USA > Maine > Oxford County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 51
USA > Maine > Franklin County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 51
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
In the mean time he had been conscien- tiously pursuing the study of medicine by himself, and in the year 1886 he was gradu- ated from the medical department of the Uni- versity of the City of New York.
Dr. Makepeace began to practise in Chester- ville immediately upon his graduation, and built up quite a little practice there, remain- ing until April, 1892, when he removed to New Sharon, where he has stayed ever since. His mother had died in 1888; and in 1892 his father followed her to the other side, these deaths being the principal causes of the break- ing up of the family life in Chesterville.
During his long preliminary period of hard labor and study Mr. Makepeace earned con- siderable money by teaching school, being thus occupied for twenty-three terms. In 1884 he was called to Dennysville to become the principal of the school in that place; and while there he met Miss Julia A. Edgecomb, the daughter of Groves Edgecomb, of Hollis. This lady he married on the 25th of Octo- ber, 1888. They have one child. True E., born April 4, 1891.
Although still a young man, Dr. Makepeace is now the leading physician of New Sharon. and by his ability and steady application com-
376
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
mands the respect and good will of the com- munity. A proof of his prosperity is the fact that he has saved up money enough to purchase two acres of land in Chesterville village, with the house that stands upon it, by renting which piece of property he is enabled to add substantially to his income.
A" LBERT W. WALKER, a prosperous ice and granite dealer of South Paris, was born in Portland, Me., April 6, 1853, son of Charles L. and Mary (York) Walker. His grandfather, Ephraim Walker, a shoemaker, who settled in Portland, later in life purchased a small farm in Baldwin, Cumberland County, where he followed farming in the summer, and in the winter worked at his trade. Charles L. Walker was born in Maine, August 20, 1825. He was engaged in farming until December 12, 1863, when he enlisted in Company I of the Thirtieth Maine Regiment, which was sent to the South. In the spring of the fol- lowing year he was taken sick and died at Morganza, June 19. He had married on No- vember II, 1851, Miss Mary York, a daughter of David York, who was a representative farmer of Naples. Three sons live to bless their union - Albert W .; William M., a farmer of Brownfield, with whom the mother is living; and Charles J., an engineer at St. Louis, Mo.
When eighteen years of age Albert W. Walker went to Boston, where he was succes- sively employed throughout the summer season by the Boston Ice Company and the South Boston Ice Company, and taught school in the winter. In 1881 he purchased a farm in Den- mark, Me., and was there engaged in general farming until 1887. He then came to South Paris, and bought out the Paris Ice Company. Five years later, in 1892, he bought out the Norway Ice Company. He now supplies both Norway and Paris, running two wagons, and putting up about seventeen hundred tons of ice per annum. During the winter he en- gages in teaming. In 1892 he bought out J. H. Linscott, a granite dealer, and has since carried on a large business in monumental work and building, also dealing in brick.
Among the several contracts he has since filled was that for the granite and brick work of the Billings Block. Soon after coming to South Paris, Mr. Walker purchased a piece of land at the west end of Pleasant Street. This he cleared, and in 1888 erected a fine house, subsequently grading the grounds, and setting out fruit and shade trees, so that the place is now a very attractive estate.
On February 9, 1876, Mr. Walker was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Lord, a daughter of Albion and Olive (Wentworth) Lord. Her father, a successful farmer of Denmark, Me., died in 1872, fifty-six years of age. Her mother lived until 1891, after at- taining the age of seventy-one years. Their other children were: Lizzie A., Edson A., Abby C., Ada C., Louisa I. (deceased), and Louisa. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have four chil- dren, namely : Percy M., born December 2, 1876, who is a graduate of the South Paris High School, also of Shaw's Business Col- lege, where he completed the course in May, 1896, and is now in business with his father; Eva E., born August 23, 1878; Mertie G., born November 30, 1880; and Alta C., born August 18, 1882.
Mr. Walker casts his vote with the Repub- lican party. During his residence in Den- mark he served as superintendent of schools. He is a member and Past Master of Paris Lodge, No. 94, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled the different chairs; a charter mem- ber and Past Grand of Denmark Lodge, No. 50, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined at its organization in 1877; a member of the Odd Fellows Encampment; a charter member of Hamilton Lodge, Knights of Pyth- ias, in which he is Past Chancellor; and a member of the United Order of the Golden Cross, and of the Good Templars.
OEL S.
