Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 19

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

USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine > Part 19

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Isaiah Woodman was born in Minot, An- droseoggin County, Me., and followed farm- ing with good results in that town for many years. He was a man who possesscd intellect- ual and moral qualifications which fitted him to take a prominent part in publie affairs. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen of Minot for several years, also serving one term in the legislature as a representative from that town. He later moved to Auburn, Me., where his ability was once more called into publie use; and he was again elected a representative to the legislature. He reared a family of five ehildren, of whom Mellen was the third.

Mellen Woodman was born in Minot, and in his boyhood attended the common schools of that town. He engaged in agriculture at an early agc, and made his home in Minot for some time after his marriage, but is now re- siding in Auburn. He is an energetie, indus- trious, and thoroughly practical farmer, fully alive to all modern improvements and progres- sive ideas, and successful in the application of his knowledge to his every-day work. He was onee elected a Scleetman in the town of Minot, but is not fond of office-holding, and has repeatedly refused public positions offered him. He has ever been highly esteemed for his straightforward course in life and his many excellent traits of character. In his religious views he is a Universalist. He married Edith O. Bearee, daughter of Asa Bearce, of Minot ; and they reared a family of six children, as follows: Willard Woodbury, Laura O., Fred B., Arthur M., Grace M., and John.

Willard Woodbury Woodman eommeneed his education in the common schools of Minot, later pursuing a course of study at Hebron Academy, and then entering the Auburn High Sehool, from which he was graduated in 1883. Possessing in a marked degree a taste and faculty for learning, he was ambitious to ac- quire a knowledge of the higher branches, with the view of becoming a teacher of advanced classes. He accordingly taught school in

138

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Minot for one ycar; and then, in order to thoroughly perfect himself for the work, in the autumn of 1884 he entered Bowdoin Collegc, from which he was graduated with the degree of A.B. in 1888, three years later being honored by his Alma Mater with the degree of A.M. It is worthy of note that Mr. Wood- man took an important part in the Commence- ment exercises at the close of his Senior year, his attainments during his four years' course cntitling him to this honor.

After his graduation he accepted a position as instructor in Latin at Thayer Academy in South Braintrec, Mass., where he remained for one year; and in the fall of 1889 he became Principal of the Gorham High School. Well fitted for his work, both by natural ability and scholarly acquirements, by the power of persistent endeavor he has met with signal success in his calling. His advanced methods of instruction are of a kind that foster the mental activity of his pupils, who, being led to think for themselves, thoroughly understand what they learn, and are strengthened in the habit of self-reliance. Mr. Woodman is a member of the Alpha Delta Phi and the Phi Beta Kappa Societies, and was during his col- legiate course one of the cditors of the Bugle, a class publication, and also one of the edi- tors of the Bowdoin Orient, the organ of that college.

Mr. Woodman was united in marriage with Alice L. Paine, daughter of Phineas I. Paine, of Gorham, on Junc 30, 1891, and by this union has two sons -Willard Paine Woodman and Karl Ayer Woodman. Mr. Woodman is of the liberal type in religion, and belongs to the Unitarian church.

ELVILLE W. CRESSEY, an energetic and enterprising agri- culturist of Gorham, Me., was born in this town, February 2, 1867. Gorham was also the place of nativity of his father, William W. Cressey, of his grandfather, Joseph Cressey, second, and of his great-grandfather, Joseph Cressey, first, son of John Cressey, who came here from Connecticut. Joseph Cressey, first, was born in Gorham in 1753. He was a private in

Captain Williams's company, and marched to Cambridge with Colonel Phinney's regiment in 1775, and subsequently to Ticonderoga. He married Hannah Ashley, of Connecticut, by whom he had seven children, five sons and two daughters. He is spoken of as a great man for stock in those carly days, and it is said that at the time of his death he had over one hundred cows rented out in the adjoining towns.

Joseph Cressey, sccond, son of Joseph, first, was born March 14, 1788. He was twice married, and by his first wife, Sarah Watts, whom he wedded in January 21, 1817, had six children, namely: Charles H., born November 21, 1817; Joseph, third, October 30, 1820; Emily, December 23, 1824; William W., born October 1, 1828; Mary E., October 29, 1835; Edward K., March 12, 1838. Only one of these children is now living, Joseph Cressey, third, of Newfield, Mc. By his second wife, Sarah J. Harding, of Baldwin, this State, grandfather Cresscy had two chil- dren - John H. and Sarah Ellen. He was an extensive landholder, having a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, from which he cleared a good homestead. Hc kept a sort of tavern. putting up a great many ox-tcams and their drivers in the days when the freight was car- ried over the common roads. He was a Re- publican in politics; and, religiously, he and his family werc Congregationalists. He was among the men of prominence in this locality, and for many years served as Town Collector.

