Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 83

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 83

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Charles B. Sylvester was graduated from Bridgton Academy in 1884, and taught school till 1886, when he entered Bowdoin College, medical department, where he received his degree of M.D. with honors in 1889. The remainder of this year and the next were spent in the Infant's Hospital and Randall's Island Hospital, New York City, he leaving his position there as House Surgeon to settle at Harrison, where he has now a large and in- creasing practice. In company with Albert Dudley, he purchased the only drug store in the town, which now, conducted by Sylvester & Dudley, is one of the most reliable drug stores in the vicinity.

In January, 1891, Dr. Sylvester was mar- ried to Miss Flora Bray, who was born in Harrison in 1864, and was a daughter of Ed- ward and Abbie (Bartlett) Bray. Mr. Bray.

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PEREZ N. BLANCHARD.

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who is a resident of Harrison, is an architect. and a painter. Mrs. Sylvester died in June, 1895, leaving two children - Ruth, born May 8, 1892; and Laurance, born July 31, 1893.

Politically, Dr. Sylvester is a Republican. He is at present superintendent of schools in Harrison. He belongs to one fraternal asso- ciation, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, being a member of Harrison Lodge, No. 41, and of the Grand Lodge of Maine. He is an active member of the Free Baptist Church of Harrison. Dr. Sylvester is a public- spirited man, and is always ready to help any project for the betterment of the town.

APTAIN PEREZ N. BLANCHARD, who died at his home in Yarmouth, Me., April 3, 1883, was a well- known ship-builder, formerly a master of merchant vessels, and was a promi- nent resident of Yarmouth. He was born in this town, May 6, 1815, son of Captain Sylva- nus and Dorcas (Prince) Blanchard.

Captain Sylvanus Blanchard was a native of North Yarmouth, and at an early age began to follow the sea. His ability as a mariner rapidly asserted itself. He advanced in his calling, while still young being placed in com- mand of a merchantman engaged in the foreign trade; and he became one of the sturdy and successful ship-masters of his day. He owned a good farm in Yarmouth ; and after his retire- ment from seafaring he engaged in agricult- ural pursuits, also successfully turning his attention to ship building. He was a highly esteemed and useful citizen, and a Whig in politics. He died in Yarmouth at the age of over eighty years. His wife, Dorcas Prince, who was born in Yarmouth, became the mother . of seven children, all of whom have passed away. They were named as follows: David, Paul, Sylvanus, Perez Nathaniel, Samuel W., Dorcas Jane, and Olive Elizabeth. Mrs. Dor- cas P. Blanchard lived to be over eighty years old. She and her husband were members of the Congregational church.

Perez Nathaniel Blanchard received his edu- cation in the schools of Yarmouth, and his boyhood and youth were passed in assisting in carrying on the farm. At the age of twenty

years lie shipped as a sailor before the mast on board his father's vessel; and before reaching the age of thirty he had advanced through the various subordinate positions to that of master, having the command of a merchantman. An able and successful navigator, he sailed many prosperous voyages to the different important maritime ports of the world, and he was always a favorite both with the vessel-owners and his crew. He commanded and owned an interest in several well-known merchantmen. After following the sea for a period of twenty-five years, he retired to his home in Yarmouth, where he engaged in ship building in company with his father and brothers. He was for several years extensively engaged in building vessels at Yarmouth, launching some of the finest and most successful trading crafts which hail from this section, and he became a promi- nent and influential business man. He was a Democrat in politics, vigorously supporting that party ; and he ably filled several important town offices. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen, was long connected with educa- tional matters, and represented his district in the legislature with credit both to himself and his town.

On January 20, 1838, Captain Blanchard was united in marriage to Cynthia Stone Blan- chard, daughter of Captain Solomon L. and Elizabeth (Buxton) Blanchard, the former of whom was a well-known ship-master, who died at sea at the age of forty years. Captain Sol- omon L. Blanchard reared a family of six chil- dren, three of whom are now living ; namely, Joanna, Harriet, and Cynthia. The departed were : Captain Nathaniel, Solomon, and

Statira.

The mother, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Blanchard, lived to reach the age of eighty-five.

Mrs. Cynthia S. Blanchard, who, with a family of three children, survives her husband, resides at the homestead in Yarmouth, where she is one of the oldest residents and is known as a liberal and high-minded lady. She has two daughters and one son, namely : Frances E., wife of Captain Frank Oakes, a prosperous ship-master; Cynthia E., who resides at home with her mother; and Captain Nathaniel Willis Blanchard, who is now master of the ship "P. N. Blanchard," which was named in honor of his father. He has followed the sea

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since young manhood, and for several years past has commanded the "P. N. Blanchard," being at the present writing upon a voyage to Hong-Kong, China. He is married, and his wife accompanies him.

