USA > Maine > Oxford County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 84
USA > Maine > Franklin County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Oxford and Franklin counties, Maine > Part 84
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but would never accept nomination for office. His death occurred in his eighty-ninth year. His wife, who was a native of Wolfboro, N. H., died at the age of eighty-two.
Dearborn L. Austin attended the common schools of Shelburne and studied for two terms at Conway Academy. He remained on the home farm until he was twenty-nine years of age. Then he purchased a farm for himself in New Hampshire, on which he resided for a number of years. For some time thereafter he was engaged in developing farms and sell- ing them at an advance on the purchase price. In 1864 he bought a farm in Gilead, lived on it some three years, and then disposed of it. He subsequently purchased one near Gorham, N. H., which he sold in six months. Return- ing to Gilead then he bought another, on which he lived three years. His next purchase was near West Bethel, this county, where he lived two years. After this he built a store in Gilead and engaged in a mercantile busi- ness for a while. Finally he sold the store, and purchased the house in Gilead village, where he has since made his home, having retired from active business. He now owns about fifty acres of land.
Mr. Austin was married April 24, 1849, to Rose C. Coffin, of Gilead. They have reared three adopted children. In politics he is a Republican. He has been a member of the Gilead Board of Selectmen for six years, and Justice of the Peace here for eighteen years. While living in New Hampshire he was Justice of the Peace. He has taken sev- eral degrees in Masonry, and belongs to the lodge in Gorham, N. H., and the chapter in Bethel, Me. A man of ability and good judg- ment, he is widely known and respected.
LBERT MORROW, one of the best known carriage builders of Knowl- ton's Corner, was born in Argen- teuil, Province of Quebec, November 22, 1858, son of John and Rebecca (Morrow) Morrow. John Morrow, a native of Liverpool, England, who emigrated to Canada, followed agricultural pursuits there until his death, which occurred when he was thirty-five years old. His wife, Rebecca, who was a daughter
of Andrew Morrow, a native of the north of Ireland, became the mother of three children - Mary, Maggie, and Albert. Maggie and Albert were twins. The mother lived to the age of sixty-two years.
Albert Morrow resided in Canada until he was eleven years old, when, his mother, having again married, he accompanied her to Spring- field, Mass. At the age of thirteen, having attended the common schools for some time, he began work as a helper in the shops of the Smith & Wesson Arms Company, where he remained until he was fifteen. Returning to Canada then he was employed in a carriage manufactory for four years. At the end of that time, desiring to return to the States, and there being a demand for workmen in this lo- cality, he came to North Chesterville, where he was employed as a carriage maker for some time. In company with H. O. Bernard, he subsequently bought the wood-working mills there, operated them for a year and a half, and then sold them again. He next purchased the Samuel Knowlton stand, with four acres of land, at Knowlton's Corner, where he has since carried on a successful business as a carriage manufacturer. He turns out a large number of light wagons, carriages, and sleighs annually, making a specialty of producing fine driving vehicles of excellent style and quality, and employing the best of skilled workmen. He has put in a steam-engine of twenty-two horse-power, which runs his saws, planers, and sewing-machines, all of which are of the most improved pattern.
Mr. Morrow wedded Mabel L. Knowlton, daughter of Samuel and Hepsie M. (Mitchell) Knowlton, late of this town. Mrs. Morrow's grandparents were Ebenezer and Sally (His- cock) Knowlton. Ebenezer, a carriage-maker by trade, built up a good business at Knowl- ton's Corner as a manufacturer of wagons, and owned a large farm here, which he also suc- cessfully managed. Samuel Knowlton, Mrs. Morrow's father, was born where his daughter now resides, December 19, 1821. He suc- ceeded to the homestead and the carriage busi- ness, and subsequently was very successful in conducting the latter. He built the first buggy made in this section, on account of which fact he received the title of "Buggy
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Sam." He was a man of high moral charac- ter, and had the respect of his fellow-towns- men. He was identified with the carriage business here until his death, which happened in 1884. His wife, besides Mrs. Morrow, had three other children; namely, Frank H., Dana A., and Walter E. She died in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow have four children, as follows: Albert E., who was born May 24, 1882; Lena May, who was born April 1, 1884; Gilbert M., who was born August 19, 1890; and Ernest, who died in infancy. An able and progressive business man, whose success in life has been won by his energy and perse- verance, he is highly esteemed by the entire community.
