USA > Maine > Oxford County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 44
USA > Maine > Franklin County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 44
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
Albert S. Holman remained with his par- ents during his early years, receiving a good practical education in the schools of Dixfield and Canton. After beginning life as a teacher he gave up that occupation, and has since de- voted his attention exclusively to general farm - ing and dairying. In 1888 he came to Peru,
*
322
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
where he now owns about one hundred acres of land, and occupies as a tenant under lease about one hundred more. He keeps a dairy of high-grade Jerseys, which, together with his crops, brings him a good income. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. He has been a mem- ber of the Board of Selectmen for the past four years, and is its present Chairman. On March 10, 1877, Mr. Holman married Miss Lona W. Hines, who was born in Turner, Me., daughter of Leonard Hines. Seven children have been born to them; namely, Grace B., Fred C., Guy F., Carl S., Florence M., Edith M., and Harold L.
RTHUR D. PARSONS, of East Wil- ton, a member of the firm Clark, Parsons & Co., manufacturers of hay knives, corn knives, and other edged tools, was born in Huntsburg, Ohio, October 4, 1844, son of Lucius P. and Florintha (Loud) Parsons. Mr. Parsons is a descendant of an old Massachusetts family. His grand- father, David Parsons, was a native and, as near as can be ascertained, a lifelong resident of Westhampton, that State.
. Lucius P. Parsons was born in Westhamp- ton, and educated in the schools of that town. Some time after his marriage he went West, not any easy task then, as railroads were un- known. On reaching Ohio he managed to get by stage to the town of Albany, thence to Buffalo by the Erie Canal, from which point he went in a sailing-vessel upon Lake Erie to Kirtland. Having had some experience in carpenter work, he secured employment upon the Mormon temple which was then in process of erection in Kirtland. Later he bought one hundred acres of wild land in Huntsburg, Geauga County, Ohio, where the prospects appeared exceedingly promising. His expectations were fully realized, as he succeeded in clearing a good farm, and lived to see the region become a populous and agri- cultural centre. He had his full share of New England pluck, to which the Western States are so greatly indebted, and continued in ac- tive occupation until within two years of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-five years old. In politics he acted with the Re-
publican party after its formation, and he at- tended the Congregational church. His wife, Florintha, a native of Massachusetts, became by him the mother of nine children; namely, Edwin, Frances, Edward, Arthur D., Lucius, Willis, Flora, Frank, and Fred. She is now eighty-four years old, enjoys good health, and maintains the cheerful and amiable demeanor that has been her characteristic through life.
Arthur D. Parsons received his early edu- cation in the schools of his native town. Sub- sequently he attended the high school and the academy of Bloomfield, Ohio, and completed a business course at Eastman's Commercial Col- lege in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He then went to Boston, where he was book-keeper succes- . sively for a lumber firm and one dealing in paints and drugs. In January, 1886, he was appointed Superintendent and Treasurer of the Hiram Holt Company at East Wilton. This concern, which then manufactured scythes and hay knives, was founded by C. Keyes in the days when these tools were made by hand. When the enterprise was put in the hands of a stock company, Mr. Parsons became its man- ager ; and in 1894 the present firm of Clark, Parsons & Co. was organized, with F. J. Clark, of Farmington, as President, and A. D. Parsons, as Treasurer. Besides manufactur- ing hay knives, including those known as the "Lightning " and the "Blizzard," they make a specialty of clippers, corn, cane, and bread knives. The private brands of hay knives, as well as the other edged tools manufactured by this firm, are widely known in the American and foreign markets for their durable quality and excellent workmanship, and command a large and ready sale. This satisfactory state of affairs is expected to continue as long as the business remains under the present man- agement. The building has three stories, is well lighted, and thoroughly equipped with machinery of the latest design. None but the most expert workmen are employed.
Mr. Parsons wedded Hattie E. Phillips, of Orrington, Me., and has now two children, namely: Maud N., who was born September 13, 1881 ; and A. Vernon, who was born June 28, 1883. As a leading business man he has considerable influence in public affairs. While he has no political ambition, he is serv-
323
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ing as Chairman of the Republican Town Committee. The community has the advan- tage of his counsel as a member of the Board of Health. In the Masonic fraternity he has advanced to the Thirty-second degree and to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, being a member of Wilton Lodge, No. 156; Franklin Chapter, No. 44, Royal Arch Masons; Jephthah Council, No. 17, Royal and Select Masters; and the Council of the Order of High Priesthood of Maine; Pilgrim Commandery, No. 19, Knights Templars; Lewiston Lodge of Perfection; Auburn Coun- cil, Princes of Jerusalem; Dunlap Chapter, Rose Croix, of Portland; Maine Sovereign Consistory ; and Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Boston. Both he and Mrs. Parsons are members of the Congregational church, and Mr. Parsons at the present time is acting as superintendent of the Sunday-school.