Captain Perez N. Blanchard took an active interest in the welfare of his town and the development of its industrial resources. He was held in the highest respect by all, and at his death, which took place as above stated, he was mourned as a valued citizen and a lib- eral-minded, conscientious man.

His portrait, an admirable likeness, graces this gallery of Cumberland County worthies.

DWARD CHESLEY SWETT, a highly successful business man whose experi- ences in life have been varied, and who has travelled very extensively throughout this country, visiting nearly every city of im- portance in the United States, looks with pride to Portland as his birthplace ; nor has she cause to feel anything save gratification in owning him as a citizen. He was born on January 5, 1843, son of John and Mary (Woodman) Swett.

His progenitors on both sides were worthy and highly respected people and among the earliest settlers of this country. His paternal grandfather, William Swett, was born at West- brook, Me., where he followed the occupation of a farmer for a time, after which he removed to the city of Portland and engaged quite ex- tensively in the trucking business, for many years owning a number of horses.

John Swett, son of William, was born at Portland in the year 1815, and received his education in the public schools. When young man he entered the office of the Eastern Argus to learn the trade of a printer, at which he worked for several years. He then estab- lished an express line, since known as Swett's Express, on the Boston line of boats, and from a small beginning worked up an eminently successful business, which furnished employ- ment to a number of men both in Portland and Boston. He continued in that business throughout the remainder of his life. During the Presidential administration of James Buchanan he served for a time as chief clerk in the Portland post-office; and when Judge

William L. Putnam was Mayor, in 1871, he acted as City Marshal. He died in February, 1883. His marriage with Miss Mary Wood- man was solemnized at Portland. She was born in Buxton, Me., daughter of Aaron Wood- man, a descendant of an old and highly re- spected family of that place. IIer paternal grandfather, who was a patriot soldier of the Revolution, was a lineal descendant of Edward Woodman, who came to New England in 1635 from the parish of Christian Malford, Wilt- shire County, England. Mrs. Mary W. Swett bore her husband four children, as fol- lows : George L. Swett, present Postmaster of Portland; Mary A., who married George A. Head, and resides in Chicago, Ill. ; Edward Chesley Swett; and Charles F. Swett, living in Portland.

Edward Chesley Swett, after acquiring his education in the city and high schools of Port- - land, entered the establishment of Lowell & Senter, an old and prominent Portland firm, to serve an apprenticeship at the watchmaker's trade. On August 26, 1862, he left his place to enlist for service in the Civil War in Com- pany A of the Twenty-fifth Maine Volunteer Infantry, and was made Sergeant of the com- pany. The regiment was at once ordered to Arlington Heights, Va., to assist in the de- fences of Washington, and there remained three months. Company A was then detailed for special duty as guard of the Washington end of the Long Bridge in Washington, and was thus employed until March, 1863, at which time it rejoined the regiment. The Twenty- fifth was then ordered to picket the line from Centreville to Chantilly, and remained there until after General Lee moved up the Shenan- doah Valley and the Army of the Potomac came up inside their line and passed up into Mary- land, after which they returned to the Wash- ington fortifications and were stationed there until the expiration of their term of service, June 29, 1863, when they were ordered to Maine and honorably discharged at Portland.

Mr. Swett returned to the position he had left with Lowell & Senter, and after serving out his apprenticeship continued with them until 1871. He then went to Boston to work for the well-known firm of Shreve, Crump & Low, jewellers, and had charge of their watch

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department until 1880. Purchasing an inter- est with an old and well-established theatrical company, he spent the next five years in travel throughout the United States, going from Maine to Texas and from New York to the Golden Gate, visiting en route every city whose population exceeds twenty-five thousand, with the exception of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Not long after he sold his interest in that company he received an appointment from President Cleveland as Post-office Inspector for the New England and Middle States Di- visions; and he served acceptably in that ca- pacity for eighteen months. He next opened a jeweller's store on Congress Street opposite Monument Square, and did business there for four years, or until 1894, since which time he has engaged in delivering his illustrated lect- ure, entitled "Picturesque Maine," in dif- ferent places in the United States with brilliant success.

On April 18, 1870, Mr. Swett was united in marriage with Miss Annie E. Russell, a daughter of John Russell, of Portland. This union has been blessed by the birth of two daughters, namely : Mabel, who married E. S. Kennard, of Brunswick, Me .; and Annie Russell Swett.