IDWIN C. NORCROSS, a well-known resident of Chesterville, who has ac- quired a wide reputation as a manu- facturer of fine carriages and sleighs, was born here October 27, 1853, son of Charles and Velzory (Gilbert) Norcross. His father, who was for many years engaged in the carriage maker's business in Chesterville, and also car- ried on general farming, resides with his son, having reached the age of seventy-seven years.
Edwin C. Norcross was educated in the common schools of his native town. At the age of nineteen he began to learn the carriage maker's trade. Subsequently, he engaged in business for himself, and has since continued in it very successfully. He makes a specialty of sleighs of a superior quality, for which he receives many orders from Boston, Portland, and other places. In this particular branch of the trade he has gained an enviable reputation for style, durability, and excellent finish. He has shipped as many as fifteen sleighs in one day, and he has a record of putting to- gether twenty in the same length of time. His carriages are noted for the thorough man- ner in which they are constructed. The oak and bass wood used by him are cut in this vicinity, and seasoned under his personal su- pervision. He also does a good business in harnesses, robes, etc. The farm, which was deeded to him by his mother some time previ- ous to her death, contains one hundred acres of intervale land. A portion is in a high state
of cultivation, and thirty tons of hay are ob- tained from the pastures annually. The resi- dence, which is comparatively new, contains fifteen nicely finished rooms; and the barn, besides having storage capacity for forty tons of hay, is furnished with box stalls where are kept four standard bred Jersey cows and two fine horses. There is upon the premises a beautiful picnic grove, covering an acre of ground, and the genial owner keeps some pleasure boats for the accommodation of his friends. Aside from his regular business he has for several years attended to the surveying of land in this locality.
In 1891 Mr. Norcross wedded Laura Stephens, a daughter of Albion and Carrie (Smith) Stephens, and he now has one daugh- ter, Lucy Belle. In religious matters Mr. Norcross takes a liberal view, having no pref- erence for any particular denomination. Po- litically, he acts with the Democratic party.
ILO MITCHELL, a well-known farmer of the town of Mexico, Ox- ford County, was born August 28, 1863, in the house he now occu- pies, son of Jonathan and Hannah E. (Phelps) Mitchell. His grandfather, Zebediah Mitch- ell, who was a native of Connecticut, came to this town among the early settlers, and bought the farm which his grandson, Milo, now owns. Jonathan Mitchell was born on the same farm, and there spent most of his life. He married Hannah E. Phelps, a native of Dixfield, this county, and they had four children, namely : Mary, the eldest, who married Parks Bardeen, of this county; Ida, who is the wife of Will- ard Fog, of Wisconsin; Milo, the subject of this sketch; and Viola, now Mrs. Lincoln Reed, of Lewiston, Me. The mother died some time ago.
Like other boys in the vicinity, Milo Mitchell lived on the home farm, and attended the common school. Being an only son, he took charge of the farm when he was quite young. At the time of his mother's death he bought the old homestead settled by his grand- father. In politics Mr. Mitchell is a loyal Republican, and is now (1896) serving the town in the office of Selectman. On June 12,
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1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Crea E. Edwards, of the town of Roxbury, Me.
YMAN R. MARTIN, a well-known and respected farmer of Greenwood, this county, was born September 29, 1838, in Andover, Me., son of the late Thomas P. Martin. His grandfather, Robert Martin, was an early settler of Oxford County. Thomas P. Martin, a son of Robert, was engaged in agricultural labor throughout the most of his life. When a young man he removed from Norway to the town of Andover, near by, and was there engaged in milling and farming until 1852. He then came to Green- wood, where he was successfully employed in tilling the soil until his demise. He married Caroline Eaton, who was born in Albany, this county, daughter of Jacob Eaton. She is still living, a bright and intelligent woman of eighty-eight years, and makes her home with her son, Lyman R. She bore her husband six children, as follows: Gussie, deceased; Eliza, who is the wife of Albert Winslow, a retired farmer of South Paris, Me. ; Olive, who mar- ried Daniel D. Shaw, of Washington, Me .; Lyman R., the subject of this sketch; Jona- than, also deceased; and Royal T., who died in 1861.