William W. Cressey spent his entire life in Gorham, where he was numbered among the progressive and prosperous agriculturists, being one of the first to engage in breeding Jersey cattle. He was a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M., of Gorham: and of the Patrons of Husbandry of this place. He died May 2, 1892. He was married on January 26, 1854, to Miss Ellen F., daughter of Robert Rounds, of Gorham; and three chil- dren were born in their pleasant homc, two of whom are now living - Charles R. and Mel- ville W.

Charles R. Cressey, born December 7, 1854, received his carly education in the schools of Gorham. When quite young, he displayed a taste for music ; and, to cultivate his powers in

139

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

this direction, he was placed under the instruc- tion of Mr. George Marston, of Portland, Me. While pursuing his studies, he was organist at the Congregational church in Gorham for about eight years. After completing his musical course, he occupied a similar position in the Free Street Church in Portland; and he is now organist in the Warren Church at Westbrook. In 1885 he embarked in business for himself, opening a music store in the city of Portland. This he conducted for a time alone; but, the trade having rapidly increased, he has since taken two partners, the firm name being Cressey, Jones & Allen. Mr. Charles R. Cressey married Annie C. Johnson, daugh- ter of Thomas Johnson, of Gorham; and they are the parents of three children - Helen H., William R., and George F. Both he and his wife are members of the Second Parish Con- gregational Church of Portland. Socially, he is identified with various organizations, being a member of Dirigo Lodge, No. 21, Knights of Pythias, of Gorham; Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Portland; also the Red Men; and the Knights of the Golden Eagle of Port- land.

Melville W. Cressey obtained a good com- mon-school education, and, when but a lad, be- came familiar with farm work. Following in the footsteps of his progenitors, he became a farmer by choice rather than necessity, and has since continued in his peaceful and profit- able occupation on the old homestead. Al- though a general farmer, Mr. Cressey pays es- pecial attention to dairying, having about thirty grade and full-blood Jerseys, from which he makes large quantities of excellent butter. This he disposes of in Portland, hav- ing regular customers who pay him the high- est market price.

Mr. Melville W. Cressey and Miss Sarah J. Fifield, daughter of James J. Fifield, of this town, were married on December 8, 1890. The only child of their union, Dwight Sturgis Cressey, was born February 25, 1891, and died August 30, 1893. Mr. Crcssey, po- litically, is identified with the Republican party. Religiously, he attends the Congrega- tional church, of which his wife is a member. Socially, he belongs to Harmony Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M., of Gorham; to the Gor-

ham Lodge, No. 98, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and to the Patrons of Hus- bandry of this place.

HARLES S. CHASE, wholesale dealer in limc, cement, and belting material, 5 Canal Wharf, Portland, was born in Portland, November 6, 1845. His parents were Sewall C. and Mary (Trow- bridge) Chase; and his paternal grandfather was Timothy Chase, who was a mason by trade.

Sewall C. Chase was a contractor and builder. He erected in 1851 the first brick building on Commercial Street; and it was he who built the Preble House, the City Build- ing, and the Grand Trunk depot. For many years he was associated with his brother Ed- ward P., who is yet living, now retired from active work; and together they built most of the brick buildings in Portland, including the Thomas Block, the Galt Block, the rolling- mill, the Portland Kerosene Oil Works, the Glass House, and the shovel factory. Sewall C. Chase took an active part in public affairs, serving several terms on the Common Council of Portland and on the Board of Aldermen, and was elected to the State legislature from Portland on the Republican ticket. He died in 1875. His wife was the daughter of Major Trowbridge, a gallant soldier of the War of 1812. She died in 1887. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sewall C. Chase, namely: William Porter, who died in Ha- vanna, Cuba, in 1867, leaving a widow and one child; Francis E .; Lois A., who mar- ried Charles B. Bailey, and resides in Wash- ington, D.C .; Etta M., who married E. C. Goodhue, and lives in Danville, Canada; and Charles S., our subject.

