USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine > Part 89
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quence of his father's offer, he settled in Casco. Here he purchased the farm which his son now occupies, and resided there until his death. His wife, Fannie, a native of Freeport, survived her husband, spending the last years of her life with her children.
The Hon. Matthew F. Winslow acquired a practical common-school education. He was the third child in order of birth, and remained with his parents, assisting his father in the work of the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. On starting out for himself, he went first to Lexington, Me., where he was engaged in logging for a year. The following year he returned and worked on the home farm, and then again engaged in lumbering for a year. In June, 1843, he returned again to his home; and from that time until he reached the age of twenty-six years, he was employed on different farms in the vicinity. Not long after his marriage he removed from Casco to Otis- field. His next venture was the purchase of a farm in Harrison, Me. Here he lived for five years, profitably engaged in general farm- ing. He then purchased the old homestead in Casco, and lived there for several years. He left it to go to Webb's Mills, where he cared for his first wife's parents until their death. From there he returned to the homestead, where he has since remained. The estate con- tains one hundred and ten acres of good farm- ing land. He carries on general farming, stock and fruit raising, making a specialty of dairying, for which he keeps ten cows.
On December 27, 1846, Mr. Winslow was united in matrimony with Miss Deborah R. Small, a daughter of Robert Small, of Gray, Me., who died when she was a mere child. Her own death occurred on September 3, 1859. She left three children, namely : Cyrus, born September 29, 1847, living near Webb's Mills, who married Miss Emma Holmes, of Jeffer- son, N. H. ; Helen M., born December 20, 1853, who is the wife of Gideon T. Cook, of Casco, a successful carpenter and farmer and a Deputy Sheriff ; and Charles F., born Au- gust 19, 1859, who is in partnership with his father and lives on the homestead. Charles F. Winslow was first married to Miss I. D. Jor- dan, of Raymond, who died May 23, 1891. He subsequently contracted a second union
with Miss Lizzie G. Seavey, a native of Harri- son, Me., born October 12, 1867. He is now the father of two sons - Walter P. and Harry M. On November 26, 1860, Mr. Matthew F. Winslow was again married, this time to Miss Phoebe M. Bailey. She was born in Casco, December 25, 1826, daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Jumper) Bailey, both now deceased. Daniel Bailey was a native of Westbrook, whence he removed to Casco, where he fol- lowed with success the callings of farmer, carpenter, and joiner. His wife was born in Harrison, Me.
In his political relations Mr. Winslow is a Democrat, and has always been an ardent ad- vocate of the principles of that party. In 1863 he represented the towns of Naples, Casco, and Otisfield in the State legislature. He is a member of Minoma Lodge, No. 40, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Me- chanic Falls; of Crooked River Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Bolster's Mills. His son, Charles F. Winslow, is a member of High- land Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Bridgton, Me., and of Hathorn Lodge, N. E. O. P., No. 171, of Webb's Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Wins- low are attendants of the Universalist Church of Casco.
MERRILL BROTHERS, George E. and Harry, are well-known and highly successful farmers and business men of the town of Gray. They are the sons of George T. and Emeline (Merrill) Mer- rill, the former of whom was a native of Po- land, Me.
George T. Merrill settled in Gray when he was nineteen years of age, and worked in the old Falmouth woollen-mills for several years, after which he bought and cultivated a farm, formerly belonging to his wife's father. His death took place in 1888. He was an indus- trious and intelligent man, prominent in pub- lic affairs, and represented the towns of Gray and New Gloucester in the legislature in 1868. His first wife was Mary Ann Russell, of Gray, who died in 1850. By this union there were three children, as follows: Lizzie, who died at the age of sixteen years; Harriet F., who now resides in Gray, widow of Thomas Hancock ;
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and Julia E., who married James Hunt, a pros- perous farmer of Gray. George T. Merrill's second wife, Emeline Merrill, was born in Falmouth, daughter of Daniel and Emeline Merrill, who came to Cumberland County at an early date, and settled upon the farm which is now owned by John P. Merrill. She became the mother of four children, of whom the two now living are George E. and his brother Harry, the subjects of this sketch. One child died in infancy, and a son Herbert died at the age of twenty-five years.
