USA > Maine > Oxford County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 79
USA > Maine > Franklin County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 79
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Joseph True, Mr. True's grandfather, son of Obadiah, was born in Sanford, and accom- panied his parents from that town to Denmark. After being engaged in tilling the soil upon
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his own account in Hiram and in Baldwin for some years, he settled upon the farm now oc- cupied by his son, Roscoe G., and resided here until his death, which took place March 2, 1880. His wife, Phebe Alexander, who was a native of Henniker, N. H., was the mother of five children, as follows: Dorcas, who became the wife of M. K. Mabry, of Yar- mouth, Me., and is no longer living; Sarah, who died at the age of eighteen years; Roscoe G., the subject of this sketch; Mary, who died in June, 1892; and Cynthia, who is re- siding in Hiram.
Roscoe G. True acquired a common-school education, and resided at home until he was eighteen years old. He then went to Hing- ham, Mass., and was employed in driving a team in that vicinity for three years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Hiram, and resumed work upon the farm. He later bought the homestead property here, and he has since devoted his time and attention to general farming. Besides the homestead farm of one hundred and forty acres, he owns one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land in another part of the township; and, aside from the usual farm products, he raises considerable fruit, and breeds some excellent cattle. He has made various improvements upon the land and buildings, which has greatly increased the value of his property ; and he now has one of the best homesteads in Hiram.
On June 30, 1861, Mr. True was united in marriage with Ellen S. Bean. She was born in Denmark, Me., December 13, 1838, daugh- ter of William and Sarah F. (Blunt) Bean. Her parents, highly reputable residents of that town, are no longer living. Mr. and Mrs. True have one son of their own, Frank E., who was born August 27, 1865, and is re- siding at home; and they have adopted Irving E. Mabry, Jr.
In politics Mr. True is a Democrat, but has never aspired to public office. He has given his undivided attention to the cultivation of his farm, and, working with both hands and brains, has been fairly successful in life. His many excellent qualities make him popu- lar with his fellow-townsmen, and he is widely and favorably known throughout this section.
EANDER S. BILLINGS, an extensive lumber manufacturer of South Paris, was born in Waterford, Me., Octo- ber 10, 1838, son of Charles and Eliza (Gould) Billings. He comes of good American stock, his grandfather having been a patriot soldier of the Revolution. Charles Billings was born in Temple, Mass., in 1790. In early manhood he settled in Waterford, being one of the pioneers of that town. He purchased a farm there, and became one of the leading and most progressive men of the local- ity. He died at the age of eighty-six. He was twice married; and his second wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Gould, became the mother of five children - namely, Charles, Henry S., Peter J., Leander S., and Emily H. Mrs. Eliza Gould Billings died at the age of forty years.
Leander S. Billings passed his boyhood and youth in his native town, acquiring a practical education in the common schools. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he fol- lowed until reaching the age of thirty years, when he relinquished farming, and became a railway employee. He advanced rapidly from one position to another, finally becoming con- ductor for the Atlantic Sleeping Car Com- pany, with headquarters at Salamanca, N. Y. For some time he made the run from New York City to Buffalo. In 1875 he came to South Paris, where, in company with G. P. Whitney, he purchased the saw and stave mills formerly operated by H. True & Co .: and for the next ten years the firm of Billings & Whitney carried on the manufacture of staves and crates. He then bought his part- ner's interest in the business, which he has since conducted alone, greatly increasing his output by the addition of all kinds of building materials to his products. He has enlarged and remodelled the mills, thereby increasing their productive capacity, and has also erected spacious storehouses to meet the demands of a constantly developing enterprise. He has cleared a great deal of timber land in this vicinity, and buys a large number of logs, and deals in Southern and Western lumber, which he receives by the carload. His enterprise furnishes employment for a large number of men, and his business ability and unceasing
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activity contribute largely to the welfare of the town.
Mr. Billings supports the Republican party ; but, as his business consumes the greater part of his time, he takes no active part in politics, beyond casting his vote. He has advanced in Masonry to the Chapter, and is a member of Paris Lodge, No. 94. He is also a member of Mount Mica Lodge, No. 17, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Encamp- ment. Mr. Billings married Anna F. Thayer. He resides at the old Phelps homestead, which he purchased some time ago, having since re- modelled and improved the property into a pleasant and comfortable home.
LIVER ALLEN, a prosperous dairy farmer of Hiram, Oxford County, ex- member of the Maine legislature, was born in Wells, Me., August 6, 1824, son of Hosea and Dorcas (Blaisdell) Allen. Mr. Allen's grandfather was Jotham Allen, a native of Wells, who moved from that town to a farm in Wilmington, Me., and resided there for the rest of his life. Jotham was the father of nine children - William, Hosea, Robert, George, Sally, Susan, Sophia, Temple, and Lydia, none of whom are living.