Charles S. Chase attended the public schools and the high school of Portland, and was one of the first six scholars who attended Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College of Portland. After leaving school, he worked in his father's office four years, and in 1870 became estab- lished in business in the building which he now occupies, as a member of the new firm of C. A. B. Morse & Co., succeeding the firm of Beale & Morse. In 1884 Mr. Chase pur-

140

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

chased Mr. Morse's interest, and since that time has been sole proprietor of the enter- prise. He has an extensive trade in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, and has pros- pered to a remarkable degree, his promptness in meeting the demands of customers, and his ability in the management of his business, insuring quick and profitable returns for his investments.

Mr. Chase married Louise K. Sawyier, daughter of Moses K. and Caroline (Kimball) Sawyier, and cousin of the late Charles Carle- ton Coffin, the famous war correspondent of the Boston Journal during the Southern Re- bellion. Mr. and Mrs. Chase have one child, Alice Sawyier Chase. In politics Mr. Chase is a Republican. He is not an aspirant for office. In religious belief he is a Congrega- tionalist, attending with his wife and family the church on High Street. He has a con- venient residence and pleasant home at II Carleton Street.

HARLES EDWARD GOOLD, a prosperous market gardener of Deer- ing, was born in Westbrook, Me., August 26, 1842, son of Smith Cobb and Catherine (Starbird) Goold. He comes of an old Maine family, his grandfather, Joseph Goold, being a native of Kittery. His father, Smith Cobb Goold, was born in Port- land, Me., December 14, 1818, and received his education in the common schools of that city. He learned the shoemaker's trade with J. & C. J. Barber, of Portland, and, after working at it for a few years, settled on the farm which had belonged to his father, which fronted on what is now Brighton Street, Deer- ing, and included the estate owned by his son, Charles Edward Goold. There he spent the rest of his life, profitably engaged in farm- ing. On November 30, 1841, he was married to Catherine, daughter of Levi and Nancy (Pennel) Starbird, of Westbrook, and three children were born to them: Charles Edward, the subject of this sketch; Annie Louisa, wife of Edward K. Chapman, of South Portland, Me. ; and Henry Pennel Starbird Goold, who is in the drug business in Portland. Both attended the Universalist church. Smith

Cobb Goold died July 31, 1894, aged seventy- five years. His wife is still living.

Charles Edward Goold received a good edu- cation in the common schools of his native town and at Westbrook Seminary. Succeed- ing his father as manager of the homestead farm, he engaged in market gardening: and, being a man of more than average intelli- gence, with the faculty of turning everything to the best account, he has been very success- ful. He employs several men, and raises large quantities of produce, which find ready sale in the Portland markets.

Mr. Goold was married in 1882 to Ada Louisa, daughter of James S. and Comfort Whitehouse (Jackson) Knowles, of Deering. Mrs. Goold died April 10, 1891, leaving one daughter, Henrietta Knowles.

Mr. Goold was elected Alderman from Ward 7, on the Republican ticket in 1894, and served capably on the Committees on Streets, Sidewalks and Bridges, Lights and Water, Printing, and New Streets. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and the soundness of his views on all matters of public policy has won for him general respect. With his daughter he attends the Universalist church, of which his wife was also an at- tendant.

ON. HENRY B. CLEAVES, the present Governor of Maine, was born in Bridgton, Me. His father,

Thomas Cleaves, also a native of Bridgton, was a man of great energy and dis- tinguished for the strictest integrity. Ilis mother, Sophia Bradstreet Cleaves, a woman of high worth, was the daughter of Daniel Bradstreet, who came from Rowley, Mass., and settled in Bridgton in the early days. The family circle included five children - Robert A., Nathan, Thomas P., Henry B., and Mary S. Cleaves. The last-named is now the wife of William W. . Mason. Judge Nathan Cleaves, the senior member of the law firm of Nathan and Henry B. Cleaves, died September 5, 1892. A resident of Port- land for more than thirty years, he was closely identified with the best interests of this city. He was graduated from Bowdoin College in

I41

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

1858, attained eminence in his profession as a lawyer, occupied many positions of honor and public trust, was held in the highest es- teem, and the sense of the loss caused by his death was generally felt throughout the State.

