Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 61

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

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George Burnham, also a native of Gilead, born in 1816, was reared to agricultural pur- suits, and succeeded to the ownership of the farm which his father cleared from the wilder- ness. He is still living there, a well-pre- served man of seventy-nine years. He mar- ried Florilla A. Burbank, who was born in Gilead in 1824. She was a daughter of Gen- eral James Burbank, who, as far as known, was a lifelong resident of Gilead, where he was a successful farmer. He was also an ex- tensive dealer in cattle, which he bought in the adjacent towns, and drove to the cattle market in Brighton, Mass. He was quite prominent in military circles, being an officer in the State militia. George Burnham's fam- ily included eight children; namely, Mellen P., James V., Perley P., Charles A., Mary E., Martha I., George I., and Stella A.

Perley Putnam Burnham was educated at Gould Academy in Bethel and at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kent's Hill. After completing the course of study at the latter institution, Mr. Burnham began clerking in the general store of R. A. Chapman in Bethel, where he remained four years, obtaining a general insight into the details of the busi-

ness. He was next employed for two years with the firm of Deering, Milliken & Co. of Portland. He left them to come to Bridgton as a member of the firm of Davis, Stevens & Co., general merchants. In 1875 Mr. Burnham purchased the interest of his partners, and has since that time conducted a thriving business alone. He occupies a double store on Main Street, where he carries an extensive and well-selected stock of dry and fancy goods and a complete line of carpets. The constant increase of the number of his customers shows that his tireless efforts to please and accommo- date the public are appreciated. Outside his store he has other interests. He is President of the Bridgton Creamery Association, Treas- urer of the Bridgton & Saco River Railroad Company, and a Trustee of the savings-bank for the past twenty-six years, during seven of which he was also Treasurer.

Mr. Burnham has been twice married. His first marriage was contracted in 1874 with Helen M., daughter of Lincoln and Maria Nichols, of Searsport. She died in 1885 ; and Mr. Burnham subsequently married her sister, Catherine F. Nichols. Of his first union there was born one child, named Edith; and of his second, a son, named Harold N. In politics Mr. Burnham is a steadfast Republi -: can. Both he and his estimable wife attend the Congregational church.

ENRY M. JONES, of the Megquier & Jones Company. makers of plain and ornamental brass and iron works, located at 31 and 33 Pearl Street, Portland, is an active and valued factor of the mercantile and manufacturing life of the city. A native of Portland, he was born May 6, 1857, being one of the three sons - Charles F., Louis M., and Henry M. - of Levi J. and Susan A. (Frye) Jones. His father, whose birth occurred April 22, 1830, is a cooper by trade, being at the present time foreman in J. H. Hamlin & Son's West India Cooperage Company. His mother, who was born March 17, 1828, died in 1893.

Henry M. Jones attended the Portland schools until reaching the age of fourteen years, when he entered the employ of C. A.

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Donnell, a manufacturer of brass goods, con- tinuing with him fourteen years, and becom- ing thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the business. In 1888, in company with Arthur S. Megquier, he bought Mr. Donnell's entire business, the two men forming a copart- nership under the firm name of Megquier & Jones, which connection continued until the death of the senior partner in June, 1892. Mr. Jones then conducted the business alone until February, 1895, when Mr. H. C. Gilson took an interest, a corporation being formed under its present style of Megquier & Jones Company. This firm makes a specialty of iron work for buildings, patent sidewalk lights and gratings, wire guards and railings, ship and yacht fittings, and fireplace furnishings, their manufactures being among the finest of the kind in the city, and noted for their artis- tic and substantial finish. They are also largely engaged in nickel-plating and polish- ing. Mr. Jones is a member and at the pres- ent time President of the Builders' Exchange, and is likewise a member in high standing of the Portland Board of Trade and of the Port- land Club. In politics he is a stanch Repub- lican, sustaining the principles of his party by voice and vote.

The union of Mr. Jones with Miss Emma E. Kimball, daughter of George and Elvina (Hodgdon) Kimball, of Bethel, Me., was solemnized September 22, 1881. Three chil- dren have been born to them; namely, Harold D., Albert H., and Marion. The family re- sides at 31 Crescent Street, and is held in high esteem throughout the neighborhood as thoroughly representative of the best element of citizenship. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Jones are believers in the fatherhood of God, and are attendants of the Congress Square Universalist Church.

