Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 25

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

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Mr. Marriner was united in marriage Sep- tember 7, 1856, with Jane R. Libby, daughter of Nathan Libby, of Sacearappa, Me. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two children - James E. and Mary W. James E. Marriner, born May 14, 1860, now a resident of Berlin Falls, N. H., married Hattie Thorpe, of Portland; and they have one child, James Theodore. Mary W. Marriner, born January 9, 1865, lives at home with her parents.

OHN F. PROCTOR, a long-established dealer in real estate and mortgages, whose office is at 93 Exchange Street, Portland, was born in this city, October 18, 1839, son of John C. and Lucinda P. (March) Proctor. His paternal grandfather was William Proctor, of New Gloucester, Me., proprietor of a hotel known as "The Travellers' Home." John C. Proctor, father of John F., was a pioneer in the real estate business in Portland, starting in 1852, and conducting a prosperous business up to the time of his death, which occurred July 28, 1891. His wife, who is still living, at the

age of eighty-two years, is the daughter of a Revolutionary patriot, who was the youngest enlisted recruit in the United States Army, being only twelve years of age when he joined the ranks as fifer. He subsequently became High Sheriff of Cumberland County. Mrs. John C. Proctor was the mother of nine children.

John F. Proctor received his education in the common schools and high school of Port- land, and first worked as a elerk in a shoe store, remaining two years. He then entered into business with his father, and spent four or five years in Vera Cruz, Mexico, where his brother Charles M. Proctor, who was United States Consul at that place, died in 1861. Mr. Proctor has been in his present business for about thirty-five consecutive years, having had charge of it since the death of his father, with whom he was associated some thirty years of that period. He is a competent and painstaking business man, and his sterling integrity and careful attention to the wants of his patrons have won for him an enviable reputation.

Mr. Proctor married Fannie L., daughter of John (Haskell) Easterbrook, of Cambridge, Mass., and seven children have blessed their union, namely : Alma Louisa, who married Edward E. James, of Deering; Stella Ger- trude; Charles F .; Annie E .; Mabel F .; Josephine H .; and Marion. Mr. Proctor's only son, Charles F., was married September 18, 1895, to Eleanor, daughter of Edwin Griffin, of Portland.

Politically, Mr. Proctor favors the Repub- lican party. He is well advanced in Masonry, belonging to Greenleaf Chapter, A F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the First Unitarian Church of Portland. They have a pleasant home on Congress Street in Deering.

OHN J. SYMONDS, the owner and occupant of one of the oldest farms in the town of Raymond, Me., near the north-western border of Cumberland County, was born here on October 8, 1822. His parents were Samuel J. and Elsa (Small) Symonds; and his paternal grandfather was Francis Symonds, a native of Salem, Mass.

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Representatives of the Symonds family, which is of English origin, were among the original colonists of Essex County, Massachu- setts, the name of John Symonds occurring in the Salem records as long ago as 1637. Francis Symonds removed from Salem, Mass., to Raymond in the early days of this town, and purchased the farm now occupied by his grandson. Here he built a log house, which served as a home for himself and his family until circumstances permitted of the erection of a more modern structure. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-one. years. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Jordan.

Their son, Samuel J. Symonds, lived in a part of his father's house, and here spent his days, successfully engaged in farming, in con- nection with which he did a profitable lumber business. He died on March 17, 1862, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, the date of his birth being August 12, 1794. His wife, Elsa Small, was born in Raymond, February 23, 1795, daughter of James and Peggy Small. After her husband's decease she resided with her son, John J. Symonds, until she, too, was called to pass from earth, October 12, 1875. She bore her husband nine children, namely : Mary J., born March 29, 1819, who married Ephraim L. Brown, of Raymond (both now deceased); Orsamus, born November 5, 1820, who married Miss Mary Ann Whiting (now deceased), and lives in Poland, Me .; John J., a sketch of whose life appears below ; Almina, born January 7, 1825, who married Marville White, and died August 23, 1851; Irene F., born November 30, 1827, who married Ben- jamin Davis, of Poland, and died May 25, 1857; Clarinda J., born March 27, 1830, now the wife of Louis Shurtleff, of New Glouces- ter, Me .; Eliza J., born October 29, 1832, who married Nathaniel Shurtleff, of Walnut- ville, Me. ; Francis, born January 27, 1836, who married Miss Martha Hall, and died on October 10, 1875, his wife now living in Nor- way ; Phobe N., boin March 17, 1841, who married George Hatch, of New Gloucester, and is now deceased.

