USA > Maine > Oxford County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 40
USA > Maine > Franklin County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 40
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line Coburn Chandler, is still living at the homestead. Their paternal grandfather, Reu- ben Chandler, who was a shoemaker by trade, was an early settler in Paris, this county, and in Minot, a few miles distant, but passed the latter part of his life in Sumner, where he died at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, Abigail Barrows, lived to reach a good old age.
Hiram B. Chandler, son of Reuben, was born in Minot, Androscoggin County, Febru- ary 13, 1814. He built his shops in Sumner, and followed the trades of a cooper and wheel- wright until about 1846, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits, establishing and conduct- ing for many years, or till his death, the busi- ness in West Sumner which is now carried on by his sons. He was prominently identified with public affairs, serving as Postmaster and Town Treasurer for forty years. He was a Republican in politics, and for many years was an active member of the Universalist church.
His wife, Emeline O. Coburn, whom he married November 19, 1838, was born in Sumner, November 10, 1819, daughter of Samuel Coburn. She became the mother of eight children. The eldest, Mary E., was born December 16, 1839, married Kingman Gurney, and died August 6, 1862, leaving one daughter, Flora L., who was born May 21, 1860, and is now the wife of Elbridge S. Tuell, having two children - Mary E. and Emily. The second, Julia A., who was born June 1, 1841, married Horace Gurney, and died November 22, 1864. The third, also a daughter, Victoria A., was born February 7, 1843, and married William T. Bonney, of West Sumner. Her children are: Corry A., born September 23, 1864, who married Effie Abbott, and has one child, Elva E .; Agnes E., who was born May 23, 1871; and Will- iam A., born September 15, 1878. The fourth was Eliza G. Chandler, who was born January 5, 1846, and died May 26, 1870. Oscar G., the eldest son, a resident of West Sumner, who was born July 2, 1848, by his first wife, Ella Whitman, had one child, Elton, born Novem- ber 1, 1874, and by his second wife, Abbie Farrar, a son, Leslie, born February 2, 1879. Agnes E. Chandler, the sixth child, was born
January 17, 1851, married the Rev. George E. Forbes, and died May 12, 1885, leaving one child, Murray E. The seventh and eighth born were George A. and Harold Chandler, the subjects of this sketch, now to be further mentioned.
George A. Chandler, senior member of the firm, was born February 21, 1858. He ac- quired his education in the common and high schools, and after completing his studies he taught ten terms of school. He then engaged in the mercantile business, which since the death of his father he has managed as the ac- tive partner. This firm is now carrying a large and varied line of general merchandise, embracing unnumbered articles for domestic, agricultural, and mechanical use; and they not only have the most profitable trade in the vil- lage, but supply a numerous patronage from the adjacent towns. Mr. Chandler has served as Town Clerk for ten consecutive years, has been Postmaster for the past six years, besides holding other town offices, and has served efficiently for three years as a member of the School Board, being deeply interested and well versed in educational matters. He is connected with the lodge of Odd Fellows at West Paris and with Pleasant Lake Lodge, No. 232, of Good Templars. George A. Chandler and Helen Tuell were united in marriage on October 12, 1879, and have two children - Linnie T. and H. Benjamin.
Harold Chandler, junior member of the firm of G. A. Chandler & Co., and also engaged in the job printing business, was born March I. 1868. After finishing his studies he entered his father's store as a clerk; and, since suc- ceeding to its possession in company with his brother, he has been a partner in the business. He possesses mechanical genius of a high order; and, having acquired a knowledge of printing without the aid of instruction, when he had become proficient in the business, and desired to apply steam-power to his presses, he built an engine, which now performs the required services in the office. He carries on quite an extensive business as a job printer, doing a great deal of work for the town, be- sides filling numerous orders for private indi- viduals and business concerns; and this little enterprise is proving very profitable to him.
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The Chandler Brothers are not only active and exceedingly enterprising young business men, but are very popular social favorites ; and their success is fully merited. They are Republicans in politics, and they attend the Universalist church.
A USTIN REYNOLDS, M.D., a widely known and successful eclectic physi- cian of Farmington, Me., was born in Jay, Franklin County, Me., July 9, 1830, son of Luther C. and Charlotte R. (Jackson) Reynolds.