When about twenty years old Lyman R. Martin began working on the Grand Trunk Railroad at track repairing. After spending four years in this employment at South Paris, he enlisted under Captain John M. Getschel, in Company E, Twenty-seventh Maine Vol- unteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Went- worth, for service in the Civil War. During the nine months of his term he was in no en- gagements, and was honorably discharged July 17, 1863, at Cape Elizabeth. Mr. Martin then purchased his present farm in Green- wood, and has since worked industriously to bring it to its present fine condition. It con- tains two hundred acres of land, on which he has been profitably engaged in general agri- culture and stock raising. As his health has been poor for many years, Mr. Martin's chil- dren manage the farm, carrying it on very suc- cessfully. Mr. Martin cast his first Presi- dential vote for Abraham Lincoln; but he now
votes independently of party restrictions, cast- ing his ballot for the man he personally thinks best fitted for the office. He has never been an aspirant for political favors, but he has willingly and faithfully served in many minor town offices. He is a member of Whitman Grand Army Post at Bryant's Pond.
Mr. Martin was married in 1860 to Harriet Ellen Herrick, daughter of Benjamin Herrick, who died on his farm in Greenwood township some time ago. Her mother resides in the adjoining town of Norway. Of the ten chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, Cora is deceased; Eliza Jane is the wife of Burt Mor- rill, and lives at Richfield, this county ; Royal T. is living in Greenwood, having married Miss Lena Yates; Ellen is the wife of Charles Felt, of Portland, Me .; Angie is the wife of Decatur Cross, of Lock's Mills, this town- ship; and Ross is a painter by trade, and lives at home. The others are: Ernest, Lizzie, Lucinda, and Charles Henry. Mrs. Martin, who died April II, 1887, was held in high estimation throughout the community in which she had passed the larger part of her wedded life. Her memory is lovingly cher- ished by her family, over whom her influence still rests like a benediction.
TANLEY BISBEE, of the firm Lander & Bisbee, enterprising hard- ware merchants of Rumford Falls, was born April 25, 1867, in Buck- field, Oxford County, son of the Hon. George D. and Anna (Stanley) Bisbee. The father, also a native of this county, was one of the most successful attorneys of Rumford Falls, and a leader in some of its important business enterprises. He was well-known and highly respected throughout the State for his learning and acumen. Stanley Bisbee's early life was spent in his native town, where he received a common-school education. Later he took courses of instruction at Hebron Academy and . Colby Classical Institute of Waterville. Me., receiving a diploma from the latter insti- tution. He then entered the grocery business with C. C. Spaulding, of Buckfield, with whom he was associated until 1890, when he bought out his partner. Three years after-
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ward he sold out, and came to this place as agent of the American Express Company. In April, 1895, he left their employ, and entered his present business relations with W. C. Lander. Mr. Bisbee's political principles are Republican. Since 1892 he has officiated as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. He is a Mason of Blazing Star Lodge, No. 30; and a member of Penacock Lodge, No. 130, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of this village. He does not affiliate with any relig- ious denomination, but he contributes liber- ally to several churches. On March 12, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen B. Spaulding, of Buckfield. They have two in- teresting children - Spaulding and Louise Young. Messrs. Lander & Bisbce keep first- class goods, do a thriving business, and stand well with the commercial world.
ENRY R. FULLER, a well-known resident of Temple, and a veteran of the Civil War, was born April 27, 1841, in Livermore, Androscoggin County, son of Ira and Abigail S. (Morse)
Fuller. Isaac Fuller, his paternal grand- father, who was a native of Plymouth, Mass., moved to Maine, and first settled at Duck Pond, which is now called Falmouth. Later he bought one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Livermore, where he cleared a good farm, and erected a set of frame buildings. He carried on general agriculture successfully, and at his death, which happened when he was fifty-five years old, he left to his heirs a valu- able farm and a good bank account. He mar- ried a Miss Houston, who lived to the age of seventy. His children were: Rebecca, Isaiah W., Sarah, Ira, Asa, and Laura.
Ira Fuller resided with his parents in Liver- more until he was twenty years old. He then went to Hallowell, Me., where he worked in a saw-mill until over-exertion brought on a complication of diseases. After recovering his health he went to Portland, and, joining the police force of that city, remained in the service three years. His health again becom- ing impaired, under the advice of his physi- cian, he returned to Livermore, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land,
mostly unimproved. The labor he underwent in clearing the property for cultivation proved exceedingly beneficial to his health. He then sold the place, and purchased another in Jay, where he resided for ten years. Selling this property, at the end of that time he bought a third farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres, situated near the village in the town of Rangcley, and here he resided the rest of his life. lIe never aspired to prominence in po- litical life, but he served acceptably in some of the minor town offices. Originally a Whig, he later joined the Republican party. In religious belief he was a Universalist. His wife, Abigail, who was a daughter of Thomas and Nancy Morse, reared but one child, Henry R., the subject of this sketch. She is still living.
