USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Biographical review : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Cumberland County, Maine > Part 96
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AMUEL T. MURCH. Among the representative and prosperous farmers of Baldwin is Samuel T. Murch, the subject of the present sketch, who was born in this town, January 7,
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1834. His father, Benjamin Murch, was an old and highly respected resident of Baldwin, who followed the trade of a shoemaker for many years and also conducted a farm. He married Eliza Burnell; and they reared a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. Of these three sons and two daughters are now living.
Samuel T. Murch was educated in the pub- lic schools of Baldwin, and after completing his studies he was employed in farm work at home. At the age of twenty he began life for himself by engaging in agricultural labors in different localities ; and he was steadily em- ployed until he purchased a farm of sixty acres in his native town, and settled down to farming upon his own account. He rapidly advanced in prosperity until 1886, at which time he removed to his present property. He now cultivates fifty acres, which he devotes to general farming ; and he raises large and su- perior crops. His homestead has secured a high reputation as a resort for city people dur- ing the heated term, and his ample accommo- dations for twenty-five guests are tested to their utmost capacity throughout the summer season. The neighborhood offers splendid fa- cilities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreations, which attract visitors from New York City, Boston, and. Portland; and in this direction he does a flourishing business.
Mr. Murch and Sarah E. Clark were united in marriage on December 21, 1858. They have one son, Charles, who resides at home. In politics Mr. Murch adheres to the Demo- cratic party. Socially, he is deservedly popu- lar among his fellow-townsmen, who regard him with sincere esteem and good will for his many estimable qualities and his readiness to aid in movements for general public improve- ment. Fraternally, he is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows.
EVI LINCOLN CUMMINGS, City Electrician for Portland, is a native of Maine, Paris, the county seat of Oxford County, being the place of his birth, which occurred June 18, 1843. His father, the late Captain Benjamin F. Cum- mings, who was the commander of a company of State militia and a well-to-do agriculturist,
was a lifelong resident of Paris. He married Elmira, daughter of Moses Twitchell; and to them six children were born, Levi being the fourth child.
Levi L. Cummings was reared on the home farm, attending school when it was in session, at other times assisting his parents. Foresee- ing the advantages of life in a larger place, Mr. Cummings located in Portland in 1865, secur- ing a position under the city government in the city fire-engine house. After a short time he became driver, continuing thus engaged until the establishment of the fire alarm, which he assisted in putting in, in 1866, 1867, and 1 868, being subsequently elected superintend- ent of the system. When first constructed there was but one circuit, with twenty-five alarm boxes and three police signal boxes ; but under the supervision of Mr. Cummings wires have been extended to every part of the city, the number of boxes increased to sixty-eight, with thirty-six police signal boxes, contain- ing the latest improvement, a fine automatic repeater.
Mr. Cummings continued as superintendent of the Fire Alarm Department until the office of City Electrician was created, under the wise administration of Mayor King, when he was elected by the City Council as an incumbent of the new office. With the exception of two years, when the opposing political party was in power, Mr. Cummings has annually been elected to the same office, which he has filled in a trustworthy and able manner. During his
term of service the city bells have been tolled at the time of the death, and on the occasion of the funeral, of three prominent generals - Grant, Garfield, and Sherman. The facilities for extinguishing incipient fires have been greatly increased, the Portland Fire Depart- ment being one of the most efficient in New England, and with its present equipments might easily have prevented the great confla- gration of 1866, which started in a small build- ing containing wood seasoning for shoe soles.
In June, 1874, Mr. Cummings was united in marriage with Miss Susan L., daughter of Paul Ford, of Lyman, Me. They have resided for a number of years at 541 Cumberland Street. Mr. Cummings is a stanch Republi- can, but not active as a politician. Socially,
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he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Beacon Lodge, No. 67, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
R ANSOM D. GOULD, a successful farmer and butcher of Otisfield, was born in that town, October 31, 1855, son of Seba and Catherine S. (Ed-
wards) Gould. Mr. Gould's father was a pros- perous farmer and lifelong resident of Otis- field, where he owned and conducted a good farm for many years before his death, which occurred January 7, 1892. He was an ener- getic and industrious man. His wife, Cath- erine, who was also a native of Otisfield, be- came the mother of eight children, as follows : Edward Joseph, who was born April 29, 1854, and died October 9, 1860; Ransom D., the subject of this sketch; Ronelo, who was born August 2, 1858, and died May 2, 1859; Althea, who was born July 17, 1859, and died July 25, 1889; Irene Adelaide, who was born April 2, 1861, and is now the wife of William Jones, of Otisfield; Albert, who was born De- cember 26, 1863, and died February 2, 1864 ; Annette, who was born June 16, 1865, and died November 2, 1891; and Loton, who was born June 26, 1867, married Emma Whitman, and resides at the homestead in Otisfield. The mother, who still survives, resides upon the home farm.