Dr. Reynolds's father, who was a native of Peru, Oxford County, Me., learned the shoe- maker's trade, and in young manhood settled in Jay, where he followed that calling with prosperous results. He became the owner of a good farm, which he cultivated industriously for the rest of his life and he died in Jay at the age of fifty-seven years. He was an ar- dent abolitionist and originally a Whig in politics, later joining the Republican party ; and he was highly respected and esteemed as a worthy and useful citizen. His wife, Char- lotte R. Jackson, who was a daughter of Samuel Jackson, bore him nine children, as follows: Austin, the subject of this sketch; George A. and William F., twins; Belista; Orrin A .; Eliza ;. Henry; Lewiston; and Rhoda. Dr. Reynolds's mother lived to reach the age of eighty-five years. His parents were members of the Baptist church.
Austin Reynolds acquired his early educa- tion in the district schools of Jay, and resided with his parents until reaching manhood. He then went to Randolph, Mass., where he engaged in the boot and shoe business till 1860, when he commenced the study of medi- cine with Dr. J. Alden, of that town. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he went to the front as nurse, but was soon appointed member of Medical Cadet Corps, under Sergeant Waters. He saw considerable active service, being present at the second battle of Bull Run and the memorable engagement at Fredericks- burg.
Returning North in 1863, he took a course of one year in the medical department of Harvard University, after which he entered
the Eclectic Medical School of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in 1866. He com- menced the practice of his profession at East Wilton in this county. Two years later he located in Farmington, and he has since maintained a large and successful practice in this and the surrounding towns. Purchasing the Dr. Edmund Russell property situated on Main Street, he proceeded to enlarge and re- model the house; and, being a natural me- chanic, he designed and finished several of the rooms himself. The interior, which contains some handsomely designed archways, is finished in black walnut and ash, inlaid in a most artistic manner, showing exquisite taste and skilful workmanship. The exterior has also received careful attention, marks of the same cultivated taste being visible every- where. The spacious lawns are intercepted by an asphalt driveway. The residence ad- joining, which is owned and occupied by Mrs. M. H. Newell, was also designed by the Doctor, and is a most creditable and pleasing piece of architectural work, plainly demon - strating the fact that his abilities in this direction are of a high order and fully developed.
For his first wife Dr. Reynolds married Abbie Eustis, daughter of Daniel Eustis, of Jay, and by this union there were two sons, namely: George W., born in 1852; and Charles, born in 1857. Charles died at the age of three years. George W., who has been the popular pastor of the Congregational church at Gorham, Me., for the past nine years, is a graduate of Amherst College and of Yale Divinity School. The first eight years of his ministry were spent as pastor of churches in Stuart and Osage, la. The Doctor's present wife, formerly Mrs. Luella Cutts, born Stevens, daughter of Oliver Stevens, has by her first marriage one daugh- ter, Jane M., who is a successful teacher.
In politics Dr. Reynolds is an earnest sup- porter of Republican principles, and. as an enterprising and progressive citizen, is actively interested in all matters relative to the general welfare and improvement of the town. As a physician he is both professionally and finan- cially successful, which speaks well for his ability; and the high position he occupies
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among the prominent, well-to-do residents has been meritoriously attained.
ILLIAM NEWELL THOMAS, an able farmer of Oxford and a repre- sentative of a pioneer family of this town, was born upon the farm where he now resides, September 22, 1831, son of Will- iam and Harriet (Brackett) Thomas. His grandfather, Elisha Thomas, a native of Middleboro, Mass., settled at the Thomas homestead in Oxford when it consisted of a primitive log house and a small clearing. By industriously applying himself to the task of improving the property Elisha succeeded in making it a very productive farm. He died at the age of eighty-three years. In politics he supported the Whig party, while his religious views were of a liberal eharacter. He was twiee married, and reared a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, none of whom are living. His second wife, Eliza- beth Thomas, who reached a good old age, had three children - William, Ichabod M., and Deborah.
William Thomas was born in Middleboro, Mass., and accompanied his parents when they came to Oxford. He inherited the homestead, where the greater part of his active life was passed in tilling the soil. In time he became one of the leading farmers of his day. He was also quite an extensive speculator in land. In politics he was a Democrat. He was closely identified with local public affairs, serving as a member of the Board of Select- men. For some years he acted as a Trustee of the Oxford County Agricultural Society. He died at the Thomas homestead, aged sixty- nine years. His wife, Harriet, who was a native of Westbrook, Me., bore him seven children, two sons and five daughters. Three of these are living; namely, William N., Angie W., and Harriet A. The others were: Sarah J., Catherine, Elisha, and Atosia. The mother lived to the age of seventy-six years.
