USA > Maine > Biographical sketches of representative citizens of the state of Maine > Part 72
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
427
AMERICAN SERIES OF POPULAR BIOGRAPHIES
repealed. He is one of the progressive, repre- sentative citizens of the present generation, whose influence and active support can be depended upon in behalf of anything calcu- lated to advance the best interests of the town. He is a member of Sebasticook Lodge, F. & A. M.
Mr. Holt was married December 31, 1887, to Addie F. Wells, of Clinton, Me., daughter of the late Royal B. Wells, of this town, and his wife, Martha B. Pratt. Mr. and Mrs. Holt have four children-Irvin M., Everett G., Ross S., and Esther M.
HEPHERD HILL SWAIN, agricultu- rist and manager of the E. A. Strout Farm Agency at Skowhegan, was born in Skowhegan, February 27, 1845, son of John Robinson and Mary (Hill) Swain. The Swain family of New England is of English origin. One of the early immigrants bearing this surname was Richard, who came from London in 1635. Richard Swayne (as first spelled) was in Hampton, N.H., in 1643. Some years later he removed to Nantucket. Nathan Swain, born in 1733, a lineal descendant of Richard, settled at West Epping, N.H. (see Histories of Hampton and Raymond, N.H.).
Dudley Swain, father of John Robinson Swain, came to Skowhegan from Epping, N.H., being an early settler here. He married Charlotte Robinson.
John Robinson Swain was born in Skow- hegan, in which town he resided during the greater part of his life. In his early manhood he taught school in Georgia. In 1849 he went to California, rounding the Horn. After spend- ing some time in gold mining, he returned to Maine, having been absent about four years. In 1857 he again went to California, this time via the Isthmus of Panama, this second trip lasting in all some fourteen months. On his return he settled down to farming in Skow- hegan, and continued thus occupied until his death, which occurred in 1895, when he was seventy-nine years old. In 1868-69 he served his town acceptably as Selectman. His wife, whose name before marriage was Mary Hill, was a native of Skowhegan and daughter of Amos Shepherd and Hannah (Randall) Hill.
Her father, Amos Shepherd Hill, son of James Hill, came to Skowhegan (then Bloomfield) from Newmarket, N.H., in 1814. His wife Hannah, who accompanied him, was a daughter of Job Randall, of Lee, N.H.
James Hill was one of the early ship-builders in Newmarket, N.II. It has been said that he built the first war vessel built in the United States. He is on record in the Revolutionary Rolls of New Hampshire as Captain of a com- pany stationed on Pierce's Island in November, 1775. He was one of the prominent citizens of New Hampshire in his day, and is said to have been personally acquainted with Wash- ington. As stated in the History of Rocking- ham County, New Hampshire, he served as Representative from Newmarket in 1784-85, 1792, 1799-1802, and 1805. The lists of State officers of New Hampshire contain the name of James Hill, of Newmarket, as Brigadier-general, 1787-92. We have been told, we know not on what authority, that he came from England with his six brothers, and settled in New- market, N.H.
John R. Swain and his wife Mary had four children. Of these the two now living are Shepherd Hill Swain, whose name begins this sketch, and John Augustus Swain, who also is a resident of Skowhegan. The two deceased are Charles C. and Helen C.
Shepherd H. Swain was brought up in his native town of Skowhegan. His early educa- tion, acquired in the public schools, has been largely supplemented by self-application, gen- eral reading, and experience in the practical affairs of life. At the age of nineteen Mr. Swain purchased his present estate, known as "Maple Villa Farm," situated at Malbon's Mills, about two and one-half miles from Skow- hegan village. Here he has since carried on various branches of agriculture very success- fully. In 1901 he became manager of E. A. Strout's Farm Agency, or rather of the Soiner- set County branch at Skowhegan, the head- quarters of the concern being located at Port- land, Me. The firm is engaged in the buying, sale, and agency of all kinds of agricultural property-large and small farms, country stores, and so forth-and has built up a wide reputa- tion for general reliability and trustworthiness.
