Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 8

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 8

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).

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

1862, he received a call to become pastor of the church at Farnumsville, Grafton, Mass., being ordained to the ministry in the follow- ing month, in the Roger Williams Free Baptist Church at Providence. He met with great success in his pastoral work, remaining at Farnumsville about three years, when, on account of his wife's failing health, he left that locality, by the advice of her physician coming to Maine. Here Mr. Pritchard ac- cepted a call to the churches of Unity and Thorndike in Waldo County. In 1866 he made another change, going to Pittsfield, N.H., where he had charge of the Free Baptist Church for about a year. Mrs. Pritchard's health being still in a precarious condition, he sought the seashore, taking under his pastoral charge the Free Baptist Church of Cape Elizabeth, where he resided twelve years, preaching the first half of the time there, and the other six years at the Bay Side Parish. While living at Cape Elizabeth, Mr. Pritchard was unanimously elected Town Clerk. For three years he was a member of the School Board, and for six years was Cricr of the Superior Court of Cumberland County in Portland.

In 1879 Mr. Pritchard removed to this city, where he embarked in his present business, which he has since prosperously carried on. During the years of his pastorates he officiated at hundreds of baptisms, marriages, and fu- nerals, often going long distances in order to do so; and he was selected to preach the sermon at almost all of the quarterly and yearly meetings of his denomination that he attended. He is connected by membership with many social organizations, belonging to the Masons; the Knights of l'ythias; the Sons of America; the White Men; the Guards of Liberty; the Grand Division, Sons of Tem- perance; and the Grand Lodge of Independent Order of Good Templars.

The death of his first wife, Mrs. Celie H. Pritchard, occurred on July 14, 1883, after his removal to Portland, her body being taken to South Killingly, Conn., and interred in the family burying-ground. On November 12, 1885, Mr. Pritchard was again married to Alice C., daughter of Charles and Catherine (Wadleigh) Howe, of Monticello, Aroostook

County. Their only child, Harold Kenneth Howe Pritchard, was born January 26, 1888, and is the life of their pleasant home at 75 Quebec Street. Mr. Pritchard has been very successful both as a preacher and as a business man, being genial, warm-hearted, and sympa- thetic, and possessing good executive ability. He is largely self-educated, reading intelli- gently and retaining all important facts. He is a great lover of good poetry, which he quotes fluently and with excellent effect.

ILLIAM H. BRIGHAM, a thor- ough-going and systematic farmer, was born in Bridgton on the home- stead where he now resides, March 6, 1823, this likewise being the birthplace of his father, Daniel Brigham, Jr., whose birth oc- curred in 1794. The original owner of the farm was the grandfather, Daniel Brigham, Sr., who was a pioneer of Cumberland County and one of the very first settlers of Bridgton. He erected his log cabin in the midst of the wilderness, and established a comfortable homestead. Here Daniel Brigham, Jr., his son and successor, carried on general farming, being also engaged a part of his time in black- smithing, having a shop on the farm. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and served with bravery until its close. He attained a good age, living until August 1, 1862. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Sophronia Emerson, nine children were born : namely, William H., Silas, Edward, Sarah, Ruth, Otis, Seth, Roxanna, and Eliza.

William H. Brigham received a practical common-school education, remaining with his parents until nineteen years old. He then started out for himself, going to Marlboro, Mass., where he was employed in agricultural work for seven years. Returning to this State, Mr. Brigham invested his hard-earned money in land, buying a farm in the town of Naples, where he lived eleven years. Dispos- ing of that property, he came back to his childhood home, of which, his father being in ill health, he assumed the charge, afterward purchasing the interest of the other heirs. The homestead contains one hundred and eigh- teen acres of land, most of which is under cul-

6 1

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

tivation; and here Mr. Brigham carries on general farming with profitable results, hav- ing comfortable and convenient farm build- ings and all the necessary machinery for practical work. In politics he sustains the principles of the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are true-hearted, Christian people, liberal in their religious views and worthy members of the Universalist church.

Mr. Brigham was married September 19, 1849, to Miss Lydia Stuart, of Harrison, she being a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Lom- bard) Stuart, who reared thirteen children; namely, Fanny, Samuel, Joshua, Abigail, Esther, George, Achsah, Emily, Calista, Frank (deceased), Lydia, Amos, and Johanna. All of these grew to adult life, and five daugh- ters and two sons are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Brigham have had no children.

