USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine > Part 85
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John T. Oxnard spent his early years in Freeport, and acquired a good practical educa- tion in the schools of Yarmouth and at Harps- well Academy. He then took up the occupa- tion of a farmer, and later on went into a general store in Pownal, Me., where he did a successful business for two years. Since 1873 he has resided in Freeport, where he has en- gaged in farming, also conducting a successful real estate business ; and he is often called upon to serve as an auctioneer. His investments and speculations, by reason of his good judgment and business ability, have generally proved profitable; and he is now quite a large prop- erty holder, owning Oxnard Block in Freeport, which was erected by him in 1893, a fine resi- dence, a tenement-house, and an excellent farm.
On February 28, 1865, he was joined in marriage with Miss Mary C. Warren, a daugh- ter of William T. and Betsy Warren, of Pow- nal, Me., where she was born. Their home
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has been brightened by the birth of one son - William A. Oxnard.
In politics Mr. Oxnard votes with the Re- publican party. For a number of years he has filled the office of Constable in a very satisfac- tory manner, holding that position continuously since his first election. He is liberal in his views on religious subjects.
NDREW J. CASH, senior member of the firm of Cash Brothers, grocers at Cash's Corner, Cumberland County, Me., was born December 26, 1865, at Cape Elizabeth, in that part of the town now known as South Portland. His grand- father, Stephen Cash, who was born on the Cape, September 15, 1793, was a son of one of the earliest settlers of this section of the county. He fought in the War of 1812; and after his return from the army he engaged in general farming on the parental homestead, continuing thus engaged until his death, No- vember 27, 1850. Stephen Cash was married in 1818 to Elizabeth Palmer, daughter of John Palmer, of Cape Elizabeth. She was born November 18, 1800, and lived until 1878, sur- viving her husband more than a quarter of a century. Nine children were born of their union, of whom three are living, namely : Mrs. Leonard Stiles, of River Falls, Wis. ; Will- iam, a resident of Cash's Corner; and George W., of whom a short sketch is given on another page of this volume.
Andrew J. Cash, Sr., third son of Stephen, was born April 8, 1838, at Cape Elizabeth. He received a good common-school education, and at the age of eighteen years started in business for himself as a Yankee pedler, establishing a route through Maine and New Hampshire, where he built up a substantial trade in dry goods, tinware, and notions. At the breaking out of the late Rebellion he enlisted from Portland as a private in Com- pany I, Twenty-fifth Maine Volunteer Infantry. With his regiment he served in many impor- tant engagements, enduring with courage the dangers and hardships incidental to army life, and at the end of his term of enlistment, in 1863, was honorably discharged. He re- turned at once to the Cape, where the follow-
ing October he married Agnes J. Moody, a daughter of Sewall Moody. She also was a native of Cape Elizabeth, the date of her birth being July 30, 1849. For nine years after his marriage he was employed in the glass works at Portland, but afterward resumed his former occupation, which he continued until 1882, when he sold out his pedler's stock. He then purchased the grocery store and stock of his brother at Cash's Corner, and subsequently admitted into equal partnership his eldest son, Andrew J., Jr. In 1892, a few months prior to his death, which occurred on August 31 of that year, Andrew J. Cash, Sr., gave up his share of the business to his other son, Al- phonso P., the junior member of this enter- prising firm. Alphonso P. Cash was born June 19, 1868, and was married September 18, 1890, to Miss Cora Mountfort, a daughter of Sewall Mountfort, of the town of Gray. He is a young man of fine business qualities and a stanch member of the Democratic party.
Andrew J. Cash acquired his education in the place of his nativity, and received his diploma from the Cape Elizabeth High School in 1882. He then began his business career, entering into partnership with his father in the grocery trade, in which he has continued until the present time, having met with excel- lent success. Since the time of his father's retirement the business has been carried on under its present firm name of Cash Brothers, and has become quite extensive, their local trade being very valuable.
Mr. Cash was united in marriage November 27, 1890, to Miss Mae L. Dyer, daughter of Charles E. Dyer, of Pleasantdale. They have one child, a son, Philip Gordon, born October 31, 1891. Mr. Cash and his family occupy the old homestead of his grandfather, Stephen Cash, who was one of the prominent men of his day ; but at the present time he is erecting a handsome residence near his place of busi- ness, to which he will remove as soon as it is completed.