George E. Merrill was born upon the farm he now occupies, October 4, 1860. He re- ceived his education at the Normal and high schools, and at the age of twenty-one began teaching school. He taught seven terms in Roxbury, Cumberland County, in Washington County, and in the town of Gray. During this time he worked upon the farm in the summer season; and after his father's death, in company with his brother Harry, he took charge of the homestead. He was later en- gaged as travelling salesman for a Vermont fertilizer firm, which he represented for six months; and then, returning to Gray, he bought his brother's interest in the home- stead. Since taking possession of the farm he has added more land, now owning two hundred acres, which he devoted to general farming and the dairying interests. He makes a specialty of raising hay and sweet corn, having upon his farm a dryer for the production of seed corn, which is sold to the farmers throughout New England. He conducts the largest dairy in the town of Gray, having a herd of fifty finely bred Holstein and Jersey cows; and he supplies the dealers in Portland and the outlying towns with milk. He also raises some fine horses, and is a well-known breeder of Chester white swine. He has an interest in a large saw-mill near his farm, and is the local agent for the Buffalo fertilizer. He takes an active interest in public affairs, having been a member of the School Board for two years and Road Commissioner for the past four years.
On October 26, 1887, George E. Merrill was united in marriage with Mary E. Merrill. She was born in Falmouth, Me., April 2, 1866, daughter of John P. and Elizabeth (Mer-
rill) Merrill, both of whom are natives of Fal- mouth, Me. John P. Merrill, who in his younger days followed the sca, is now a pros- perous farmer of Falmouth. Mr. and Mrs. George E. Merrill have one child; namely, George Dwight, who was born January 13, 1893.
Harry Merrill, younger brother of George F. Merrill, was born in Gray, November 16, 1866. He was educated in the high and Nor- mal schools; and at the age of twenty-two he engaged in selling fertilizer, both travelling himself and appointing agents in different lo- calities. He was in Ohio for two years and in New Jersey for one year, and after that he returned to Gray, where in 1892 he bought his present farm of one hundred acres, which adjoins his brother's property. He makes a specialty of growing small fruits, produces also an average of eight hundred bushels of pota- toes per year, and engages to some extent in raising stock.
On June 23, 1892, Harry Merrill was mar . ried to Catherine Higgins Libby, who was born in Gray, April 10, 1868. She is a daughter of Thomas L. and Amanda (Higgins) Libby, the former of whom is a retired farmer. Mr. Merrill is a member of the Siloam Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 45, of Gray.
The Merrill brothers occupy a prominent position among the leading farmers and busi- ness men of Gray. They are members of the Congregational church, in which they are ac- tively interested. George E. Merrill is a Deacon, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for the past ten years. The brothers are Republicans in politics.
ENDALL S. PEACO, one of Otis- field's representative farmers, was born in Windham, this county, No- vember 16, 1838, son of Asa and Lucinda (Edwards) Peaco. Mr. Peaco's paternal grand- parents were John and Lydia (Cobb) Peaco. John Peaco, born January 7, 1779, who was reared to agricultural pursuits and resided in Westbrook, Me., was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was afterward engaged in the naval service, and, while on a cruise in search of
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pirates, was stricken with yellow fever, and died at sea. He was deservedly esteemed for his courage, patriotism, and faithful devotion to the service of his country. His wife, Lydia, who was born July 6, 1780, reared three children, as follows: Asa, Mr. Peaco's father, who was the eldest; Rachel, who was born September 15, 1809; and Rebecca, born January 23, 1812, who died April 30, 1844. Asa Peaco, a native of Westbrook, born March 25, 1804, resided in his native town until after his marriage. He then moved to Windham, where he engaged in farming for a few years. After this he bought a farm in Otisfield, on which he resided, occupied in its cultivation until his death, which took place when he was eighty-three years old. His rep- utation was that of a kind and agreeable neigh- bor and a worthy man. His wife, Lucinda (Edwards) Peaco, whom he married May 14, 1836, was born October 18, 1813. She be- came the mother of seven children, as fol- lows: Wendall S., the subject of this sketch ; Mary Jane, born April 25, 1840; Phoebe C., born November 2, 1842; Eli E., born March 4, 1844; George W., born April 13, 1846; Merrill T., born December 8, 1847; and Rachel M., born May 8, 1850. The mother died in 1875.
Wendall S. Peaco received his education in the common schools. After completing his studies he bought his present farm of one hun- dred acres, which is situated near the village of East Otisfield. Since then he has made various improvements in the property, includ- ing the erection of a handsome and substantial residence, and effecting an increase in the fertility of the land. He devotes his atten- tion chiefly to general farming and stock rais- ing and the culture of fruit in considerable quantities. Devoted to his family and strongly domestic in his disposition, he has never aspired to political prominence, prefer- ring to give his entire time and attention to his farm and his home duties.