Hosea Allen, Mr. Allen's father, was born in Wells, and was brought up a farmer. In 1825 he came to Hiram, and, settling upon a farm in the vicinity of his son's present resi- dence, cultivated it with success until his death, which occurred July 22, 1870. His wife, Dorcas, who was a native of Wells, be- came the mother of six children, namely: Christopher, who married Sarah E. Hosmer, of Newton, Mass., and is now a widow; Oliver, the subject of this sketch; George, a prosperous farmer of Brookfield, Mass., who successively married Adelia Wentworth, Irene Young, and Nancy Pingree; Dorcas Jane, who is now the widow of Eben Blaisdell, and re- sides in East Denmark, Me .; Andrew, who married Lizzie Bradley, neither of whom is now living; and Hosea R., who married Eleanor Thoms, and is now a successful farmer in Lockwood, Cal. The mother died September 11, 1889.
Oliver Allen came to Hiram with his par-
ents when he was a year old, and subsequently acquired his education in the common schools of this town. At the age of sixteen he went to Newton, Mass., where he was employed as an assistant upon the farm connected with the Theological Seminary for two years. After this he worked for different farmers in the neighborhood for five years. In 1848 he en- gaged in agriculture on his own account in Hiram, on a farm which he conducted until 1857. He then moved to his present property in the northern part of the town. He now owns one hundred and thirty-five acres of ex- cellent land, the tillage portion of which is well improved. Besides cultivating the staple products, he raises some fine cattle for his own use, and makes a specialty of dairy farming.
On March 3, 1848, Mr. Allen wedded Mary E. Evans, who was born in Hiram, June 9, 1828, daughter of Oliver and Mary (Lock) Evans. Her parents, who were both natives of Rochester, N. H., in September, 1827, set- tled in Hiram, where her father became an in- dustrious and successful farmer. He died Oc- tober 7, 1882; and his wife died March I, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have four chil- dren, as follows: Angeline, who was born De- cember 25, 1849, and is now the wife of Au- gustus Peabody, a prosperous farmer of Fergus Falls, Minn. ; Edward L., born September II, 1852, who married Florence Putnam, a native of Massachusetts, and has two children - Mary Louisa and Eunice Putnam; Evans O., born May 15, 1860, who married Ceba Cram, and is a manufacturer in East Hiram; and Bertha J., born November 8, 1862, who is now the wife of Daniel Bealy Cram, a success- ful farmer of Hiram. Edward L. now assists his father on the farm.
Mr. Allen for many years took a prominent part in public affairs. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen for nearly fifteen years, acting as Chairman of the body for the greater part of that time; and he ably repre- sented this district in the legislature in 1867. His first Presidential vote was cast for Frank- lin Pierce, and he has acted with the Republi- can party since its formation. He still main- tains a lively interest in all matters of importance to the general community. He is
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a member of Mount Cutler Grange, No. 152, Patrons of Husbandry, of Hiram.
ABEZ VAUGHAN was for a number of years an important member of the agricultural community of Farmington, Me., occupying the farm on which his widow, Mrs. Amanda M. Vaughan, still makes her home. He was born in New Vineyard, Franklin County, August 21, 1816, the son of Jabez and Mary (Thompson) Vaughan. The elder Jabez Vaughan came to Maine from Pom- fret, Vt. He took a large tract of wild land in New Vineyard, cleared it, and proceeded to make it fit for planting purposes. He died in middle age. His children were: Ruel, Alan- son, Mary, Jabez, and Lucy.
Jabez Vaughan, Jr., in early manhood pur- chased a farm in New Vineyard, which he tilled for twelve years. He then bought the Butterfield farm, which at that time was owned by T. Greenwood. It was a valuable property, covering one hundred acres; and he was very successful in raising general crops. In 1863 his buildings were destroyed by fire ; but, nothing daunted, he rebuilt on the same site. Mr. Vaughan was an exemplary citizen, and was universally respected. He was a Re- publican in politics from the time of the organization of that party, and in religion a Free Will Baptist, being a Deacon of the church for many years. He died in 1871, aged fifty-five.