Mr. Swett has always been a stanch sup- porter of the Democratic principles. He was a charter member of the Young Men's Demo- cratie Club, being the first to advocate the formation of such an association, and has acted as delegate to various county and State conventions. In 1892 he represented the First District of Maine in the National Convention at Chicago, at which Grover Cleveland was nominated for the Presidency; and it is well remembered how eloquently he spoke in favor of a resolution of condolence to the Hon. James G. Blaine from the National Democratic Convention of 1892, on account of the death of his son, Emmons Blaine. He was a member of the committee that went to Madison Square Garden, New York, to notify Mr. Cleveland of his nomination. From that time until the Maine elections he was actively engaged in speaking at Democratic rallies in different places throughout the State, and then went to New York State, where he continued in the same work until the elections there.

Until 1871, when he changed his residence to Boston, Mass., Mr. Swett was identified with the Ancient Landmark Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Mount Vernon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Portland Commandery, Knights Templars, in all of which he held office; and for twelve years he has been a member of Bosworth Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is the present Commander, and . as such is a member of the National Encamp- ment.

ARRISON B. RUSSELL, late a well- known, highly efficient, and popular conductor on the Maine Central Railroad, died at his home in Yar- mouthville, Me., November 15, 1890. He was born in the town of Yarmouth, August 13, 1846, and was a son of Samucl and Mary (Hoyt) Russell, his father being a native and a lifelong resident of Yarmouth.

Samuel Russell owned a good farm in Yar- mouth, where he resided until his death, which took place when he was sixty-five years old. He was an industrious and able farmer, a worthy and useful citizen, and a member of the Baptist church. His wife, Mary Hoyt, who was a native of Durham, Me., lived to the age of sixty-two years. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Hattie B. and Harrison B., twins, who are no longer living ; Maria J., who resides in Yarmouth; and Charles S., also of Yarmouth, a merchant.

Harrison B. Russell was educated in the public schools of his native place, and in young manhood he engaged as a brakeman on the Grand Trunk Railroad. Faithfully dis- charging his duties, he at length advanced to the position of conductor, becoming well and favorably known to the travelling public from his connection with the Grand Trunk and other roads in that capacity ; and he finally received the appointment of conductor upon the Maine Central Railroad. He continued in the em- ploy of that corporation for thirteen years, dur- ing which time he enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his superiors, his courteous and agreeable manners making him a gencral favorite with the patrons of the road. Aside from his legitimate business, he possessed good

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knowledge of agriculture; and he owned a val- uable farm in Yarmouth, which was conducted directly under his personal supervision. He was a progressive citizen, taking a deep inter- est in the general welfare of the community; and he was much esteemed by his fellow- townsmen. He was a Republican in politics, but his duties as a railway official necessarily prevented him from taking active part in pub- lic affairs beyond casting his vote. He con- tinued in the employ of the Maine Central Railroad up to the time of his death, which took place as above stated.

On June 28, 1870, Mr. Russell was married to Miss Flora J. Humphrey, a native of Yar- mouth. Her parents, Sylvanus B. and Eliza- beth (Lawrence) Humphrey, were both repre- sentatives of old Yarmouth families. Sylvanus Humphrey was a carpenter and builder, and followed his trade successfully during the active period of his life, assisting in erecting many of the prominent residences in the town. He was a highly respected member of the com- munity, a supporter of the Republican party in politics; and both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Baptist church. He lived to reach the age of seventy-eight. His family con- sisted of four children, as follows: Francis and Sylvanus, who are no longer living; Mar- garet M., who became Mrs. Favor, and lives in Norway, Me. ; and Flora J., now Mrs. Russell. Mrs. Elizabeth L. Humphrey died at the age of forty years.

Mr. and Mrs. Russell had four children, namely : Arthur H., who died at the age of nineteen ; Howard L., a prosperous farmer of Yarmouth ; Elsie May and Walter H., who reside at home. Mrs. Russell occupies the farm in Yarmouthville, which is being carried on successfully by her son. Sociable, hospita- ble, and refined, this estimable lady is held in high regard by a large circle of friends. She is a member of the Baptist church.

RTHUR S. NOYES, a prominent merchant of West Falmouth, Me., was born in Falmouth, September 7, 1853, son of John and Harriet (Mer- rill) Noyes. His paternal grandparents, who were of English birth, were among the first

settlers of Falmouth, where Josiah Noyes, the grandfather, was engaged in farming.

