Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 80

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

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May 20, 1858, Mr. Porter was married to

ISRAEL G. BROWN.

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Nellie l'. Prescott, who was born in Bath, Me., August 27, 1842, and is a daughter of William H. and Lucy A. (Reed) Prescott. William H. Preseott was born in Calais, Me., in 1813, and died in Boston, where the greater part of his married life was spent. His wife was born in Freeport in 1818. In religious belicf Mr. Preseott was liberal, and his wife a member of the Baptist church. They had a family of three children - Sarah E., who died at the age of five years; William H., Jr., who was first mate of a sailing-vessel, and died at sea, in his twenty-eighth year; and Nellie P., Mrs. Porter. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Porter, namely: Addie May, whose span of life embraced but sixteen years ; Lulie E., born February 25, 1859, now wife of Captain H. E. Lambert, of South Free- port, and mother of two children - Addie L. and Mary; Joseph W., born December 18, 1862, a resident of Yarmouth, who married Grace Mitchell, of that town, and has one child, Harry L .; George M., born March 14, 1870, a resident of Freeport; and Ernest Lin- wood, born August 27, 1872, who is in the express business in Freeport.

Mr. Porter is independent in politics. On religious subjeets he holds liberal views, as does his wife. They are highly esteemed in Freeport, where the Porter family has long oeeupied a prominent position.

R. SAMUEL ADAMS PACKARD, one of the oldest aetive practitioners of dentistry in the city of Portland, where he has been located since 1869, was born at Wiscasset, Lincoln County, Mareh 26, 1842.

His father, the late Nathaniel Paekard, was a native of Readfield, Kennebee County. He received a liberal education, and made teach- ing his life work, being employed mostly in the schools of Lincoln and Kennebee Counties, having charge of the Wiscasset Academy dur- ing the winter in which he celebrated the seventieth anniversary of his birth. He was recognized by his fellow-townsmen as a man of unusual ability; and he was ealled to serve in the various local offices, as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Supervisor of Schools,

and Town Auditor, his skill as a penman mak- ing him particularly valuable in clerical work. He acquired considerable property, owning a good farm in Wiscasset. He married Char- lotte Tibbetts, daughter of Deacon Thomas Tibbetts, one of the patriarchs of the town of Woolwich. The death of Nathaniel Packard occurred February 22, 1869, that of his wife, a long while after, she being, at the time of her decease, September 6, 1895, fourscore and ten years of age. She was the mother of nine children, of whom Dr. Packard is the only one now living. Both parents were earnest laborers in the cause of Christianity and de- voted members of the Free Will Baptist church.

Having completed the course of study in the publie schools of Bath, Samuel A. Packard there studied dentistry with Dr. A. K. Gil- more, in the mean time taking a course of leetures at the Bowdoin Medical College. In November, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Second Maine Cavalry, and with his regiment was sent to the Department of the Gulf. Eight months later he was appointed hospital steward in the United States regular army, in that capacity being at different points up and down the Mississippi River until the ex- piration of his term of serviee. He then went before the Board of Examiners, and passed for promotion ; but the regiment was too much depleted to give opportunity for any further rise in rank. After returning home Dr. Pack- ard spent some time in recruiting his physical energies, then resumed the work of his pro- fession, locating in this eity. He met with signal success from the first, building up a large practice, and becoming one of the lead- ing dentists of the city. For the past twenty- two years Dr. Paekard has been the occupant of the office at the corner of Temple and Middle Streets, where he has ever been kept busily employed.

Dr. Packard was united in marriage in Mareh, 1872, with Miss Lizzie R. Allen, daughter of Reuben Allen, of Falmouth. Their household circle has been enlivened by the birth of six children, namely: Maude Eloise, a teacher in the public sehools of Deer- ing; Herbert E .; Samuel A., Jr. ; Reuben A. ; Benjamin Franklin; and Florenee R. Dr.

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Packard has always evinced a genuine interest in the advancement of learning, and for eight ycars was a member of the Deering Board of Education. Socially, he is a member of the Beacon Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Maine Academy of Medicine and Science, and of the Maine Dental Associa- tion.