Mr. Cash is a strong adherent of the Demo- cratic party, and takes an active part in the management of town affairs. In 1895, when the town of Cape Elizabeth was divided, the northern portion taking the name of South Portland, Mr. Cash was honored by being
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elected a member of the first Board of Select- men, and during the same year was appointed Postmaster, the post-office, which received the name of Cash's Corner, being established in his store. He belongs to several social or- ganizations, being a member of Elizabeth City Lodge, No. 114, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; of Cumberland Lodge, No. 66, Knights of Pythias; of Hiram Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Masconomo Tribe, I. O. R. M .; the Knights of the Golden Eagle; and also Shepley Camp, No. 4, Sons of Veterans. Mr. and Mrs. Cash are members of the Methodist church.
A. McCOLLISTER, M.D., a well- known physician of Gray, Cumberland County, where he has been engaged in practice for the past twelve years, was born in Canton, Me., March 25, 1852, a son of Richard and Philena (Ludden) McCollister. His father, who was also born in Canton, still resides there on a farm near the village, having been actively engaged in general farming since early manhood. His wife, Philena, who was also a native of Canton, bore her husband eight children - John, who lives in Canton; Dr. E. A. McCollister, the subject of this brief memoir; L. Henry, a resident of Canton ; Margery C., wife of John Weld, of the same town; Philena A., who died when a child of two years; Philena A. (second), a teacher in the schools at Canton ; Elva E. ; and Richard Elsworth. Mrs. Richard McCollister died in January, 1873.
E. A. McCollister received his education at the Dixfield School, the Peru High School, and Wilton Academy, each of which he at- tended for one term; Yarmouth Academy, which he attended for two terms; Hebron Academy, where he remained two years; and Bates College, at Lewiston, Me., from which he was graduated after a four years' course. He then took up the study of medicine at the Medical School of Maine, at Brunswick, this State, three years later receiving his diploma with the class of 1882. He subsequently took a supplementary course at a medical school in New York City. In 1882 he settled in New Portland, Franklin County, and a year later
opened an office in Gray. He has since ac- quired a good practice both in the village and throughout the surrounding country, being one of the best-known and most popular physicians in this locality.
On February 5, 1881, in Dover, N. H., he was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Sawyer, who was born in Auburn, Me., and is a daughter of Joseph P. Sawyer, a resident of that place. Mrs. McCollister has borne her husband four children - Philena, Edward E., Richard S., and Walter L., all residing at home.
Dr. McCollister is independent in politics. He has served as Supervisor of Schools for the past three years, and at the present time is Chairman of the School Board. Fraternally, he is a member of Siloam Lodge, No. 45, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, of Gray ; . also of Cumberland Lodge, No. 12, A. F. & A. M., of New Gloucester.
REDERICK O. BAILEY, senior mem- ber of the firm of F. O. Bailey & Co., auctioneers and manufacturers of desks and show-cases, also of F. O. Bailey Carriage Company, manufacturers and dealers in car- riages and harness, was born in Portland, June IO, 1845. His parents were Henry and Louisa (Davis) Bailey. Henry Bailey was an auctioneer in Portland for forty-five years. He served as an Alderman for several years, being on the committee which purchased Ever - green Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bailey had two children - Dr. George H. Bailey, State Cattle Commissioner; and Frederick O. Bailey, the subject of this sketch.
After receiving his education in the Deer- ing public schools, Frederick served his father as clerk. The firm, which included Mr. Bailey's brother, was known under the style of Henry Bailey & Co. During the great Portland fire they were burned out, and the partnership was dissolved. Frederick was then taken into partnership with his father, and the firm name was changed to Henry Bailey & Son. The business so continued until the death of Mr. Henry Bailey in 1867, when Mr. Frederick O. Bailey became propri- etor. Later Mr. C. W. Allen, who had
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served as clerk for several years, entered the firm as partner, since which time the company has been known under the style of F. O. Bailey & Co. In addition to their auction business they manufacture store and office furnishings, such as show-cases, desks, and similar articles. They are also agents for the Hall Safe Lock Company, the Derby Desk Company, Henry Troemmer & Co., and many others.
In 1886 they started a carriage business, which is kept entirely separate from their other business, under the firm name of F. O. Bailey Carriage Company. This business has greatly increased ; and they are now not only selling agents for some of the largest manu- facturers in the country, but have a large car- riage factory of their own in Deering, where they manufacture carriages and sleighs, which they furnish to dealers in all the large cities from Portland, Me., to Portland, Ore. They are now occupying in their carriage business, as a repository, the large block on the corner of Middle and Market Streets, opposite the post-office ; and they have a large repair shop on Plum Street and storage houses on Dan- forth and Plum Streets. They also have a large jobbing and retail business in carriages and harness and everything pertaining thereto.