John J. Symonds grew to manhood in his native town, living with his grandfather Symonds, and in his childhood obtaining a common-school education. At fourteen years

of age he took up the active duties of life, and was soon able to do a man's work on the farm. Thirty acres with the old buildings fell to him from his grandfather. The rest of his estate of two hundred and fifty acres is of his own purchasing, and the buildings were all erected by him. As a result of his well -directed energy and faithful attention to business, he now has one of the finest farms in Raymond. He makes a specialty of dairying, keeping twenty cows, from which he sells milk. He also gives some attention to stock raising, and he keeps five horses. The principal products of his farm are hay, corn, grain, and fruit.

On June 18, 1843, he was married to Miss Jane Strout, who was born in this town, July 15, 1823, a daughter of Elias and Rhoda (Strout) Strout. Her father was one of the pioneers of the town, and an honored and re- spected citizen, by occupation a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Symonds are the parents of four chil- dren, two sons and two daughters, briefly mentioned as follows; Rhoda, the wife of Almon Brown, of Aroostook County, Maine, has a son and two daughters - Emma Barber, Ina Leavitt, and John Brown; Warren, living near the old homestead, married Miss Mary E. Spiller, who has borne him four children - Louis, John J., Ruth I., and Maude E. : Charles F., residing with his parents, married Miss Elvena S. Allen, of Raymond, and has a daughter, Etta W .; Arabelle, the wife of Elmer Riggs, of Raymond, has two children - Jennie L. and Anna Eliza. The Demo- cratic party numbers Mr. Symonds among its faithful supporters. He and his family attend church at East Raymond.

ILLIAM H. MCLELLAN, a black- smith and farmer, residing in Gor- ham, is a native-born citizen, his birth having occurred here, May 10, 1845. His great-great-grandfather, Hugh Mclellan, was the original ancestor in this country, com- ing to Cumberland County from Ireland, the place of his birth. He was one of the earliest settlers of Gorham, building the first brick house ever erected within its limits. This house is still standing on the Fort Hill road, being in a good state of preservation. The

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next in line of descent was Carey Mclellan ; and then came William McLellan, Sr., grand- father of William H. William McLellan, Sr., was a lifelong resident of Gorham and a farmer by occupation. He married Mehitabel Harmon, who bore him eight children, two of whom arc now living - John, a resident of New Orleans; and Eunice, wife of Henry Harmon, of Scarboro.

William McLellan, Jr., father of William H., was the fourth child of the parental house- hold. On arriving at man's estatc, he settled down to farming on the old homestead, where he continued until his death in 1851. His wife, Mary Jane, daughter of Nathaniel Meserve, of New Hampshire, survived him ten years, dying in 1861. Both were Baptists in religion, and the father was a Democrat in politics. Of the seven children born to them, six are living, the following being their rec- ord: Eliza Ann, widow of Ezekiel Harmon, of Hollis, Me., has two children - Merrow and Jane; Mary W., wife of Alexander Allen, of Gorham, has four children - Elmira, Della, Frank, and Edgar; Charles I. married the late Clara Libby, who died January 16, 1888, leaving three children -- Mary, Charles, and Albert; William H. is the chief subject of this sketch; Winifred, wife of George Doug- las, has five children - Orman, Adma, Frank, Clifford, and Alverdo; John married Cassan- dana Haskell, of Windham, and has six chil- dren - Eva, Herbert, Mellen, Annie, Bertha, and Hugh.

William H. Mclellan attended the public schools of Gorham during his boyhood, and afterward went to Saco, where he worked four- teen months for Littlefield & Towle, learning the blacksmith's trade. Going from Saco to Portland, he worked at his trade five years, first with Martin Pennell, and then with J. M. Kimball. On account of ill health he gave up all work for a time, remaining unemployed until 1874, when he went to Little Falls vil- lage, in the town of Gorham, where he resumed blacksmithing, working with his brother, John McLellan. In 1876 he estab- lished himself in business in Gorham, build- ing up an extensive patronage in this locality. In 1887 he bought his farm of sixty acres, on which he has since resided, carrying on gen-

eral husbandry. As soon as well settled on his farm he erected his present blacksmith's shop, and now divides his attention between the plough and the forge, being very success- ful in both branclics of industry.