Having received his education in the com- mon schools, Henry R. Fuller learned the trade of harness-maker. In 1861 he joined the band of the Eighth Regiment of Maine Volunteers, as an E-flat cornet player, enlist- ing as a first-class musician, and served one year in the Civil War under General Sherman, receiving injuries from which he has never fully recovered. After his discharge he re- turned home, where for the succeeding eigh- teen months he was under the care of a physi- cian. Then he became a book-keeper for the Watertown Iron Company, a position which he held for three years. During the next three years hc was in partnership with Orin Parker, under the firm name of Parker & Co., furniture manufacturers and dealers at the corner of Avenue A and Twentieth Street, New York City. The state of his wife's health obliged him to abandon this connec- tion, and, after disposing of his interest in the business, he came to Phillips, Me. Here he bought a farm, and opened a harness shop, both of which he conducted successfully for some years. Then, after selling this farm, he purchased another of one hundred and five acres, situated on Goff's Hill. This, after improving the buildings and dealing in stock for some time, he also sold, and moved to Phillips village. He then became a guide for sportsmen and tourists visiting this region and the Rangeley Lakes, an occupation in which he became most popular, and made many
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friends. He continued in this cmployment exclusively until 1889, when he came to Temple, in order to care for the aged parents of his wife.
For his first wife Mr. Fuller wedded Sophia Parker, daughter of Enoch Parker, of Jay. Born of this union are five children - Charles, Josephine, Leone, George, and Fred. His present wife, in maidenhood Ella F. Horne, is a daughter of Thomas and Cordelia (Hus- sey) Horne, old and highly esteemed residents of Temple. Mrs. Fuller has had one child, who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Fuller is a Republican. His religious opin- ions are liberal, and he is a comrade of Cush- man Post, No. 89, Grand Army of the Re- public.
A LMON P. PINGREE, Third Select- man of Denmark, and a prominent farmer of Oxford County, was born here, September 24, 1855, son of Edmund P. and Mary (Cutler) Pingree. His grandfather, Parker Pingree, who was a native of New Hampshire, settled in the southern part of Denmark when a young man, being the first representative of the family to come to Maine. After his marriage Grandfather Pin- gree removed to the farm which is now owned by his grandson, and resided there for the rest of his life.
Edmund P. Pingrec, Mr. Pingree's father, was born in Denmark, and was reared upon the home farm. He eventually inherited the property, and successfully conducted it during the active period of his life. He died April 2, 1894. His wife, Mary, who came from Limington, Me., became the mother of three children, as follows; Lizzie A., who is now engaged in educational work in Talladega, Ala. ; Almon P., the subject of this sketch; and Cynthia E., a practising physician of Chico, Cal. The daughters are graduates of prominent colleges, and have already attained considerable distinction in their chosen walks of life. The mother died October 19, 1884.
Almon P. Pingree was educated in the com- mon schools of his native town. At the age of sixteen he went to Detroit, Mich., where he worked in a shoe manufactory for four years.
From there he came East to Worcester, Mass., and was employed in the State Lunatic Asy- lum for the same length of time. After his marriage he settled at the homestead where he has since devoted his attention to farming. The estate, which he now owns, contains two hundred and fifty acres of good land. He car- ries on general agriculture, raising large crops of hay, sweet corn, and potatoes, and keeping a well-equipped dairy, with twenty cows.
On July 16, 1879, Mr. Pingree wedded Car- rie Chase, who was born in Paxton, Mass., August 25, 1855. She is a daughter of John J. and Amy (Warren) Chase, the former of whom is a native of Fall River, Mass., and a shoemaker by trade. His wife was born in Paxton, where both are now living. Mr. and Mrs? Pingree have one son, Charles E., who was born November 2, 1880. In politics Mr. Pingree is a Democrat, and he has served on the Board of Selectmen for the past ten years. He is a member of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M., of Denmark; and of the Order of the Eastern Star. The careful judi- cious management of his farm has brought him the due meed of prosperity. He has also the hearty good will of his neighbors.
ILLIAM GAMMON, a prominent citizen of Stoneham, Me., which has been his home for over half a century, was born in this town, February 9, 1842. His parents, Welman and Sarah R. (McAllister) Gammon, were both natives of the Pine Tree State, the father having been born in Harrison, the mother in Stoneham.