Governor Cleaves was educated in the com- mon schools of his native town and at the academies of Bridgton and Lewiston Falls. In the summer of 1862 he enlisted as a private soldier in Company B, Twenty-third Maine Volunteers, under Colonel William Wirt Virgin, late a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Maine. Having served out the term of his enlistment at Poolsville on the Potomac and at Harper's Ferry, during which period he was promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant, he was discharged when the regi- ment was mustered out. However, influenced by his patriotism, he immediately re-enlisted for three years under General Francis Fessen- den, a son of the Hon. William Pitt Fessen- den, who was recruiting a veteran regiment for active service in the Department of the Gulf. Young Cleaves was appointed First Lieutenant of Company F. On one occasion in the course of the service, when the officers of Company E had been either killed or disabled in action, he acted as Captain. A portion of his time was served in the Department of the Gulf, where he participated in various engage- ments under General Banks on the Red River expedition, at Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, Cane River Crossing, and other places. After the close of the campaign in Louisiana the regi- ment was ordered to Virginia; and Lieutenant Cleaves served during the remainder of the war in the Army of the Potomac; and with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. When the war ended, he was offered a commis- sion in the regular army by Secretary of War Stanton. Declining this, he returned to his home in Bridgton, and was employed as a day laborer in Perley & Styles's sash and blind factory. While here, he studied law with such assiduity that in September, 1868, he was ad- mitted to the bar. After this he moved to Portland, and formed a law partnership with his brother, the late Judge Nathan Cleaves. The firm had a large and lucrative practice, and was extensively known throughout the State and New England. Governor Cleaves

is a director in many of the business corpora- tions of the State. He is a prominent mem - ber of the Grand Army and the Marine State Veteran Association. In the practice of his profession and in matters of charity he has always shown a great friendship for the old soldier. His successful defence of William T. Best, a disabled veteran, in the extradition proceedings brought against him by the Prov- ince of New Brunswick, will be readily re- called, as it excited great interest at the time.

Governor Cleaves, who has always been a Republican, cast his first vote in a national election for Abraham Lincoln, while still in active service in Virginia in the fall of 1864. He was a member of the legislature from Port- land in 1876 and 1877, and served as Chair- man of the Judiciary Committee. He was elected City Solicitor of Portland in 1877, and during his two years of office tried many impor- tant cases for the city. He was elected Attor- ney-General of Maine in 1880, and was twice re-elected to this important office by the legis- lature, serving five consecutive years. In this period, besides trying some eighteen murder cases, he prosecuted the important State tax cases against the railroad and telegraph com- panies to a successful termination, settling conclusively the right of the State to levy a franchise tax upon these corporations. Nomi- nated for Governor at the Republican State Convention held in Portland in June, 1892, he was elected in September of the same year, and inaugurated on January 5, 1893. His nomination on this occasion without a dissent- ing voice was unusual in the politics of Maine, and evidenced his great popularity with the people. His renomination by acclamation at the large and enthusiastic convention held at Lewiston, June 5, 1894, was a deserved recog- nition of the man and the citizen, of the faith- ful and honest public officer, and of his able administration of the affairs of the State during his first term. At the September election in 1894 he was re-elected by nearly forty thou- sand majority, the largest majority ever given a Republican governor in Maine.

His inaugural addresses, which are models of construction, and are such as only a scholar and statesman can write, have elicited com- mendation wherever noticed by the press. In

142

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

the performance of his official duties he has invariably guarded the interests of the State with sedulous care. One of the leading papers of Maine recently said : "To-day, throughout the length and breadth of the good old State of Maine, the name of Governor Cleaves is not only known, but is also held in the highest esteem. Political opponents even vie with each other in paying tribute to his administra- tive qualities, as well as to the goodness of his great, big heart."

LMON H. CRESSEY, a thriving agri- culturist of Standish, was born in Gor- ham, a few miles distant, on Septem- ber 9, 1834, and is the worthy repre- sentative of one of the original settlers of Cumberland County, his great-grandfather, John Cressey, having located here in early times.

Joseph Cressey, son of John, was born, reared, and spent his entire life in Gorham, where he was prosperously engaged in cultivat- ing the land, owning a large farm. His wife, Hannah Ashley, of Connecticut, lived to the venerable age of fourscore and eight years. Noah Cressey, father of Almon, the youngest child.