ARRISON FARRAR, an industrious and well-to-do agriculturist of the town of Paris, Oxford County, is a worthy representative of the native residents of this place. He was born March I, 1837, son of Bela and Lydia (Thayer) Farrar. 'On the father's side he is descended from an honored family of Massachusetts. His grandfather, David Farrar, an early pio- neer of this county, was born and bred in Hingham, Mass. In his young manhood David removed to Maine. Looking about for a favorite spot in which to build a home, he became impressed with the future possibilities of Oxford County, and invested his little hoard of money in a timber tract in Buck- field. Here, having cleared a farm, he lived to a ripe old age, chiefly engaged in cultivat- ing the land and in working at the carpenter's trade.
Bela Farrar, who was born in Buckfield, December 27, 1791, as soon as he was able to wield an axe, assisted his father in his pio- neer work. After his marriage he came to Paris, locating on the farm now owned by his son Harrison, and here spent the remainder of his eighty-six years of life. By honest and upright living he established himself in the confidence of the people, and made for him-
self a good record as a valuable member of the community where he lived. He was liberal in his religious beliefs, and was a Democrat in politics. His wife, whose maiden name was Lydia Thayer, was born in this town, July 3, 1799, and here resided until her death in 1 863. Of their ten children three died; namely, Delphina, Maria, and Janet. The others were severally named: Larnard, Ara- bella, Delphina E., Bela W., Harrison, Fair- field, and Jefferson.
Harrison Farrar grew to maturity on the family homestead, obtaining his education in his native town. After teaching school for one term he then engaged in agriculture, which he has since continuously followed. His industry and business capacity have en - abled him to make the home farm one of the finest estates in the vicinity. Owning land also in the towns of Buckfield and Sumner. his real estate aggregates two hundred acres. In political contests he votes independently of party lines. He is a member of Paris Lodge, No. 44, Patrons of Husbandry.
Mr. Farrar was married November 9, 1857, to Eliza A. Hammond, daughter of William P. Hammond, of Buckfield, where she was born, December 30, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar have four children living, as follows : Everett H., a resident of South Paris, Me., born May 16, 1859; Anna Lydia, born August 22, 1864, who is now the wife of H. R. Teague, and resides in Jay, Me .; Harry Douglas, born September 19, 1870, who re- sides at home; and Carl Edgar, born February 1, 1874, also a resident of Jay.
LBION B. GEE, the proprietor of the Grand Trunk House, South Paris, was born in Chatham, N. H., March 4, 1830, son of Abner and Mary (Cox) Gee. Mr. Gee's father was a native of Three Rivers, Province of Quebec, and left his home at the age of nine years to seek his fortune. At the age of twenty he had ac- quired a sum sufficient to buy a farm. This farm, after considerably improving it, he sold to good advantage, and bought another in Brownfield, Me. Here he lived for several years, prosperously engaged in tilling the
32 |
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
soil. Then, selling this farm also, he re- moved to Northfield, Mass., where the rest of his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He died in 1889, aged seventy-five years. He was considered one of the best violin players of his day, and his services as a violinist were in constant demand. He was prominent in the early State militia, in which he was com- missioned Captain. In politics he acted with the Democratic party, while in his religious belief he was a Universalist. He married Mary Cox, a daughter of Isaac Cox, who was an early settler and a progressive farmer of Chatham. By her he became the father of four children; namely, Caroline, Francis (second), Albion B., and Mary. The mother died at the age of forty-seven years.
Albion B. Gee obtained his education in the schools of Brownfield and at the Fryeburg Academy. At the age of fifteen he went to Lowell, Mass., where he learned dancing, with a view of becoming a teacher of that art. Successfully pursuing the profession after- ward, he taught over one thousand classes in the different towns from Lowell, Mass., to Bangor, Me. During the summer season he was employed as clerk at hotels in Mount Pleasant, Conway, and North Conway. At a later date he conducted the Washington and Kearsarge Houses, finally buying the Oxford House in Fryeburg, which was destroyed by fire while under his management. He subse- quently managed the Lake Auburn House and the Grand View House for four seasons each. In April, 1895, he bought the Paris Hotel, a fine three-story building containing thirty rooms, and situated on Main Street near the depot in South Paris. Since then he has re- modelled and refurnished it at a considerable expense, so that the Grand Trunk House, as it is now called, is one of the best appointed hotels in Oxford County. His extensive ac- quaintance among summer tourists and the travelling public generally insures him a lib- eral patronage. Although he has resided here but a short time, he has already won the es- teem and good will of the leading citizens of the town.