PLUMMER, a prosperous farmer and dairyman of Waterford, and a member of the family for whom the Plummer neighborhood in this town takes its name, was born in Waterford, Novem- ber 28, 1832, son of Daniel and Amy (Stone) Plummer. His grandfather, Samuel Plum- mer, was born in Rowley, Mass., in 1769, and
377
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
settled in Waterford about the year 1790. While living there Samuel divided his time between carpentry, to which he had served an apprenticeship, and farming. By his thrift, industry, and strong character he won the respect of his townsmen, who elected him to a number of offices of trust. The Plummer neighborhood was so named as a mark of respect to him. He married Elizabeth Jewett of Waterford, who was born in 1778. She was the mother of the following children, all of whom have long since passed away : Daniel, the father of Joel S. ; Eben, born in 1801, who successively married Eliza Bryant, Julia Bil- lings, and Mary Knight; Samuel, born in 1803, who married Jane Kimball ; Cyrus, born in 1805, who married Harriet Barker; Sophia, born in 1811, who became the wife of Dr. Jotham Goodenow ; George W., born in 1814, who married Mary Houghton; and Edwin, born in 1816, who died young.
Daniel Plummer was a native and a lifelong resident of Waterford. Like his father he was a carpenter and a farmer, and was widely known and quite prominent. He died Febru- ary 5, 1861. His wife, who was also a native of Waterford, survived him until 1894. This couple were the parents of eight children. Amanda, the eldest daughter, married ex-Sen- ator. John G. Hamblen, of Lovell, Me., a prominent farmer and lumberman, and a mem- ber of the State legislature for several terms. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hamblen died some time since. Frances Plummer, who is unmarried, lives with her brother, the subject of this sketch. Thomas, now deceased, was a baker, and he married Miss Georgie Bolster, of Nor- way, Me., who also has passed away. Edwin died on the ship "Ida Handy " while the Civil War was waging. Nancy became the second wife of the Hon. John G. Hamblen, of Lovell, after the death of her sister Amanda. She died in May, 1896. Daniel Lewis died young. Mellen, who is a prominent citizen of Bridgton, and the Treasurer of the Bridgton Savings Bank, married Miss Clara Murphy.
hundred acres, and is largely under cultivation. Mr. Plummer has made many improvements, and has been very successful in raising farm products. He has a small dairy, from which he sells quantities of cream. A hard-working and conscientious man, of unswerving integ- rity, he has won general respect.
On May 31, 1859, he was united in marriage with Frances A. Wheeler, who was born in Waterford, September 18, 1835. She is a daughter of Frank and Caroline (Billings) Wheeler, both likewise of Waterford, and now resting in the cemetery. Mr. Wheeler was a carpenter and farmer .. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer have two children, namely: Agnes R., born June 16, 1863, who is a graduate of Gorham Normal School, and has taught school for several terms in Waterford; and Carrie, born June 8, 1869, a graduate of the Douglas Semi- nary, who is now teaching. Mr. Plummer is a stanch Republican, who never neglects his duties as a citizen, while he has no desire for public office. He is a member of Mount Tire'm Lodge, No. 132, A. F. & A. M., of Waterford. Both parents and children are members of the First Congregational Church of Waterford.
ALTER W. FARRAR, of the firm Briggs & Farrar, meat dealers in South Paris, was born in the south- ern part of the town of Paris, August 10, 1 859. His father, Bela W. Farrar, also a native of Paris, was born May 30, 1834; and the birth of his mother, Mary Ann (Mayhew) Farrar, occurred April 24, 1837. His pater- nal grandparents were: Bela Farrar, who was born in Buckfield, Me., December 27, 1791 ; and Lydia (Thayer) Farrar, also a native of Buckfield, born July 3, 1797. Bela Farrar was a son of David and Judith Farrar.
Walter W. Farrar spent his early years in acquiring an education in the schools of Paris. He remained with his parents until he was eighteen years of age, after which he worked for three or four years at farming. In 1861 he entered the employ of the Paris Manufact- uring Company, and did general work for two years. During the next two years he was with
Joel S. Plummer acquired a fair education in the common schools near his home. After his father's death he took charge of the old Plummer estate, which has been his home since infancy. The property contains two | Thayer Brothers in the meat business. Then
378
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
he purchased a half interest with G. A. Briggs, a meat dealer, with whom he was associated in business about nine months. Selling out that interest to his brother, Wilbur L. Farrar, he started a livery stable at South Paris and one at Paris Hill, having in both twelve horses and suitable carriages. At the same time he carried the mail between the two places. Four years later he sold out to T. Thayer, pur- chased the General Cushman farm of one hun- dred acres, located a mile east of South Paris, and went into the cattle and stock business with John Philbrook, of Bethel, shipping prin- cipally to the market of Brighton, Mass. After three years Mr. Farrar repurchased the interest sold to his brother, Wilbur L. Farrar, and since that time has been in company with Mr. Briggs, firm of Briggs & Farrar. They have a market and cooler on Western Avenue, South Paris.