ERRY JACKSON OSBORNE, a ven- erable and honored citizen of Gorham, Cumberland County, is a native of New Hampshire, having been born in the town of Lee, that State, January 3, 1815. His parents were the Rev. John B. and Mary (Frost) Osborne, both natives of New Castle, N.H .; and he is of English extraction, his grandfather, George J. Osborne, having been the emigrant ancestor. The last named came from England directly to Portsmouth, N. H., where he afterward resided until his death at a ripe old age. He was a school teacher by occupation. Further information relating to Mr. Osborne's ancestry is contained in the sketch of Woodbridge G. Osborne, his nephew.

The subject of this brief sketch obtained his education among the hillside schools of his native State. From his earliest rccollec- tion he has been engaged in agricultural pur- suits, finding the occupation pleasant and profitable. He owns a valuable timber farm in the town of Gorham, where he has resided for many years, being numbered among the well-to-do farmers of this part of the county.

Mr. Osborne was married March 1, 1852, to Elizabeth Leavis Martin, daughter of Will- iam and Sophia (Leavis) Martin, of Portland. Mrs. Osborne was born in Portland, November

27, 1822. She and her husband have three children living, the following being their record : Mary E., born May 13, 1853, is the wife of Clinton A. Moulton, of Buxton, and the mother of three children - Millic O., Margie, and Florcnee; Charles S., born June 2, 1857, lives on the old homestead; William H., born August 5, 1859, married Georgie Libby, of Gorham, who dicd leaving one son, Frank M., born March 27, 1882. In politics Mr. Osborne affiliates with the Democratic party, being one of its stanchest supporters ; and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church of Limington.

OSEPH H. SHORT, member of the firm of Milliken, Cousins & Short, wholesale dry-goods dealers of Port- land, was born in this eity, August II, 1847, son of John H. and Sarah A. (Pettis) Short. His father, who was a native of Port- land, Me., was born in 1810, and died in 1861 ; and his mother, who was born in 1815, survived her husband seventeen years, dying in 1878. After attending the common schools our subjeet completcd a course of study at Nesmith's Academy. He entered the employ of Storer & Cutler while still a boy, and was eventually promoted to a clerkship, which hc held for several years. In 1865 the style of the firm was changed to Deering, Milliken & Co., and a few years later Mr. Short became a partner. Another change made the name of the company W. H. Milliken & Co., and in 1890 it became Milliken, Cousins & Short. This establishment is one of the largest in Maine, and has an extensive trade all through the Eastern States and New York. It occu- pies the building at 164-166 Middle Street, Portland, and is five stories high and fifty by one hundred and seventy-five feet in dimen- sions. The firm has a number of storehouses, their business including the agency for several mills. Mr. Short has been connected with the enterprise since 1862, and a large share of its prosperity is due to his ability and fore- sight.

Mr. Short was married in 1869 to Harriet Leavitt, daughter of Samuel R. and Susan M. (Sawyer) Leavitt, who for more than a quarter

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

of a century has been a constant and sympa- thizing helpmeet. Politically, Mr. Short favors the Republican party. He is affiliated with several fraternal organizations, belonging to Ancient Landmark Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Greenleaf Chapter and Portland Commandery ; also to Unity Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; to the Cumberland Club; and to Bramhall League. He is active in church work, being connected with St. Stephen's Church, in which he is a Warden, and of which his wife is a member. Mr. and Mrs. Short have a pleasant home at 452 Cumber- land Street.

HARLES PEABBLES, a prominent, progressive, and prosperous agricult- urist of Cape Elizabeth, is a typical representative of the native-born citizens of the Cape, the date of his birth being August 24, 1833. His grandfather, Charles Peabbles, for whom he was named, was a native, and the descendant of one of the old settlers, of the Cape. He was one of the early farmers of the place, and, in addition to carrying on mixed husbandry, was profitably engaged as a miller, having a grist-mill on his farm, the neighbors all bringing their corn to him to be ground. His wife, Annie Mitch- ell, was a daughter of a pioneer settler, and a most faithful helpmeet. Seven of their children grew to adult life, John, Charles's father, being the fourth child. Both of the grandparents lived to venerable ages, the grandfather dying at the age of ninety-three years.

