Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 79

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

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George C. Jordan entered Gorham Academy when but fourteen years old. Three years later, in 1878, he became a student at West-

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brook Seminary, and afterward, in 1879 and 1880, he took a course at the Portland Busi- ness College, which now, in honor of its prin- cipal, L. A. Gray, is called Gray's Business College. Receiving his diploma from Pro- fessor Gray in 1880, Mr. Jordan returned to the homestead, where he worked on the farm during the summer season, and in the winters was employed as a clerk in the general store of H. R. Colesworth, of West Gorham. On November 7, 1892, he bought out his em- ployer ; and he has since carried on an exten- sive and lucrative business, having a large local trade in groceries, grain, and produce. During the same year he was appointed Post- master at West Gorham, succeeding Mr. Coles- worthy.

Mr. Jordan was united in marriage January 30, 1894, with Miss Olive M., daughter of H. R. Colesworthy, of Gorham. Like his father, Mr. Jordan is liberal and progressive in religion and a stanch Republican in politics. Socially, he belongs to Gorham Lodge, No. 98, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

A® MOS A. TRUE, a practical farmer in good circumstances, now one of the oldest residents of Pownal, was born in this town, December 12, 1821, son of John and Esther (Allen) True. He is a direct descendant of Henry True, the original ancestor of the family in America, who emi- grated from England and settled in Salem, Mass., about the year 1644.

Mr. True's great-grandfather, Jonathan True, was born in Salisbury, Mass., February 8, 1721, moved to North Yarmouth in or be- fore the year 1758, and became a prominent resident of that town, there spending the re- mainder of his life. He was a man of energy and foresight, who sought to develop the in- dustrial resources of the locality; and he erected and operated the first cloth-mill in the then district of Maine. Both he and his wife, Anna Bradbury, were members of the Congre- gational church. He died February 2, 1791.

Mr. True's grandfather, Jonathan True, second, was born in North Yarmouth, April 30, 1758. He joined the Continental army during the Revolutionary War, serving at the

capture of Ticonderoga, and he was for a time stationed at Chebeague Island. He subse- quently engaged in agricultural labors, which he followed successfully for many years. He died in Freeman, Me., November 10, 1844. On December 13, 1781, he married Mehitable Worthley. They reared a family of nine chil- dren, of whom John, Mr. True's father, was the second-born.

. John True was born in Freeport, August 7, 1785, his birthplace being not far from his son's present home in Pownal. He was reared to farm work; and in young manhood he settled in Pownal upon a tract of wild land, which he cleared and cultivated. He was a pioneer settler in the town, coming here when it was covered with virgin forests; and he resided here until his death, which took place March 28, 1861. Some twelve years previous he had relinquished active labor upon the farm, and in company with one of his sons engaged suc- cessfully in trade in Pownal. He united with the Congregational church in Pownal when a young man, continuing to be one of its active members during the rest of his life; and in politics he supported the Whig and Republi- can parties. He was three times married, and was the father of ten children. Of these but two are now living, namely : Amos A., the subject of this sketch, who was a son by his second union; and John H., who was born May 29, 1824, and is residing with his brother. Mr. John True's second wife, whose maiden name was Esther Allen, was born in Pownal, May 8, 1799, died June 7, 1829.

Amos A. True was educated in the district school, and at an early age began to assist his father in the lighter labors of the farm and fields. On November 6, 1867, he took possession of his present farm of one hundred acres, which is a part of the original home property ; and he has since conducted it with energy and success.

On November 17, 1846, Mr. True was united in marriage to Irene Ann Berry. She was born in Pownal, March 20, 1824, daughter of Zebulon and Betsey (Nutting) Berry, the former of whom was a native of Scarboro, and the latter of Pownal. Zebulon Berry, who was a prosperous farmer of Pownal and was three times married, died March 16, 1864. Mrs.

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Betsey N. Berry, Mrs. True's mother, died in 1825. Mr. and Mrs. True have three sons, namely: John and Charles L., who assist in carrying on the farm; and William J., who is a blacksmith of North Yarmouth.

Mr. True is liberal in his religious views and a Democrat in politics. He has led a life of industry and toil, always making the best of his opportunities; and he is a well-known figure in his part of the town, enjoying the good will and esteem of his neighbors and fellow-citizens.