On February 22, 1880, Mr. Farrar was mar- ried to Miss Dora E. Thayer, daughter of Alexander S. and Ruth (Marston) Thayer, and grand-daughter of Deacon Levi Thayer. Her father was a prominent cattle dealer and farmer, and held many positions of honor and trust in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar have four children : Ronello A., born April 22, 1883; Lester W., born December 4, 1884; Lettie L., born November 10, 1887; and Eva I., born August 22, 1893. Mr. Farrar is a supporter of the Democratic party, and is a member of Mount Mica Lodge, No. 17, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows.
IRAM KELSEY HOBBS, a practical farmer, and one of the most exten- sive landholders of Fryeburg, Me., was born in this old Oxford County town, December 26, 1839, son of Stephen Farrington and Mehitable (Barker) Hobbs. His grandfather on his father's side was James Hobbs, who resided in Chatham, N. H., and was twice married.
The first wife of James Hobbs was Sarah, daughter of Captain Stephen Farrington, a noted military character of this locality, who was born in Concord, N.H., and was one of the original proprietors of Fryeburg township. He served under Colonel Robert Rogers, was
appointed a Lieutenant by the State of Massa- chusetts in 1781, and was the last person in New England to receive a special commission to fight the Indians. In 1781 and 1782 he commanded a company of volunteers, raised to protect the carly settlers from the frequent attacks of the savages, and he and his com- pany in 1782 went to the relief of Bethel. Captain Farrington died in Fryeburg in 1811. James Hobbs married for his second wife the widow of Seth Chase, of Fryeburg.
Stephen Farrington Hobbs was born in Chatham, N.H., the home of his father, James Hobbs. He had a natural taste for study, and after acquiring his education he taught school for a while, but finally engaged in agricultural pursuits in Fryeburg, where he became quite a prominent man. He died in 1862. His wife, Mehitable Barker, who was born in Fryeburg, was a daughter of John and Hannah (Wilson) Barker, of Massachusetts. John Barker was a Revolutionary soldier, who settled in Fryeburg, about the year 1780, and resided upon a farm in this town for the rest of his life. His daughter, Mehitable, was twice married. Her first husband was Joseph Kilgore, whose father, also named Joseph and a resident of this town, served in the Revolu- tionary War. The children born of her first marriage were two sons - Joseph, who died about the year 1854; and John, who died in 1857.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. Hobbs were the parents of eight children, as follows: Isaac De Witt, who died at the age of nineteen; Hiram Kelsey, the subject of this sketch; Mary Ann Bradley, who died in 1854; Eunice Barker, who died in the same year; Enoch Webster, who enlisted as a private in the Twenty-third Regiment, Maine Volunteers, and was accidentally killed near Washington, D.C., in July, 1862: Stephen Francis and Emma, who are no longer living; and Lyman Kilgore, who is now residing with his brother, Hiram K. Mrs. Mehitable Barker Hobbs died in 1880.
Hiram Kelsey Hobbs, the second son, was educated in the common schools in Fryeburg, and has always resided upon the farm that he now cultivates. His homestead property con- tains sixty acres of well-improved land, which
.
379
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
he devotes to general husbandry, more espe- cially to the raising of sweet and yellow corn, potatoes, and hay, harvesting a large crop of the last-named product. He has been actively identified with the lumbering industry of this section for several years past, and at the pres- ent time he is the owner of three thousand acres of wild land.
Mr. Hobbs is much interested in the politi- cal issues of the day, being a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He served efficiently on the Board of Selectmen for several years. He is a member of one of the local fraternal organizations, namely: Pythagorean Lodge, No. II, A. F. & A. M., of Fryeburg, and also belongs to the Royal Arch Masons Chapter in Bridgton. Mr. Hobbs is one of the best known among the many well-to-do residents of Fryeburg, and is highly respected by all.
JDGAR EUGENE MCLAIN, of New Vineyard, Franklin County, ' a well- known manufacturer of turned wooden boxes and variety goods, and a dealer in flour, feed, and groceries, was born here October 21, 1846, son of Deacon John and Mary Ann (Carsley) McLain. His grand- father, Charles McLain, who was the first representative of the family to come to this town, settled in a spot north-west of the vil- lage, where he carried on farming throughout the rest of his life.