In May, 1841, Mr. Vaughan was united in marriage with Miss Amanda M. Butterfield, the daughter of Asa and Hannah (Jordan) Butterfield,. She was born in Farmington, November 8, 1819. Her grandfather, Jesse Butterfield, was the first of the family in this vicinity. He was a Revolutionary soldier, who fought in the battle of Bunker Hill; and, after the independence of the colonies was es- tablished, he with his family moved to Sandy River, taking up Lot 16. This he cleared, and developed into a good farm. He lived to an advanced age, attaining a position of prom- inence and influence in the town. Asa Butterfield, Mrs. Vaughan's father, was born in Farmington, August 30, 1786. He lived for some time in Chesterville, this county,
and in Phillips, and then purchased his father's farm in Farmington, on which he lived until 1857. In that year he moved to Piqua, Ohio, where he and his wife died. Mr. Butterfield, like most of his name, was enterprising and energetic, and was highly re- spected. In religious belief he was a Univer- salist, and in politics originally a Whig and later a Republican.
Jabez and Amanda M. (Butterfield) Vaughan had one child, Mira Q. She was married Au- gust 27, 1876, to Sumner W. Thompson, a native of New Portland, Me., the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Weathern) Thompson. Mr. Daniel Thompson was a progressive farmer of New Portland. Both he and his wife lived to a good age, spending the latter part of their lives in the town of New Sharon, where he and his son Sumner bought a farm. In politics he was a Republican, in religious belief a Methodist. He had but two children - Warren F. and Sumner W., before men- tioned. Sumner W. Thompson came to New Sharon with his parents. About ten years later he removed to the Butterfield farm, his wife's inheritance. On this property he has made many improvements, developing its re- sources. Mr. Thompson also is a Republican. On religious subjects he has liberal views. He and his wife have one child, Edmund Q., born April 10, 1879. Mrs. Vaughan is enjoy- ing the sunset of her life with her daughter and her daughter's family, and the daily routine is brightened by friendly intercourse; for she is well known and highly esteemed in Farmington.
HARLES F. STARBIRD, Postmas- ter at Oxford, and junior partner in the firm of Lord & Starbird, general storekeepers, was born in this town, May 28, 1866, son of Charles H. and Julia W. (Ames) Starbird. Charles H. Starbird, who was a native of Raymond, Me., was a stir- ring, industrious man, and a worthy, upright citizen. He followed various occupations ; but his active career was brought to a close in the prime of life, and he died in Oxford at the age of forty-two years. His wife, Julia, who was a native of Dover, Me., is no longer liv-
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ing. Charles F. Starbird passed his boyhood and youth in Oxford, and attended the schools of this town. When sixteen years old, he began to learn the harness-maker's trade, which he followed until entering the store of Lord & Edwards as clerk. After the retire- ment of Mr. Edwards from the firm in Novem- ber, 1895, he bought an interest in the busi- ness, with which he has since been associated. In politics he supports the Democratic party, and in 1894 was appointed Postmaster at Ox- ford, a position which he still holds. On Jan- uary 11, 1896, Mr. Starbird wedded Kate W. Houghton, daughter of George C. Houghton, of this town. He is connected with Norway Lodge, No. 16, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with the Sons of Temperance. Mrs. Starbird is a member of the Congrega- tional church.
YRUS S. HAYES, a prominent resi- dent of Oxford, and proprietor of one of the largest and best farms in this section of Oxford County, was born in this town, February 27, 1831, son of Den- nis and Hannah (Keith) Hayes. His grand- father, Isaac Hayes, was an early settler in Poland, Me., and was one of the leading farmers of his locality. He and his wife were Free Will Baptists in their religious belief, and they both lived to a good old age. They reared six sons; namely, Dennis, Richard, Isaac, William, Sewell, and Hezekiah, of whom the only survivor is Sewell.
Dennis Hayes, father of Cyrus S., was born in Poland, Me. In his early manhood he fol- lowed the carpenter's trade. Later in life he moved to Oxford, where he operated a mill and carried on a large farm, becoming one of the leading residents of this town. He was twice married. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Mary Johnson, he had eight chil- dren, of whom the only one now living is Henry S., who resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. For his second wife he married Hannah Keith, a native of Bridgewater, Mass., and of his children by her three survive, namely: Mary A., widow of the Rev. Thomas Ellis; Cyrus S., the subject of this sketch ; and Isabella E., wife of Nathaniel Fisher, of Oxford.
Cyrus S. Hayes was educated in the schools of Oxford. He acquired by practical experi- ence a thorough knowledge of farming, and is now the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, which constitutes one of the best located and most productive pieces of agricultural property in this locality. Besides carrying on general farming upon an extensive scale, he deals quite largely in agricultural implements. His success in life has been gained by hard work, and the proper utiliza- tion of every opportunity for advancement ; and his upright character has won the esteem and good-will of his fellow-townsmen, who regard him as one of the most able farmers and progressive citizens of this town.