Welman Gammon was a farmer, and was also engaged for years in the lumber industry, making shook. He located in Stoneham when about twenty-five years of age, settling near where his son now lives, and made many im- provements on the farm. He died September 3, 1884. His wife was the daughter of Zac- cheus McAllister, the original owner of the farm now occupied by Mr. Gammon, and known as the old Gammon homestead. She passed away in November, 1883. Ten chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gammon : Ann, deceased ; Zaccheus, of Windham, Me., who married Ida Jordan, now deceased; Will-
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iam, the subject of this sketch; Benjamin Gile, Jane, and Edwin, all of whom have passed to the world beyond; Daniel M., of South Paris village, Me., who married Miss Rose Gleason; Joseph, deceased; Isabel, wife of William C. Brooks, residing at Bryant's Pond; and Seth A., who died at the age of fourteen.
William Gammon, the second son, attended the common schools near his home and the Lovell High School. He helped about the farm in his youth, and eventually took charge of it, developing its best resources. In addi- tion to cultivating the land, raising general crops, he has been engaged to some extent in stock raising and dairying, and a fine rich cream being one of his products. As a farmer he has been very successful; and his real estate, which is well improved, now covers three hundred and fifty acres.
He was married May 25, 1869, to Sarah E. Barker, of Bridgton, Me., who was born Feb- ruary 20, 1848, the daughter of Barber B. and Hannah A. (Durgan) Barker. Her father, Barber B. Barker, who was a native of Newry, Me., was a carpenter and farmer. He spent most of his life in Bridgton, dying there at an advanced age. His wife, a native of Stoneham, is living with her daughter, Mrs. Gammon. Mr. and Mrs. Gammon have four children, namely : Stella, born September 28, 1871, now the wife of Harry McKeen, of Albany, Me. ; Bertha A., born September 1, 1876, now the wife of Frank A. Keniston, of Lovell, this county; Clinton, born July 2, 1878, who died September 21, 1880; and Ina B., born April 20, 1882, who is with her parents.
Mr. Gammon cast his first vote in the Dem- ocratic ranks, afterward became a Republican, and still later joined the Greenback party. He was on the Board of Selectmen for three or four years, was Township Treasurer thirteen years in succession, and has served as Super- visor and in other offices. He is actively in- terested in the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, belonging to Crescent Lodge, No. 25, of North Lovell. Mrs. Gammon is a member of the Christian church. Both are well known in this vicinity, and enjoy the esteem and good will of a large circle of friends.
ILLIAM E. CURTIS, a progressive
and prosperous farmer of Paris, Me., was born in this town, July 4, 1843, a son of William and Marcella (Swift) Curtis.
His grandfather, Noah Curtis, was among the early settlers of Woodstock, this State, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits several years. In 1823 he came to Paris, set- tling on a farm in the southern part of the town, and there pursuing his peaceful occupa- tion until his death, March 23, 1858, at a ripe old age. His wife survived him but a short time, dying in July of the same year. He was a Republican in politics, and in relig- ion both were strong Universalists. Of their eight children but one, Kingsbury Curtis, of West Paris, is now living. The record of their births is as follows: Mrs. Mahala Dud- ley, October 10, 1808; William, June 8, 18II; Alonzo, February 7, 1814; Mrs. Co- lumbia Crockett, April 19, 1816; Kingsbury, August 16, 1818; Amanda, April 14, 1821; Augusta, November 23, 1823; and Charles H., April 25, 1829.
William Curtis was born in Woodstock. Coming to Paris when he was twelve years old he assisted his father in the labors of the farm, remaining under the parental roof-tree until ready to establish a home of his own. After his marriage he bought land in Paris, and from that time until his death, June 28, 1865, was engaged in general farming. He was iden- tified with the Republican party from the time of its formation, and in religion was a Univer- salist. Marcella Swift, whom he married, was a lifelong resident of Paris, the date of her birth being May 28, 1812. They had four children, namely : Isabella A., who mar- ried Wallace W. Mitchell, of Mexico, Me. ; Marietta A., wife of Caleb Fuller, of West Paris; William E., the subject of this brief sketch; and Alva M., a farmer, residing at West Peru.
William E. Curtis was bred and educated in Paris, and, with the exception of a few years spent in the Bay State, this town has been his place of residence through life. From his youth up he has given his attention to agricultural work, and when ready to com- mence his career as an independent farmer he
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