HARLES DAVIS, Town. Treasurer and Clerk of Sebago, Cumberland County, Me., was born in this town, August 28, 1831, son of Robert and Mary (Cook) Davis. Robert Davis, who was a native of Limington, this county, was a farmer in modcrate circumstances. He was constrained to be content with the necessities of life, without the luxuries, being obliged to devote all his energies to providing for his large family. He had thirteen children, named as follows: Charity, James, Mary, Betsey, Irene, Eliza A., William, Robert, Simon, Charles, Martha, Sewall, and Sarah.

Charles Davis, having acquired his educa- tion in the district schools of his native town, left home to begin an independent career when eighteen years of age, and worked in logging camps some two years. He was then engaged in farm work in Sebago for a while; and in 1854, sharing the adventurous spirit which caused so many Eastern men at that time to scek fortune in the far West, he went to Cali- fornia, travelling by way of the Isthmus of Panama, then the most direct route. Landing at San Francisco, he there made but a short stay, passing on to the mining camps; and for five years he was engaged in prospecting and mining. Then, leaving the rough and almost lawless gold country, he returned to the quiet and peaceful shades of his native town, pur- chasing in 1860 a farm of sixty acres, where he cstablishcd the pleasant home which now shelters hin1. Within three years he was again on the road, this time with gun and knapsack, en route for the South. He enlisted in Jan- uary, 1864, as a private in Company I, Thir- tieth Maine Regiment, and was mustercd in at Augusta. He participated in the battles of Pleasant Hill and Sabine Cross-roads, and during the latter engagement was struck by

a minie ball in the upper left arm. The wound was a serious one and disabled him for nine months, during which timc he was in the Baton Rouge Hospital. As soon as able he joined his regiment, which was then at Harper's Ferry ; and on August 19, 1865, he received his final discharge at Savannah, Ga. Returning home, he took up the pursuit of agriculture, in which he has since been actively engaged.

In 1859, while in California, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Mary Haley, who still pre- sides over his household. They have no chil- dren living. With a mind broadened by travel and strengthened and stimulated to activity by varied experiences, Mr. Davis is well qualified to taking a leading part in the affairs of the town. In politics he is a Re- publican. He has been three years Postmaster of the Convene post-office, was Selectman of . Sebago one year, and, as stated above, is at present Town Clerk and Treasurer. He is a. Grand Army man, belonging to Thompson Post, No. 85, of Cornish, and is a member of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M.

APTAIN CHARLES DEERING, master of the steamship "Portland " of the Portland Steam Packet Com-

pany and one of the oldest and most experienced captains sailing out of Port- land, was born in New Gloucester, Me., son of Joshua and Susan (Berry) Deering, respec- tively natives of Gorham and Scarboro, Me. The family is of English origin. The Cap- tain's grandfather, Samuel Deering, was one of the largest land-owners in Cumberland County, the bulk of his property having been at Gor- ham. Joshua Deering devoted the greater part of his life to farming, spending his youth in Gorham, and afterward living in New Glouccs- ter, Foxcroft, and Bangor. He commanded respect wherever he lived, filled many public offices, and was an esteemed member of the Masonic fraternity. Having reared eight chil- dren, he died in Bangor.

Charles Deering attended the common schools of Bangor and afterward studied at the academy at Brewer, Penobscot County. When twelve years of age he went to sea as cook on

GEORGE W. HALL.

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a schooner, and continued in that occupation for three or four years. But twelve when he first went to sea, he was master of a vessel at nineteen and a pilot when he was twenty-one. In the latter capacity he served for many years, running between Bangor and Boston, Bangor and Portland, Portland and Boston, and Boston and St. John, N. B., in the employment of the Portland Steam Packet Company. In 1862 he was given charge of the steamer "Daniel Web- ster," which was employed to transport troops from New York to Washington, Baltimore, South Carolina, and various other points. This vessel was capable of carrying one thou- sand troops. She was afterward used in trans- porting mail from City Point, Grant's head- quarters, up the James River to Washington, Captain Deering remaining in command of her till the close of the war. In 1865 he was master of a boat plying between Norfolk, Va., and Richmond, and in the winter of 1865-66, returning to Portland, he became a member of the Portland & Machias Steamboat Company. This company purchased the steamer "Rich- mond," which in the spring of 1866 began to run from Portland to Machias and Bar Harbor, with Captain Deering in command. Two years later the company bought the "Lewis- ton," of which Captain Deering took charge, and which was the first steamer to land passen- gers at Bar Harbor, entering that port July 4, 1868. This boat plied between Portland and Machias for some time under command of Cap- tain Deering, who was the senior captain of the line. He had charge of the passenger traffic to Bar Harbor for many seasons, and was personally acquainted with the late James G. Blaine and other distinguished people. In 1877 his health failed ; and he retired from active work for two years, residing in Portland while he was recuperating. During his ill- ness the company sold the line to the Maine Central Railroad, which still owns and operates it. Captain Deering was virtually the active founder of the line. He made a trip over the route before the company was started, esti- mated the probable income from the passengers and freight, the probable cost of maintaining the line, and represented the company in pur- chasing the "City of Richmond." He next chartered a steamboat plying between Boston