Ransom D. Gould attended the common schools of his native town and was reared to agricultural life. He resided with his parents until his marriage. In 1881 he bought his present farm of seventy acres, which by careful treatment he has brought to a high state of cul- tivation. He conducts general farming, but devotes his attention principally to the raising of hay, corn, and other grain. He is also en- gaged in butchering to some extent, his meat finding a ready market both in Cumberland and Oxford Counties. In politics he is an active Republican. He has served the town with ability as Tax Collector, Constable, and Surveyor.
On November 19, 1876, Mr. Gould was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ward. She was born in Baldwin, Me., April 15, 1858, daughter of William and Hannah Ward. Both
her parents are natives of Baldwin, and are now living in Harrison, the father being a prosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Gould have had one daughter, Ida Florence, born Novem- ber 28, 1877. She married Charles Grover, resides in Otisfield, and has one child, named Gracie Florence. Mr. Gould is a self-made man. By his ability and perseverance he has reached a leading position among the well- to-do farmers of Otisfield. A capable and progressive farmer, he is also a worthy citizen, having faithfully performed his share of the town's public business. He is a member of the Grange at North Otisfield, and both he and his wife are attendants of the Baptist church.
YMAN J. PRATT, one of Yarmouth's most prosperous farmers, was born in the house he now occupies, May 22, 1827, a son of Levi and Louise (Thompson) Pratt. His ancestors were pio- neers in Cumberland County, his grandfather, Sheribia Pratt, having settled here over one hundred and twenty-five years ago. He came from Weymouth, Mass., to Yarmouth at a time when settlers were few and far between, and roads were thought of only as among the possibilities of the distant future. Indians were numerous but friendly ; and when Sheribia Pratt, who was a large and powerful man, hired them to carry him to Yarmouth Falls in their canoes, they charged him double fare on account of his weight. He was a miller, which occupation he followed in connection with farming; and, being a thoroughly capable business man, he became an extensive land- holder, acquiring large tracts both in Maine and Canada, it being estimated that he owned as much as five thousand acres in all. His last years were passed in Portland, where he died in 1819. He reared a family of eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity, but are now deceased. Of them, Levi, father of Ly- man J., was the youngest.
Levi Pratt, who was born in Yarmouth, in young manhood engaged in his father's early business of farming and milling. He subse- quently gave his chief attention to lumbering, which he carried on extensively in the Kenne- bec region, investing his profits in large tracts
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of timber land in Maine and Canada, and be- coming prominent among the wild land specu- lators of his day. In Kennebec County, Maine, he owned one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six acres and in Canada twenty-two hundred acres. He was a thoroughly practical lumberman, being acquainted with every detail of the business; and his various operations were conducted with such energy and foresight as to always realize satisfactory results. He was among the most successful of the pio- neer lumber operators of Maine. His mo- ments of rest from business were passed at his homestead in Yarmouth, where he died, De- cember 9, 1849. His wife, Louisa Thompson Pratt, who was a native of Gorham, Me., be- came the mother of ten children, five of whom are living, namely: Mary Ann, who became Mrs. Noyes, and lives at Yarmouth Corners ; Lyman J., the subject of this sketch; and Ellen Elliott, Lincoln, and Thomas B., all three residents of Fairhaven, Mass. Those deceased are as follows: Lyman died in in- fancy ; Susan died at the age of seven years ; Jane, who became Mrs. True, died at the age of sixty-seven; Susan married a Mr. Russell, and died at the age of forty-two; and Sybil M. lived to reach the age of seventy-five years. The mother died May 22, 1855. Both parents attended the Baptist church.
Lyman J. Pratt obtained his education in the common schools of Yarmouth and at the North Yarmouth Academy. He fitted himself for college; but, finally giving up the idea of pursuing the higher branches of study, he turned his attention to agriculture and settled upon the home farm, where he has since resided. His property, which is desirably located, consists of seventy-five acres of well- improved land; and he successfully carries on general farming. His buildings are kept in good repair; and his residence, which was erected by his grandfather in 1800, is one of the substantial old houses of the town.