William Newell Thomas acquired a good practical education in the schools of Oxford, and grew to manhood at the family home- stead. Since becoming its owner he has not only improved the property by the erection of
a new set of buildings, but has added more land to the estate, which now comprises three hundred acres. The Thomas farm is ranked by many people among the best properties in the county. Its owner enjoys the reputation of one of the most practical and energetic agri- culturists of this town. He has also an inter- est in the South Paris Savings Bank, of which he is a Trustee. He is one of the oldest members of the Board of Trustees of the Ox- ford County Agricultural Society. In politics he aets with the Democratic party, and he is a leading spirit in publie affairs. He served with ability as Selectman for a number of years.
On September 30, 1860, Mr. Thomas wedded Julia Sturtevant, who was born in Hebron, Me., January 25, 1841, daughter of Eliphalet and Eunice (Jordan) Sturtevant. Eliphalet Sturtevant, a native of Worcester, Mass., born August 14, 1784, settled in He- bron, where he followed the earpenter's trade, and was engaged in farming. His religious belief was that of the Baptist denomination, and in his last years he supported the Repub- lican party. His wife, who was born June 6, 1799, in Gray, Me., died October 8, 1871 ; and he died in Massachusetts on November 8 following. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have had three children, namely: Arthur K., who is married and lives in Portland; Lillian E., wife of H. F. Cushman, of Auburn, Me .; and. Elisha M., the eldest, who died at the age of thirteen years. Mr. Thomas has advanced in Masonry to the Royal Arch degree, having affiliation with the Blue Lodge at South Paris and the chapter in Norway. For six years he has been Master of South Paris Grange, Pa- trons of Husbandry. Mrs. Thomas is also a member of that order.
ORNELIUS M. HOLLAND, one of the oldest and best known farmers of Canton, Me., and formerly Chair- man of the Board of Seleetmen, was born in this Oxford County town, February 21, 1822, son of Dr. Cornelius and Milly (Billings) Holland. The family is of English origin and of old Colonial stock. Mr. Hol- land's great-grandfather, John lolland, re-
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sided in Sutton, Mass. ; and his son, John Holland, second, Mr. Holland's grandfather, who was born in Sutton, became an early set- tler in Dixfield, Me. He was a sturdy pio- neer and an industrious farmer, and he lived to reach a ripe old age.
Cornelius Holland, son of the younger John Holland, was born in Sutton, Mass., July 9, 1783. His youthful opportunities for school- ing were extremely limited; but he devoted his spare time to study, spending his evenings in obtaining a knowledge of the higher branches of learning by the light of a pitch pine knot, and became a well-educated man. Having adopted the profession of medicine, he first settled as a physician in Livermore, Me .; and in 1815 he located upon the farm in Canton where his son now resides. He had a large and successful practice; and he took a prominent part in public affairs, serving as a Justice of the Peace and in various other town offices, being among those appointed to frame the constitution of the State of Maine, and in 1821 and 1822 a member of the State legislat- ure. In 1830 Dr. Holland was elected a. Rep- resentative to Congress to fill out an unexpired term, and he was afterward re-elected. He took a deep interest in the improvement and welfare of the town, and was honored and re- spected by the entire community. In politics he supported the Democratic party, and in his religious views he was a Universalist. During the last fifteen years of his life the worthy Doctor suffered from the loss of his eyesight. He died at his home in Canton, June 2, 1870, and was buried with Masonic honors.
His wife, Milly Billings, whom he married November 16, 1815, was born in Wilton, N. H., April 25, 1788. She became the mother of four children, namely: Eliza W., who was born October 13, 1816, married Horatio Austin, and died January 28, 1844; James M., who was born December 22, 1818, married Sarah F. Fairbanks, and died October II, 1847, leaving one son, James Frank, born November 13, 1844, died in Houlton, Me., November 30, 1892; Cornelius M., the sub- ject of this sketch; and Amanda B., who was born January 9, 1826, and is now residing in Buckfield, the widow of N. T. Shaw. Mrs.
Milly B. Holland died December 6, 1874. Cornelius M. Holland, the younger of the two sons reared by his parents, began his educa- tion in the common schools of Canton, and completed his studies with a course at the Westbrook Seminary. In young manhood he adopted agricultural pursuits; and he has always resided at the homestead, which he in- herited at his father's death. He has sold eighty acres of the original tract, and now owns and cultivates sixty acres of excellent tillage land, his farm being among the most fertile to be found in the Androscoggin valley. Although well advanced in years, he is still actively engaged in attending to the regular duties about the place; and during the present season he has wielded the scythe with the skill and precision of a much younger man.