In Deering, November 15, 1867, Mr. Bailey married Harriet R. Woodford, daughter of William and Nancy W. (Stevens) Woodford. They have one child, Annie Louisa. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey attend the Congress Square Universalist Church, Portland.
ILLIAM WOODFORD, a venerable and highly esteemed resident of Woodford's Corners, son of Isaiah and Margaret (Sawyer) Woodford, was born in this place July 29, 1804.
Paradoxical as it may seem, Mr. Woodford has resided in two States, four towns, and one city ; and yet he has always made his home at Woodford's Corners, which received its name because of the early prominence of the Wood- ford family. The States in which he has lived are, of course, Massachusetts and Maine; and the towns are Falmouth, Stroudwater,
Westbrook, and Deering, the city being the present municipality.
Isaiah Woodford was a native of Connecti- cut. Shortly after attaining his majority, he left home to seek his fortune. Coming to Maine, he located at Woodford's Corners in the present city of Deering, which was then a part of the old town of Falmouth. He pur- chased a house in the very heart of the town, and in a shop in the rear he established his tinsmith business. He and his younger brother, Ebenezer D. Woodford, for whom he had driven back to Connecticut, carried on the manufacture of tinware in a brick shop that stood near the site of the present post-office. They also built a large wooden building in the rear of that for the manufacture of combs. The tinware and combs were peddled through the country, and it was no unusual sight to see ten or a dozen carts waiting to receive their supply of goods.
In 1803 Isaiah Woodford married Margaret Sawyer, whose family lived on Ocean Street, being ancestors of the Woodford's Corners Sawyers of to-day. In 1819 Mr. Woodford died, leaving a widow and seven children - William, the eldest; Jane; Eliza; Margaret ; Thomas D .; Harriet; and Darius, who died in childhood.
William Woodford's district-school educa- tion was supplemented by study with an old minister in Portland. He then engaged in the tinware and comb business with his uncle, Ebenezer D. Woodford. When that enter- prise ceased to be profitable, he became a coppersmith and sheet iron worker. In 1861 he went to New York to do the sheet iron work on a new sugar house for the Hon. J. B. Brown.
On December 29, 1827, he married Nancy W. Stevens, daughter of Benjamin and Char- lotte (Webb) Stevens. They had four children - Caroline, who died in childhood; William D., who has been a member of the firm of Libby, McNeil & Libby of Chicago for fifteen years; Albert H., who is in charge of the cop- per and sheet iron works of the Portland Com- pany ; and Harriet, wife of F. O. Bailey, an extensive carriage manufacturer of Portland.
In politics Mr. Woodford was a Whig, and cast his first Presidential vote for John Quincy
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Adams. Later he became a Democrat; and he says emphatically, "I am one for life." The old mansion where he lives was built by Benjamin Stevens in the latter part of the last century. It was built to last, and the great timbers of solid oak are so large that they project in the corners of the room.
During the war of 1812 Mr. Woodford was an eye witness to the bringing in to Portland of the English vessel "Boxer " by the Amer- ican "Enterprise." He saw the prisoners marched up to jail, and the incident made a lasting impression on his childish mind. He is very fond of reading anecdotes which his memory substantiates. Last July, 1895, on the ninety-first birthday of Mr. Woodford, his daughter, Mrs. Bailey, gave an informal re- ception. A great many people paid their trib- ute of respect, affection, and congratulation to Mr. Woodford, who, in spite of his great age, is still enjoying good health and spirits. He planted and cared for his fine vegetable garden last summer. His massive frame, handsome features, and manly bearing make Mr. Wood- ford a striking personality.
OSTER BROTHERS, who conduct a large saw-mill, grist-mill, and planing- mill in Bridgton, are important factors in the industrial life of the town. They were born in Bridgton, on the farm where they now reside, the elder brother, Sumner, April II, 1838; the younger, Perley B., August I, 1841. They are the sons of Joseph R. and Annis C. (Small) Foster. Joseph R. Foster, a native of Bridgton, who was a shoemaker and tanner by trade, purchased the farm in Bridgton now owned by his sons in 1837. He also founded the Foster mills, starting in a small way with one mill. His venture proving successful, he gradually enlarged his facilities until at the time of his decease the Foster mills were one of the most important industrial features of the locality. He died September 17, 1888. In politics he was Democrat. In 1835 he was united in mar- riage with Annis C. Small, a native of Lim- ington, York County. They had six children ; namely, Sumner, Angelina, Perley B., Dexter L., Adelaide, and Victoria. Mrs. Foster
died January 22, 1889, aged seventy-three years, four months.