On January 10, 1866, Mr. Hayes was united in marriage with Lizzie T. Jenkins. They are the parents of nine children, as follows : S. Henry T., Fred S., Edward K., Annie E., Jennie P., Florence S., Nellie M., Andrew J., and Arthur G. In politics Mr. Hayes is a Republican. He has figured prominently in local affairs, having capably served the town three years as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He also held other offices. Mrs. Hayes was born in Scituate, Mass., . April 6, 1846. She is a daughter of Peleg T. and Elizabeth T. (Jenkins) Jenkins. Her father died in 1849, and Mrs. Jenkins was a second time married, and now resides in Ox- ford, the widow of Nehemiah Manson.
ALVIN W. SHAW, who for nearly thirty years has occupied his present farm in Paris, Oxford County, is a native of this town, born April 5, 1847, a son of Soranus and Emeline (Jackson) Shaw.
His father was born in Paris, this county, October 11, 1811, and was reared upon a farm. The active period of Soranus Shaw's life was spent in tilling the soil of a good farm which he owned in this town; and by his patient industry and persistent energy he maintained a comfortable home for his family, and gave his children a good practical education. He was an upright, conscientious man and a model neighbor. His death, which took place on February 8, 1890, was cause for general
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regret. In politics he was a Republican, and in his religious views a Baptist. His wife, Emeline Jackson, who was born in Montville, Me., November 9, 1811, became the mother of ten children, as follows: Judson W., born September 6, 1833; George B., born June II, 1836; Charles E., born July 4, 1838; Gilbert E., born February 1, 1841; Lucy S., born May 19, 1843; Mary C., born August 16, 1844; Calvin W., the subject of this sketch ; Eliza J., born February 16, 1850, died No- vember, 1850; Eliza A., born November 15, 1852; and Abner S., born October 25, 1853. Of the above-named children those now living are: Judson W., George B., Calvin W., and Abner S. The mother died September 24, 1889.
Calvin W. Shaw, the direct subject of this article, was educated in the town schools and at Hebron Academy. He assisted in carrying on the homestead farm until reaching man- hood. Since beginning life for himself he has been engaged in various occupations. He was for six years employed as travelling agent by Brewer & Tileston of New York, selling school books. Subsequently he became an operative in a shoe factory in Boston, where he remained 'four years. Continuing in that occupation, he worked in factories at Auburn and Norway, Me. In 1868 he purchased his present farm, which for a time he carried on in connection with shoemaking; but he has in later years devoted the major part of his time and energies to tilling the soil. He has re- sided here permanently for twenty-eight years, with the exception of a short time spent in caring for his aged parents. His property, which consists of two hundred and forty acres of fertile land, he devotes to general farming with good financial results.
On November 19, 1870, Mr. Shaw wedded Achsa D. Durell, who was born in Paris, Au- gust 25, 1847, daughter of Ira and Ann (Mc- Kenney) Durell. Her father was a native of Milton, Mass., born October 16, 1810. He was a prosperous farmer of this town, continu- ing actively engaged until his death, which took place September 24, 1854. Mrs. Shaw's mother was a native of Cape Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are the parents of six children, as follows: Ira D., born August 28, 1872;
Gertrude F., born July 21, 1875; Harry M., born January 17, 1885; Walter J., born Au- gust 26, 1886; Edward E., born August 31, 1888; and Francis A., who was born July II, 1890.
Mr. Shaw is a member of Mount Mica Lodge, No. 44, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of South Paris. In politics he sup- ports the Republican party. He and his wife are liberal in their religious views.
ORACE BEAL, one of the leading farmers and oldest residents of Avon, Franklin County, was born in San- ford, York County, Me., May 15, 1819, son of Benjamin and Olive (Hobbs) Beal. Mr. Beal's paternal grandfather, Zeb- ulon Beal, who was a native of Old York, Me., settled in Sanford, where the greater part of his life was passed, and he died in that town. He was a Whig in politics. His chil- dren were: Benjamin, Thomas, Woodman, and Olive.
Benjamin Beal, son of Zebulon, was born in Sanford. In young manhood he learned the mason's trade, and thenceforward he followed that calling in connection with farming. Of the six children born to him and his wife, Olive Hobbs, three are now living, namely : Harrison, a resident of Avon; Horace, of San- ford, of whom more below; and Benjamin, Jr., of Springvale, Me. Mr. Benjamin Beal, the father, served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He supported the Whig party in politics, and he was a Deacon of the Baptist church. He attained the age of eighty-two years.