Deacon John McLain, a son of Charles, was born in New Vineyard, where he still lives, residing north of the village, and engaged in farming. His wife, Mary Ann (Carsley) Mc- Lain, a native of Wilton, Me., became the mother of six children - Elbridge, Lizzie, Edgar Eugene, Abbie, John A., and Lizzie Jane. Elbridge married Sarah Ann Merch, of Carthage, Me., where he is engaged in years.
.
farming. Lizzie died at the age of seven Edgar E. is the subject of this sketch. Abbie lives at home. John A. successively married Lizzie Moshier, who died, and Flora Kennedy, and resides with his present wife in Amboy, Minn., where he carries on farming. Lizzie Jane married Eugene Keniston, a farmer, and resides with him in Temple, Me.
Like his brothers and sisters Edgar Eugene
McLain acquired his education in the common school. At the age of twenty he left home, and was variously employed for a year there- after. He then bought Mr. Stewart's interest in the saw-mill of Morton & Stewart, and was a partner of Mr. Morton for nearly the ensuing twenty years. Buying Mr. Morton's interest then, he has since managed the mill alone. In 1881 he built a large steam-mill of fifty horse-power, where he employs about fifty men. He manufactures goods for Messrs. E. B. Estes & Sons, wholesale and retail dealers in New York. He also operates the shingle and lath mill, manages a well improved farm, and daily runs a four-horse team to Farmington, selling feed, grain, and groceries. A con- siderable extent of timber land in the county belongs to him. In politics he has affiliated with the Republican party since he first voted ; while he has declined to serve in many town and county offices. He is a member of Lemon Stream Lodge, No. 55, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of West New Portland, Me. His annual income from his business is thirty- six thousand dollars.
On December 8, 1867, Mr. McLain was united in marriage with Miss Eliza H. Mor- ton, a native of New Vineyard, and a daughter of George and Sarah (Hiscock) Morton. Her father is deceased. Her mother now lives with her. Two sons have been born of the marriage, namely : Frank Herbert, who is now in college at Portland, Me. ; and Walter E., who is at home. Both the father and mother are members of the Congregational church.
EORGE W. BECKLER, of Albany, Oxford County, Me., who has been locally prominent for years as a member of the town government and as one of the most extensive farmers in this vicinity was born in Greenwood, the adjoining town on the east, April 18, 1836, son of John C. and Abigail (Cole) Beckler.
John C. Beckler was born in Hebron, this county, but made Greenwood his home during the greater part of his life. He was a black - smith by trade and had a farm in Greenwood, working alternately at the forge and in the field. His death occurred in 1869, his wife's
380
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
in 1874. This couple were the parents of thirteen children, namely : Lucy and Daniel, deceased; Isaac, a farmer of Sparta, Wis., who married Miss Sarah Frye; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel J. Frost, of Norway village, Me. ; Mary, Mrs. Nason, now living in South Ber- wick, Me. ; Abigail, living in Manchester, N. H. ; Jennie, widow of George T. Dresser, in Linden, Vt. ; Sylvia, wife of Jacob Dresser, a farmer of Berlin, N. H. ; John L. and Va- leria, deceased ; an unnamed child who died in infancy; Esther, who lived but two years; and George W., the subject of this sketch, of whom further mention follows.
The services of George W. Beckler being . needed on the home farm when he was a mere boy, his period of schooling was mostly limited to winter terms. When he was twenty years of age he went to Conemaugh, Pa., where he was engaged in a saw-mill, making shook, for two years, and then, returning to his native county, he purchased a farm in Albany. This farm he tilled for a number of years, husband- ing his income and working always with a view to bettering himself. In 1889 he bought the fine estate on which he now resides, and during his term of ownership has made many marked improvements. His landed property comprises seven hundred and twenty acres, every rood of which is used to the best advan- tage, the whole affording abundant tillage, pasturage, and timber. Here Mr. Beckler is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, devoting his attention in the winter season to lumbering.
October 27, 1861, he was united in marriage with Julia A., daughter of John and Hannalı (Johnson) Palmier. She was born in Lovell, this county, October 23, 1842, her parents, who were natives of Conway, N. H., having removed to Lovell at an early date. Mr. Palmer was engaged in agricultural pursuits during the greater part of his life. Five chil- dren have brightened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Beckler, namely : Walter I., born Octo- ber 12, 1862, now a farmer of Albany, Me., who married Miss Dora Cummings; Warren G., born December 3, 1865, residing with his father, married to Miss Addie Millett ; Charles G., born November 12, 1870, Mabel V., born September 11, 1872, and Maude A., born No-
vember 30, 1874, all still under the shelter of the parental roof.
