Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 90

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

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union with Miss Woodbury, who passed to the higher life March 30, 1854, but one child was born, William W. Mitchell. Mrs. Dr. Mitch- ell was born in Portland, September 15, 1820, and was the youngest daughter of Captain William Woodbury, for many years one of the foremost merchants of that city.

The Woodbury family came to Cumberland County from Beverly, Mass., being descended from one of the early settlers of that place, Hugh Woodbury, who married Jane Green, their son Israel afterward marrying Anne White.

Israel Woodbury left Beverly, where he was born and reared, when a young man, coming to this county, and locating at Cape Elizabeth, where his son William was born on October 16, 1772. William Woodbury, the Mayor's maternal grandfather, was almost literally brought up on the sea, and when very young became a most successful ship-master, conducting his business with such energy, skill, and promptness as soon insured him a competency.

Giving up his seafaring life, Captain Wood- bury engaged in commercial pursuits on shore, removing to Portland, where he was engaged in business for threescore years, living most of the time in the same house on Franklin Street. He was a leader among the people, being one of the prime movers in the establishment of the Marine Railway, which was incorporated in 1826, and successfully conducted for thirty years, and for a long time was President of the Marine Society, whose funds were wisely devoted to the relief of families of unfortu- nate seamen. He was also a Director, from the time of its incorporation in 1825, of the Merchants' Bank of Portland, of which at the time of his death, April 29, 1861, he was President. He was known throughout the city as a man of determined will, sound judgment, great discernment of character, and of inflexi- ble integrity. On November 17, 1797, Cap- tain Woodbury was wedded to Mary Hoole, daughter of Captain William Hoole, who came here from Boston just prior to the Revolution. He purchased the house at the corner of Fed- eral and India Streets, and this was the second building destroyed at the time of the burning of Portland by Mowatt in 1775. Mary Hoole was born in Portland about three years later,

on January 6, 1778. She attained the vener- able age of ninety-two years and eight months, peacefully passing to the life immortal Sep- tember 17, 1870. Further ancestral history of the Woodbury family may be found on page 859 of Willis's "History of Portland," pub- lished in 1865.

William Woodbury Mitchell was reared to maturity at the home of his grandfather Wood- bury, whither his mother went to live on the death of her young husband, and where her death occurred a few years later. After finish- ing his education at the Portland High School, Mr. Mitchell attended the Commercial Col- lege, subsequently beginning his business ca- reer as clerk for J. & C. J. Barbour, being in their employ for nine years. Resigning his position, he visited Europe, sailing on the first . trip of the barque "Carrie Heckle," of which he was part owner, one of his cousins being master of the vessel. He was thirty days out- side of land, going up the English Channel, thence to Dordrecht, Holland; and he after- ward travelled extensively throughout Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, and Great Britain, returning by steamer from Liverpool to Port- land.

After his return from abroad Mr. Mitchell was employed in the office of Emery Water- house & Co. for three years, leaving their em- ploy in 1882 to come to Deering, where he has since resided. He erected the second dwelling-house in what is now Oakdale, his eldest son being the first child born in that portion of the city. Engaging in the sheep skin business at the old Gray tannery on Grove Street, he remained there one year, when he removed to the McKone shop, near Morrill's Corners, continuing in the manufacture of morocco and kid in that place for three years. The business having so materially increased, Mr. Mitchell then purchased a lot on Deering Avenue, near the Portland & Rochester Rail- road, on which in 1886 he erected his large factory, containing four stories and a basement. Later he built two additions, which were used for working sheep skins, as many as one hun- dred skins a day being handled, giving employ- ment to fifty men. For some time he made a specialty of kid stock, handling a good deal of Russia calf. On November 18, 1895, Mr.

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Mitchell's factory was totally destroyed by fire, causing a heavy loss. Since that time he has purchased a half-acre tract of land of the Deering family, and has laid out Elmwood Place, a forty-foot street through the centre of the combined properties, on which he erects this year a large number of attractive and desirable houses for rental.

Mr. Mitchell is one of the Standing Com- mittee of the Building and Loan Association. Through his efforts the Deering Board of Trade has just been organized, which promises to be of great value to the city. Socially, Mr. Mitchell is identified with several secret organ- izations, belonging to Fraternity Lodge, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 6, of Woodford's, being a charter member and one of its founders, and having received all the honors of the order; to Michigonne Encamp- ment of Portland; Deering Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 183; and to Mount Vernon Chap- ter, A. F. & A. M., of Portland.

