Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 86

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 86

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Edwin H. Hosmer attended school in Rox- bury, now a part of Boston, and later pursued his studies in the Foxboro Academy and the Norwich Military University, being in the latter institution at the breaking out of the war. Filled with patriotic ardor, he enlisted at once in the Standish Guards of Plymouth,

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where his parents were accustomed to spend the summer. This organization was divided, a part of it taking the name of the Plymouth Rock Guards; and of this division Mr. Hosmer was soon appointed Adjutant. The company went out for three months' service on the first call for troops, and was sent to Fortress Mon- roe and attached to the Third Massachusetts Regiment, being placed on guard duty. It was one of seven companies that volunteered in the field for three years' service. Mr. Hosmer was made Captain; but, shortly receiving the appointment of Assistant Adjutant-general, he was separated from his company and was on the staffs successively of Generals Wood, Mans- field, Sumner, and Hovey. With the latter Mr. Hosmer served for three years, during one year of which General Hovey was Commander of the District of Indiana, with headquarters at Indianapolis. In the field Mr. Hosmer served all through the Peninsular campaign under General Sumner, being first at Newport News, Va., with Generals Wood and Mans- field. He was there during the famous en- counter between the " Monitor " and " Merri- mac," which took place in the immediate vicin- ity. After the Peninsular campaign Colonel Hosmer joined General Hovey at Vicksburg, being present at the memorable bombardment and surrender of that city, and remaining there until the winter of 1863-64, when he went to Indiana, as above stated. In December, 1864, he collected a number of men in Indianapolis, and went with them to join the army of Gen- eral Thomas at Nashville, then opposed to that of the Confederate General Hood. After the brilliant victory gained by Thomas, Colonel Hosmer was wounded, and captured while en- gaged with the army, pursuing the retreating Confederates. He remained a prisoner for six weeks; but, having the good fortune to meet an old schoolmate among the Confederate soldiers, he was assisted in effecting his escape, and re- turned to Indiana, serving under General Hovey until November, 1865, when he re- signed and was mustered out of the service, being then but in his twenty-first year. He had previously been promoted to the rank of Colonel of a new regiment raised at Indianapo- lis, and he had charge of the camp at that place when General Hovey resigned to settle

up his affairs at the termination of the war. Colonel Hosmer was several times wounded, first at the battle of Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862, again at Vicksburg, and once more after the battle of Nashville. For his post at Indianapolis he was in some measure indebted to his mother's uncle, Caleb B. Smith, who was Secretary of the Interior in President Lin- coln's cabinet.

After being mustered out of the service, Colonel Hosmer was elected to the Indiana State Senate, and went to Washington as clerk of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs upon the election of Governor Morton as United States Senator; and, after remaining thus engaged for a year or two, he received an appointment to a position in the Pension Office, where he remained for twenty-three years, during that time serving successively in nearly every division of the office. He was for a time the special agent at Boston, and for seven years was the special agent at Portland. At the end of the latter period he purchased the pension office of Mr. Harmon, which was the oldest one in the country, having been es- tablished some fifty years previously. He first came to Portland in 1881, but after a six years' residence in the city went back to Washington for a stay of two years. He then returned to Portland, where since 1890 he has carried on a general pension and claim busi- ness. While in Washington he attended Co- lumbia Law School and was there graduated. Colonel Hosmer's employment by the national government covered a period of thirty years ; and through all that time he proved himself a faithful public servant, whether on the field facing the enemy's fire or in the more peaceful occupations of civil life. Colonel Hosmer has been a member of Collingwood Post, No. 176, Grand Army of the Republic, of Plymouth, since its organization ; and he is a member of Deer- ing Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Greenleaf Chap- ter and St. Albans Commandery of Portland.

He was married July 31, 1884, at Lewiston, Me., to Miss Grace M. Briant ; and they have one child, Robert L., now a bright boy of two years. The family has a pleasant home in the city of Portland, but during the summer season they reside in Falmouth. They are attendants and supporters of the Episcopal church.

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ALTER S. KIMBALL, a skilful and prosperous agriculturist of Bridgton, is a native of Cumberland County, having been born September 17, 1855, in the town of Westbrook. He is of English extraction, being a descendant of Richard Kimball, who came from England and settled in Massachusetts in Colonial times. The great-grandfather of Walter was John Kimball, who, having been born, reared, and married in the old Bay State, removed to Portland in 1791. He was then in the prime of a vigor- ous manhood, being thirty-three years of age. A carpenter by trade, he assisted in the erec- tion of many of the buildings of that city, which was then recovering from the disastrous effects of Mowatt's bombardment. His son, John Kimball, Jr., who was Walter's grand- father, was born in Massachusetts, January 19, 1783. John, Jr., was abont eight years of age when he went with his parents to Portland. He married Nancy Day; and among his chil- dren was a son, William G.