On May 13, 1866, Mr. Peaco was united in marriage to Emily Lovell. She was born in Otisfield, March 4, 1844, daughter of Jeremiah Lovell, a prosperous farmer of Otisfield, and Lydia H. (Caveland) Lovell, a native of Ox- ford, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Peaco have had eleven
children, namely: Lowell, who died at the age of eight years; Silas Morton, who died at the age of five; Carrie L. and James L., both also deceased; Horatio M., who was born April 21, 1874, and is now residing at home; Arthur B., born October 31, 1875; an un- named son, who died on date of birth, March 29, 1877; Elsie A., born February 6, 1878, who resides at home; Wendall S., Jr., born March 3, 1880; Francis B., born December 8, 1882; and Harlan S., born April 13, 1885, who died December 24 of the same year. Mr. Peaco has always supported the Republican party in politics. He and his family are members of the Baptist church.
HARLES K. RICHARDS, of the firm of Charles K. Richards & Co. of Falmouth, dealers in general merchandise, was born in Falmouth, November 2, 1861, son of Thomas B. and
Eliza (Merrill) Richards. His paternal grandfather had seven children, respectively named: Josiah, Nathan, Davis, Samuel, Will- iam, Sarah, and Thomas. All are now de- ceased except Sarah, the only daughter, who is the widow of the late Jesse Sweetzer, and resides in Cumberland, Me. In politics their father was a Republican, and he attended the Congregational church at Cumberland Centre.
Thomas B. Richards was a native of Fal- mouth. He learned the trade of a mason, and followed it for a number of years. At the time of the gold excitement in California he went thither. Returning East afterward, he engaged in the dry-goods business for a time in Boston. He then came to Falmouth and purchased a farm, the care of which and occa- sional jobs at mason work were his chief oc- cupations thereafter up to the time of his death in 1891. His wife, Eliza, bore him five children, as follows: Charles K. ; Thomas E., residing in Laramic, Wyo .; Jennie, the wife of Charles L. Lufkin, of Woodford's, Me. ; Harry D. and Frank, who are both employed in their brother's store in Falmouth. In pol- itics Thomas B. Richards was a Republican. He served acceptably as Town Clerk for a time, and attended the First Parish Congrega- tional Church.
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Charles K. Richards received a good educa- tion in the public schools of Falmouth. He then entered the employ of Shaw, Hammond & Carney, of Portland, Me., as clerk, and re- mained in that position for about four years. At the expiration of that time he came to Falmouth, and purchased the general store then conducted by Perry & Oliver. This he has since carried on with success under the firm name of Charles K. Richards & Co. His stock, amounting in value to about fifteen hun- dred dollars, comprises a good variety of such articles as are usually found in a general store. The business is very good, and prom- ises to be much better.
In 1887 Mr. Richards was joined in mar- riage with Miss Clara B. Lane, a daughter of Henry J. Lane, of East Raymond.
Mr. Richards's political principles are Re- publican. In May, 1888, under President Cleveland's first administration, he was ap- pointed Postmaster of Falmouth, and has held that position for the past seven years. He is a member of Presumpscot Lodge, No. 91, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Una En- campment, No. 46, of Portland. He has served as Secretary of Presumpscot Lodge for the past three years. He and his family are attendants of the First Parish Congregational Church of Falmouth.
J OHN FLINT, a farmer of Baldwin, Me., the most extensive apple grower in Cumberland County, was born on his present farm February 11, 1833. His father, Ephraim Flint, was born in the historic town of Concord, Mass., in 1781 or 1782. In 1803 he came to Cumberland County, Maine, settling at first in West Baldwin. After remaining there a few years he pur- chased the present Flint homestead, which was mostly wild land, and set about reclaim- ing it, felling the trees, which he sold for lumber, and bringing some of the land under cultivation. His facilities for farming gradu- ally increased ; and at the time of his death, in 1865, he was the owner of a valuable homestead. He married Phebe Thompson, of Standish, Me. ; and eleven children were born to them - Phebe, Thompson S., Edward,
Enos, Samuel F., Ephraim, Richard, Hepzi- bah, Daniel T., Ralph H., and John, the sub- ject of this sketch. Of these the four last named yet survive.