In politics Mayor Mitchell has always sup- ported the principles of the Republican party, and he has taken an intelligent interest in the management of local affairs. The city was divided into wards according to his motion, he representing Ward 6 as Alderman in the first city government. He was instrumental in forwarding many of the improvements since made in the city, among others being the widening of Forest Avenue, making it one of the most beautiful thoroughfares of the place, he having introduced the original order in the Council. Declining a re-election the next year, Mr. Mitchell received a vote of thanks from his constituents for his services in the Council. In the spring of 1895 he was elected to his present position of Mayor of the city, an office which he is filling most acceptably to all concerned, having been re- elected in 1896 by a handsome majority. He is very active in party ranks, and has served as delegate at numerous State and County Conventions.

On May 6, 1880, the Hon. W. W. Mitchell was united in marriage with Miss Abbie N., daughter of Charles H. Forbes, who is the descendant of one of the early families of Ban- gor, his father having been the first Postmaster of that place. Four children have been born

to them; namely, William Forbes, Margaret, Mary Woodbury, and Albert Wakefield. Mayor Mitchell and his wife are members of the Second Parish Church of Portland, in which he served as superintendent of the Sun- day-school for five years.

L ANIEL C. AYER, a popular Grand Army man, who has a fine farm of about one hundred acres in the town of Naples, Cumberland County, Me., was born in Brownfield, Oxford County, Me., April 10, 1847, son of the Rev. Aaron and Mary O. (Cleaves) Ayer.

Aaron Ayer was born in Buxton, York County, Me., April 3, 1812. A clergyman of the Free Baptist church, he filled pulpits in Maine and New Hampshire, and was widely. known and beloved. He died October 8, 1876. His wife, who was a native of York County, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Hanson) Cleaves, died November 3, 1894. They reared three sons: George W., who, enlisting as a private in Company I, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, died in Virginia City in the summer of 1864, the year of his enlistment; Aaron W. ; and Daniel C., the subject of this sketch.

Daniel C. Ayer received a common-school education, leaving his books when but fifteen years of age to join the New England troops that were gathering to go South. He was at Deerfield, N. H., when the war broke out ; and he enlisted as a private in Company C, Ninth New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Concord, August 19, 1862. His regiment was called into immediate action, and the boy participated in some of the most awful conflicts of the Civil War. He faced fire first at South Mountain, Md., and was afterward in the battle of Antietam (Sep- tember 17, 1862), on whose bloody field many a brave New England youth gave up his life; at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; at the siege of Vicksburg, whose "unconditional sur- render " was so dearly bought ; at Jackson, July 16, 1863; at the dreadful holocaust of Spott- sylvania, beginning May 12, 1864, where the federal loss was nearly twenty thousand men ; at North Anna, May 16, 1864; at Totopotomie Creek, May 31, 1864; at Cold Harbor, the

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two engagements at Petersburg, and the battle of Poplar Spring Creek, all in 1864. In the last-named engagement, which took place September 30, Mr. Ayer was taken prisoner ; and he was nearly five months in durance. After being under guard at Petersburg a few days, he was taken to Pemberton Prison, was shortly transferred to Libby Prison, across the street from Pemberton, and was afterward taken to Salisbury, N.C. Released February 28, 1865, he came North on a furlough, and was at home at the time of Lee's surrender. He received his final discharge from the

United States service June 10, 1865 ; and after that he was engaged in lumbering in Naples until 1867. The two years following he was employed as a lumberman in Prescott, Wis., where he lived two years. He then came back to Maine, and purchased the farm on which he now resides, where he has since been success- fully engaged in general farming.

December 6, 1865, Mr. Ayer was married to Miss Lucinda A. Willard, daughter of Evat and Mehitable Willard, of Cumberland County. Five children complete their home circle, namely : Lizzie A., wife of Llewellyn Batchel- der, of Naples, Me. ; and Edward D., Andrew H., George A., and Nettie L., all with their parents.

Mr. Ayer is a stanch Republican, and takes an active part in political matters. He is often called upon to act as ballot clerk on election day, and has served efficiently as moderator. He is Selectman at present, and is Secretary of the Town Committee. He is an influential member of the C. S. Bickmore Post, Grand Army of the Republic, No. 115, Department of Maine, at Edes Falls, of which he has been Commander, and Aide-de-camp on the Department Commander's staff; and he has served for three years as chaplain of the post.