and Machias and Bar Harbor, which had a successful business, and subsequently became pilot of the "Star of the East," now known as the "Sagadahoc." In the fall of 1889 he again became connected with the Portland Steam Packet Company as pilot, retaining his position until July, 1895, when he took com- mand of their steamer "Tremont," running between Portland and New York during the months of July and August. He was next placed in command of the steamer "Portland," plying between Boston and Portland, which position he still fills. Captain Deering is well known to the travelling public, who have im- plicit faith in his ability to safeguard them in his boat. He has made a host of friends by his courtesy and care for his passengers.

Captain Deering has been thrice married. His first wife, Miss Ann Elizabeth (Smith) Deering, a native of Brewer, left one son - Charles N., who was engaged in the steamboat business until his death in January, 1879. Annie C., the only daughter of Charles N., lives with her grandfather. Captain Deering married for his second wife Miss Ann Tate, of Portland. She died without issue, and he subsequently married Miss Annie C. Bardwell, of Boston. In politics he is a Democrat. He represented Cape Elizabeth in the State legis- lature of 1872, and served on the Committee on Claims. He was renominated the follow- ing year, but refused to serve again. He is advanced in Masonry, belonging to Hiram Lodge, No. 6, of Cape Elizabeth, Mount Ver- non Chapter, and Portland Commandery. He is a member of Ligonia Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; and he belongs to the Pilots' Association, Harbor No. 4, of Boston. His home was at Cape Elizabeth (part of Port- land) till 1887, when he removed to Boston. In religious belief Captain Deering and his family are Methodists, belonging to the Sara- toga Street Church at East Boston, Mass.

G EORGE W. HALL, of Naples, pro- prietor of one of the most popular summer resorts in this part of Maine, was born in Langdon, N. H., April 1, 1825. His parents were Joseph and Maria (Cam- bridge) Hall. Joseph Hall moved to Bridg-

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ton, Me., about 1830, and was for some years engaged in the manufacture of cloth in the town of Naples. He and his wife reared a family of four sons and one daughter.

George W. Hall was about five years of age when his parents removed to the State of Maine. He went to work in his father's man- ufactory when ten years of age, and was con- nected with the establishment until he at- tained his majority; then, purchasing a farm in the town of Naples, he devoted his time and energy to agriculture, which became his life pursuit. After ten years' residence on that farm he went West, travelling by way of Al- bany, and bought a farm in Green County, Wisconsin. There he remained two years and a half; and then, deciding that the East of- fered better advantages, he returned to Naples, locating at Edes Falls, where, in company with his brother, he built a store, which he and Sumner Plaisted conducted for four years. Shortly after he leased for a few years the farm on which he is now residing, and he subse- quently purchased it. This property covers fifty acres; and Mr. Hall owns other land in the town, the whole aggregating about one hun- dred acres. He is extensively engaged in gen- eral farming, in which he is very successful. About sixteen years ago he opened his resi- dence to summer boarders; and, as his home is beautifully situated within a few hundred feet of Long Lake, it became very popular, and the number of guests steadily increased. For six years now Mr. Hall has housed an average of forty persons annually. He keeps a number of boats on the lake for the use of his guests, no extra charge being made, and has a good livery ; and not the least attractive feature of the place is the genial and agreeable host. The terms for board are very reasonable, and fish are in great abundance near at hand.

On January 19, 1848, Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Sophronia Jackson, who was born in Raymond, now Naples, Mc., in 1824, and is the daughter of Anthony and Sally (Lakin) Jackson. Mrs. Hall has been a wise and valuable helpmeet to her husband during the long term of their wedded life, and all who have had the privilege of sojourning at the Hall cottage have pleasant recollections of the lady of the house. She is the mother

of three children - George C., who resides in Boston; Lizzie E., wife of P. O. Cannell, of Naples; and Benjamin G., a resident of Pea- body, Mass.