Sumner and Perley B. Foster were reared on the farm, receiving their education in the schools of Bridgton. In boyhood they spent many hours in the mills, at first drawn thither by the irresistible fascination which the whir of machinery always has for a child. As they grew older they gradually took hold of the work, so that at the time of their father's death they were qualified to take full charge. Since that time they have carried on a pros- perous business, giving constant employment to a number of men. Now the annual output of the saw-mill is two hundred thousand feet of lumber, while the grist-mill and planing-mill are in constant operation. They also manu- facture large quantities of shingles. The farm, which is well cultivated and kept in - good condition, is another source of profit.
Sumner Foster was married in 1893 to Mrs. Elmira Bennett, daughter of Albert and Eunice (Carpenter) Berry. In politics the brothers favor Democratic principles. In re- ligious belief they are Congregationalists. They are widely known and respected, and as business men occupy a leading position in the locality.
ARRISON R. WATERHOUSE, Postmaster at South Windham, Me., and an active business man, was born August 29, 1852, in the town of Windham. His grandfather, a lifelong resident of Gorham, owned a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres, nearly one-third of which he cultivated. He was a successful farmer for his time and opportunities, a member of the Baptist church, and an old-time Whig in politics. He rounded out a long life, living until more than ninety years of age, and reared a large family of children, among them being Gardiner Waterhouse, the father of Harrison.
Gardiner Waterhouse, the third son born to his parents, was a native of Gorham, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for thirty-five years. Subsequently removing to the town of Standish, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, buying a farm of seventy-five acres, which he managed
GRENVILLE HALL.
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until his death in 1878. He was twice mar- ried. His first wife and their only child died in 1849; and he was married in 1850 to Sarah, daughter of Abram Mayberry, of Stand- ish, Me. By his second wife he had three children, namely: Harrison R .; J. M., who was born in Standish, June 20, 1855, is a con- tractor and builder in Idaho and a stanch member of the Republican party; and Frank M., who was born July 15, 1858, married Mabel Frost, of Bridgton, and has three chil- dren - Mildred, Maud, and Ethel. Frank M. Waterhouse is a Democrat in politics and a Universalist in his religious belief. The father was a member of the Baptist church and a strong Republican.
Harrison R. Waterhouse acquired his edu- cation in Standish, and after leaving school worked two years in the grocery store of West- cott & Mayberry at North Gorham. Going then to Portland, he was employed as a clerk three years in the clothing house of R. S. Webster. Mr. Waterhouse then had charge of the old homestead in Standish for two years, and afterward worked in the mill of the In- durated Fibre Company at North Gorham five years. Going thence to Yarmouth, Mr. Waterhouse was employed by R. H. Mc- Quillen & Co. two years, the following two years being spent with M. A. Hansom at South Windham. He then established him- self in the grocery business at Windham, continuing two years, when he resumed his former position with Mr. Hansom, where he remained another two years. Forming a part- nership with F. H. Freeman under the name of Freeman & Waterhouse, he then carried on business in Gorham three years. In 1893 the existing partnership was dissolved, and the new firm of Hansom & Waterhouse was formed, Mr. Waterhouse becoming the partner of Howard E. Hansom. These gentlemen have since been engaged in the provision business at South Windham, where they have a profitable trade.
On April 25, 1876, Mr. Waterhouse was united in marriage with Eliza Higgins, of Standish, a daughter of James L. Higgins. Their only child now living is Fred S., who was born April 21, 1879. Mr. Waterhouse is a steadfast Democrat in politics and an active
and useful citizen of his town, which in 1890 he represented in the State legislature. He was likewise Selectman of Windham during the years 1888 and 1889. In April, 1894, he was appointed Postmaster, an office which he still holds in 1896.
RENVILLE HALL, late a prominent farmer of West Falmouth, Cumber- land County, Me., who died about three months since, February 14, 1896, was born in Falmouth, January 27, 1822, son of Jeremiah and Hulda (Winslow) Hall.