AMES DEXTER HOWE, now a resi- dent farmer of Otisfield, Me., has for many years been successfully engaged in the lumber business, and at the present time is in partnership with D. S. Andrews, operating a saw-mill near Pleasant Pond. He was born in the town of Norway,

Oxford County, June 19, 1844, son of John, Jr., and Mary W. (Goss) Howe.

John Howe, Sr., grandfather of James Dex- ter, came to this State from Massachusetts. He was one of the early settlers of the town of Denmark, Oxford County, where he erected a log house, cleared off the land, and engaged in farming. He and his wife spent their last days with their son.

John Howe, Jr., was born in Denmark, Me. At twelve years of age he was apprenticed to John Deering to learn the carpenter's trade. He afterward settled in Norway, where his son James was born, as above mentioned; and he made his home there until 1850, when he removed to Waterford, an adjoining town. After nine years spent in the latter place en- gaged in his trade and in lumbering, he went to Stoneham, a few miles distant. In 1870 he came to Otisfield; but after living here a few years he removed to Paris, Oxford County, and lived in retirement until his death in October, 1886. His wife, Mary W. Goss, was born in Paris, Me. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died from wounds received in service. Her mother, Mrs. Betsy Goss, died at her home in Stoneham, Mc., in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. John Howe, Jr., were the. parents of nine children, James Dexter being the eighth in order of birth. Gustavus G., the eldest, born October 19, 1830, is extensively engaged in farming in South America. Mary E., born August 1, 1832, died October 21, 1887. John W., born September 30, 1834, died October 9, 1834. John, born August 28, 1835, died August, 1874. Lydia A., born March 17, 1837, died October 22, 1869. Sarah Jane, born December 3, 1839, is the wife of Thomas S. Thurston, a prosperous farmer of Poland, Me. Martha E., born Au- gust 29, 1842, died September 25, 1845. Melvin E., born March 14, 1846, died Febru- ary 15, 1888. All the children received a good common-school education. Their mother died in Waterford, Me., November 10, 1878.

James Dexter Howe continued to live with his parents until he was twenty years of age. He then joined his brother in contract work, going to St. Mary's County, Maryland, where they engaged in getting out wooden ties for the government. From there he went to Tennes-

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see, and in 1865 he returned to Maine. After two years he again sought employment in the South, and in Preston County, West Virginia, went into a general lumber business, one branch of the work being the getting out of box or stave timber. Leaving that place in 1876, he went to Virginia, and during the suc- ceeding five years conducted a similar business in King George, Westmoreland, and Rich- mond Counties. In May, 1891, he purchased what is known as the old Huntress farm in Otisfield, on which he still resides. The estate contains one hundred and twenty-five acres of well-improved land, and he is profita- bly engaged in various branches of agriculture. He raises a fair amount of stock each year, and his design is to make a special feature of dairying, selling the cream at the creamery. In addition to his farming, he is interested with D. S. Andrews in a saw-mill near Pleas- ant Pond in this town.

On June 20, 1870, Mr. Howe was united in marriage with Miss Meda Bridgham, who was born in Auburn, Me., February 4, 1851, daughter of Horatio and Rachel (Dunn) Bridg- ham. Mr. Bridgham followed farming through- out his life. He died in Norway, Me., in 1861, survived by his wife several years, who died in Otisfield in 1872.

In political matters Mr. Howe has always been a supporter of the Democratic party. He now holds the office of Selectman in Otis- field. For many years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity as a member of Oxford Lodge, No. 18, A. F. & A. M., of Norway. Mrs. Howe is a member of the Universalist church, of which he is a regular attendant.

OBERT A. ALLEN, a prominent business man of West Gray and an ex-member of the Maine legislature, was born in this town, May 29, 1822, a son of Joseph, Jr., and Catherine (Adams) Allen. His father, who was born in Windham, Me., February 24, 1798, was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he fol- lowed during the active period of his life, carrying on farms in Windham and Gray. He was an industrious and worthy citizen, well

known and equally respected. In his political views he was a Republican, and did much val- uable service in forwarding the interests of that party in his locality. He died in West Gray, September 25, 1854. His wife, Cather- ine Adams Allen, who was a native of Fal- mouth, Me., became the mother of four chil- dren, namely : Mary, who died at the age of four years; Robert A., the subject of this sketch; Dorcas, who married William Berry, of Gray, neither of whom is now living; and Sarah, who married D. L. Bailey, a prosper- ous and well-known farmer and stage driver of West Gray. The mother of these children lived to the age of seventy-three years. Mr. Allen's parents were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, his father being a leader of the choir for many years.