On November 18, 1857, Mr. Pratt was united in marriage to Susan S. Tompson, a representa- tive of an old Cumberland County family. She was born in Freeport, June 12, 1829, a daughter of Theophilus and Eleanor (Brewer) Tompson. Her father, who was a sea captain in his early days, later became a prosperous
farmer. He died in Freeport, aged fifty- eight ; and his wife, who survived him, reached the venerable age of ninety-two years. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom three are now living, namely: Mrs. Mary Rolfe, of Boston; Mrs. Louisa N. Lambert, of Freeport ; and Mrs. Pratt. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have had three children : Eleanor Louise, who was born March 12, 1863; Harry J., born November 18, 1866, now residing in Newburyport, Mass. ; and Frank H., who was born August 4, 1868, and is a resident of Bos- ton, Mass.
Mr. Pratt occupies a prominent position among the well-to-do residents of Yarmouth. He is an active and intelligent citizen, who keeps well informed upon all the leading ques- tions of the day. He is a Republican in politics and a Baptist in his religious views.
J OHN R. YOUNG, a respected citizen of North Yarmouth, was born upon the farm he now owns and occupies, August 6, 1827, son of William and Abigail (Reed) Young. His paternal grandfather was an early settler in Gorham, Me. John Young, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in that town, June 4, 1785. He left home at the age of fourteen, and for a short time lived in the family of Daniel Marston. He learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed in his earlier years, and subse- quently. engaged in agricultural pursuits, set- tling upon the farm where his son now resides, previous to the year 1816. He carried on general farming successfully for the rest of his life, and was known as an industrious and worthy citizen. He died May 5, 1874, aged eighty-nine years and eleven months. His wife, Abigail Reed, who was born in North Yarmouth, July 6, 1793, was a daughter of Jacob Reed, a sea captain, whose birth took. place in 1775. He met with an untimely death, being lost at sea in 1801. William and Abigail Young raised a family of twelve chil -. dren, three of whom are living, namely : Phoebe, born November 28, 1822, married John Brown, and resides in Jacksonville, Ill. ; John R. ; and James S., who was born May 3, 1832, and is now a resident of Los:
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Angeles, Cal. The mother died February 18, 1872.
John R. Young passed his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, obtaining his education in the district schools of his native town. In 1848, when twenty-one years old, he entered the employ of the Fitchburg Rail- road Company. He was subsequently con- nected with the Rutland & Burlington, the Illinois & Wisconsin, and the Toledo, Alton & Cleveland Railway Companies. On May 4, 1854, he entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Company, with which he has remained up to the present time, having served in various capacities. He was for some time conductor of a construction train, and is now a section foreman. He is one of the oldest employees of the company, having served faith- fully for over forty years. He is also one of the oldest residents in his part of the town. He owns the old homestead farm of one hun- dred acres of fertile land, which he conducts with satisfactory results.
On December 12, 1850, Mr. Young was united in marriage to Mary T. Batchelder, who was born in Wentworth, N. H., February 14, 1831, a daughter of Burley and Betsey (Tay- lor) Batchelder. Her parents, who are no longer living, were both natives of New Hamp- shire. Her father died at the age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Young have had seven children, as follows: George H., born Novem- ber 25, 1851, is an engineer on the Grand Trunk Railroad, and resides in Portland ; Charles H., born January 25, 1853, is a me- chanic, also residing in Portland; Orrin B., born January 27, 1855, died March 22, 1895 ; John William, born May 4, 1857, is a railroad engineer residing in San Francisco, Cal. ; Mary, born December 14, 1860, married David Sweetzer, and died February 27, 1881; Alice, born in 1867, married Edward Allen, and resides in Portland; and Luella D., born October 5, 1869, married William Cushman, and died March 3, 1895.
Mr. Young has led an industrious life, and has an enviable reputation as a worthy citizen and good neighbor. His steady habits and re- liable character are sufficiently attested by his long period of service with the Grand Trunk Railway Company. His religious opinions
are liberal, and in politics he supports the Republican party. He is a member of Casco Lodge, A. F. & A. M.