On January 29, 1851, Mr. Gee was united in marriage with Fanny M. Berry, daughter of Isaac C. Berry, of Bridgton, Me. She died in
1883, aged forty-seven years, having been the mother of four children. These were: Addic, who became the wife of O. E. Barker, and died in 1895, aged thirty-five years; Mabel, who died at the age of four years and six months; Frank B., who was born January 6, 1866; and Katie M., who was born January 29, 1868. In politics Mr. Gee is a Democrat. He attends the Universalist church.
ANA B. FOGG, of the well-known firm Byron & Fogg, dealers in general merchandise in Strong, Franklin County, was born in Readfield, Me., June 16, 1832, son of Joseph ' and Lavina (Russell) Fogg. Joseph Fogg, who was a native of Cornville, Me., and a tanner, currier, and shoemaker by trade, lived in Readfield from early manhood until his death in August, 1842. His wife, Lavina, a native of Fayette, Me., bore him five children - Sarah Emeline, Fannie, Ruth Ann, Lavina
Maria, and Dana B. Sarah Emeline married P. H. Fisk, neither of whom is now living. Fannie married Simeon Hearsey, both of whom are also deceased. Ruth Ann passed away in 1842. Lavina Maria was twice mar- ried, first to Peasley Morrill, who afterward died. Her second husband was Daniel Wey- mouth, of Greene, Me., who also died. She is now living in the State of New Hampshire. Her mother died in 1875.
Dana B. Fogg acquired his education in the common school with his sisters. At the age of eighteen he learned the trade of harness-making at Readfield. In 1854 after the expiration of his three years' apprentice- ship, he bought out the business of his em- ployer, and managed it for two years. Subse- quently going to Skowhegan, Me., he bought the business of Chandler Tuttle, a dealer in harnesses, and carried it on for one year. He then sold out to William Tucker, returned to Readfield, and, purchasing a vacant store, started independently in the business. After a year he forsook this enterprise, and was after- ward extensively engaged in cattle dealing. In 1881 he came to Strong, and entered the firm of Fogg, Hoffess & Fogg, wholesale dealers in flour, grain, and agricultural imple-
-
DANA B. FOGG.
327
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ments, remaining with them for three years. At the end of that time a copartnership was formed with J. H. Byron, under the style of Byron & Fogg, which still continues, Mr. Fogg having resided here ever since. In pol- itics he is a strong Republican, has a high reputation as a party worker, and served the town as Postmaster from 1890 to 1893. He affiliates with Davis Lodge of A. F. & A. M.
On Christmas Day, 1856, Mr. Fogg was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte V. Packard, a native of Readfield, and a daughter of Oakes and Sallie Packard, both now de- ceased. The father was a carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Fogg have one son, W. Fred. P., born October 6, 1859, who is now a prominent attorney and the General Manager of the Wiscasset Railroad. The first partner of his joys and sorrows was Ollie Hoffess, who sub- sequently died; and he afterward married Abbie Hodge, of Wiscasset, Me. By his first marriage he became the father of three children - Ona, Freda, and Vera. Mr. Fogg has worked his way from the condition of a poor boy to his present prosperity, all that he now has being doubly enjoyable from the fact that it is the result of his own individual effort. Personally, he is well known and highly respected throughout Franklin County, especially in Strong, where he is very popu- lar. Both he and his esteemed wife attend the Congregational church.
A portrait of Mr. Fogg accompanies this account of his life.
EYMOUR A. FARRINGTON, a veteran of the Civil War, who occu- pies a prominent place among the thrifty farmers of North Fryeburg, Oxford County, was born where he now re- sides, September 22, 1836, son of Southwell and Amanda F. (Miller) Farrington. His grandfather, John Farrington, when a young man, came to Fryeburg from Concord, N. H., and settled upon a farm. The grandfather was an energetic and progressive man, whose natural ability not only enabled him to achieve success in agricultural pursuits, but brought him into prominence in public affairs. He served as a member of the Board of Selectmen
for a number of years; and he died January II, 1833. His wife, in maidenhood Nancy Royce, daughter of Captain Vere Royce, had thirteen children. Her death occurred March 12, 1853.