428
AMERICAN SERIES OF POPULAR BIOGRAPHIES
They advertise freely, but depend for the steady growth of their business upon a strict adher- ence to their motto, "To do the best for others is to do the best for ourselves." At one time Mr. Swain was engaged in the lumber business, but discontinued it about seven years ago. Politically, he is a Republican; by religious preference, a Universalist. On September 4, 1864, he married Aurinda Loomis, a native of Skowhegan, Me., and daughter of George and Randelia Loomis, of that town. Mrs. Swain's father is now deceased. Her mother resides in Freeport, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Swain are the parents of three children: Eugene, who resides in Skowhegan; Jeannette Mary, wife of Dr. . William H. Mitchell, of Boston, Mass .; and Gertrude Emma, wife of Merton A. Thompson, of Waterville, Me.
EORGE M. STEWART, of Clinton, is a leading representative of the agri- cultural interests of Kennebec County. He was born in Clinton, January 4, 1853, son of Aaron and Olive D. (Richardson) Stewart. Both his parents were natives of Clinton. The father, who died October 9, 1882, was a highly respected citizen, his word as good as his bond. His widow survives him, and is numbered among the venerable and respected women of Clinton, being now an octogenarian. Their children were James E. and George M.
George M. Stewart was brought up in Clinton and educated in the public schools of the town. Early trained to agricultural pursuits, he has made farming his chief occupation in life, and by dint of intelligent application and continued industry has attained a marked degree of sue- cess, being now one of the best known and most prosperous agriculturists of the town. His farm, a fine piece of agricultural property, contains about two hundred acres. Public- spirited, Mr. Stewart favors anything calcu- lated to advance the moral and material well- being of the community. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of Sebasticook Lodge, F. & A. M., at Clinton.
On July 3, 1873, at the age of twenty, lie married Miranda Lewis, a native of Canaan, Me., and daughter of John and Orra (Adanis)
Lewis. Mrs. Stewart's father was born in Industry, Me., and her mother in Canaan. Her paternal grandfather, Jolm Adams, was a Revolutionary soldier. Mrs. Stewart, pre- vious to her marriage, taught a number of terms of school, beginning to teach at the age of sixteen years. She was popular as a teacher in all the schools under her charge, and main- tained among her pupils a high degree of schol- arship. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have one child, a son, Clifton L. Stewart, who was born August 28, 18S1. He is a graduate of Coburn Classical Institute at Waterville, Me., and is a meniber of the National Grange.
A SHER H. BARTON, whose death, on April 15, 1896, removed one of the foremost citizens of Kennebec County, was a native of what is now the town of Benton, but which in earlier times formed a part of the town of Clinton. His parents were Amos and Martha (Hinds) Barton, and the date of his birth March 29, 1S19. His paternal grandfather was Flint Barton, an early settler of Sidney, Me.
Amos Barton, father of the subject of this sketch, was in his day a prominent citizen of Clinton, his double occupation being that of farmer and merchant. His wife, Martha Hinds, was born in that part of the old town of Clinton now known as Benton. Their children were: Samuel C., Asher H., Marcia P., Martha P., Ulmer B., and Amos.
Asher H. Barton grew to manhood in his native town, acquiring the elements of his edu- cation in the public schools. Though unable to pursue a course of study in the higher insti- tutions of learning, he largely made up for this lack of opportunity by reading and by close observation of men and affairs. As it is not always the workman with the largest and most complete set of tools who does the better work, but the one who the more skilfully uses those he has, so Mr. Barton, by virtue of his own forceful will and keen natural intelligence, carved out for himself a more satisfactory ca- reer and obtained a higher place in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen than some who had the advantage of a more thorough meutal
429
AMERICAN SERIES OF POPULAR BIOGRAPHIES
ยท
training. In his early years he was engaged largely as a buyer and seller of cattle, but the larger part of his busy life was devoted to agri- culture, in which he achieved a marked suc- cess. Among the townspeople his judgment on business matters was held in high esteem. A frequent incumbent of public office, he per- formed the duties connected therewith with the same careful attention and unselfish de- votion that he bestowed upon his private af- fairs. As Selectman and Town Clerk he per- formed good service for several years. For over a quarter of a century he was a Deputy 'Sheriff of Kennebec County, and in 1870 was elected Sheriff, which position he held for two terms. A Republican in politics, he represented the towns of Winslow, Benton, and Clinton in the Legislature during the sessions of 1867 and 1871. Noted for his indomitable will, perseverance, and personal integrity, he com- manded in a high degree the respect and con- fidence of all who knew him well. In town affairs he was public-spirited, ready at all times to advance, whether by his vote, influence, or personal service, any measure calculated to promote the general weal. Ile was an es- teemed member of the Masonic order.