John Peabbles was born on the old home- stead, February 19, 1804, and during his years of activity was engaged in general farming. He married June 13, 1828, Hannah W. Jordan, who became the mother of six chil- dren, of whom the following five are living, residents of this place: William W., Charles, M. J., John A., and Hannah H.

Charles Peabbles was reared on the home farm, and attended the district school, becom- ing as familiar with the agricultural arts as with his books. Succeeding to the occupation in which he was reared, Mr. Peabbles is now numbered among the foremost farmers of this

vicinity and one of the most esteemed resi- dents of the Cape, which has always been his home. A man of enterprise and intelligence, he has been an important factor in the manage- ment of town affairs, having in 1860, 1863, and again in 1895, been elected to the office of Selectman. Politically, in national affairs he is a Democrat. Religiously, he is very liberal in his interpretation of the Bible, and is an attendant of the Methodist church.

One of the most important events in his career was his marriage with Sarah M., daughter of Dominicus Johnson, the descend- ant of a well-known family of Cape Elizabeth, their union having been celebrated July 4, 1856. They have one son and two daughters living, namely: Elizabeth Florence, born September 9, 1857, who is the wife of Charles H. Chace, of Portland; Charles H. A., born August 21, 1870, who resides on the home- stead; and Annie M., born July 1, 1873, also at home.

RASTUS EUGENE HOLT, M.D., a Portland physician of the highest stand- ing, and whose work in the interest of medical science in Maine marks an epoch in the history of the State, was born in Peru, Me., June 1, 1849, son of Erastus and Lu- cinda (Packard) Holt. Erastus Holt, the father, who was born in Weld, Franklin County, Me., moved to Peru shortly after his marriage. He was a carpenter by trade, and was also a farmer. In 1859 he went to Califor- nia, infected with the gold fever, but returned after a stay of two years, locating at Canton, Oxford County, where he still lives. In his younger days he took a prominent part in town affairs; and at the time of the Madawaska War he shouldered his musket, and took an active part in the contest. His wife, who was a native of Peru, died in 1861, leaving a son, the subject of this article, who was then but twelve years old.

Erastus Eugene Holt, M.D., attended the common schools of Peru and Canton, graduat- ing from the high school in the latter town. He taught for a while, and then attended school at Hebron Academy, Westbrook and Gorham Seminaries, teaching penmanship

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

while pursuing his studies. Subsequently he was elected Principal of the City Reform School of Boston, a position of great responsi- bility, which he filled ably and well. He prepared for college, but, being obliged to educate himself, concluded to spend all of his time in the study of medicine. He

graduated from the Medical School of Maine in 1874. Continuing his studies, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of Columbia College, New York City, and received his ad cundem diploma from that institution in 1875. Soon after he was elected Demonstrator of Anatomy in the Medical School of Maine, and served two years. He was the first regularly ap- pointed House Surgeon of the Maine General Hospital, in which capacity he served one year. Dr. Holt's specialty is ophthalmology and otology. To perfect himself in these branches of medical science, he studied in Boston, New York, and in Europe. While so engaged in London, he took part in the Seventh International Medical Congress, held in 1881. He has been a pioneer in the treatment of the eye and ear in Maine, and by great personal effort founded and carried forward to completion one of the noblest charities of the State - the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary, which is now one of the most prominent institutions within its borders. Dr. Holt is at the head of the management of the infirmary, an office which devolves upon him the weight of a great responsibility. The arduous and important work performed by him in this undertaking is recognized by all, and has placed him in the front rank of Maine's noblest benefactors. He has also founded some important medical associations. Recog- nizing the benefit of the union and comparison of medical opinions and methods, he origi- nated the Portland Medical Club in 1876 and the Maine Academy of Medicine and Science in 1894. The academy meets regularly on the second Monday evening from November to April, and numbers among its members the most eminent physicians and laymen of the State. Dr. Holt belongs to many prominent medical societies, among which are the Maine Medical Association, the American Ophthal- mological and Otological Societies, the New

England Ophthalmological Society, the Con- gress of American Physicians and Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. He has written many medical papers, which have been broadly published in the transactions of these societies and other journals. He is now editor and publisher of a Journal of Medicine and Science, the official organ of the Maine Academy of Medicine and Science, which he also founded, and which is issued on the first of each month. This brief synopsis of Dr. Holt's career shows him to be a man of re- markable genius, having at his command an unusual power of accomplishment. Unaided, he has won his way step by step to fame and fortune, surmounting obstacles that would have daunted the heart of one less strong in all that makes a true and noble man.