On September 24, 1876, Mr. Mclellan was united in marriage with Ella M., fourth daughter of Oliver P. Haskell, of Windham. Her parents reared nine children, seven girls and two boys. They are both members of the Baptist church, of North Gorham. Mr. and Mrs. McLellan have three children, as fol- lows: George W., born February 18, 1878; Ada N., born July 6, 1882; and Mary J., born July 28, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. McLellan attend the Baptist church. In politics Mr. Mclellan is independent; and, socially, he is identified by membership with Gorham Lodge, No. 98, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows; Oriental Lodge, No. 17, Knights of Pythias; and with Nagwaumquay Tribe, No. 36, of South Windham.

SAPH TRUE, who was born April 20, 1849, at Freeport, this county, on the old True homestead, where he now resides, is the only living male rep- rcsentative of his family, which has long held an honored place in this neighborhood. Mr. True's farm of eighty-four acres is in an excel- lent state of cultivation, bearing strong evi- dence of the great labor which has been be- stowed upon it since the year 1802, when his paternal grandfather, William True, settled here in the wilderness, cutting the first tree from the dense forest, and building the origi- nal dwelling, which is now a part of the family residence. The grandfather was a man of shrewd intelligence, a Whig in politics and among the foremost citizens of his day, serv- ing for many years as Selcctman. Religiously, both he and his wife, Eunice Sawyer, who came with him to Freeport, were consistent mem- bers of the Baptist church, rearing their chil- dren to the same faith. William Truc was one of four sons of Israel and Mary (McEntire) True, and was born at North Yarmouth, Au- gust 10, 1776.

His son, Joseph True, was born on May 2, 1813, and was reared to pioneer life on the

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family homestead, attending the district school, and assisting in clearing and improv- ing the land until of age. He then learned the trade of ship carpentry, after which he went to sea, being first mate of a vessel for several years, following this life until his re- tirement to the old homestead, where his death occurred in 1888. He married Jane R Wins- low, daughter of Philip and Bethiah (Rideout) Winslow. She was born May 1, 1815, in New Gloucester, and is now living on the home- stead farm, a hale and hearty woman, bearing with ease her burden of years. Four children were born to her and her husband, as follows: Josephine, the wife of Smith Johnson, of Freeport; Asaph, the subject of this sketch; Jane R., widow of Newell M. Ricker, residing in Portland, Me .; and Hattie J., who resides with her mother and brother.

Asaph True was educated in the Freeport schools, likewise being well drilled in the days of his youth in agricultural labors, in which he is still successfully employed. He carries on mixed husbandry, besides which he is extensively engaged in dairying, making that profitable industry quite a specialty. Politically, he is a stanch Republican; and, re- ligiously, he is liberal in his views. With his mother and sister he lives a pleasant and useful life, enjoying himself and contributing his share toward making others happy.

EORGE RUSSELL, a retired ship- builder, living in East Deering, Cumberland County, Me., was born June 16, 1825, in Hopewell, Westmoreland County, N. B., son of Stewart and Abigail (Cutler) Russell. On the paternal side Mr. Russell is of Irish antecedents, his grandfather, Robert Russell, having emigrated from Ireland to Nova Scotia, where he taught school for several years, Jater settling on a farm in Hopewell, N.B. On the maternal side Mr. Russell is descended from Ebenezer Cutler, a native of Dorchester, Mass., and a graduate of Harvard College. In 1776, dur- ing the Revolutionary War, Mr. Cutler's father, being loyal to the British Crown, moved with his family to Nova Scotia, settling in the town of Annapolis.

Stewart Russell was born and reared in Hopewell, N.B. He learned the ship car- penter's trade when a young man, an occupa- tion which he followed much of his active life, although he made several voyages on the ocean as master of a sailing-vessel. His wife, Abigail Cutler, daughter of the above-men- tioned Ebenezer Cutler, bore him ten chil- dren, eight of whom grew to mature years, George, the subject of this sketch, being the second son.

George Russell acquired his early education in the place of his nativity, finishing his studies at a private school in Moncton, N.B. Possessing native mechanical ability, he early learned the use of tools, but never served an apprenticeship at any trade. When about eighteen years old, he commenced life as a sailor, shipping on the "Agenoria," which was built and owned by Stewart Russell and by his brother Robert, and was commanded by the latter. Adam Russell, a son of Captain Russell, was also one of the crew of this vessel, and continued on it until a few years later, when both craft and crew were lost, no tidings ever coming from the ill-fated vessel or the sturdy mariners who manned her.