Mr. Hall takes a prominent part in local politics as a Democrat, and has served as Se- lectman of Naples a number of terms. He belongs to Crescent Lodge, No. 25, Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, of Lovell, and to Hawthorne Lodge, No. 16, Knights of Pythias, of Raymond.

LBION HALL BURNHAM, who, without doubt, has been identified with the canning industry of this section of Cumberland County for a longer period of time than any other man now living, was born May 11, 1835, in the town of Raymond, this county. He is of pioneer ancestry, his great-grandfather, Reuben Smith Burnham, a native probably of Ipswich, Mass., having settled in Cumberland County some time during the eighteenth century, when Maine was a part of Massachusetts. Securing a tract of heavily timbered land that is now included in the village of Bridgton, he erected his primitive dwelling on High Street, and there improved a homestead, on which he re- sided until his death, which was caused by a falling tree one Fourth of July.

Abram Smith Burnham, son of Reuben Smith Burnham, was born in Ipswich, Mass., being but a youth when he came to this county, where he assisted his father in clearing a farm. On reaching man's estate, he took up a tract of wild land in the town of Harrison, of which he was the original settler, the log cabin which he erected for his own occupancy being the very first building within the limits of that town. In this he lived alone for some time, leading a bachelor's life, going home every Sunday, ostensibly to see his parents, although a stronger attraction may have been the young maiden, Alice Scribner, who afterward became his bride. The young married couple began house-keeping in the cabin, but eventually re- moved to the substantial frame house which he erected, and where they passed their declining days, he attaining the advanced age of eighty- six years. Four children were born to them ;

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namely, Reuben, Timothy D., Ai, and Sarah, the second son being the father of Albion H.

Timothy D. Burnham was born and bred in Harrison, and there learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a short time, abandoning it, however, to engage in mercan- tile business in Raymond. His parents be- coming infirm, he returned to the old home- stead, where he cared for them as long as they lived. During the next few years he was engaged in a mercantile and lumbering busi- ness in partnership with Major Joseph Walker and others at Westbrook. Removing thence to Gorham, associated with others, he erected a woollen-mill, for which he became selling agent, in which capacity he continued active until his decease, in 1883, at the age of eighty- one years.

His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine J. Dingley, was a daughter of Colonel Joseph and Martha (Jordan) Dingley, and was born in Raymond. Her paternal grandfather, Domini- cus Dingley, was born and reared in Dux- bury, Mass., from which place he migrated to this county, being induced to come here by the offer of a tract of land to the first man to locate in Raymond. Starting for the place, he made his way on foot through the thick forest, and during the journey encountered a Mr. Jordan, who was bent on the same errand. As they camped together one night, a few miles from their destination, Mr. Dingley watched and waited until sure his companion was asleep, and then he stole out and hastened onward. When Mr. Jordan found him the next day, he had se- cured the land and was hard at work building a log cabin. Two children only were born to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Burnham - Ellen K., who became the wife of Daniel S. Brown, of Gorham; and Albion Hall. The mother outlived her husband, attaining the age of eighty-four years.

Albion Hall Burnham, having finished his education at the Bridgton Academy, which he attended three terms each year for seven years, learned the tinsmith's trade. When about eighteen years old, the canning of corn became an established industry in this county ; and he was employed to seal the cans in the pioneer factory. From that time until the present Mr. Burnham has been connected with this busi-

ness in some capacity, coming to Bridgton in 1865 to take charge of a factory here. He is now manager of the Bridgton Canning Com- pany, which has a plant in Bridgton and one in East Fryeburg; and in addition to manag- ing these Mr. Burnham owns and superintends a canning factory in Waterford. Ile also is a stockholder and Director in the Bridgton & Saco Railway.