RANK MORRIS FLOYD, superin- tendent of Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, Me., was born in this city September I, 1847. His parents were Daniel and Harriet (Kimball) Floyd, the former a native of Gorham, and the latter of Kennebunkport, this State. Daniel Floyd had an aptitude for mechanics; and, when a

young man, he learned the trade of carpenter and builder, carrying it on for a while in the place of his nativity, but afterward removing to Portland, where he continued in business until his demise, April 17, 1857. On first settling here, he engaged in contracting and building; but later he owned and operated a planing and builder's finishing mill on Com- mercial Street, on the site now occupied by the Gault Block. He was a member of the Mechanics' Association of this city, being quite influential in its councils. His wife, who lived until April 27, 1884, bore him five children, namely: Hattie, who died young ; Andrew M., of Deering; Charles R., de- ceased ; George Mendum, of Maine; and Frank Morris.

After completing his education in the Port- land public schools, Frank M. Floyd was employed as a teamster until 1869, when he be- came connected with the city fire department as a driver, a position which he filled for fif- teen consecutive years, becoming a veteran in the service. Beginning with the least im- portant team, he was gradually promoted until at the time of his resignation, July 20, 1884, he was driver of the large hook and ladder truck. On the above given date Mr. Floyd was elected foreman of Evergreen Cemetery, in that capacity showing such good taste and practical skill that two years later he was ap- pointed to his present responsible position. This cemetery is one of the most beautiful burial-grounds in the State. It includes two hundred and sixty acres, and is finely laid out, with winding avenues and footpaths. Under the able superintendence of Mr. Floyd, who keeps some thirty men and seven horses em- ployed during the entire season, radical changes have been made, the drives having been widened, and the main entrance re- modelled. In addition to his other duties, Mr. Floyd also keeps a complete record of all the burials, his management of the place being very systematic.

Mr. Floyd occupies a very high position among the leading members of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Ancient Landmark Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Greenleaf Chapter ; St. Albans Commandery, Knights Templars; Portland Council; Yates Lodge of Perfec-

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tion; and to the Maine Consistory, which includes Princes of Jerusalem and Rose Croix, thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Ionia Chapter of the Eastern Star, which admits ladies to membership, and is likewise identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the Ancient Brothers Lodge; the Portland En- campment, the Grand Canton, Ridgely; and to the Woodbine, Rebekah Degree, Lodge.

On September 27, 1868, Mr. Floyd was married to Miss Delia F. Knight, daughter of James Knight, of Scarboro, Me. Two chil- dren have been born of this union, namely : Daniel, deceased ; and Arthur James, who was graduated from Gray's College and is assisting his father. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd are one in their faith in God's eternal love, and are regular attendants of the Church of the Messiah, which earnestly sustains the Uni- versalist doctrines.

AVID GRAY LORING, formerly a well-known and still a well-remem- bered resident of North Yarmouth, a member of the Maine legislature in 1874, was born in this ancient town, March 24, 1813. He was a son of David and Mary (Chadbourne) Loring.

The ancestors of the family were early set- tlers in Cumberland County. Three brothers came from England and settled, one in Maine, one in Massachusetts, and one in New Hampshire. From the first of these the sub- ject of this sketch is descended. David Lor- ing was a native and life-long resident of North Yarmouth. He was a schoolmaster, giving some attention to farming, and was a worthy and influential citizen. He died in 1825, aged forty-one years. He and his wife, Mary Chadbourne, who was a native of Gor- ham, Me., were the parents of the following children : David Gray, Samuel Chadbourne, Francis, George, Mary Ann, Nancy Chad- bourne, and Elizabeth Chadbourne.

Left a widow with this group of little ones, the eldest, David Gray, being only twelve years of age, the mother sought by careful training to inculcate in her children's minds high ideals of right and honor, and was re-

warded by seeing them all at length occupying useful positions in life. Then, as a shock of corn cometh in, in his season, she came to her grave in a full age, being over eighty-one years old when called to pass from earth.