ATHANIEL FICKETT, a well-to-do farmer of Pownal, was born in Bridg- ton, Me., December 21, 1838, son of Nathaniel and Eliza (Walker) Fickett. His father, who was a native of Westbrook, Me., settled when a young man in the town of Pownal, where he resided for some time. He later moved to Chebeague, where he passed the rest of his life, dying at the age of seventy-seven years. He was an
industrious and energetic man, highly es- teemed as a citizen and neighbor. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812. In politics
he was a Democrat. His wife Elizabeth, who was born in Pownal, became the mother of a large family of children, some of whom died in infancy. Four sons and two daughters still survive - Mary Ann Ward, Nathaniel, Albion K. P., Freeman, Eliza Walker, and Green- ville. The mother lived to reach the age of eighty-six years. Both she and her husband were members of the Congregational church.
Nathaniel Fickett passed his boyhood and. youth in Pownal, receiving his education in the common schools of that town. He was reared to agriculture, which has been his occu- pation through life. He bought his first land in Chebeague, where he resided for some time. In 1853 he returned to Pownal and located on his present farm, having since been successfully engaged in general farming. He has one hundred and thirty acres of well-improved land, the fertility of which he has increased by well-directed labor; and his present com- fortable circumstances are the result of his untiring energy and steady perseverance. His farm occupies a pleasant situation in the most desirable part of the town, and his residence and other buildings are substantially con - structed and kept in the best of repair.
In 1855 Mr. Fickett was united in marriage to Miss Z. Mitchell. She was born upon the farm which her husband now occupies, a daughter of Deacon Benjamin Mitchell, who was an early settler in Pownal and a promi- nent man in his day. The Mitchell family
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is an old and highly respected one in Cum- berland County, and descends from Benjamin and Mehitable (Bragdon) Mitchell, the former of whom was an early settler in North Yar- mouth.
Mr. Fickett is a Democrat in politics, and has long held a prominent position in public affairs. He has served the town ably as a member of the Board of Selectmen and in other important offices. He is still engaged in attending to his every-day duties about the farm, and possesses the strength and agility of a much younger man. He is liberal in his religious views, and his wife is a member of the Congregational church.
AMUEL A. LAWRENCE, a pros- perous and well-to-do resident of Yarmouth, was born upon his present farm, December 1, 1819, son of David and Margaret (Davis) Lawrence. His grandfather, Colonel John Lawrence, a native of Massachusetts, was an officer in the Revolutionary War. He became an early settler in Yarmouth, where he cleared and improved a good farm from the wilderness. He was an industrious man, who succeeded in establishing a comfortable home for himself and family; and his untiring labor was the foundation for the prosperity of his descend- ants, the property he acquired being still in the family's possession. Both he and his wife lived to be over eighty years old, and both died at the homestead. They reared a family of children, of whom David, Mr. Lawrence's father, was the youngest.
David Lawrence was born at the homestead in Yarmouth, and, succeeding to the posses- sion of the farm, followed agricultural pursuits there during the active period of his life. He was an energetic farmer, keeping his land in a good state of cultivation; and his labor was productive of good results for himself and family. He died at the age of fifty-two years. He was liberal in his religious views and a Democrat in politics. His wife, Margaret Davis Lawrence, who was a native of Yar- mouth, became the mother of eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, Frank, Mary Ann, Isabella, and Marcia, who are no longer living,
Frank being lost at sea; Samuel A., the sub- ject of this sketch; Maria, who is now the widow of Addison Lathan, and resides in Portland; and David M., a resident of Yar- mouth village. The mother lived to be over seventy years old.
Samuel A. Lawrence acquired his education in the district schools of Yarmouth. He began at an early age to assist in the work of the farm, and since his father's death has con- tinued to reside thereon. His property, which consists of fertile land, is desirably located and well improved. Mr. Lawrence carries on general farming, and has also operated a stone quarry which is situated on his farm with profitable results. In 1863 he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Loring, a native of Yarmouth, who died in 1865, leaving one son - Francis L., who resides at home and is now managing the farm. Mr. Lawrence is well known and is highly esteemed throughout his part of the county. He is liberal in his relig- ious views, and in politics he supports the Re- publican party.
EORGE W. BICKNELL, a prosper- ous farmer of Otisfield, was born in Harrison, Me., October 25, 1837, son of William P. and Mary (Merrow) Bick- nell. Mr. Bicknell's father, who was native of Hiram, Me., learned the trade of a stone cutter. At the age of eighteen he settled near Bolster's Mills in the town of Harrison, where he bought a farm, which he carried on in connection with his trade. He also engaged quite extensively in lumbering, owning some valuable timber land.