On March 27, 1845, Mr. Holland was united in marriage with Lydia H. Reynolds, who was born in Canton, September 5, 1824, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Austin) Reynolds. Mr. and Mrs. Holland have had four children, as follows: Abbie E., who was born December 9, 1846, and died March 14, 1849; Charles Monroe, a farmer and nursery man of Rhode Island, who was born June 8. 1850, married Ella M. Dodge, of . Sutton, Mass., and has one daughter, Lottie M .: Ella Amanda, who was born November 9, 1853, and is now the wife of S. A. Russell, a car- riage painter of Dixfield, having three chil- dren, - namely, Lizzie M., Charles M .. and Milly H. ; and Cora M., who was born August 21, 1860, married Fred E. Rowe, of Canton, and has three children - Alice H .. Homer E., and Sherman.
In politics Mr. Holland is a Democrat. He has served efficiently as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, was Postmaster at Canton Point for eight years, and for the past thirty- five years he has been clerk of the Board of Trustees of the School Fund. He has served as Moderator at town meetings for many years. and his ability as a presiding officer and his experience and judgment in public affairs are recognized and appreciated by his fellow- townsmen. He is a member and Past Master of Oriental Star Lodge, A. F. & A. M. : and a member of Androscoggin Chapter. Royal
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Arch Masons, of Livermore Falls; and of Dunlap Council, Royal and Select Masters, of Lewiston. Mr. and Mrs. Holland attend the Universalist church. They are widely and favorably known throughout this section, being among the oldest residents here; and in 1895 numerous friends and acquaintances as- sisted them in celebrating the golden anni- versary of their wedding.
MOS ABBOTT GROVER, a well- to-do farmer of the town of Norway, Oxford County, Me., who for many years was prosperously engaged in the lumber business, was born in Cumberland, Cumberland County, this State, July 2, 1829, son of Hezekiah Grover, who was a native of Bethel, Me.
His paternal grandfather, Eli Grover, son of Deacon James Grover, an early settler in this region, was born in 1763 in the town of Bethel. He grew to manhood in his native place, and continued a resident there, carrying on farming until his death, which took place on September 2, 1837. His wife, Mehitabel Austin, was a native of Maine. They were the parents of fourteen children, as follows: Abigail, who was born in May, 1790, and died August 2, 1893 ; Eli, who was born Jan- uary 18, 1792, and died September 30, 1843; James, born November 18, 1793, deceased; Peter, born July 30, 1795, who died in 1874; Mehitabel, born July 3, 1797, who died No- vember 16, 1831 ; Leonard, born May 9, 1799, died February 25, 1884; Amos, born July 13, 1801, died August 3, 1883; Hezekiah, father of Amos Abbott, born in 1803; Andrew, born September 25, 1805, who died in 1863 ; Abel, born December 7, 1807, deceased ; Alpheus, born October 26, 1809, who died November I, 1842; Sarah, born October 7, 1812, died July 15, 1819; Almon, born January 24, 1815, now deceased; and Arville, who was born January 20, 1817, and died June 2, 1845.
HIczekiah Grover was the sixth son and eighth child born to his parents. He carly chose farming as the occupation by which he should carn his livelihood, and soon after his marriage settled on a farm in the town of Mason, Oxford County, where during the few
remaining years of his earthly life he was actively engaged in general husbandry. He died October 6, 1831, when but twenty-eight years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Betsey Bartlett, was born in Cumberland, Me., her father, Thomas Bartlett, who was a native of England, having settled in that town after following the sea for a few years in early manhood. Two children were born to Heze- kiah 'and Betsey B. Grover, namely: Amos Abbott, the subject of this sketch; and Mehit- abel J., who came into the world September 23, 1831, only a few days before the death of her father, and who is now the wife of E. G. Wheeler, of West Bethel, Me. After her husband's death Mrs. Grover became the wife of Artemas Mason, of Mason, Me., by whom she had three children, namely: a son, Heze- kiah G., now a resident of Mason, who mar- ried the late Susanna Watson; and two daugh- ters, Minerva and Elizabeth Frances, both deceased. The mother passed away December 2, 1846, having lived but a few years after her second marriage. Mr. Mason survived her many years, dying in 1893.