Mr. Barton was married January 12, 1854, to Eliza S. Greeley, daughter of James and Minerva (Dow) Greeley, of Hampden. Mrs. Barton's father was a native of Concord, N.H., and her mother of Hampden, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Barton had six children-Marion, Minerva, Asher H., Jr., James G., Amos, and Martha- all of whom are now deceased save James G. and Martha, who reside at home with the mother.
AMES T. LEAVITT, a prosperous and well-known agriculturist of Norridge- wock, Somerset County, Me., was born in the neighboring town of Skowhegan, November 9, 1839, being a son of James Tufton and Hannah B. (Morse) Leavitt. He is a great-grandson on the paternal side of Ephraim Leavitt, an early resident in Stratham, N.H. The line of descent from Ephraim to James Tufton Leavitt is through Joseph, a native of Stratham, N.H. Joseph Leavitt removed from
New Hampshire to Maine, and was for some years a resident of Bangor.
James Tufton Leavitt, son of Josephi, was born in Lee, N.H., July 9, 1804. He was grad- uated at Bowdoin College, September 5, 1827, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Em- bracing the profession of the law, he settled in Skowhegan, where he practised successfully for a number of years. He served in both branches of the Maine Legislature, and was one of the best known and most popular citi- zens of Skowhegan in his day. He died April 18, 1857. His wife, Hannah, was a native of Mount Vernon. Their children were: James T., Charles P., and Sarah A.
James T. Leavitt, the direct subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools of Skowhegan and at Bloomfield Academy. At the age of sixteen, owing to the death of his father, he was thrown practically upon his own resources. He therefore began indus- trial life as a farmer, and, continuing in that calling, is now the owner of a good two-hundred- acre farm, which he cultivates on a profitable basis. In politics he is a Democrat, with in- dependent proclivities. He is a member of Skowhegan Grange, P. of H. One of the re- liable and substantial citizens of the town, he can always be depended upon to use his vote and influence wisely in public affairs.
Mr. Leavitt married June 9, 1861, Clara B. White, who was born in Jackson, Me .. a daugh- ter of Charles B. and Thankful (Ellis) White. Of this union have been born six children, namely: Mary E., wife of Wilson Reed, who resides with her husband in Missoula, Mont .; Hannah E., wife of Walter Flint, of Port De- posit, Md .; Cora A., wife of Frank L. Parker, of Norridgewock, lately deceased; Nellie L., who- lives at home with her parents; Thankful C., widow of Fred H. Adams, of Norridgewock; and Hazel T., also at home.
Mrs. Leavitt is a lady of various activities and great executive ability. She was formerly president of the Department of Maine, Woman's Relief Corps, and is now chairman of the execu- tive board of that organization. She is also a member of Skowhegan Grange, P. of II., and of the Skowhegan Woman's Club; and vice-president of the Skowhegan Improvement
430
AMERICAN SERIES OF POPULAR BIOGRAPHIES
Society. With all her various outside duties, she finds time wisely to direct her household affairs. She is popular in the society of the town.
APTAIN WILLIAM J. WILLEY, for- merly a well-known seafaring man, who made his home in Thomaston, was born in the town of Friendship, Me., March 9, 1833, son of John and Nancy (Thomp- son) Willey. His parents were both natives of Maine. His paternal grandfather removed to Friendship from Waldoboro, Me.