Southwell Farrington was born in Frye- burg, February 27, 1807. In 1825 he settled upon the farm where his son now resides, and tilled the soil with energy for the rest of his active period. He was noted throughout Ox- ford County as an accomplished singer and a teacher of vocal music, talents which have de- scended to his children; and he died in No- vember, 1875. His wife, Amanda, whom he married November 29, 1831, was born in Brownfield, Me., April 6, 1810. She had three children by him, as follows: James H., who was born September 27, 1832, and died December 2 of the same year; James H. (sec- ond), born October 2, 1833, who married Anna Bassett, and died September 10, 1863; and Seymour A., the subject of this sketch. She died March II, 1884.
Seymour A. Farrington acquired his educa- tion in an academy, and resided at home until the breaking out of the Rebellion. On Octo- ber 7, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Com- pany E, Twelfth Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel George F. Shepley and Captain Enoch Knight, and served in the war upon the lower Mississippi and in Vir- ginia. He participated in the siege and capt- ure of Port Hudson, the battle of Winchester, and other engagements, coming out of all un- injured, and received his discharge in Port- land, Me., in December, 1864. He returned to Fryeburg, and has since resided at the homestead. The property contains one hun- dred and fifty acres of fertile land. Since he succeeded to it he has made various improve- ments. Conducting his farm according to the most approved methods, he takes a high rank as a general farmer, while his crops are above the usnal standard in quantity and quality.
On September 30, 1865, Mr. Farrington was united in marriage to Anna (Bassett) Far- rington, the widow of his deceased brother. She was born in Lovell, Me., April 8, 1834, daughter of Joseph Bassett, a tanner, now de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Farrington have had two children, namely: Florence M., born Jan-
328
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
uary 9, 1867, who married Frank E. Emery, a prosperous farmer of Lovell, and died April 30, 1891 ; and Ida M., born August 31, 1874, who is residing at home. In politics Mr. Farrington follows an independent course, supporting the candidates who in his opinion are the best qualified to hold public office. He has made the best use of his opportunities in life. By steadfast adherence to upright principles he has gained the esteem and good will of his townsmen. Like his father he possesses musical talents of a high order. He has an excellent tenor voice, and he has been very successful as a teacher of singing- schools in this locality. His daughter has in- herited a liberal share of her father's taste for music, and has cultivated her talent to a high degree. Mr. Farrington is a member of the grange at Fryeburg Centre.
RANK W. LORD, senior partner of the firm Lord & Starbird, general mer- chants of Oxford, is an enterprising and progressive business man and a leading resident of this town. Prominent positions, both in business and political circles, are filled by representatives of the Lord family,- one of whom is S. L. Lord, the present Mayor of Saco, Me. The subject of this sketch was born December 4, 1853, in Peabody, Mass., son of William H. and Chloe (Wardwell) Lord. His grandfather, Isaac C. Lord, by trade a carpenter, was one of the first settlers of Buxton, Me., where, while working at his calling, he was accidentally killed at the age of forty-five years.
William H. Lord, who was a native of Bux- ton, in early life followed the sea. Subse- quently taking up his residence in Peabody, Mass., he was for several years engaged there as a tanner and currier. From Peabody he moved to Otisfield, Me., and thence to Saco, Me. Here he carried on a farm until his death, which occurred in 1872, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was active and industri- ous, his farming operations were successful, and he enjoyed a desirable measure of prosper- ity. He served for a time in the City Council of Saco, to which he was elected by the Re- publican party. His religious principles were
liberal. His wife, who was a native of Otis- field, became the mother of three children, as follows: Lizzie H., now the wife of Alonzo Edwards, of Norway, Me. ; Ellen F., who died at the age of twenty-nine years; and Frank W., the subject of this sketch. The mother died in 1894, aged sixty-nine years. She was a member of the Free Will Baptist church.
Frank W. Lord acquired his education in. the schools of Saco. After completing his studies he learned shoemaking, which he fol- lowed for about three years. He afterward secured a position as clerk for T. L. Robinson in a corporation store at Oxford, where he remained for seven years. After this he was engaged in business with E. W. Edwards until 1895, when he bought Mr. Edwards's in- terest, and admitted his present associate, C. F. Starbird, as a partner. Messrs. Lord & Starbird are the leading merchants here at the present time. Their large business is constantly developing into still greater pro- portions. The store is heavily stocked with a well-selected variety of general merchandise, including bicycles. Its appearance is that of a well-kept and exceedingly busy store. It is very popular in this section, where it has gained a wide reputation for honest dealing and fair prices.
.