John Noyes was born in Falmouth, Noveni- ber 27, 1809. He was a ship carpenter, and worked at his trade till 1835, when by the falling of a mast in Salem Harbor his arm was so badly injured that amputation was necessary. For eight years thereafter he was engaged in the wool trade, and in 1845 he began to retail merchandise in his native town. From 1851 to 1854 he was associated with George Gallison under the firm name of Noyes & Gallison, and from 1855 to the close of his life he was senior partner in the firm of Noyes & Lufkin at West Falmouth. From 1851 to 1858 he was connected with the Falmouth Mutual Fire Insurance Company, serving as Director, President, and Treasurer. Politi- cally a Democrat, he held many offices of pub- lic trust. He was elected Town Clerk in 1846, and served efficiently twenty-four years, was Town Treasurer twenty-two years, and served as Selectman and Assessor several terms. From 1851 to 1861 he was Postmaster at West Falmouth. His integrity in all busi- ness transactions and in the various offices he held won for him the esteem of all who knew him. He died September 29, 1895, at the age of eighty-six. In 1846 Mr. John Noyes married Harriet Merrill, of Falmouth, who died in 1856, leaving four children, three of whom are now living - Elizabeth C., wife of Amos Marston, of Falmouth ; John D., a con- tracting painter in Boston; and Arthur S., the subject of this sketch. The father subse- quently married Hannah Whitney, of Fal- mouth, who died without issue.

Arthur S. Noyes attended the public schools of his native town and the Greely Institute at Cumberland and the Westbrook Seminary, one term at the last-named institution completing his course of study. On leaving school he entered the employ of Small & Newman, who were in business at the stand now occupied by Mr. Noyes, retailing general merchandise. He was employed as clerk in their store about seven years, and then started in business for himself, opening a store directly opposite that of his employers. Eight years afterward he formed a partnership with W. H. Pearson, under the style of Noyes & Pearson, and

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bought the old store, which was then managed by W. P. Newman. He now has one of the largest and best-equipped mercantile establish- ments in the town, carrying in stock about six thousand dollars' worth of general merchan- dise. Good business methods and courtesy in meeting the demands of customers have been the means of building up a lucrative trade. Mr. Noyes has been Secretary and Treasurer of the Falmouth Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany some four years, having received his ap- pointment January 1, 1892.

December 25, 1879, Mr. Noyes was united in marriage with Nettie E., daughter of Daniel and Louisa (Richards) Marston, of Falmouth. One child has brightened the years of their wedded life, a daughter named Mabel Blanche, who is attending school in Falmouth.

Politically, Mr. Noyes is a Democrat. He was appointed Postmaster March 2, 1886, by President Cleveland, and is still in office, was Town Treasurer in 1884 and 1885 and from 1888 through 1890, Town Clerk from 1884 through 1886 and from 1888 through 1895. A member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he has been through all the chairs of Presumpscot Lodge, No. 91, of Fal- mouth, of which he was a charter applicant. He is also a member of Piscataquis Lodge, No. 65, Knights of Pythias, of Falmouth, in which he officiates as Keeper of Records and Seals. He is a Trustee of both Lodges. Mr. and Mrs. Noyes attend the Baptist church.

AMUEL G. SPURR, an enterpris- ing and successful farmer of Otis- field, Me., was born in this town, January 25, 1830, son of Enoch, Jr., and Lavina (Gamman) Spurr.

His paternal grandparents, Enoch, Sr., and Abigail (Wight) Spurr, were both born in Wrentham, Mass., where they were married. They were among the pioneer settlers of Otis- field; and Spurr's Corners was named for Grandfather Spurr, who was a prominent farmer and a man held in high esteem by those with whom he had business or social inter- course. Their home was blessed by the birth of ten children, nine of whom were daughters. They were respectively named : Roxanna ;

Martha; Mary; Margaret; Abigail and Ann, twins; Betsy; Lydia; Sophronia; and Enoch, Jr.

Enoch Spurr, Jr., followed farming with success throughout his life. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Lavina Gamman, were both born in Otisfield. He died in 1883, and she in 1856. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Henry P., born Octo- ber 9, 1825, a prosperous farmer of Otisfield, who married Miss Sarah E. Sawyer; Joseph, born in February, 1827, who died at twenty- one years of age; Samuel G. ; Lorenzo, born in 1835, who died in 1857; Susan Abby, who lived to be but eighteen years of age; and Sumner, a successful farmer of Otisfield, who married Miss Ada Dudley. Mr. Enoch Spurr, Jr., and his wife were members of the Congre- gational church; and he was a Republican in politics.