Horace Beal, the second son, as here named, was educated in Sanford, and after leaving school he learned the trade of a mason. He worked at his calling in Boston, Lowell, and Lawrence, Mass., 'until, on account of failing health, he was obliged to take a rest, and returned to his native town. He engaged in farming, still working at his trade at inter- vals; and he later removed to his present farm, where he has sinee resided.
Mr. Beal married Phebe Plummer, and seven children were born to this union, four of whom are living, namely: Octavus A.,
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M. D., a physician of St. Paul, Minn. ; Sum- ner H., who is residing at home; Edwin H., a resident of Butte, Mont., who is on the staff of the Inter-Mountain Publishing Company of that city; and Howard W., travelling sales- man in the north-west for J. S. Kirk & Co., of Chicago, 111.
In politics Mr. Beal acts with the Republi- can party, but has never aspired to public office. He is a member of the Free Baptist church.
ILBRIDGE STONE, a sturdy and muscu- lar citizen whose blazing forge and ringing anvil are cheery adjuncts to the industrial life of Waterford, Me., was born in Limington, York County, Me., October 3, 1839. He is the son of Samuel, Jr., and Sarah (Sanborn) Stone, both natives of the Pine Tree State, and is of the third generation of Stones in Limington, his grandfather, Sam- uel Stone, having been a farmer of that town.
Samuel Stone, Jr., Elbridge Stone's father, was born in Limington. He learned the stone mason's trade, and followed it for a number of years in Waterford, also tilling a farm. He finally removed to Massachusetts. His wife was the daughter of Rufus Sanborn, a farmer and lifelong resident of Baldwin, Me. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Stone, Jr., namely ; Elbridge, afore- mentioned; Aroline, wife of Ira Berry, a farmer of Scarboro, Me .; Francena, wife of S. M. Shehan, a paper-mill foreman, living at Cumberland Mills, Me. ; and Sarah, who died in infancy.
Elbridge Stone in his childhood received a limited education, attending the district school for a short time. He was ten years of age when his parents removed to Massachusetts ; and he grew to manhood in that State, learn- ing his trade there. When about twenty years of age he returned to Maine, locating himself in Waterford, where he established a forge of his own in 1861. This forge he operated for twenty years; and then, purchas- ing a farm of two hundred and ten acres in the adjoining town of Sweden, Me., he there took up his residence, and for fourteen years de- voted his energies to agricultural pursuits.
At the end of that period he returned to Waterford Flat and opened a blacksmith shop, and at the present time he operates both the smithy in Waterford and the farm in Sweden. An industrious and competent workman, he has achieved prosperity by unceasing labor.
Mr. Stone's first wife was Caroline Louise, daughter of Jabez and Sallie (Hamlin) Brown, both of Waterford. Mr. Brown died in Brain- tree, Mass., at the age of eighty-four. His wife died in Waterford. They were the par- ents of twelve children : Europe H. ; Daniel Waldo; Angeline; Fannie Hamlin; Mark Waldo; Mahala, wife of John J. French, of Braintree, Mass. ; Angela, widow of Emerson Wilkins; Caroline, who died young; Clara Noyes, wife of Edward L. Jackson, a watch manufacturer of Waltham, Mass. ; Malinda F., deceased; Caroline Louise, Mrs. Stone; and Aneline, who died in infancy.
The seventh child of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, now Mrs. Angela B. Wilkins, is a prominent member of society in Waterford Flat, and is widely known and highly esteemed. She was born in 1832, and was married January 30, 1866, to Emerson Wilkins, who was born in Waterford, Me., January 26, 1810. A tanner and currier by trade, he was engaged in leather dressing in Harrison, Bridgton, and later in Waterford, where he was prominent as a busi- ness man and a public-spirited citizen. He was an active worker in the Republican party ; was Town Treasurer for several years, also filled minor offices; and he was a leading member of Mount Tir'em Lodge, No. 132, A. F. & A. M. He died April 8, 1895. Mr. Wilkins was a member of the First Con- gregational church at Waterford, with which his widow is still connected. Mrs. Wilkins entertains a great many guests in summer at the pleasant old Wilkins homestead in Water- ford Flat. Mrs. Caroline Louise Stone died June 14, 1874.
Mr. Stone's second wife was Lucy E., daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Robbins) Houghton, all of Waterford. She died in March, 1880. Mr. Stone was united in mar- riage May 6, 1886, with Miss Ellen M. Brown, who was born June 17, 1837, in Waterford, the daughter of Thaddeus Brown, of this town. By his first wife Mr. Stone has
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