William G. Kimball, born in Portland, March 10, 1814, was reared to manhood in his native town. He worked for many years at stair building in Portland and the neighboring towns. In 1867 he purchased the farm of fifty acres, located on the Highlands in Bridgton, now owned by his son Walter. He at once moved his family to this pleasant home, but continued to follow his trade in Portland until 1871. He then engaged in general farming, which thereafter continued to be his chief occupation until his demise, December 18, 1892. In 1873 he opened his house, which he named Ridge Cottage, to summer boarders, being the first in the town to enter this busi- ness, now very generally followed in the vi- cinity. The natural attractions of this locality are unsurpassed in any portion of New Eng- land. The visitor is charmed by the beauty of the lake and mountain scenery, and invigorated by the constant breezes. William G. Kimball married Eliza A. C. Shaw, a native of Portland, and they had eight children, of whom the fol- lowing is recorded : John W. lives in New York City ; Albert H. is deceased ; Frank B. is deceased ; Walter S. is the subject of this sketch; Mary is the wife of Thomas Smiley, and lives in Clinton, Mass. ; George is de-

ceased ; Frederick is deceased ; and Alice M. is the wife of Willard Barnes, of North Con- way, N. H. The mother, who was a conscien- tious and active member of the Baptist church, died in 1884. The father was a true and steadfast adherent of the Republican party.

Walter S. Kimball, who has been a resident of Bridgton since he was eleven years old, was educated in the schools of the town. When capable of doing so, he assisted his father in carrying on the farm. On the death of the latter he succeeded to the property, and has resided thereon since, with the exception of four years spent in Boston and Portland. He was united in marriage May 10, 1887, to Miss Eleanor W. Goold, who was born and bred in Portland. In politics Mr. Kimball is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows.

APTAIN SAMUEL O. COBB, a retired farmer of New Gloucester, was born in this town, December- 8, 1818. He is a representative of the family in whose honor Cobb's Station was named.

His father, Captain Chandler Cobb, was also a native of New Gloucester. During a portion of his life he worked at the trade of a shoe- maker, and he also engaged in farming. He died in this town when but forty-two years of age, leaving an honorable record. His title of Captain was acquired by service in the State militia. His wife, whose maiden name was Lydia O. True, was a native of North Var- mouth. They were married in this town, and she survived her husband many years, dying at the venerable age of ninety-five. Five chil- dren were born of their union, as follows : two died in infancy; Samuel O .; Solomon Hewitt Chandler Cobb (deceased) married Miss Cornelia Bradford, who survives him and is now residing in Skowhegan, Me. ; Mary is the wife of Henry A. Fogg, a successful farmer of New Gloucester.

Samuel O. Cobb acquired his education in the common school, which he was able to attend during the winter months only. He remained with his parents, and after his father's death he helped to support his

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widowed mother. Shortly after his marriage, which occurred in February, 1842, he pur- chased a farm, on which he lived until 1878, removing at that time to New Gloucester vil- lage. Two years later he removed to another farm, which he made his home until March, 1895, when he sold out, and is now living in retirement. His wife, who before her mar- riage was Miss Mary Morgan, was born in this town, January 21, 1819, and is a daughter of John and Sarah (Ramsdell) Morgan, both of whom are members of old and well-known families of this county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cobb - Elizabeth P. M. Cobb, now a dressmaker in Portland; Lydia True Cobb, who died at the age of eight years; and Hattie Ellen, who lives at home with her parents. Lizzie P. M. was educated at Auburn Academy, and Hattie E. at Abbott Academy, Andover, Mass., from which she was graduated.

Like his father, Samuel O. Cobb obtained his title by service in the State militia. His present easy circumstances are due to well- directed and persistent effort, united with judicious economy. In political affiliation he is a firm Republican. He and his wife are useful and active members of the Congrega- tional church.