Mr. Beckler is one of the leading Republi- cans of this part of the county, and is at pres- ent Chairman of the Republican Township Committee. He has served on the Board of Selectmen for eleven years, six years as Chair- man, and has been second Selectman since the spring of 1896; and he is a member of the Board of Health. He is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Hiawatha Lodge, No. 49, of East Stoneham, this county. Mrs. Beckler is a member of the Congregational church of North Waterford, Me.
HARLES G. ANDREWS, a retired farmer and lumberman of South Paris, Oxford County, Me., was born in Lovell, Me., May 23, 1833, son of Stephen and Betsey (Coffin) Andrews, of that town. He comes of patriotic pioneer stock, being a grandson of Samuel Andrews, who served as a captain in the Revolutionary War, and was afterward one of the first settlers of Lovell.
Captain Andrews bought one hundred acres of wild land, upon which he built a log house. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Elden, was the first white female resident of that town; and she, for several years after set - tling here, was accustomed to make the jour- ney of sixty miles on horseback to Saco to procure necessary supplies, finding her way by the aid of marked trees, and through the prim- itive bridle-paths. Grandmother Andrews
was a strong and able woman, possessing a robust constitution, and reached the advanced age of one hundred and two, but was totally blind during the last thirty years of her life. She was long a widow, Grandfather Andrews having died at about the age of fifty years. Their family of ten children were as follows : Hezekiah, Catherine, Nathan, Caroline, Moses, Amos, Gibbons, Stephen, Ruth, and Abel.
Stephen Andrews, son of Captain Samuel and Hannah (Elden) Andrews, inherited one- half of his father's farm, later adding more land; and during his active manhood he en- gaged successfully in farming and lumbering.
381
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
His last years were passed in retirement, and he died at the age of eighty-one. In politics he was a Democrat, and in his religious views he was a Methodist. He married Betsey Coffin, and they became the parents of eleven children, namely: Cyrus; Charles G., the subject of this sketch; Sumner; Rufus; Allen; Elwell; Hannah; Naamah; Orrin; Virgil; and Otis. The mother died at the age of fifty-seven years.
Charles G. Andrews, the second son as here recorded, acquired a good practical education in his boyhood, and upon the completion of his studies he began life as a farmer and lum- berman. He bought a piece of agricultural property near the homestead in Lovell, where he tilled the soil from planting time to har- vesting, and during the winter season he car- ried on lumbering operations, hauling his logs to the Saco River, and floating them to market. In 1884 he left that farm in charge of his son Orson, and, removing to South Paris, he bought the Wheelwright place with some land adjoining. Here he has since re- sided. Being unable to suppress his habits of industry, he purchased a wood lot soon after settling in South Paris, and his time has been profitably employed in cutting and hauling the wood, much of which has been sold to the Paris Manufacturing Company.
In early life Mr. Andrews conceived a lik- ing for the practical study of mineralogy, which has been given ample scope for develop- ment by the abundant mineral wealth of Mount Mica, and the adjacent region ; and his various prospecting tours have resulted in the finding of many rare precious stones, includ- ing valuable specimens of the beautiful tourmaline, which he has sold to good advan- tage. He has secured one of the largest and most unique cabinet collections owned by any single individual in the State, possessing samples from every part of the United States between the Atlantic and Pacific coast, includ - ing some valuable gems which have been cut and polished.
On February 23, 1860, Mr. Andrews was united in marriage with Phebe Charles, of Lovell, a daughter of John and Charlotte (Chandler) Charles. Her paternal grandpar- ents were Jonathan and Hannah Charles, the
former of whom was among the early settlers of Lovell. John Charles, who was a progres- sive and successful farmer, died at the age of sixty-seven, and his wife lived to be seventy years old. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Mary; Olive; Erastus; Elbridge; Betsey; Phebe, who is now Mrs. Andrews; and Eliza.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have three children, namely: Orson, a farmer in Lovell, who was born November 5, 1863, married Gertrude Quint, and has two children - Bertha and Hortense; Ellra, who was born September 9, 1866, and is now a physician and druggist of North Anson, Me. ; and Irving, a farmer and can-maker of South Paris, who was born May 15, 1873, married Nellie A. Morse, and has one son, Ralph C.
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.