank A. ; and Mollie S. In politics Mr. Jordan is a faithful adherent of the Democratic party, and, religiously, is a

member of the Second Parish Congregational Church. Socially, he is identified with the Masons and Odd Fellows, belonging to Hiram Lodge, No. 180, A. F. & A. M., of South Portland, and to the Maine Lodge of Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows of Portland. Mr. Jordan is likewise a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being connected with the Bosworth Post, No. 2.

DWIN CHAPIN MILLIKEN, of Port- land, Pension Agent for the State of

Maine, was born in Bridgton, Cum- berland County, on February 28, 1851, son of Benjamin F. and Rebecca (Richardson) Milli- ken. His grandfather, Joseph Milliken, was born at Scarboro, where for many years he fol- lowed the trade of a boat builder. Owning a farm in that town, he also gave much attention to agricultural pursuits. A portion of his life was spent in the calling of sea captain. Near- ing the end of his days, he removed to Den- mark, Me., and made that place his home until his decease.

Benjamin F. Milliken was a native of Scar- boro. He was but ten or twelve years old when his parents settled on a farm in Den- mark, now a portion of Bridgton, Me. About 1840, after his father's death, the family re- moved to Bridgton Centre, where he is living at the present time. For several years he followed the trades of tanner and currier, and at one time he was a manufacturer of wood- work. He was a Whig in political views until that party was succeeded by the Republican, of which he is an ardent adherent. His wife, a native of Denmark, was a daughter of John Richardson, who afterward niade his home in Bridgton Centre. Edwin Chapin Milliken, named for the Rev. Edwin H. Chapin, of New York City, was the only child born of their union. His mother died when he was but two years old His father is a member of the Universalist church.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 12

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