Mr. Burnham was married in 1866 to Mil- dred Johnson, a native of Yarmouth, whither her grandfather, David Johnson, and his wife, Mary (Marston) Johnson, removed in pioneer times from Gorham, buying a farm and en- gaging in tilling the soil. Mrs. Burnham's father, Jasper Johnson, was born in Gorham, but reared on the homestead in Yarmouth. After his marriage he located in North Yar- mouth, where he conducted a hotel until his decease at the age of sixty years. He mar- ried Sarah Clark, whose mother, Mrs. Judith Stinchfield Clark, was a daughter of Elder Ephraim Stinchfield and a grand-daughter of John and Mehitable Stinchfield. Mrs. Sarah C. Johnson died at the age of forty-four years, leaving four children; namely, Mildred B. (Mrs. Burnham), Sarah M., Jennie, and Clara Ella. Jasper Johnson subsequently married Mildred Burton, who bore him five sons - Walter R., David, Joseph, Andrew R., and Charles H. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham are not identified with any religious organization by membership, but are regular attendants of the Congregational church.

OBERT A. McCLUTCHY, Freight Agent of the Boston & Maine Rail- road in Portland, was born in Que- bec, Canada, June 29, 1849. Ilis parents were Robert and Bridget (MacManus) McClutchy, his father being a native of Glas- gow, Scotland, and his mother of Belfast, Ireland. Until reaching the age of ten years Robert A. McClutchy remained at home in Quebec. Ile then went to Montreal, where at the early age of twelve, owing to his father's death, he was partially thrown on his own rc- sources. His first employment was with the American Express line of steamers as office boy, and in 1864 he became clerk and checker

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on the wharf for the same company. In 1865 he came to Portland to enter the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and in a short time was promoted to the position of superintend- ent's clerk, which he filled for five consecutive years. In March, 1872, he entered the em- ploy of the Boston & Maine Railroad, being appointed first freight agent of the road, which at that time had but one main line to Boston, and a few branches covering about one hundred and sixty-five miles. It is now one of the largest trunk lines running through this sec- tion, and has an immense freight business, Mr. McClutchy having about sixty or seventy men under his charge. In politics Mr. McClutchy is identified with the Democratic party. He

has been President for two years of the Young Men's Democratic Club, the first organization of its kind in Maine; and he was also Chair- man of the Democratic Committee. He was elected a member of the City Council, and was an Alderman for three successive years, during which time he served on many important com- mittees. He is prominent in Masonry, be- longing to Atlantic Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Greenleaf Chapter, and Portland Commandery. He is also a member of the Elks and Red Men and of the Bramhall League. His wife, whom he married on December 23, 1892, was Miss Gertrude A. Sterling, of Portland, a woman of truc worth. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Clutchy have a pleasant house on the corner of High and Sherman Streets.

OHN C. KNIGHT, a well-known mason and builder of Westbrook, Me., son of Samuel and Betsey (Crockett) Knight, was born in Portland, February 26, 1830. The family for several generations have been residents of Maine; and Mr. Knight's grandfather, Daniel Knight, was a prosperous farmer of Alfred, York County. He reared a family of nine children, but one of whom is now living.

Samuel Knight, son of Daniel, was born in Alfred; and in carly manhood he followed farming in that town. Later he removed to Portland, where he engaged in the business of a stone mason, being employed on the public works of the city for twelve years. He then

went to Limerick, York County, Mc., still re- taining his business interests in Portland ; and after a residence there of about four years he settled in Westbrook, where he made his home for the rest of his life. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but gave his support to the Republican party at its formation; and in his religious views he was a Baptist. His wife, Betsey Crockett, who was born in Shap- leigh, Mc., became the mother of ten chil- dren, six of whom are living, namely: Mark, a resident of Westbrook; Catherine, wife of Marshall Hayes, of Westbrook; John C., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, a member of the City Council of Westbrook; Lizzie, wife of Wentworth Jordan, of Lisbon, Mc .; and Ellen, wife of Alphonso Swett, of Westbrook.

John C. Knight attended the public schools of Portland until reaching the age of eleven years, when he accompanied his parents to Limerick, later removing with them to West- brook, where, after finishing his studies, he - assisted in carrying on the farm. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the mason's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years with Asa Leavitt, of Westbrook, for whom he worked as a journeyman for two years. He then went to California, which was still in the exciting period of its carly history, being thronged with fortune-seekers of nearly every class and nationality ; and he continued to fol- low his trade for some time, also working in the mines. After his return to Westbrook he engaged as a mason and builder upon his own account, a business which he has since con- ducted with successful results ; and his energy and reliability, both as a workman and a busi- ness man, are well known and highly appre- ciated by his fellow-townspeople.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 80

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