A few trips convinced Mr. Russell that he was not adapted to a seafaring life; and when on a certain voyage he visited a shipyard in Lubec, where he found the men laying the keel of a ship, he immediately left his vessel, and there secured work as a carpenter. After the vessel upon which he was working was launched, he returned to his home in New Brunswick, and remained there until 1846, when he came again to Maine, working through that summer as a ship carpenter, at a place known as Bailey's Mistake. In the fall he entered the employment of Captain John Walls, a ship-builder in Pembroke, where he worked six years, being superintendent of the shipyard the most of the time.

In 1851 Mr. Russell started in business on his own account, buying and fitting up a yard, which he managed several years, building over twenty vessels. With characteristic en- terprise he established at the same time a store of general merchandise, continuing that also until 1864, when he sold both the store and the yard. Coming then to Deering, Mr.

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Russell opened a shipyard, and here built more than fifty sail of vessels, being in active business until 1891, when he retired to the enjoyment of a well-earned competency. He has always supported the Republican ticket, and since 1892 has served on the Board of Health, the present being his second term in this office; and he has also served on the School Board from 1893 to 1896. Socially, he is a member of Deering Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Greenleaf Royal Arch Chapter, No. 13, Portland; and was a member of the Good Templars, and likewise of the Sons of Temper- ance, in the early organization of these orders.

On October 28, 1847, Mr. Russell was united in marriage with Mary Skofield Childs, a daughter of Otis Childs, of Eastport, Me., where her birth occurred, January 9, 1821. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell, namely: George Edward, deceased ; Abigail S .; Ednah A., the wife of the Hon. W. W. Morrill, ex-Mayor of this city; Eben G., all of whom reside in Deering; and Martha B., preceptress of the Ricker Classical Institute at Houlton, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Rus- sell are active members of the Free Street Baptist Church of Portland. Mr. Russell has always maintained a deep interest in religious movements ; and on May 15, 1869, he helped organize a union Sunday-school in the village where he resides - at that time a part of the town of Westbrook, but now city of Deering - and served as superintendent of this school for seventeen years.

J OSEPH HALL CARLETON, the only resident member of the well-known firm of Carleton Brothers & Co., of Portland, wholesale and retail dealers in lime, cement, plaster, hair, brick, etc., was born at Rockport, Knox County, Me., March 31, 1859. He is of English antecedents, his first ancestor in this country having settled in Methuen, Mass., from which place Mr. Hall's paternal grandfather came to this State, locat- ing in Camden, Knox County. There on December 22, 1825, occurred the birth of our subject's father, Philander J. Carleton. He was born in that portion of Camden now known as Rockport, and is now one of its most

prosperous business men, being actively en- gaged as a ship-builder and a lime manufact- urer. He is senior member of the firm of Carleton, Norwood & Co., and also a member of the firm of Carleton Brothers & Co. of this city. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Babb, was a native of Westbrook, Me. She was born in 1826, and died September 8, 1894, leaving four sons - Frank P. J., Henry B., Ralph W., and Joseph Hall.

Joseph Hall Carleton was educated in the common and the high schools of his native town. At the age of eighteen years he began business life as a clerk in the grocery store of Carleton, Norwood & Co., remaining until 1882, nearly four years, and becoming thor- oughly acquainted with the details of the busi- ness. He then became a member of the firm of Carleton, Pascal & Co., in which he still holds an interest. In 1887 Mr. Carleton came to Portland, and, in partnership with his father, Philander, and his brother Ralph W., bought the business of L. C. Cummings & Co., in which he is now engaged, the firm name being changed to its present style in January, 1888, and the members being Joseph H., Ralph W., and Philander J. Carlcton. They carry on an extensive business, their manufactures being widely and favorably known, and finding a ready market in Rock- port and the vicinity.

As yet Mr. Carleton is not bound by hymcneal tics; but his social duties engross a portion of his time, as he is a member of several organizations, belonging to St. Albans Commandery, in which he has taken the thirty-second degree of Masonry; to the Mount Battic Lodge, No. 102, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Camden; to the Fal- mouth Club; to the Portland Athletic Club; to the Young Men's Democratic Club; and to the Portland Yacht Club. Hc is an unswerv- ing Democrat in politics, and, religiously, is an active member of the Episcopal church.

EANDER L. HAWKES, a successful business man of Westbrook, dealer in wood, coal, and icc, was born in Windham, Me., July 30, 1850. He is a son of Joshua L. and Sarah K. (May-

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berry) Hawkes, both his parents being natives of Windham, in which place his paternal grandfather resided for many years, engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. The grand- father was an old-time Democrat in politics, and always took an active interest in the public weal. In religious belief he was a Quaker.