The subject of this sketch was reared to man's estate in Friendship, acquiring his education in the common schools. Practically thrown upon his own resources at the age of thirteen owing to the death of his father, he bravely took up the active duties of life. Early in the fifties he went to sea, where he so applied himself to acquire practical knowledge not only of sea- manship, but skill in the art of navigation, that in due time he became master of a schooner. He subsequently commanded other vessels of this type, afterward becoming master of the ship " Alfred D. Snow." In this vessel he met his death, going down in the Irish Channel in . a storm on January 4, 1SSS. The entire crew of thirty-three officers and men perished. . Cap- tain Willey had visited many parts of the world, including the principal ports of Europe and North and South America, besides rounding the Horn a number of times. His loss was widely regretted among the maritime popula- tion of Thomaston and other Maine ports, where he was well known and highly esteemed.
He was married October 14, 1853, to Cordelia Barter, a native of St. George, Me., and daughter of Walter H. and Elizabeth (Trask) Barter. Mrs. Willey's grandfather, Robert Barter, was an early settler in St. George, of which town her father was a lifelong resident. Her mother, Elizabeth Trask, was a daughter of Samuel Trask, a Revolutionary soldier. Mrs: Willey has five brothers and two surviving sisters, namely; Captain Joel Barter, of St. George, Me .; Morton, also a resident of St. George; Cyrus R., who lives in Pensacola, Fla .: Howard, of St. George; Sarah E., wife of Edward Brown, of
Thomaston; and Adeline, wife of Captain Sam- uel Watts, of Melrose, Mass. Two brothers of Captain Willey are also now living: Jolm, a resi- dent of Cushing, Me .; and Jacob, who resides in California.
To Captain and Mrs. Willey were born four children: Walter, now Captain Walter Willey, of Thomaston; Loviey R., wife of E. R. Bumps, of Thomaston; Lizzie B., of Thomaston; and Nancy W., who is now deceased.
Captain Willey was a member of the Baptist Church of Thomaston. In politics he was a Democrat. Mrs. Cordelia B. Willey, who still resides in Thomaston, is also a member of the Baptist church. She numbers many friends among the better society of the town.
. IRVING WALKER, farmer and stock-raiser, of Madison, Somerset County, was born in Anson, in the same county, June 9, 1836. His parents were Daniel and Annie (Hooper) Walker, and his grandfather on the paternal side was Alfred Walker, an early settler of New Portland, Me. ITis grandfather Hooper was a soldier of the American Revolution. Daniel Walker was reared in New Portland, after his marriage settling in Anson, where he was engaged in farming and carpentry, and where he died in 1884. Of his children five survive: Mary A., who lives in Norridgewock, Me .; D. Irving, whose name begins this article; Lydia O., wife of Dr. B. F. Lancaster, of Norridgewock; Dan- vile F. and Benjamin F., both residents of Anson.
D. Irving Walker in his youth acquired a limited schooling in his native town of Anson, being early trained to agricultural pursuits. For a number of years he worked as a farmi hand in Anson. Coming to Madison in 1865, he here engaged in farming for himself, and in 1870 settled on his present farm of two hundred acres, which he has since cultivated successfully, being now reckoned as one of the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of this section.
He was first married May 21, 1871, to Cynthia A. Spaulding, a daughter of the late Abel W. Spaulding, of Embden, Me. Of this union
431
AMERICAN SERIES OF POPULAR BIOGRAPHIES
there were two children, Annie L. and John I., both of whom reside with their father in Madi- son. Mrs. Cynthia Walker, the mother of these children, died July 18, 1879.
On January 25, 1882, Mr. Walker inarried for his second wife Mrs. Angie Daggett, widow of Harrison Daggett, who died in Nevada County, California, having been previously a resident of Industry, Me. Mrs. Angie Walker's parents were Andrew and Ann (McCollar) Coughlin, natives of Ireland, her father, how- ever, being of English ancestry. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of Kennebec Valley Grange, No. 128, P. of H., at Madison; and she is a member of the Congregational church. In politics Mr. Walker is a Republican.