Dr. Holt was married in October, 1876, to Miss Mary Brooks, daughter of Benjamin B. Dyer, of Cape Elizabeth, and the following children have blessed their union: L. Mary- Belle, Clarence B., Roscoe D. T., Erastus Eugene, Jr., Dorothy, and Benjamin Dyer. In politics Dr. Holt is a Republican. In re- ligion he holds liberal views. He and his family reside in their beautiful home, 723 Congress Street.

RIN B. HIBBARD, who is closely identified with the agricultural and in- dustrial interests of Bridgton, is the owner of one of the most comfortable homesteads to be found in this locality. His farm contains one hundred and forty-one acres of land, all well improved and under excellent tillage, with a substantial residence, a good barn, and all the necessary out-buildings for storing crops and sheltering stock. Mr. Hib- bard is a native of Milan, N. H., where his birth occurred, April 27, 1830, his parents being Benjamin and Hannah Hibbard. He was but eleven months old when he was brought to this State, becoming then an in- mate of his uncle's household, and residing with him until fourteen years of age. Having concluded his studies in the district school, the young lad then came to Bridgton, where he worked at farming and stone cutting for several years. In July, 1862, he enlisted in

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Company I, Eleventh Maine Volunteer In- fantry, being mustered into service at Augusta. With his brave comrades he took part in various battles, among them the battle of Ber- muda Hundred, Malvern Hill, the bombard- ment and siege of Fort Sumter and Charles- ton, and the engagements at Drewry's Bluff and Deep Bottom, being wounded in the latter fight by a shell which struck him in the ankle. He was then taken to Point of Rocks, Va., where he remained until the end of his terni of enlistment, when, June 12, 1865, he was honorably discharged.

On his return to Bridgton Mr. Hibbard re- sumed his former occupation, continuing until 1869, when he purchased sixty-six acres of land, these being included in his present farm. Ile has since carried on mixed husbandry, en- gaging to some extent in lumbering and dairy- ing, and meeting with good success in all of his operations. In politics he is a sound Re- publican, and, though not an aspirant for offi- cial honors, was appointed Postmaster of West Bridgton, May 9, 1881. He was removed during President Cleveland's first term, reappointed on petition March 21, 1888, but resigned in a few months on account of ill health in his family. Mr. Hibbard was also formerly a United States mail contractor. Socially, he is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Hibbard became a benedict in 1852, his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Goldthwait having been solemnized October 22 of that year. Mrs. Hibbard is a native of Bridgton, and has borne her husband nine children, as follows: Rebecca, Lizzie, Horace (deceased), Irving, Abbie, George (deceased), John, Wilmot, and Winnifred, the last of whom is also no longer living.

OHN L. MEGQUIER, who owns and cultivates a productive farm in New Gloucester, where he is also engaged in the manufacture of cider, was born in this town, July 1, 1851, son of General Charles and Louisa (Proctor) Megquier. He is of Scotch ancestry; and his great-grandfather, who settled in New Gloucester at an early date, was one of the seven original owners of this township. William Megquier, our sub-

ject's grandfather, settled upon the farm now owned by his grandson in 1775, and success- fully followed agricultural pursuits during the active period of his life.

General Charles Megquier, father of John L., was born in New Gloucester in 1798. He adopted agriculture as his principal occupa- tion, and, being a very progressive man, made various improvements upon his farm, which he cultivated with prosperous results. Besides being one of the foremost farmers of the county, he was prominent in public affairs. He was long a Justice of the Peace, served as a member of the Board of Selectmen of his town for a number of years, represented his district in the legislature, and was elected to the State Senate in 1854. His connection with the State militia, in which he held the rank of General, extended through a long period; and he was known throughout the State as a useful, high-minded, and worthy cit- izen. He died at the homestead in New Gloucester, March 1, 1884. His wife, Louisa Proctor, who was a native of this town, be- came the mother of two children - Charles William, who married Thankful Fowler, and is a carpenter and builder of Westboro, Mass. ; and John L., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Charles Megquier died February 2, 1888.