His paternal grandfather, William Hall, was one of the first white settlers of the town, the land which he subjected to the plough hav- ing never before been occupied save by the Indians. William Hall was twice married, and had a large family of children. In relig- ious belief he was a Quaker. Jeremiah Hall, son of William, passed his life on the Fal- mouth homestead, where he engaged in farm- ing and lumbering. He became one of the leading men of the town, and for sixteen years held the office of Selectman, serving a portion of that time as Chairman of the Board. In political views he was a Democrat. His wife, whose maiden name was Hulda Wins- low, bore him seven children, all of whom lived to attain years of discretion, and two are now living; namely, Winslow and An- drew, who reside in California.
Grenville Hall received his education in the common schools of Falmouth and at Nor- way Academy, Norway, Me. After leaving school he returned to the Hall homestead and engaged in farming, and after his father's death he became the owner of this farm. It contains about two hundred and fifteen acres of land, divided into pasture, woodland, and tillage, and yields about sixty-five tons of hay yearly. Mr. Hall kept on an average eight head of beef cattle and three horses. He was a breeder of native, Hereford, Holstein, and Jersey stock. Energetic, progressive, and thrifty, after he became the owner of the place he made various improvements, re- modelling the house and out-buildings, and crecting a new barn.
On February 3, 1875, he married Miss
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Miranda Fields, a daughter of William Fields, of Falmouth, Me. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, but soon its place in the household was marked by a vacant chair.
Mr. Hall is a believer in the principles of the Democratic party, but was never an aspir- ant for official position. The only social Order of which he was a member was the Grange of Falmouth, the larger share of his time being devoted to his home and farm in- terests. With his family he was an attendant of the Friends' Meeting.
A very good likeness of Grenville Hall will be found on another page of this volume.
R EUBEN B. BENNETT, a prominent merchant of Bridgton, was born in the town, February 25, 1819, son of William and Lois (Flint) Bennett. He is a descendant of a pioneer of Vermont, from which State his father came to Bridgton. The youngest of a family of seven children, six sons and one daughter, he is also the sole survivor.
Like his brothers, he was reared to farming pursuits. When eighteen years of age, he began carpentering, which he followed four or five years, still making his home with his father, however. He next moved to the town of Sweden, and was there employed in a mill for twelve years. Coming then to Bridgton, he obtained an engagement at the old Walker- son mill, which stood on the site now occupied by the Pondicherry mills, and managed it for a long time. On ending this connection he embarked in mercantile business, which he still pursues. In this venture he has been very successful, and at the present time owns two business houses in the lower village. He has also made considerable profit by buying large tracts of standing timber, manufacturing it into lumber, and disposing of it at the lead- ing markets of the vicinity. Mr. Bennett is the architect of his own fortunes. He has won success by energy, industry, and enterprise under the guidance of a good judgment.
In 1840 Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Burnell, who was born in Bridgton, December 22, 1820. Their children were : Wesley, Benjamin F., Harriet A., and
Frank P. Wesley died when young, Harriet A. in 1893. Frank P. is the present Post- master of Bridgton. Mrs. Bennett, a woman of much worth, is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Bennett, Sr., is an earnest advocate of Democratic prin- ciples. He is active in public affairs, gener- ously aiding and encouraging all beneficial enterprises, and is highly esteemed in his native town.
OLONEL EDWIN H. HOSMER, LL. B., a prominent attorney and notary public of Portland, Me., was born in the town now known as Norfolk, Norfolk County, Mass., August 1, 1845, son of Dennis and Elmira (Kingsbury) Hosmer, and grandson of Daniel Hosmer, a native of Concord, Mass., who served as Col- onel in the War of 1812.
Dennis Hosmer, son of Daniel, was born at Sterling, Worcester County, Mass., in 1811. In early life he was a teacher, but later re- nounced his calling to follow that of painter and contractor. He moved to Norfolk, where he became a prominent citizen and was Sheriff of that county. He served as soldier in the Civil War, going to the front with the rank of Captain, and was later promoted to that of Lieutenant Colonel of colored troops. He was killed while on his way home, after receiving his discharge in December, 1864, on account of ill health, having been last seen by his son, the subject of this sketch, at Nashville, Tenn., in the fall of that year. His wife survived him nearly twenty-four years, dying in May, 1888. She was a daughter of Asa Kingsbury, and was born in Norfolk, September 23, 1808. They had three sons- Edwin H. ; John G., now of Worcester, Mass. ; and Frederick W., of Plymouth, Mass., all of whom served in the Union army during the war, each enlisting at an early age.
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