David Gray Loring, having acquired his ed- ucation in the schools of his native town, learned the trade of a cooper, which he fol- lowed a short time in his early manhood, re- siding in Massachusetts. Later he returned to North Yarmouth, where he settled upon a tract of unimproved land, which he cleared into a good farm, and by his energy and perseverance reached a state of comfortable prosperity, own- ing the homestead property of over forty acres, together with other valuable lands in the vicin- ity. The present buildings were erected by him in a thoroughly substantial manner; and he always manifested a just pride in the care and cultivation of the farm which he had so laboriously reclaimed from the wilderness, ever aiming to keep pace with the times in all improved methods of farming and in new ma- chinery. He died at his home in North Yarmouth, December 22, 1884.

In politics Mr. Loring was a Republican, ever active, looking well to the best interests of his town and party and of the community. He rendered good service to the district as its Representative to the legislature during the season of 1874. An honest man and upright in all his dealings, he left a fragrant memory as one who ably and faithfully performed the duties of citizenship. He was a charter mem- ber of the Wescustogo Grange, in whose in- terests he worked diligently, both as an officer and patron, until his death. In religious preference he was a Congregationalist.

On November 11, 1840, Mr. Loring was united in marriage with Phebe Gray Loring, who was born in North Yarmouth, September 14, 1815. She was a daughter of Ichabod Richmond and Marjory (York) Loring, a direct descendant of Miles Standish, the former of whom was a prosperous farmer and a well-known citizen of North Yarmouth. Mr. and Mrs. David Gray Loring had a family of three children, as follows: Georgianna F., who is now the wife of Joseph Hilton, of North Yarmouth; Ella B., who resides at the homestead; and Frank W., a resident of An-

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dover, Me. Mrs. Loring died July 24, 1887. She was a member of the Congregational church and an earnest Christian.

The old Loring farm, which was cleared and improved by David G. Loring over fifty years ago, is now owned and conducted by his daughter, Miss Ella B. Loring, an intelligent and highly respected lady, possessing many estimable traits of character ..

RTHUR LEE BATES, Vice-President of the Union Mutual Life Insurance Company of Portland, Me., was born at Northbridge, Mass., March 25, 1851, his parents being the Rev. William and Cornelia F. (Lee) Bates. His father was a well-known Congregational clergyman, born January 18, 1816, in Dedham, Mass.

The Bates family are of English origin, the name having formerly been spelled Batc. The "History of the Town of Hingham, Mass.," in its genealogical pages, gives the names of several of the Bate ancestors who, so far as known, never left their native Eng- land, namely : Thomas Bate, of Lydd, parish of All Hallows; his son John, who died in 1522 ; Andrew, son of John and father of John, second; and in the fifth generation Jaines, son of John, second, and father of Clement. Elsewhere it is recorded that John Bate, son of Thomas, in his will bequeathed his soul to "God, Our Lady, St. Mary, and all the Holy Company of Heaven," and, after various doles for the poor and for the service of the church, left special legacies to the wife and daughter of his son Andrew and to his son Thomas, appointing these sons executors.

James Bates had thirteen children, one son being Clement, who was born January 22, 1595, and was a tailor by trade. Clement Bates with his wife Ann and five children embarked at London for America on April 6, 1635, in the ship "Elizabeth," William Stagg, master, and, on arriving in Massachusetts, settled in Hingham. His son Joseph, probably born in England about 1630, died April 30, 1706. Joseph's son Joshua was born in Hingham, August 14, 1671 ; and his son Joshua, second, born June 15, 1698, was a lifelong resident of Hingham, dying there March 16, 1766. He

was father of Joshua, third, who was born De- cember 1, 1724, and died June 8, 1816. His son Zealous, born March 1, 1754, died at Westboro, Mass., July 5, 1831. Zealous Bates married Abigail Nichols, of Westboro, who was born January 22, 1757, and died in Cohasset, September 25, 1812.

Their son Joshua was born at Cohasset, March 20, 1776, and was graduated from Harvard College in 1800. He was assistant one year at Phillips Academy, Andover, was ordained pastor of the First Congregational Church at Dedham, March 16, 1803, remaining there fifteen years. September 4, 1804, he married Anna Poor, daughter of Deacon Daniel Poor, of Andover. She died February 7, 1826. On February 8, 1827, he married Maria Sage Latimer, a native of Middletown, Conn., born in 1786, her death occurring August 12, 1855. From March 18, 1818, until after the Commencement in 1839, the Rev. Joshua Bates was President of Middle- bury College, afterward serving as Chaplain of the National House of Representatives at Washington during the Twenty-sixth Con- gress, 1839-40. Going then to Portland, Me., he supplied the pulpit of Dr. Chickering for several weeks, then declined a call to settle at Northboro, Mass., but preached there two years, going thence to the Congregational church at Dudley, Mass., where he was in- stalled March 22, 1843, forty years after his ordination at Dedham. He continued pastor of the Dudley church until his decease, Janu- ary 14, 1854. He had thirteen children by his first marriage and one by the second. Two sons and three daughters became teachers; two married college professors; one son became a lawyer ; and one, William, father of Arthur Lee, a clergyman.