Robert A. Allen obtained his education in the common schools of his native town, resid- ing with his parents until attaining his major- ity. He learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed for some time, but, possess- ing a taste for business, he engaged in specu- lating at a time when this State was passing . through a phenomenal era of prosperity. In 1843 he established himself in general mer- cantile business in West Gray, where he still conducts a thriving trade. In 1861 he en- gaged in operating a saw-mill, which at the present time is one of his principal enter- prises. He also owns and conducts a valu- able farm, having engaged in agricultural pursuits with the same progressive and deter- mined spirit which has always characterized his business undertakings. His active career has been marked by a display of energy and perseverance, to which may be attributed the substantial prosperity he now enjoys.

In politics a supporter of the Republican party, he has long been an able leader in this locality. In 1864 he represented his district in the legislature, which was then engaged in the task of providing means for the maintenance of Maine's share in the suppression of the Re- bellion, the legislative body being composed of men of patriotism, strength, and decision. He has held the appointment of Postmaster in West Gray for several years, in which position he has capably served the public. He has long been a prominent member of the Sons of

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Temperance, having held important offices in the Lodge.

Mr. Allen married Sarah E. Smith, who was born in Gray, July 30, 1827, a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Huston) Smith. Her father was a prosperous citizen of Gray, who followed agricultural pursuits in connection with carpentering. He died in September,

1 863. Mrs. Allen's mother, who reared seven children, died May 1, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have had ten children, as follows: Dorcas L., born June 13, 1844, is the widow of Edward Cobb, and resides in Gray; Agnes, who was born December 6, 1846, is now the wife of Andrew Johnson, an artist of New York City; Catherine E., born October 29, 1850, is now the widow of George Skillings, and resides in Portland; John H., who was born January 16, 1854, and was for some years engaged in the milling business with his father, married Jane O. Proctor, and died July 16, 1894, leaving two children - Edith M. and George P .; Joseph B., born Septem- ber 16, 1860, is now a furniture dealer in Portland; George B., born September 16, 1862, and now a stage driver and expressman in Gray, married Mary Morsc; Robert L., born November 16, 1863, is a resident of Port- land; Wallace L., born in 1865, died at the age of eight years; Charles, born in 1866, married Minnie Field, of Gray; Hannah E., who was born in 1867, resides at home.

Mr. Allen occupies a leading position among the well-to-do residents of Gray. He has led a busy and successful life, and has long enjoyed a merited popularity, both in business and social circles.

J OHN MOUNTFORT, a prosperous farmer of North Yarmouth, was born in Gray, Me., August 9, 1822, son of Jeremiah and Elmira F. (Fields) Mountfort. He is of French and English

ancestry. His paternal grandfather, John Mountfort, whosc father was an early settler in Portland, was born in Portland on May 4, 1757, and was nine years of age when that town was burned by the Indians. When a young man he settled in Gray upon an unim- proved farm, which he cleared ; and he became

a successful farmer, at one time owning a large tract of land. He engaged in lumbering with profitable results, being a pioneer in that in- dustry ; and he was an energetic and leading citizen of his locality. In politics he sup- ported the Whig party, and in his religious views he was liberal. He died at the age of eighty-eight years. He marricd Jerusha Fields, who was born in Falmouth, Me., April 19, 1775, and they reared a family of seven children ; namely, Jercmiah, Edmund, David, Elias, Greenfield, Lucy, and Esther. The grandmother lived to reach the age of eighty- five years.

Jeremiah Mounfort, Mr. Mountfort's father, was born in Falmouth, October 22, 1791. In early manhood he settled in Monmouth, Me., where he engaged in general farming, and was one of the prosperous and successful farmers of that section. He was a stirring, hard- working man all through the active period of his life; and his industry received its merited reward. He died in Monmouth, June 21, 1862. He was twice married. His first wife, Elmira F. Fields, whom he wedded January 28, 1819, was born in Windham, Me., April 23, 1794. Three children were the fruit of this union, namely: David, who was born Oc- tober 26, 1819; Harriet, born June 29, 1821 ; and John, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Elmira F. Mountfort died June 9, 1824; and on January 11, 1834, Jeremiah Mountfort mar- ried for his second wife Deborah Shaw, who was born October 1, 1791. By this union there were three children, namely : Elmira, who was born June 1, 1836; Elisha S., born April 22, 1838; and Franklin, born March 16, 1841. Of the six children of Jeremiah Mount- fort the survivors are: John, who is the eldest ; Elmira; and Franklin.