John Flint has lived on the homestead since the time of his birth. He attended the dis- trict schools and the academy of Baldwin, and, while acquiring a fund of book knowledge, was at the same time practically learning the es- sentials of successful farming. When he at- tained his majority he took charge of the home farm, which comprised three hundred and fifty acres; and during his ownership he has added eighty-four acres more, so that now he has one of the largest farms in Cumberland County. A few years after becoming manager of the farm he planted about twenty acres with apple- trees; and he has since set out many more trees, so that now he has about forty acres de- voted to apple culture, comprising four differ- ent orchards, which produce standard varieties of apples, averaging three thousand bushels yearly. Mr. Flint is one of the largest apple growers in the State, and is also engaged in general farming and lumbering. He ships the greater part of his fruit to Liverpool. Mr. Flint was married in 1864, but has no children.
He is a Free Mason in good standing. Mr. and Mrs. Flint are highly esteemed in Bald- win, which has been their dwelling-place for so many years; and Mr. Flint occupies a prominent place as an intelligent and enter- prising farmer and a successful man of busi- ness.
PRANK WARREN RIGGS, a farmer and stone cutter of Raymond, Me., is a native of Portland, where his birth occurred on January 12, 1853. It is now more than twenty years since he became a resident of Raymond, where he is esteemed as a useful citizen, and has come to be regarded as one of the representative men of the place.
He is a son of Charles Riggs, who was born in Portland and received his education in that city, but not long after his marriage re- moved to Raymond, subsequently settling in Casco, which is still his home. By trade
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Charles Riggs is a blacksmith, and through- out his active life he has followed that voca- tion in connection with farming. He married Miss Eliza Shane, of Raymond; and they have eight children. The record is as follows: George Alva, living with his brother, the sub- ject of this sketch; Mary Frances, at the pa- rental home; Frank Warren; Lizzie (de- ceased), who was the wife of James Jewett; Charles Leonard, residing at home; Annie (deceased) ; Elmer E., a prosperous farmer of Raymond, Me. ; and Annie, who also lives at the home in Casco.
Frank Warren Riggs lived with his parents until he was thirteen years of age, and during that time acquired a common-school educa- tion. He then started out for himself, first securing a place on a farm; and, after working out in this way for several years, he learned the trade of a stone cutter, at which he was
engaged for five years. He then went to Portland, and for five years was employed as a machinist in mills and similar places. Early in his married life he settled on a farm near East Raymond village, and for seventeen years was successfully engaged in mixed hus- bandry. From there he came to the farm, comprising about one hundred acres of well- improved land, on which he now resides, and of which he became the owner. Besides de- voting his attention to general farming, he engages to a limited extent in his trade of a stone cutter.
His marriage with Miss Elvira Davis took place on New Year's Day, 1875. She was born in Raymond, December 14, 1846, and is a daughter of Thomas W. and Paulina (Styles) Davis. Her parents spent their last years in Casco, Me. Two sons and a daughter live to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Riggs, namely: Lizzie D., the wife of Frank A. Hanson, of Portland; John W. and Clinton M., both of whom are at home.
Since attaining the age at which the full rights of American citizenship are bestowed, Mr. Riggs has cast his vote in the ranks of the Democratic party. He is a worthy example of the self-made man, his comfortable property having been acquired by his personal labor combined with a faculty for making the most of the means within his reach,
EVI SCRIBNER, one of the oldest resi -. dents of Otisfield, was born in this town, August 12, 1814, son of Jo- seph and Polly (Knight) Scribner. Mr. Scribner's father was a native of Water- bury, Me. He settled in Otisfield at an early date in the town's history, and followed farm- ing for many years, industriously toiling to clear and cultivate the soil until his death, which took place at the age of seventy-seven years, six months, and fifteen days. He mar- ried for his first wife Hannah Dockam, and by this union there were seven children ; namely, Jonathan, John, Simon, Harvey, Thomas, Nathan, and Prudence, all of whom have passed away. His second wife, Polly Knight, became the mother of seven children, as follows : Polly, widow of Nathaniel Robin- son; Hannah and Lydia, who are no longer living; Levi, the subject of this sketch ; Sarah, widow of James F. Tookey, of Port- land; Louise, who became Mrs. Irwin Smith, and Herstilda, neither of whom is living.