William Bates was graduated at Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt., in 1837, while his father, the Rev. Joshua Bates, was President of that institution, and from Andover Theo- logical Seminary in 1840. He was ordained as pastor of the Congregational church at Northbridge in November, 1845, retaining the pastorate twelve years. He was installed pastor of the church in Falmouth, Mass., June 16, 1858, continuing there until the close of his earthly labors by death, September 10,

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1859. On June 8, 1848, in Northampton, he married Miss Cornelia F. Lee, who was born in Conway, Mass., December 7, 1826. Five children were born to them, namely : William, who died, aged five; Arthur Lee; Jeannie; Samuel Lee, a manufacturer of church organs in Philadelphia; and Katharine Lee, Professor of English Literature in Wellesley College.

Arthur Lee Bates was educated in the public schools, and while yet a boy was employed in a book store in Northampton, Mass. When but eighteen years of age, he became junior clerk for the Union Mutual Life Insurance Company, and on its removal to this city in 1881 he came with it. Having risen from one position to another, in 1885 he was elected Assistant Secretary, and two years later was made Secretary. In 1893 his executive ability as well as his trustworthiness being recognized by the company, he was elected to his present responsible position, and at the same time elected a member of the Board of Directors of the company. On November 15, 1894, Mr. Bates completed his twenty-fifth year in the service of the company, the anniversary being made the occasion of many congratula- tions from friends in this city and elsewhere. His long connection with the company and his personal contact with its agents and em- ployees have made him hosts of friends; and their congratulations, coming from all sections of the United States and Canada, were as hearty as they were spontaneous. Mr. Bates is a stanch Republican in politics and a popu- lar member of many social organizations, be- longing to Portland Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; to Haddattah Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and to Cagawesco Tribe of Red Men.

Of the union of Mr. Bates with Miss Nellie Gertrude, daughter of George L. and Elizabeth (Locke) Bean, of Newtonville, Mass., three children have been born - Elizabeth Frances ; Margaret, who died in infancy; and Dorothy Whittemore. Mr. and Mrs. Bates are attend- ants of the Williston Congregational Church, and reside at 95 West Street, having erected their beautiful house in 1890.

As previously mentioned, Mr. Bates comes of a highly intellectual and cultured family, many of whom are prominent in the professions

and in the literary world, not the least note- worthy being his sister Katharine, of whom the Wellesley Magasine, in its issue of Novem- ber, 1894, speaks in most glowing terms, as follows: "Miss Katharine Lee Bates, Pro- fessor of English at Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., is universally agreed to be far and away the most brilliant graduate Wellesley has ever turned out. While still a young student her power was recognized, she even then writing verse of so rare and fine a quality that she received complimentary notice from the poet Longfellow, her work being accepted and published by the Atlantic Monthly.

"Since her graduation, notwithstanding her duties as teacher, she has been an indefatigable writer, editing books for class work, such as 'The Ballad Book, ' the 'Ancient Mariner,' and the 'Merchant of Venice,' even in this semi- hack work imparting her own inimitable grace and depth of thought. Her book on 'The English Religious Drama,' brought out about a year ago, received hearty commendations from the press and from scholarly men. Miss Bates has also published two books for younger children, one of them, 'Rose and Thorn,' winning the seven-hundred-dollar prize offered by the Congregational Society of Boston, the. other being 'Hermit Island,' which was

written in the same charming and sympathetic vein that makes her work so delightful. The Lothrop House has also brought out a 'Wed- ding Day Book' compiled by Miss Bates, and three dainty booklets, 'Sunshine,' .'Santa Claus's Riddle,' and 'Goody Santa Claus.' Two volumes of her verse, 'The College Beau- tiful' and 'Sunshine,' she has allowed to be used for the benefit of various college funds. Her poems are widely known and read, appear- ing in the leading magazines and papers of the day, the Century, Atlantic, New England Magazine, the Independent, Christian Union, Youth's Companion, and a host of others, the poem with which she herself is most satisfied being ' The Ideal,' which was published in the Century.