APTAIN JOSEPH R. CURTIS, for- merly a well-known ship-master of Yarmouthville, who died in Cardiff, Wales, March 3, 1873, was born in Yarmouth, October 11, ISIO, son of William and Olive (Stubbs) Curtis. Captain Curtis's father, who was born July 15, 1777, was an early settler in Yarmouth, where for some time he followed the trade of a ship calker. H later moved to Leeds, Androscoggin County, and engaged successfully in farming, residing there until a few years before his death, when he came to Yarmouth to live with his son. He died July 12, 1851. He was an indus- trious farmer, an able business man, and a useful citizen, well known and highly respected for his many estimable qualities. In politics he was a Whig, later joining the Republican party at its formation; and in his religious views he was a Baptist. His wife, Olive Stubbs, who was born December 2, 1779, be- came the mother of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity, and all have now passed away. Mrs. Olive S. Curtis died Jan- uary 19, 1849. She was a member of the Bap- tist church.

Joseph R. Curtis grew to manhood in Leeds, and was educated in the common schools of that town. He began teaching school at the age of seventeen, but, after following that oc- cupation for a short time, decided to try his fortune upon the sea. He shipped as a sailor before the mast, in which humble capacity he labored diligently, seeking to master the details of his calling; and, being intelligent and of keen perceptions, he rapidly acquired a knowledge of the elementary principles of

navigation. His ability and ambition caused him to advance step by step through the various responsible positions on shipboard ; and, possessing the necessary executive ability, together with a character which was beyond reproach, he at length secured the command of a merchantman, and from that time became a prosperous and successful ship-master. He followed the sea for considerably over forty years, and was in command of several well- known vessels of his day engaged in the foreign trade, his voyages being always attended with profitable results, both to himself and his owners. His business ability was known and recognized in shipping circles, the utmost con- fidence and reliance being placed in him by his employers, who never had the slightest cause to question his honesty and integrity; and his high character as a man was appreciated by all with whom he had business dealings. He was always alert in forwarding his owners' interests, and was familiar with the methods of trade in the various important seaports of the world; and, aside from his interest in the vessels under his charge, he owned shares in many other ships, which proved to be profitable investments. His life was an energetic and busy one, he never losing an opportunity for insuring a quick and profitable voyage; and he was actively engaged in attending to his duties at the time of his death, which took place as above mentioned.

On September 15, 1844, Captain Curtis was united in marriage with Louisa J. Sumner. She was born in Green, Me., August 18, 1821, daughter of Houghton and Mary (Rogers) Sumner, the former of whom was a native of Vermont, and the latter of Hanover, Mass. Houghton Sumner settled in Leeds, Me., where he was a prosperous farmer. He dicd at the age of seventy-nine. He was a Demo- crat in politics. His wife became the mother of eleven children, eight of whom grew up, and four are now living, namely : Elvira A., now Mrs. Pettingill, residing in Leeds; Louisa J., who became Mrs. Curtis; Augusta W., who is now Mrs. Carver, of Leeds; and Joshua H., also a resident of Leeds. Mrs. Sumner lived to reach the age of eighty-three years. She and her husband belonged to the Baptist church, of which their daughter, Mrs.

JOSEPH R. CURTIS.

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Curtis, has been a member since she was twenty-three years of age.

Captain and Mrs. Curtis had eight children, as follows: Oceana H., who became Mrs. Thomas McWattie, is now living in Chicago, and has no children; Josephine R., who is now Mrs. Warren W. Pullen, resides in North Yarmouth, and has had twelve children, eleven of whom are now living; Mary O., who be- came Mrs. Edward Raynes, and lives in Yar- mouth, has had three children, two now living ; William R., a resident of Scattle, Wash. ; Anna L., who resides in Yarmouth; Eliza A. T., who became Mrs. Luther Hyde, and is residing in New York City; Melville S., who died in infancy; and Herman O., who died at the age of two years.

Captain Curtis was a Democrat in politics ; and, although his long periods of absence from home prevented him from taking an active part in public affairs, he served efficiently as First Selectman. He and his wife settled in Yarmouthville shortly after their marriage. Mrs. Curtis, now in her seventy-fifth year, a lady of pleasing manners and of unusual intelli- gence and ability, still occupies the fine old residence which has been her home for more than half a century. Captain Curtis was a highly respected citizen, a generous contrib- utor to charitable movements, and a kind hus- band and father. He was liberal in his religious views, and deeply interested in the Masonic fraternity, in which he had advanced as far as the Royal Arch degree.