Levi Scribner received his education in the common schools, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. His boyhood and youth were passed in assisting his father upon the home farm, and during that time he rendered much valu- able aid in supporting the family. After his marriage he settled upon a farm in the vicin- ity of his present residence, and engaged in general farming, his ways and methods being well devised, and his diligence and prompti- tude ensuring success. He has improved the land and buildings to a considerable extent. He is a Democrat in politics, being an active supporter of the principles of that party, and has served with ability in some of the town offices.
On November 1, 1835, Mr. Scribner was married to Ann Edwards. She was born in Otisfield, May 28, 1812, daughter of Asa Ed- wards, an early settler and a prosperous farmer. By this union there were four children, as fol- lows : Russell G., who was born August 20, 1836, married Ruth Jackson, and resides in Rochester, Me. ; Harriet M., who was born August 30, 1838, married John Stone, and lives at Poland Springs, Me. ; Melissa, who was born July 10, 1843, and is now the wife of Silas Edwards, of South Windham, Me. ;
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and D. Fletcher, who was born September 7, 1846, married for his first wife Jane Edwards and for his second Eva Merrill, and is now residing at the homestead. Mrs. Scribner died January 9, 1895. The children have all received a good education, and some of them are engaged in teaching.
Mr. Scribner is well known and highly re- spected for his many sterling qualities. He has lived a life of useful industry, but is now passing his declining years in retirement; and his son manages the farm. He is a member of the Baptist church and a stanch temperance man.
HARLES CHOATE, a prominent citizen of Bridgton, Me., who culti- vates a fine farm of two hundred acres, was born in the city of Lynn, Essex County, Mass., April 8, 1826. He is a son of Ebenezer and Eliza (Barker) Choate, and belongs to two of the old families of Bridg- ton, his grandparents on both sides of the house having been early residents of Bridgton.
His paternal grandfather, who was born in Massachusetts in 1765, joined the Revolution- ary army as a drummer, and was afterward in active service as a soldier. He settled in Bridgton, Me., about 1800, and was there engaged in farming up to the time of his death. His son, Ebenezer Choate, was born in Essex, Mass., in 1796. He was about four years old when the family removed to Bridgton, and in that town he was reared and educated. Re- turning to his native State when a young man, he spent some years in Essex County, but finally came back to Maine, devoting the rest of his life to the pursuit of agriculture in the town of Naples. His wife, Eliza Barker, was a native of Bridgton, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Eb- enezer Choate were the parents of the fol- lowing children : William, Charles, Isaac, Ruth, Isaac (second), Elizabeth, Eunice, Eu- nice (second), and William.
Charles Choate received a common-school education in the town of Naples. He aided his father about the home farm until August, 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Com- pany E, Twenty-fifth Maine Volunteer Infan- try. Mustered in at Portland, his regiment
was sent to Washington, and was stationed at Arlington Heights during the winter. Mr. Choate received his discharge from military service July 10, 1863, and returned to his father's farm, where he remained till 1889. He then removed to the fine estate on which he now resides, where he has since been en- gaged in general farming. It was the old homestead of Mrs. Choate's father, now hers by inheritance. This property covers two hundred acres, and much of the land is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Choate exer- cises good judgment and progressive methods in his chosen vocation, and is one of the lead- ing members of the farming community of Bridgton.
On December 10, 1884, he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Nehemiah and Rebecca (Kimball) Choate, of Bridgton, lifelong residents of the town.
Politically, Mr. Choate is a stanch Republi- can. He served on the Board of Selectmen in Naples, and has been Selectman of Bridgton since 1893. A member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he takes an active part in the councils of Farragut Post, No. 27, of Bridg- ton. Mrs. Choate is a member of the Congre- gational church.
ON. WILLIAM WOODBURY MITCHELL, Mayor of Deering, Me., and one of the leading manu- facturers of the city, was born at New Market, N. H., December 26, 1848, his parents being Dr. Elbridge Kenney and Han- nah Hoole (Woodbury) Mitchell. Dr. Mitch- ell was a native of this State, having been born September 12, 1819, at Yarmouth, where his parents, Levi and Martha Mitchell, lived for many years, his father having been among the leading ship-builders of the place, continuing in that business until his sudden death, when but fifty-one years of age. His widow survived him nearly half a century, dying at the venerable age of ninety-four years.
Elbridge K. Mitchell was educated for the medical profession at the Bowdoin Medical School, being afterward engaged as a practi- tioner at New Market, N. H., and at Gorham, Me., until his demise, May 11, 1850. Of his
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