Noah Cressey was born in Gorham, July 28, 1798, and died in Standish, April 20, 1839. In early life he was engaged in a mercantile business in the place of his nativity, but after- ward removed to Standish, where he continued his former occupation for a short time. He subsequently bought a farm here, and was engaged in mixed husbandry until his death. He was a Democrat in politics, differing in his views from his father, who was a Whig. Religiously, both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Methodist church. He married Hannah Watts, daughter of David and Mary Watts, of Buxton, their union being solem- nized January 21, 1817. Six children were born to them, two of whom are living - George F. and Almon H. George F., born May 24, 1829, married Harriet, daughter of Charles Smith, of Scarboro, Me.

Almon H. Cressey finished his education at the Standish Academy, and as soon as he was out of school went to Buxton, where he was

employed for three years as a clerk in the general store of J. Clay. He established him- self in business on his own account in 1854, manufacturing clothing for three years. De- ciding to change his occupation, Mr. Cressey then peddled Yankee notions throughout the State of Maine, driving a team and having his cart well stocked with articles useful to the thrifty housewife. Some time later he became agent for a lightning-rod company, and trav- elled about the country selling rods for three years. He then resumed the manufacture of clothing, locating at first in Standish, but later in Buxton. After five years of business in Buxton Mr. Cressey purchased his brother's interest in the old homestead property, which he has since conducted with excellent results. A man of great intelligence and ability, he has ever taken a deep interest in the welfare and advancement of his town, and for several years served as Selectman, being first elected to the office in 1877; and during the last six years of his service he was Chairman of the Board. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fra- ternity, belonging to Buxton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 115, of Buxton.

On May 20, 1870, Mr. Cressey was united in marriage with Abby M., daughter of George W. Boothby, of Limington. Their only child, Edwin B. Cressey, born July 30, 1871, mar- ried Nettie O. Marean, daughter of William Marean, of this town ; and they have one child, Mildred L., born May 20, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Almon H. Cressey are liberal in their religious views.

FRANCIS EDWARD CHASE, in- spector and acting Deputy Collector of United States customs at Portland, was born in this city, May 17, 1840, son of Sewall C. and Mary A. H. (Trowbridge) Chase. His family has for many years been well known in this vicinity, his grandfather, Timothy Chase, who was a mason and builder, having been a respected resident of Yarmouth and Portland.

Sewall C. Chase lived in Portland for many years, being a prominent contracting mason and builder. A large number of the brick buildings on Commercial and Middle Streets

143

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

and many of the fine brick residences in Port- land were built by him, and he was superin- tendent of the City Building when that edifice was erected. He was long associated in busi- ness with his brother, Edward P. Chase, who was one of the leading builders of the time. In politics a Republican, Mr. Sewall C. Chase was elected to the State legislature from the city of Portland on the old Whig ticket, before the party had changed its name, and served his term with credit. In religious matters also he took a prominent part, and was Deacon in the High Street Congregational Church for many years. He died on January 20, 1874. His wife was a daughter of John Trowbridge, of Portland, a Revolutionary soldier. They reared the following children : William Porter, who died in Cuba; Francis Edward, the subject of this sketch; Lois Anna, wife of Charles B. Bailey, of Portland formerly, now of Washington; Charles S., of Portland ; and Etta, wife of Edward Goodhue, of Dan- ville, P. Q.

Francis Edward Chase acquired his educa- tion in Portland, graduating from the high school in the class of 1858. He was engaged as book-keeper for his father for two years, and in 1860 went into the wholesale grocery business with Joshua Hobbs and his son John P., under the firm name of Hobbs, Chase & Co. In September, 1862, he enlisted in Com- pany A, Twenty-fifth Maine Volunteer In- fantry, and was sent to Washington, where his company was on duty at Long Bridge and quartered at Arlington Heights, some time later being ordered to Chantilly. In July, 1863, at the expiration of his term of enlist- ment, he returned to Portland and resumed his mercantile business, in which he was success- fully engaged till 1869. In that year he was appointed Inspector of Customs under Collector Israel Washburn; and he has efficiently filled the position up to the present time, with the exception of a short period beginning with 1887, when he was retired, being reappointed by. Collector F. N. Dow in 1891. During his retirement he was employed on special work, as he is one of the oldest men in the service. Since Mr. Chase's last appointment he has been Acting Deputy. Faithful to all the details of his duty, Mr. Chase enjoys the con-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 19

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