The memory of Captain Joseph R. Curtis is cherished by numerous friends and acquaint- ances, albeit many have followed him to the unknown shore; and his portrait on another page of this volume will be widely recognized and appreciated.

OHN L. TAYLOR, a progressive and prosperous farmer of Freeport, Me., was born in the town of Horton, Kings County, N.S., October 9, 1838, son of William and Lovina (Follett) Taylor.

William Taylor was born in Scotland, Janu- ary 10, 1801, and was an intelligent and thrifty farmer. He spent his early manhood on a farm in Nova Scotia; but, thinking that

the United States offered better opportunities for advancement, he removed to Maine, locat- ing first in Westbrook and then in Pownal, where he owned a good farm of about one hundred acres. He became a naturalized citi- zen of the United States, casting his vote with the Democratic party ; and he joined the leading social organization of the day, the Masonic fraternity. His last years were spent at the present home of his son in Freeport, where he died in May, 1885. On April 9, 1836, he was married to Lovina Follett, who was born in Kings County, Nova Scotia, Sep- tember 18, 1814. She is now living with her son, the subject of this sketch.

Nine children completed the home circle of Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor, namely: John L .; Elizabeth J., born September 17, 1840, who lives on the homestead in Freeport ; William, born December 22, 1841, who died December 12, 1894; Absalom, born January 5, 1844, a professional nurse, whose home is in West Medford, Mass .; Ellen R., born De- cember 13, 1846, who lives in Lawrence, Mass. ; Alexander, who was born January 16, 1848, and died December 12, 1891 ; Alfred A., who was born May 15, 1850, and died November 21, 1892; Julia F., born July 13, 1854, who lives on the homestead; and Charles E., born January 13, 1857, a profes- sional nurse residing in Boston, Mass.

John L. Taylor acquired the greater part of his education in Westbrook, Me. He went to work when sixteen years of age, engaging as a canvasser for a business firm, and was so employed for two years. This developed his taste for mercantile pursuits ; and for many years after he was engaged in trade, selling miscellaneous goods in the New England and Southern States. In 1870 the family united their resources, and purchased the homestead in Freeport, conceding to him the position of general manager. Accordingly, disposing of his mercantile interests, he took up the pur- suit of agriculture, in which he has been emi- nently successful. The estate is a valuable one, comprising about one hundred acres; and the house, which was built in 1891, is one of the finest residences in this part of the town. Here Mr. Taylor has a pleasant home with his mother and sisters ; and here his father and his

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brothers, who have passed to the world beyond, spent their last years, united in filial co-operation. Mr. Taylor has worked very hard to attain the prosperity which is now his, and his success is due to his own energy and good judgment.

Mr. Taylor votes the Republican ticket. He is an esteemed member of Freeport Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M .; of Freeport Lodge, Knights of Pythias; and of the Independent Order of Red Men of Freeport. He attends the Universalist church, while his mother and sisters are respected members of the Meth- odist church.

LBION P. TOPLIFF, M. D., a prom- inent and wealthy physician of Wood- ford's, Me., where he has been in practice since 1878, was born at Freedom, Carroll County, N. H., March 14, 1843. His parents were Dr. Calvin and Ann (Andrews) Topliff, the father a native of Hanover, N. H., the mother of Freedom, N. H. The Topliff family is of English descent, the ancestral home being in Lincolnshire, England.

Calvin Topliff was reared in Hanover, the seat of Dartmouth College, which was his Alma Mater. He was graduated from the medical department, and for forty years was in active practice at Freedom, ranking among the foremost physicians in the locality. He served as Town Clerk of Freedom for many years, and was also a leading man on the School Board. In the councils of the Masonic fraternity he was an active member, being Master of the lodge at Freedom for many years; and the new chapter is named in his honor, Calvin Topliff Chapter. Dr. Calvin Topliff died in 1867. His wife was a daughter of Deacon John A. Andrews, of Freedom, and a professing member of the Congregational church, to which he also belonged. They reared six children, of whom Albion P. was the youngest.

Albion P. Topliff attended the common schools of Freedom, fitted for college at the Masonic Charitable Institute of Effingham, N. H., and was graduated from Dartmouth in October, 1867. He read medicine with his father, and supplemented his studies by a

course at Bellevue Hospital, New York. Dr. Topliff began to practise in Freedom, N. H., and in 1871 removed to Gorham, Me., in the mean time taking a post-graduate course in medicine. In 1878 he settled at Woodford's, where he has a large established practice. He is thoroughly versed in all branches of his pro- fession, and is a man of kindly disposition and generous nature, a model, so his friends think, of all that a physician should be. He keeps well in touch with modern progress in medical and surgical methods, belonging to the Maine Medical and the Cumberland County Medical Society and the Maine Acad- emy of Medicine.