"There are none connected with Wellesley College whose hearts have not been stirred by the poetic insight, the wonderful depth and breadth of thought, and the pure sweetness of

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all work that leaves her hand. And the best of it all is that this daughter of Wellesley, in whom our hearts feel most pride, is still a young woman; and, when she shall be able to devote all her time and strength to her beloved art, she will do yet more exquisite and more wonderful work."

AMES PENNELL, President of the Westbrook Trust Company, one of the most reliable banking institutions in Cumberland County, was born in Gray, Me., July 4, 1818, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Stone) Pennell. He is of Scottish descent, and is a representative of the fourth genera- tion of his family in Cumberland County, where his great-grandfather settled some time prior to the Revolution.

Mr. Pennell's paternal grandfather, Joseph by name, was born and reared in Cumberland County, and here spent his life; and his son Joseph was a native resident of the town of Gray, in the same county. Joseph Pennell, the younger, was a farmer and shoemaker. He died in Gray, Me., while yet in the prime of life. His wife, who was a native of York County, Maine, was also ealled to depart be- fore her years had numbered threescore and ten. Eight children were born to them, James being the sixth and to-day the only living member of the family.

James Pennell remained with his parents until about fifteen years of age. He then went to Gray Corners to learn the shoemaker's trade, entering the establishment of Pennell & Berry, shoe manufacturers, the senior part- ner being his eldest brother. After an ap- prenticeship of three years he worked as a journeyman for some time, and then he started a business of his own in New Gloucester, Me. ; but within five years he was compelled to dis- pose of his business on aecount of ill health. In 1854 he went to Westbrook and engaged in the manufacture of wire in company with G. & L. P. Warren, under the style of Warren & Pennell. This enterprise proved a sueeessful one; and Mr. Pennell retained his connection with it till 1877, when the firm sold the busi- ness. Shortly after, Mr. Pennell engaged in the sale of hardware in Westbrook; and, this

venture also proving successful, he remained in the business some fifteen years. In 1892 he sold his stock in trade to H. T. Boynton, and has since been praetieally retired from mer- eantile activities, giving his whole attention .. to his private business and the affairs of the Westbrook Trust Company. This company was organized January 11, 1890, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Pennell was one of the first Directors; and soon after the death of the first President, Leander Valen- tine, which occurred in the fall of 1895, he was elected President. The company has a progressive history, and its President is one of the representative business men of the eounty.

Mr. Pennell was married in New Glouces- ter, Me., to Miss Mary Abigail Taylor, a na- tive of New Gloucester, daughter of William and Mary Taylor. She died in 1852, leaving three children - Mary, George, and Joseph, all of whom have joined their mother in the world beyond. Mr. Pennell subsequently married, in 1853, Miss Jane M. Haskell, of Westbrook, a lady of more than ordinary in- telligence, who still lives to grace his home. She is the mother of six children, namely : Frank H., in the Cumberland paper-mills in Westbrook; Anna S., wife of Frank B. Libby, proprietor of the Joslin House at Prout's Neck, Me. ; Jennie F., who has taught school in Westbrook for some years, and is re- siding with her parents; Marcia W., who died at the age of eighteen; Bertha M., wife of Harry Brooks, of Westbrook; and Mary E., a graduate of the Westbrook High School, who is with her parents.

Mr. Pennell cast his first vote with the Whigs, and helped to swell the majority for the first President Harrison. He has been a member of the Republican party since its organization, and has filled many offices of public trust in Westbrook. He was a mem- ber of the Board of County Commissioners three years, the last year officiating as Presi- dent of the Board. Before Westbrook was granted a city charter he served on the Board of Selectmen for many years, filling the Presi- dent's ehair two years; and under the city government he has served as Assessor one year. He has been a Mason and Odd Fellow

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for many years: has filled all the offices of Temple Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M. ; and has advanced as far as Scribe in Eagle Chapter, No. 11; is a member of Portland Commandery, Knights Templars; and belongs to Saccarappa Lodge, No. 11, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Pennell attend the Congregational church, and their daughters are active workers in the church and Sunday-school.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 61

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