Samuel G. Spurr remained with his parents during his minority, his younger years being spent in obtaining an education. He then went to Winthrop, Me., where he engaged in farming for about a year; and at the end of that time he secured a position in the store of Wyatt Turner, for whom he worked about twelve months. Returning to the old home- stead, he assisted in carrying on the farm until three years after his marriage, when he obtained a situation in the paper-mill at Me- chanic Falls, Me., and removed thither. Eight years later he came back to Otisfield, and, in company with a brother, engaged in farming on the old homestead. Their home being destroyed by fire April 17, 1882, shortly after he purchased the place where he now resides, known as the Gage homestead. Here he has from seventy-five to eighty acres of land, and is profitably engaged in general farming, poultry keeping, and dairying, sell- ing the cream, however, instead of making butter, and giving particular attention to the raising of sweet corn and onions. He also conducts some business outside of his farm.

On New Year's Day, 1856, Mr. Spurr was joined in marriage with Miss Hattie E. Mil- lett. She was born in Minot, Me., April 22, 1838, a daughter of Edmond C. and Sallie (Greenleaf) Millett, the father a native of Minot and the mother of Otisfield. Mr. Mil-

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lett followed farming with success throughout his life. He died November 12, 1894, aged eighty eight years, three months, and fifteen days. His wife died December 15, 1895, on the old homestead in West Minot. She bore her husband seven children, of whom the following is a brief record: William G., a successful farmer of West Minot, married Miss Sarah Merrill; Abbie Sarah is the wife of S. B. Waterman, who is engaged in farming in Oxford, Me. ; Hattie E. is the wife of Samuel G. Spurr; Almeda F. married E. S. Burrows, of Somerville, Mass., who is in the insurance business; Emma F. is the widow of Theron F. Varney, of Haverhill, Mass .; Nellie J. lives in Somerville, Mass. ; and Mary Edith, widow of J. F. Carr, also resides in Somerville.

Mr. and Mrs. Spurr have been bereaved of their three children, namely: Susan, born September 29, 1858, who died when but five years old; Mabel, born in June, 1868, died in infancy ; and a child that died in babyhood. They have an adopted son, Harold M. Cush- man, who was born at Buckfield, Me., July 5, 1869, son of Lorenzo and Emma (Millett) Cushman. Lorenzo Cushman was born in Buckfield and his wife in West Minot. He died in 1871. Harold M., their only child, came to live with Mr. and Mrs. Spurr when he was seven years old, and since then has filled the place of a son in their home. He has received a good practical common-school education here and in the schools of North Bridgton.

Mr. Spurr has always been a loyal Republi- can. He has served his town most acceptably in certain official positions, among which may be mentioned that of Selectman in 1880. Fraternally, he is a Mason; and he was for- merly a member of the Grange. He is a com- municant of the Congregational church .

AMES ELLINGWOOD MARRETT, a wholesale lumber dealer, with his yard and office at 305 Commercial Street, Portland, is a member of the S. C. Dyer Lumber Company, which carries on an extensive exporting business, shipping lumber to South America and the West Indies. Mr. Marrett was born April 7, 1854, in this city,

being the only child of Orlando M. and Louise O. (Small) Marrett. His father was born and bred in the town of Standish, Cum- berland County. He embarked in business in Portland as a ship-chandler, and was also the owner of vessels.

James E. Marrett acquired a practical edu- cation in the days of his youth, being gradu- ated from the Portland High School in the class of 1872, which sent forth into the busy world many men who have since become prom- inent in business and in the professions. Mr. Marrett continued his studies for a time at Westbrook Seminary, after which he was em- ployed for a while as a clerk in the lumber office of C. S. Clark, later occupying the same position in the firm of Edwin Clement & Co. He was next engaged in a similar capacity at Burlington, Vt., then in Boston, Mass., for the Canadian house of James McLaren & Co., being with them until 1878. Returning then to this city, Mr. Marrett worked at the Milan steam mills for nearly three years, subse- quently accepting a position with Mr. Seth C. Dyer, a large dealer in lumber. At the end of a year Mr. Marrett was admitted into part- nership in the business, which was carried on under the firm name of S. C. Dyer & Co. In 1887 the senior partner retired from active life, his son, James H. Dyer, taking his place; but the firm retained its old name until December, 1893, when it was changed to the S. C. Dyer Lumber Company, with Mr. J. H. Dyer and Mr. Marrett as managers of the busi- ness. The latter is an authority on all ques- tions connected with the lumber trade, either domestic or foreign, and is a regular corre- spondent of the Northwestern Lumberman, a weekly journal published in Chicago, Il1.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 83

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