John L. Megquier obtained his education in the schools of his native town. At the age of twenty-one years he went to Lewiston, where for two years he was employed in a mill. Ile then returned to the homestead for the purpose of managing the farm, and has since resided here. His farm, which is one of the most desirable pieces of agricultural property in the town, is well improved; and he is prosper- ously engaged in general farming. He also operates a cider-mill, the annual product of which he disposes of with fair profit. In pol- itics he is a Democrat, and has always sup- ported that party since he became qualified to cast a vote.

On January 1, 1874, Mr. Megquier was united in marriage to Miss Alice J. Morse. Mrs. Megquier was born in New Gloucester, September 21, 1850, and is a daughter of Stephen and Johanna (Merrill) Morse. Her father was a native of Cumberland County, and a prosperous farmer, and her mother was

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

born in Androscoggin County, this State. They resided in New Gloucester for many years, both dying in this town. Mr. and Mrs. Megquier have three children - Arville, Blanche, and Marcia Edna, each of whom has been well educated, Miss Blanche Meg- quier being now engaged in teaching school in Pownal, Me.

Mr. Megquier is a member of Siloam Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Gray, and is one of the most respected citizens of his town.

ILLARD N. FENDERSON, who conducts a flourishing canning busi- ness at Chebeague Island, Cumber- land County, Me., where his factory is located, was born February 9, 1863, at Scarboro, this State. His grandfather, Abial Fenderson, was a lifelong resident of Scarboro, where he owned fifty acres of land, which he improved and tilled; and, in addition, he worked at the mason's trade, being an industrious and hard- working man. He married Elizabeth Mar- shall, a native of Scarboro; and they had but one child, Nathan, the father of Willard N. Both of the grandparents lived to a good old age, the grandfather dying at the age of seventy-five; and his wife at the age of sixty years. He was a Democrat of the old school, and both were liberal in their religious views.

Nathan Fenderson's birth occurred in Scar- boro, Me., in the year 1828. He learned from his father the trade of a mason, which he followed for several years. He succeeded to the ownership of the parental farm, which he managed besides practising his trade, making an excellent living for himself and family. He married Bethuba, daughter of Sylvester Tibbetts, of Newfield, Me., and of the five children born to them three are now living, namely : Liberty L., who lives on the Scar- boro homestead; John, born in 1859, and married in 1884 to Miss Annie Langille, of Nova Scotia, they having one child, Mabel ; and Willard N.

Willard N. Fenderson completed his school studies at the Scarboro High School, and after leaving this institution began learning the art of making cans. This occupation he followed

in his native town for ten years. Deciding then that there would be more profit in filling the cans after they were made, he leased in 1891 the land on which his factory stands on Chebeague Island. Erecting his present plant, Mr. Fenderson has since been prosper- ously engaged in canning clams, clam chow- der, fish, apples, and other provisions suitable for the purpose. In the comparatively short time in which he has been thus occupied, he has built up an extensive and lucrative trade, his goods being shipped to Boston, Providence, Chicago, and other cities. His factory has a capacity of one hundred bushels per day ; and in the busiest seasons of the year, the spring and fall, forty hands are kept in constant em- ployment. His goods, which are all labelled "The Chebeague Brand," are noted for their excellence and purity, and have gained for him a reputation which he endeavors to up- hold.

On December 4, 1886, Mr. Fenderson mar- ried Mary C., daughter of Charles E. Roberts of Scarboro. In politics Mr. Fenderson is a strong Prohibitionist, and both he and his wife are liberal and broad in their religious views. Socially, he is a member of Golden Cross Lodge, No. 232, "Scarboro," of Dunston Corners, Scarboro.

ILLIAM F. LIBBY, a well-known merchant of Gorham and Postmaster

at White Rock, was born in this locality, November 21, 1852. His paternal grandfather, John Libby, was a native of Scar- boro, where during his earlier years he was profitably engaged in fishing. He afterward bought land in Gorham, and carried on mixed husbandry until his death, at the age of fifty- two. He married Dorcas Roberts, of Scar- boro; and they became the parents of nine children, of whom the only survivor is Elmira, wife of Stephen Harris, of Windham, who has one child, Ellen. Caleb Libby, father of William F., was born in Gorham, August 25, 1812, and died in the same town, January 14, 1876. He was an energetic, industrious man, whose life was devoted to farming. On No- vember 20, 1845, he married Betsey, daughter of Lemuel Rich, of Standish; and she sur-

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 8

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