Amos A. Grover was educated in the com- mon schools of his native county, and early began to engage in the activities of life. Buying a farm in the town of Mason, when but twenty years old he devoted his energies to farming and lumbering on an extensive scale. He owned a saw-mill, in which he manufactured shingles, clapboards, and dressed lumber of all kinds, carrying on a substantial business for thirty years. In 1879 he trans- ferred the scene of his operations to Oxford County, selling out in Mason, and coming to Norway on the Ist of April to engage in mill- ing in this vicinity. In 1883 Mr. Grover bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated near the shores of Lake Pennessewassee, his beautiful homestead oc- cupying one of the most attractive sites in the county. He has been very successful in his agricultural labors, including the cultivation of the soil, dairying, and stock raising. Mr. Grover is a public-spirited citizen, genuinely interested in the welfare and progress of the community ; and while a resident of Mason he filled all the important offices within the gift of his fellow-townsmen. Since coming to
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Norway he has served with fidelity in many minor public positions. Politically, he is an earnest advocate of the principles of the Re- publican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the grange at Norway.
On May 6, 1855, Mr. Grover married Miss Cordelia Watson, a native of Norway, born May 15, 1828. Her father, Daniel Watson, who was born October 27, 1797, was a lifelong farmer of this town. His wife, formerly Lydia Clark, was born in Bethel, June 25, 1798. Mr. and Mrs. Grover have two chil- dren now living in their home, namely: Fred O., born November 14, 1863; and Florence C., born September 19, 1866; and with others they have been called to part: Daniel Watson, born December 24, 1856, who died July 25, 1862: and Frances A., born October 26, 1859, who died October 17, 1880.
ILLIAM HENRY ALLEN, a well- to-do farmer and extensive land- owner of Hebron, Oxford County, is a worthy representative of sturdy New Eng- land stock, strengthened by generations of growth in the free air of the Pine Tree State. He was born in Hebron, October 2, 1850, a son of William P. and Wealthy (Hutchinson) Allen. His grandfather, William Allen, was an early settler in Androscoggin County, whence he eventually removed to Penobscot County. An industrious and enterprising man, he was engaged for a number of years in farming, lumbering, and logging. He died in Hermon, Penobscot County, at the age of eighty. His wife, whose maiden name was Araminta Pettingill, was a native of Andros- coggin County. She lived to be eighty-one years of age. This couple had ten children, namely : Jeremiah D., born October 2, 1809 ; William P., the father named above; and Abel, born January 29, 1814,-all deceased ; John P., born April 25, 1816, a sea captain residing in Thomaston, Me .; Levi, born March 15, 1818; and James B., born March 4, 1820, residing in Hermon Centre, Me .; Albion P., born September 13, 1822, de- ceased ; Asael G., born May 13, 1825 ; Sewall A., born April 10, 1827; and Alpheus, born April 22, 1829, all in Hermon Centre.
William P. Allen was born in Minot, Me., December 26, 1811, but spent much of his active life in Hebron, the last thirty years on the farm now occupied by his son. He was a carpenter by trade, and was very successful as a farmer. In politics he was a Democrat, in religious belief liberal, his wife being a mem- ber of the Free Will Baptist church. He died on the home farm, January 14, 1879. Mr. William P. Allen was married September 8, 1839, to Miss Wealthy Hutchinson, who was born in Hebron, Oxford County, Me., August 2, 1811, and died here, August 16, 1880, having been the mother of four children. The parents were bereft of their two elder children within a single week, namely: Levi, born March 2, 1841, who died in Hebron, September 9, 1848; and Stafford, born Octo- ber 1, 1843, who died in Hebron, September 3, 1848. The others who are yet living are: Albion P. and William Henry. Albion P. Allen, who was born November 30, 1845, is engaged in farming in Hebron. He married on November 25, 1871, Miss Aurilla Bates, who died June 15, 1876, leaving two children - George H. and Velma A. Three years later, on June 14, 1879, he married Miss Hattie I. Turner, who lived but a little over a year; and he was married May 14, 1882, to Mrs. Addie T. Eastman, his present wife.
William Henry Allen, the younger of the two sons who grew to maturity, acquired his education in the common schools of Hebron. He started in life by learning the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until about 1880, when he turned his attention to the pursuit of agriculture. To-day he owns the home farm in Hebron of one hundred acres, a good prop- erty with substantial buildings, besides con- siderable land in the town of Minot.
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