December 9, 1875, Dr. Topliff was united in marriage with Caroline B. Adams, daughter of James Adams, a prominent attorney of Norridgewock, Me., law partner of Judge Tenney. Four children have brightened their home, three of whom are living; namely, Annie T., Florence A., and Philip.

Dr. Topliff is not an aspirant for political preferment, but while at Freedom was Super- visor of Schools for several years; and he has served one year on the School Board at Wood- ford's. He is well advanced in Masonry, be- longing to Woodford's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Portland Commandery, Knights Templars, and Greenleaf Chapter. Dr. and Mrs. Topliff are esteemed members of the Episcopal church.

DWARD R. DOYLE, a successful farmer, one of the old residents of Yar- mouth, was born on Cousins Island, March 9, 1823, son of John and Lydia (Ham- ilton) Doyle. Mr. Doyle's grandfather, Elijah Doyle, who had been a resident of Harpswell, Me., settled upon Cousins Island, a part of the town of Yarmouth, in 1797. He cleared a good farm on the island, which was at that time nearly covered with timber, al- though a few families had established homes there. He reared a family of four children, as follows: Lizzie, who married and had a family; David, who was lost at sea; Jotham, who married and resided on the island; and John, Mr. Doyle's father.

John Doyle was born in Harpswell, April 4, 1781. He was in his early days a coaster and

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ship carpenter; and he followed other occupa- tions for a time, but eventually engaged in farming with his father. He became one of the leading residents of Cousins Island, own- ing one hundred acres of land; and he residcd there until his death, which took place when hc was eighty-six years old. He was twice married. His first wife, Lydia Hamilton, a native of the island of Chebeague, became the mother of nine children, two sons and seven daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, and of these two are now living, namcly : Edward R., the subject of this sketch; and Jane C., whosc husband, Moses True, died Junc 29, 1893, aged seventy years. The others were: Lucy, who became Mrs. Merrill; Lydia, who became Mrs. Mathews; Eliza; Deborah, who became Mrs. Bucknam; Dorcas; Almira; and John L. Mrs. Lydia H. Doyle lived to the age of fifty-eight years.

Edward R. Doyle received his education in the schools of Cousins Island, and at an early agc he turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits. He purchased the old Hill homestead, which he carried on until thirty-seven years of age, when he moved to the mainland, and, purchasing his present farm, has since residcd here. His cstate consists of sixty acres of fertile land, and he has followed gencral farm- ing industriously with excellent results.

On June 21, 1855, Mr. Doyle was married to Eliza J. Parker. She was born in Yarmouth, September 15, 1830, daughter of George and Jane Parker, the former of whom was a representative of one of the early families of Yarmouth. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle have threc children living, namely: John E., who was born December 1, 1857; Wallace R. and Oscar W., twins, who were born May 9, 1864. John E. Doyle is an energetic and progressive farmer of Yarmouth, well known and highly estecmcd. He owns one-half of the old homestead upon the island. Wallacc R. Doyle is also a prosperous farmer of Yar- mouth. Oscar W. Doyle learned the trade of a house joiner, which he follows as an occupa- tion. He is married and resides on Smith Street.

Mr. Doyle occupies a prominent placc among the prosperous residents of Yarmouth. He has led a busy life, his well-directed, un-

tiring efforts bcing attended with merited suc- cess; and, besides his valuable farm upon the mainland, he still owns a half-interest in the old homestead property on Cousins Island. Both he and his sons support the Republican party in politics. Mrs. Doyle is a member of the Congregational church.

OHN E. SAWYER, President of the well-known firm of Maxcy, Sawyer Company, importers of crockcry, china, lamps, glass, and silver-plated warc, who do a large and thriving business at 473 Congress Strect, Portland, was born in West- brook (now Decring), Cumberland County, Me., May 12, 1842, a son of John R. and Mary (Young) Sawyer, and grandson of Sam- uel Sawyer. His father was a carriage manu- facturer by trade. His marriage with Mary Young was blessed by the birth of a son and daughter - Mary H., who married Alfred R. Houston, of Westbrook, Mc .; and John E.