Joshua L. Hawkes, father of Neander L., was born in Windham, and there spent his life, engaged in farming. In religious belief he was a Methodist, and in politics a Repub- lican, though never an aspirant for public honors. His death occurred in 1878. His wife Sarah was a daughter of Andrew May- berry, of Windham. Seven children were born to them, six of whom are living, namely: Abner L., a brick manufacturer in Westbrook; Joseph, now a resident of Dakota; Marietta, who resides in Portland, Me .; Clarissa, wife of F. D. Winslow, of Portland; Sarah, wife of A. D. Woodbury, of West- brook; and Neander L., whose name prefaces this article.

Neander L. Hawkes received his education in the public schools of Windham, at Gorham Academy, and in the Westbrook High School. He helped his father about the farm until reaching the age of twenty years, and then entered the employ of Sumner Bolton, of Gor- ham, to learn the trade of a clothing pressman. Mr. Bolton manufactured clothing for Boston firms, and had a large and flourishing business. Mr. Hawkes remained in his employ about six months; and then, after four months' experi- ence in a plaster and grain mill, returned to the home farm at Windham, where he re- mained until 1885. In that year he en- gaged in the ice business in Westbrook, in company with his brother, Abner L .; and in 1887 he purchased his brother's interest, be- coming sole proprietor of the business. He

was eminently successful, being for about six years the only ice dealer in Westbrook. About two years ago he added coal and wood to his stock in trade, and he has also trans- acted a considerable amount of business in real estate. Besides a share in the home- stead he owns some twenty-five acres of land on Stroudwater Street, Westbrook, which he has improved and cut into house lots, making two new streets, and building a number of

houses; and in company with his brother, Abner L., he erected a brick manufacturing plant. Mr. Hawkes's private estate, which in- cludes a substantial brick house and commodi- ous barn, is one of the finest in Westbrook.

In September, 1879, Mr. Hawkes was united in marriage with Clara, daughter of Peter Morrison, of New Brunswick.

Mr. Hawkes's political affiliations are with the Republican party. Socially, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, being a member of S. D. Warren Tribe of Cumberland Mills; and in religious belief he is a Meth- odist.

RS. DORCAS HOPKINS BANKS is the widow of Elias Banks, who at one time was a merchant of Portland. She was born in this city in an old-fashioned house that stood on the corner of Brackett and Danforth Streets, November 29, 1815. Her parents were James Dean and Dorcas (Tucker) Hopkins; and she is of English descent, her father having been born in England. Her paternal grandfather, whose name was Thomas Hopkins, was a na- tive of Axminster, Devonshire, England. He came to this country with his family in 1784, and purchased property in Portland on Con- gress and Middle Streets, which is still in the family.

James Dean Hopkins was twelve years of age when his parents settled in Portland; and he received the greater part of his education in this city. He studied for the bar, and in time became one of the most prominent lawyers of Portland, where he was in active practice for many years. He was at one time President of the Cumberland County Bar; and he numbered among his personal friends Judge Mellon, Professor Simon Greenleaf, and Stephen Longfellow, the father of the poet. The house in which Mrs. Banks now resides was erected by her father in 1823. His wife, Dorcas Tucker Hopkins, the mother of Mrs. Banks, was the daughter of Captain Daniel Tucker, who long followed the sea as a master mariner. The last fifteen years of Captain Tucker's life were passed in Gorham, retired from active work.

ELIAS BANKS.

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Dorcas Hopkins received a good education in the schools of Portland, and resided with her parents until her marriage, which oeeurred in 1845. Her husband, Elias Banks, was identified with the mercantile life of Portland up to the time of his death in 1882. Four children were born to them, but one of whom, a daughter named Elizabeth H., is now liv- ing. She has been twice married. By her first husband, George Whittier, of Portland, she had one child, Margarct Dean Whittier; and by her sceond husband, Edward H. Toby, of Brooklyn, N. Y., she has one son, Donald Banks Toby. Mr. and Mrs. Toby reside in Brooklyn. Mary Banks, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Elias Banks, passed but five brief summers on earth. Edward Prinee Banks, the elder son, who was born in 1848, and was a clerk in the First National Bank of Portland, died in 1893, at the age of forty- four. The younger son, William. Seward Banks, who was born in 1854, and was a well- known druggist in Portland, died in 1890.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 25

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