LBERT F. CHUTE, a respected farmer and lifelong resident of Otisfield, was born in this town, January 27, 1856. He is a son of John H. and Joanna (Pike) Chute. His father, who was also a native of Otisfield, born July 29, ISIO, was throughout his life successfully engaged in agriculture on the farm settled by the grand- father, Francis Chute. He died December II, 1890. His wife, Joanna, was a native of Norway, this State, and there spent her childhood. She was twice married, her first husband being Nathaniel Andrews, of Nor- way. While Mrs. Andrews she resided in Harrison and later in Otisfield, where her husband died September 26, 1853. By her subsequent marriage with Mr. Chute she had one son, whose name prefaces this article. She died April 24, 1896.

Albert F. Chute acquired a practical educa-

tion, and in early youth assisted his father in the management of the farm of which he is now the owner. The place, known as the old Chute homestead, which was cleared, as above mentioned, by his grandfather, Francis, con- tains about one hundred acres of well-improved land; and Mr. Chute is profitably engaged in general farming and stock raising. He usually keeps about seven cows, his cream finding a ready market in Poland, Androscoggin County, and elsewhere. Mr. Chute is the possessor of some interesting family heirlooms, among them an old clock that his great-grandfather had in his younger days and a silver watch his grandfather received in payment for a month's work in the hay-field. On September 10, 1876, Mr. Chute was united in marriage with Miss Eugenia Scribner, who was born in Otisfield, June 30, 1856, daughter of Joseph and Elsie (Scribner) Scribner. Mrs. Chute's great-grandfather was one of the early settlers of this town. Her grandfather, Edward Scribner, was born in Otisfield, September 18, 1806, and for ten years before his death, which occurred January 28, 1896, he made his home with her. Mrs. Chute's mother died May 17, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Chute are the parents of one son, Alfred L., born March 8, 1878, and now residing at home.

In political matters Mr. Chute has always voted with the Republican party. He has, however, declined office, though several times asked to serve. He is connected with some of the social Orders, being a member of Harri- son Lodge, No. 41, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Harrison village, the New Eng- land Order of Protection, and the Patrons of Husbandry. He and his wife are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church at Bolster's Mills.

G EORGE W. LOVEJOY, junior mem- ber of the firm of L. M. Lovejoy & Son, carpenters and builders of Port- land, is an enterprising business man and a respected citizen. He is a native of this city, born July 31, 1859, son of Lemuel M. and Charlotte S. (Goold) Lovejoy. His paternal grandparents, Lemuel and Abigial (French) Lovejoy, were pioneer settlers of Oxford

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County. Lemuel Lovejoy, who was a carpen- ter and farmer, was born in Andover, Mass., January 28, 1789. After attaining man's es- tate he emigrated in 1810 to Norway, Me., where he lived until his death, which oceurred February 27, 1863, aged seventy-four years, thirty days. His wife, Abigail (French) Lovejoy, was also a native of Andover, born June 6, 1790. There were nine children born to them, six of whom are now living; namely, Esther A. Merrill, Henry C. Lovejoy, Martha F. Gould, Lemuel M. Lovejoy, Aaron W. Lovejoy, and Thomas R. Lovejoy. The mother's death oceurred July 27, 1869, aged seventy-nine years, twenty-one days. Both parents were members of the Methodist Epis- copal church.

Lemuel M. Lovejoy was born May 6, 1826, in the town of Norway, and lived there until he attained his majority. Having learned the carpenter's trade, he then started in business for himself, loeating in Portland. Being a thorough and skilful workman, he soon won a leading position among his fellow-earpenters. Continuing in the business sinee, he has built many of the fine residenees, including several of those on the west hill. In 1884 he took into partnership his son George, who has proved a most efficient assistant. His wife was born in Portland, January 2, 1826, daugh- ter of Abner and Elizabeth (Green) Goold. Abner Goold was born in Portland in 1789. He followed the business of a stevedore, employing a great many men. His death oe- curred July 14, 1863, at the age of seventy- four years. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in Scarboro, Me., in July, 1791. There were ten children born to them, of whom Charlotte S. Lovejoy is the only survivor. Mrs. Goold's death occurred March 27, 1855, aged sixty-three years, eight months. She and her husband were members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Mr. Lemuel M. Lovejoy and his wife had four children, of whom two are now living - Mary O. and George W. The others were: Charlotte S. and Elwood F. Both parents are worthy members of the Meth- odist Episcopal ehureh. The father is an Odd Fellow, holding membership in the Maine Lodge.