In 1877 Mr. Lord wedded Tena A. Mc- Allister, a native of Stoneham, Me. Their two children are: I. Blanche, who was born October 4, 1883 ; and William F., who died at the age of eighteen months. In politics Mr. Lord is a Republican, and he has served two years as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He is connected with Norway Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
EACON RUFUS TAYLOR, a ven- erable and well-known citizen of Franklin County, residing at Bean's Corners, in the town of Jay, his na- tive place, where he was formerly a member of the Board of Selectmen, was born October 28, 1815, son of Deacon James and Rhoda (Chand- ler) Taylor. He is a grandson of Samuel Taylor, who removed from Cape Cod to Read- field, Me., and resided upon a farm in that town for the rest of his life.
329
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
James Taylor, son of Samuel, grew to man- hood in Readfield. In 1810 he settled at Bean's Corners, which was then a wilderness; and he cleared the farm where his son Rufus now resides. Commencing life as a pioneer, he labored diligently for the prosperity he ultimately acquired ; and he resided here until his death, which took place in October, 1845. His wife, Rhoda Chandler, was a daughter of Jacob Chandler, a pioneer farmer of Wilton, who passed his last days in Jay, and died at the Taylor homestead in 1842. She was the mother of six children, as follows: Gorham, who died in infancy; Rufus, the subject of this sketch; Louisa, who married Elias Bean, a farmer and carpenter (both deceased) ; Lu- cinda, who became the wife of Joshua Bean, of Bean's Corners, and died in 1839; Hannah, who married Daniel Tarbox, of Phillips, and died in 1847, her husband being now a retired merchant of Lewiston, Me .; and Love, who died in January, 1885. She was the wife of Josiah N. Cutler, a prominent merchant of Chicago, now deceased. Mrs. Rhoda C. Taylor died in December, 1845, having sur- vived her husband but a short time.
Rufus Taylor began his education in the common schools, and advanced in learning by attending the Parsonsfield and Farmington Academies. He subsequently taught several terms of school in Jay, Wilton, and Sumner, and after his marriage settled upon a part of his father's farm. Four years later he re- turned to the homestead, where he has since resided, having cared for his parents and grandparents during their declining years. He has devoted his time and energy to general farming and fruit growing, raising also some excellent oxen ; and his farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres is well improved and ex- ceedingly productive.
On March 12, 1840, Rufus Taylor was married to Abigail T. Dakin. She was born in Wilton, April 12, 1822, daughter of Deacon Levi and Edee (Richardson) Dakin, the former of whom was a native of Dunstable, Mass., and the latter of Temple, N. H. Mrs. Taylor's parents settled in Wilton in the year 1800, and her mother taught the first district school established in that town. Levi Dakin cleared and improved a farm in East Wilton,
and resided there until 1844. He then moved to Embden, Me., where he continued to till the soil for about fourteen years; and he and his wife passed their last years with their daughter, Mrs. Taylor, in Jay. Deacon Levi Dakin died April 17, 1874; and his wife died September 27, 1871. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Edee, who married Nathaniel Gammon; Levi H., who married Florella Smith; Sarah R., who married Jared Smith, all of whom have departed this life: Abigail T., who is now Mrs. Taylor; Sarepta N., who married Samuel Taylor, and neither is now living; Mary R., widow of the Rev. James M. Follett, now residing with her daughter in Oakland, Cal .; William Justus (deceased), who married Abbie Tower, of Dover, Me. ; and Rachel, who died in infancy. All of the above named were unusually intel- lectual and well educated, and most of them filled useful positions in life as teachers.
Deacon and Mrs. Taylor have had six chil- dren, as follows: Augustine R., who was born December 25, 1841; Sarepta A., born Feb- ruary II, 1846, who died May 24, 1852; Hannah T., who was born January 20, 1853, and died April 23, 1867; Floriman J., M. D., who was born December 15, 1854; L. Will- iam, who was born September 9, 1858; and Mary Abbie, who was born November 2, 1863. Augustine R. is a dealer in marble and gran- ite, and a manufacturer of monuments in Waverly, Ia. He married Francena C. Butterfield, of Bean's Corners, and has two children, namely: Gorham, a graduate of Mount Vernon College and a civil engineer, who is married and has one child: and Anna M., who married Charles Holt, a druggist of Waverly, Ia., and has one son, named Howard. Floriman J. graduated from the Chicago Medical College in 1880, and is now a practising physician in Pittsfield, Me. On June 12, 1881, he married Nellie M. Vaughan; and she is now a music teacher at the Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. L. William is a graduate of the Maine State Col- lege, class of 1880, and is now a teacher. On July 7, 1885, he married Carrie E. Brown, of Strong, and has two children - Lloyd and Lewis. Mary Abbie is an accomplished mu- sician, and has been a successful teacher. She
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.