John E. Sawyer received his education in the common schools and at Westbrook Semi- nary. Shortly after leaving school, in 1859, he entered the employ of Charles E. Jose, who was engaged in the crockery business; and, after continuing with him about ten years as clerk, he was admitted as a member of the firm of Charles E. Josc & Co., this relation- ship extending up to the time of Mr. Jose's retirement from business in 1893. Since then Mr. Sawyer, in company with Mr. Maxcy, who has been a member of the firm since 1866, has carried on the business very successfully. In 1866 Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Miss Lucy A. Brazicr, a daughter of Enoch and Phoebe (Ilsley) Brazier. Their home has been brightened by the birth of two daughters -Alice Brazicr and Helen Blanche. In political affiliations Mr. Sawyer is a Demo- crat. In 1893-94 he served as Mayor of Dccring. He is quite prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Dcering Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he is Past Master; Mount Vernon Chapter, of which he is Past High Priest; and Portland Commandcry, of which he is Past Commander. He is also a member of Unity Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family are at-

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tendants of the Congregational church, and they have a pleasant home at Woodford's.

I SRAEL G. BROWN, a venerable and highly respected citizen of Bridgton, Me., now among the oldest of the native residents, has spent his long and useful life of fourscore and four years within the limits of this town, August 15, ISII, being the date of his birth. He is descended both on the paternal and the maternal side from Massachusetts ancestors, his father, Parker Brown, having been born in that State.

Parker Brown was a carpenter by trade, in- dustriously following his calling until his death, in 1825, while yet in the prime of man- hood. His wife, Ruth Green, who was like- wise a native of the old Bay State, outlived him many years, passing away in 1868. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Sallie; Martha; Jonathan ; Parker; Israel G., the special subject of this brief biographical sketch; Hannah, who married a Mr. Hazen ; John; and Betsey.

Israel G. Brown was but fourteen years old when his father died, and from that time he faithfully contributed his share toward the support of the family. Diligent, persevering, and economical, he gradually acquired capital ; and this he wisely invested, purchasing in 1855 his present estate. He has worked a great deal at the carpenter's trade, having built many of the handsome residences in this vicinity. Here he and his youngest sister, Betsey G., who, besides himself, is the only remaining member of the parental household, have since resided, he carrying on the agricult- ural work, while she has presided over the domestic affairs, their days being spent in use- ful activity and contentment. Mr. Brown has always taken an intelligent interest in local public matters, and is a faithful supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.

EORGE A. PORTER, a prosperous member of the farming community of Freeport, Me., was born on the old Porter homestead in this town on June 8, 1836, son of Joseph and Eliza (Huston)

Porter. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Porter, was one of the pioneer settlers of Freeport, cultivating a farm in the primitive days when the forests surrounding his home abounded in wild game, and the Indians hunted and fished at will. He was also ac- tively engaged to some extent in brick-mak - ing, taking the products of his labor to l'ort- land by team, as there were no railroads. He died on the farm which he had cleared, at an advanced age. His wife, a model helpmate of the olden time, who, besides thriftily perform- ing the many other duties of a farmer's wife, wove the cloth and made the clothing for her family, also attained an advanced age. They reared nine daughters and one son, Joseph, named above, all of whom are now gathered to their fathers.

Joseph Porter was born in Freeport, and there spent his life, following in the footsteps of his father as a farmer and brick-maker. He owned a large farm, and was one of the sub- stantial citizens of the place. In political bias he was a Democrat in the latter part of his life, though his first vote was cast for the Whig candidates. He lived to the age of eighty-two. His wife, who was born in the town of Gray, Me., died in her sixty-seventh year. They had a family of ten children, of whom the following have passed away : Joseph, William, Rebecca, and Benjamin. The living are: Eliza (Mrs. William Smith) ; Benjamin; George A., the subject of this sketch; Melissa (Mrs. Charles Jordan) ; Charles U. ; and John.

George A. Porter was reared on the old Porter farm, and acquired his first knowledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic in the district schools of Freeport. He chose the independent calling of a farmer as his life pursuit, and for seven years was manager of the town farm in Freeport. In April, 1869, he moved to his present homestead, a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres, where he raises all kinds of garden produce, and also has a dairy. Intelligent and progressive in his views and methods, Mr. Porter has made many improvements on his property; and he is regarded as one of the leading farmers of the locality.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 79

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