George W. Lovejoy received his education

in the publie schools of Portland. While still quite young in years, he learned the ear- penter's trade with his father, who perceived the boy's natural aptitude for the trade, and sought to develop it. Subsequently George worked by the day at the trade until 1884, when, as stated above, he was admitted to an equal partnership with his father, forming the firm, L. M. Lovejoy & Son. Since then he has taken an aetive interest in everything con- nected with the business, looking carefully after the books and finances. In busy times they employ from fifteen to twenty-five men, having had as many as thirty-five men at work under unusual pressure.

Mr. Lovejoy was married January 13, 1885, to Miss Hattie May, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (McDonald) Maekin, of Portland. Their married life was comparatively brief. Mrs. Lovejoy died April 29, 1894, leaving three children - Claude L., Ralph W., and Philip B. Philip B. is now deeeased. Mr. Lovejoy is a member of Bramhill Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and is an attendant of the Universalist ehurch.

BRAHAM P. LUFKIN, a prominent farmer of North Yarmouth, holding the office of Town Treasurer, was born upon the farm he now owns and occupies, March 28, 1834, son of William and Sarah (Batehelder) Lufkin.

Mr. Lufkin's father was a native and life- long resident of North Yarmouth, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Ener- getie and persevering, he never lost an oppor- tunity for advancement ; and his prosperity was the result of his untiring efforts. In politics he was originally a Whig. Later he supported the principles of the Republican party, and he possessed an intelligent understanding of im- portant politieal questions of his day. He was highly esteemed as a worthy and useful citizen, who took a deep interest in the general wel- fare of the community and was always active in forwarding measures conducive to the publie welfare. William Lufkin died at the age of eighty-two years. He was a Congregationalist in his religious views and a member and a liberal supporter of that ehureh in North Yar-

WILLIAM H. JORDAN.

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mouth. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Batchelder, was a native of North Yar- mouth. They reared two children, namely : Abraham P., the subject of this sketch; and Sarah E., who is a resident of North Yar- mouth. Mrs. Sarah B. Lufkin, like her hus- band, lived to reach the age of eighty-two.

Abraham P. Lufkin received his education in the district schools of his native town, and at an early age he began to assist in carrying on the farm. He became proficient in the im- proved methods of agricultural development, and since succeeding to the ownership of the home farm has conducted it with ability and success. His property, which is desirably located, consists of sixty acres of fertile land ; and he devotes his time and attention to gen- eral farming, his crops being among the best in his locality. He has long occupied a posi- tion of prominence in local public affairs, possessing qualifications which make him es- pecially eligible to responsible offices of trust ; and he not only served as a member of the Board of Selectmen for seven years, but has officiated as Town Treasurer with ability and faithfulness for a number of terms. He is a Republican in politics.

On October 19, 1858, Mr. Lufkin was united in marriage with Lucy C. Hayes, who was born in North Yarmouth, February 23, 1835. She is a daughter of the late David and Lydia Hayes. Mr. and Mrs. Lufkin have two children, as follows: Margaret A., an adopted daughter, who is now the wife of Sidney A. Rich, and resides in Lynn, Mass. ; and Grace N., who married Edwin M. McIn- tyre, and is living in North Yarmouth.

Mr. Lufkin is pleasantly situated at his comfortable home and enjoys a well-merited prosperity as the result of his labors. He is a general social favorite, being connected with the Knights of l'ythias of Yarmouth ; and he and his wife are members of the Congrega- tional church.

ILLIAM H. JORDAN, a highly re- spected citizen of Raymond; Cum- berland County, Me., a practical and enterprising farmer, was born in New Gloucester, an adjoining town, on June 2,

1859, son of John H. and Mary A. (Stinch- field) Jordan.

John Jordan, the paternal grandfather of William H., was a native of Raymond. Ilere he successfully followed the occupation of a farmer, being the owner of the place on which his grandson now resides. He married Miss Thirza Brown, of Pownal, Me., who bore him eight children, as follows: Joseph, Samuel, Zachariah, John H., Dorcas, Mary, Melissa, and Mahala.

At their father's decease John H. Jordan took charge of the old homestead, of which he subsequently became the owner, and here spent his life profitably engaged in agricult- ure. His death occurred on April 21, 1888. His wife, Mary A. Stinchfield, was born in New Gloucester, daughter of William and Re- becca (Preble) Stinchfield. After her mother's death in 1857 her father, who was a pros- perous farmer of that place, married Miss Sallie Cole, and shortly removed to this town, where he spent the remainder of his life in farming. He died here on June 9, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Jordan reared a son and daughter, the former being William H., the subject of the present sketch. His sister, Clara N., born January 12, 1862, married Frank C. Wilson. She died June 19, 1891, leaving two sons - Ernest C. and Perley J., who, with their father, reside with their mother's brother.