His death, which occurred August 2, 1883, while he was travelling over his property, was the result of an accident. He was a good farmer, an able and successful business man, and a worthy citizen. His wife, Mary Mer- row, who was born in Eaton, N. H., became the mother of nine children, as follows: Ro- sella, who married James Cole, and resides in Lewiston, Me .; Melvina, the wife of A. L. Thoms, of Harrison; Mary, the wife of Charles Harding, of Harrison; George W. (first), who died in infancy; George W. (sec- ond), the subject of this sketch; Charles
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Washburn and Ichabod Washburn, twins, now deceased; Major P., residing in Saco, Me., who married Sarah Lovejoy, now deceased ; and Morris, who married Caroline Smith, and resides in Stoneham, Me. The mother died in March, 1846.
George W. Bicknell received his. education in the common schools, and resided with his parents until reaching the age of eighteen years. He then engaged in agricultural work in the town of Bridgton, where he was em- ployed upon various farms for five years. After marriage he bought his present farm in Otisfield, where he has since resided. The property, which is known as the old Britton farm, consists of ninety acres of fertile land, and is one of the most desirable pieces of property in the locality. Mr. Bicknell con- ducts general farming with ability, raising superior crops of hay, corn, and grain. He is quite a large fruit grower. He also gives some attention to dairying, keeping a herd of six finely bred cows; and he disposes of their milk to good advantage.
On December 8, 1860, Mr. Bicknell was united in marriage to Mary Turner. She was born in Otisfield, September 19, 1842, daugh- ter of Charles and Nancy (Mayberry) Turner, both now deceased. They were natives and prosperous farming people of Casco, Me.
Mr. Bicknell is a Republican in politics, and a member of Crooked River Lodge, No. 10, A. F. & A. M., of Bolster's Mills. He has brought his farm to a high standard of cultiva- tion, earning thereby quite a reputation for enterprise and skill. He has arrived at his present position of prosperity solely through his own energy and ability.
LBERT R. HAWKES, for many years largely engaged in the manufacture of clothing, but now living in retire- ment in Windham, was born in this town, July 21, 1833, son of Samuel R. and Hannah (Morrill) Hawkes. His family has
been American for nearly three centuries. It began with Adam Hawkes, who came from England to this country, landing at Salem, Mass., June 12, 1630. Adam subsequently built a house on an eminence called Close
Hill, by the Saugus River. Here his son, John Hawkes, the next in line of descent, was born. The family was continued by two Eb- enezers, father and son, to James Hawkes, Sr., who was the great-grandfather of Albert R. Hawkes. In 1738 James removed to a part of Massachusetts, on the Presumpscott River, in the vicinity of the present village of West- brook, Me. He built the first saw-mill in that locality, and with it was profitably engaged in the manufacture of lumber until his death. James Hawkes, Jr., Albert's grandfather, spent the larger part of his life in Windham, en- gaged in mercantile business and farming. He was an active, enterprising man, and lived to the age of ninety years. In politics he was an old-time Whig. Both he and his wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Robinson, were Quakers in their religious belief.
Samuel R. Hawkes, a native of Windham, born on the homestead in 1799, was for many years a merchant of this place. He subse- quently engaged in the lumber business at Great Falls, Gorham, Me., in partnership with John Lindsay, under the firm name of Hawkes & Lindsay. This connection lasted until his demise, September 3, 1847, in the prime of a vigorous manhood. While yet in trade he bought a farm of one hundred acres in Wind- ham, which was his place of residence many years. It is now occupied by his son Albert, the subject of this sketch. In March, 1827, he married Hannah Morrill, of Windham, and became the father of nine children. Of these eight are now living; namely, David R., Charles M., Albert R., Lydia T., Samuel, Hannah M., Huldah W., and James F. David R., born April 21, 1830, now residing in Som- erville, Mass., married Sarah J. Maybury, and has two children - Edwin E. and Eliza F. Charles M. married Susan A., daughter of Sir William Whitney, and has five children, namely : Dr. William W., of New Haven, Conn. ; Charles B., an attorney in New York ; Samuel, an attorney in Kansas; Susan Ger- trude; and George P., who is carrying on a general banking business in New Haven, Conn. Lydia T., born June 20, 1837, resides in Windham. Samuel, a farmer, born Septem- ber 13, 1840, married Caroline M., daughter
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