John Mountfort grew to manhood in Mon- mouth, and at an early age he began to assist his father in carrying on the farm. He at- tended the district schools, but his opportunity for obtaining an education was limited to short intervals when he could be spared from work. At the age of eighteen he went to live with his grandfather Mountfort, for whom he worked three years, recciving one hundred dollars per year for his services. He then engaged in va- rious occupations, carefully saving his earn-

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ings; and in 1848 he bought forty-eight acres of his present farm in North Yarmouth, where he has since resided. Industrious and ca- pable, he has applied his energies to good pur- pose, and has made farming pay. He has added more land to the original purchase, now owning a good farm of seventy-two acres; and he has made nearly all of the improvements upon the property.

On April 20, 1848, Mr. Mountfort was united in marriage with Elmira Whitney, daughter of James and Lucy (Mountfort) Whitney. Her parents were natives of Cum- berland County, and resided in the town of Cumberland. James Whitney was a shoe- maker by trade, an occupation which he fol- lowed in connection with farming. He died in Cumberland at the age of eighty-seven, and his wife lived to attain the advanced age of ninety-one years. They reared six chil- dren, four of whom survive; namely, Elmira, Loemma, Esther A., and Franklin.

Mr. and Mrs. Mountfort have five children living, namely: James Franklin; Emma A., who is now Mrs. Hayes; J. Herbert; Charles W. ; and Anna B., who is now Mrs. Davis. Mr. Mountfort is one of the oldest settlers of his neighborhood, and is a highly esteemed resident of the community. He is a Democrat in politics and liberal in his religious views. Mrs. Mountfort attends the Universalist church.

RANK F. FELLOWS, the genial pro- prietor of Mountain View Farm, which is finely located on the Highlands, in the town of Bridgton, is a native of Massachu- setts, having been born in Chelsea, that State, in June, 1861. His father, Isaac Edwin Fel- lows, was a painter by trade, residing for many years in the city of Chelsea. He married Miss Abbie Carter, who was born and reared in Oxford County, Maine; and they became the parents of eight children, four of whom were sons.

Frank F. Fellows learned the painter's trade of his father, with whom he remained until he was twenty-five years old, being ac- tively employed in painting and carpentering. He afterward continued in these occupations

until 1890, when he came to Cumberland County, here purchasing his present farm, which contains one hundred acres of land, forty-five of which are under cultivation. Mr. Fellows, besides carrying on general farming, devotes his summers to entertaining boarders from the cities of this and other States, his guests, usually about thirty in number, coming from Portland, Boston, New York, and other places. His spacious and well-equipped house is in a most attractive and picturesque loca- tion, commanding an extended view of moun- tain and lake scenery, the White Mountains, with their principal peak, Mount Washington, being plainly seen; and within easy reach are two beautiful lakes, one on either side of the farm. Pure air, an excellent cuisine, free boating, and fine fishing are among the spe- cial inducements for people who desire a few months' rest during the heated season; and all of these are to be found on Mountain View Farm, where Mr. and Mrs. Fellows take especial pains to please and accommodate the various members of their summer household. Mr. Fellows was united in marriage in 1887 with Miss Alice Roberts, who is a Massachu- setts woman, born and bred in that State. Socially, Mr. Fellows is a member of the Order of American Mechanics.

EONE R. COOK, an enterprising drug- gist of Yarmouthville and an ex- member of the Maine legislature, was born in Craftsbury, Orleans County, Vt., September 25, 1853, a son of Emery and Calista (Record) Cook. His par- ents, who were natives of Vermont, resided in Orleans County, that State, for many years, his father being a successful farmer and a useful and respected citizen. He died at the age of sixty-three years. His wife, Calista, who lived to reach the age of sixty-eight, be- came the mother of seven children - Charles W., Joseph H., Justin E., Leone R., Edgar R., Katie F., and Martha L. Both parents were active members of the Methodist Epis- copal church.

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Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine, Part 90

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