William H. Jordan received a good prac- tical education in the common schools of Ray- mond. He remained with his parents until their death, after which he purchased the old homestead; and he has since continued to re- side here. The farm contains about one hun- dred acres of well-improved land; and he is profitably engaged in mixed husbandry and the production of fruit, also raising considerable live stock.

In political affiliation Mr. Jordan is a Re- publican and an ardent advocate of the prin- ciples of that party. He has served his town as Collector for about four years. Mr. Jordan and his brother-in-law, Mr. Wilson, are both members of Hawthorne Lodge, No. 16, Knights of Pythias, of Raymond, Mr. Wilson likewise belonging to the New England Order of Protection, No. 171, of Webb's Mills, and

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also to Moamma Lodge, No. 40, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Mechanic Falls.

HOMAS J. DAWES, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of New Gloucester and a leading farmer of that place, was born in the town, July 27, 1807, son of Gideon and Sarah (Haskell) Dawes. Gideon Dawes, whose birth occurred in Duxbridge, Me., came to New Gloucester with his parents when a lad of fourteen years. During the remainder of his boyhood he re- sided in the old Belle Tavern in that village. He purchased a farm in New Gloucester, and was thereafter engaged in its cultivation until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-five years old. His wife, Sarah, who was a native of New Gloucester, lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years. Twelve children were born of their union; namely, Gideon, Hubbard, Charles, Nathan, William, Bethany, Thomas J., Davis, Joseph, Sarah, and two, unnamed, who died in infancy. Sarah married George Springall, a merchant of Boston, Mass.

Thomas J. Dawes, who is now the only sur- vivor of his parents' family, received a good common-school education. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years old. He then spent four years working on different farms for eight dollars per month. Soon after his marriage he purchased his present farm, on which he has since resided. It contains sixty acres of well-improved land, which under his skilful management has yielded good crops of hay, corn, and other staple products. Al- though advanced in years, he is still able to perform considerable work.

On April 20, 1834, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Eliza Emery, who was born in Poland, Me., April 15, 1811, daughter of Mark and Annie (McGuire) Emery. Her father, a native of Cape Ann, Maine, who was a shoemaker by trade, and was also engaged to some extent in farming, died when Mrs. Dawes was but three years old. Her mother was born in New Gloucester. Mr. and Mrs. Dawes had two children - Sophia and Alvin F. Sophia, born November 29, 1835, mar- ried Henry Morgan, who died July 1, 1874.

She died May 11, 1863, leaving one daughter, Sophia H., born May 1, 1863. Sophia H. married L. Whitman, the manufacturer of the Whitman sleds. They live with Mr. and Mrs. Dawes, and Mr. Whitman carries on his man- ufacturing business near by. Alvin F. Dawes, born November 7, 1843, served in the Civil War as a private in Company H of the Tenth Regiment, Maine Volunteers, com- manded by Colonel G. L. Beals. At the close of the war he returned to his home, where he died on October 17, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Dawes are the oldest married couple in New Gloucester. They remember when there were but few houses in their immediate vicinity. In politics Mr. Dawes is a Democrat, while he and his wife are honored members of the Baptist church.

J OSHUA L. USHER, a veteran of the Civil War, who has a fine farm in the beautiful lake town of Sebago, was born in Baldwin, Cumberland County, No- vember 30, 1832, son of Luther and Esther (Young) Usher. Luther Usher, who was a farmer of Baldwin, reared four children, of whom Joshua L. was the youngest. The boy was reared among rural surroundings, receiv- ing a common-school education in his native town. When seventeen years old he started to earn his own living, hiring out as a farni hand; and when he was twenty-two years of age he purchased a farm in the town of Bald- win, which he managed till 1859. He then moved to Sebago, and in 1861 took posses- sion of the estate on which he is now resid- ing. On October 1, 1862, he left the new home in which he was scarcely settled, and joined the troops mustering to go South. Enlisting as a private in Company H, Tenth Regiment, Maine Infantry, he was mustered in at Augusta, and was soon in active service, facing the enemy first on the bloody field of Antietam. Subsequently he participated in some of the most momentous engagements of the Civil War, including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Raccoon Fort, Chattanooga, Berryville, Fisher's Hill, Fogg's Tavern, Cedar Creek, and the engagement near Mount Jackson. Though hundreds of his comrades

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 86

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