HOMAS W. DUNN, a well-known citizen of Thomaston, was born in Boston, Mass., October 10, 1821, son of Thomas and Abigail (Elliot) Dunn. His father was a native of Liverpool, England, and his mother of Wis- casset, Me. His maternal grandfather, John Elliot, came to the United States from Halifax, N.S., settling first in Boston. He married Abigail Kneeland, and in 1797 removed to Wiscasset, Me., where he.carried on the business of block-making. The latter years of his life were spent in Thomaston, Me., to which town he removed in 1855, and where he died in 1862.
Having the misfortune to lose his mother when he was but six weeks old, the subject of this sketch was taken to Wiscasset and brought up in the family of his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Elliot, remaining with them until attaining the age of fourteen. He then came to Thomaston, where he learned the trade of sail- maker, working with his uncle, Richard Elliot, whose partner he subsequently became, the firm of Elliot & Dunn existing for several years. Mr. Dunn later formed a partnership with Will- iam Tobey, under the style of Tobey & Dunn, in the manufacture of sails and rigging, which connection lasted for several years. Mr. Dunn was also for some years a member of the firm of Walker, Dunn & Co. (established as such in 1868), ship-builders, and afterward of that of Dunn & Elliot (succeeding in 1880), ship- builders, sail-makers, and riggers, his partner
being Mr. George Elliot. This latter firm lasted over a quarter of a century, being dissolved in 1902. Mr. Dunn belongs to the Masonic lodge at Thomaston, of which he was for over thirty years treasurer, having been a member of the order for over forty years. In politics he is a Democrat.
On March 9, 1846, he was united in mar- riage with Eliza A. Giles, of St. George. She died September 10, 1868, having borne her hus- band seven children, as follows: John G. Dunn, who died in 1878; Sarah A., who resides in Thomaston; Captain T. Watson Dunn, of Thom- aston; Annie L., wife of Captain Walter B. Willey, of Thomaston; Robert K. Dunn, who lives in San Francisco, Cal., being in the govern- ment employ; and Richard E. and William T. Dunn, both residents of Thomaston.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Dunn married Elizabeth D. Morse. Of this union were born two children, Lawrence H. and Hattie M., both of whom live in Thomaston with their parents.
HARLES R. MILLER, stock-breeder, of Norridgewock, Somerset County, was born in this town, February 15, 1854, son of Robert and Jane (Taylor) Miller. His parents were natives of Scotland, where the father, Robert Miller, who was a professional gardener, was employed as super- intendent of the Ramsey estate, having under his charge forty men. On coming to America in 184S, Robert Miller possessed but canty means, but he made the best of what he had, settled down to agriculture, and in time became one of the most prominent citizens of the town, being especially noted throughout this part of Somerset County for his skill in agriculture and gardening. Of his children the following are now living: Jeannette, wife of Byron A. Johnson, of Norridgewock; Ellen J., wife of William H. Mills, of Norridgewock; Nicholas, Charles R., and Lilla C., wife of Fred A. Tobey, and Eben E .- all residents of Norridgewock; and Cora B., wife of Hugh Hurley, of Skow- hegan, Me.
Charles R. Miller was educated in the schools of Norridgewoek, including the once famous
432
AMERICAN SERIES OF POPULAR BIOGRAPHIES
Eaton School. As the son of his father, he took naturally to agriculture, which he has always followed since boyhood, having, how- ever, united therewith several other industries. For the last twenty-five years he has been en- gaged in quarrying and finishing monumental work for the granite trade throughout the coun- try; and lie is widely known as a breeder of the celebrated "Improved Ohio Chester Hog," registered stock, of which he makes a specialty. For a number of years also he has given some attention to the breeding of fine blooded horses for driving purposes, doing this less extensively now than formerly. His farm contains one hundred and forty-two acres. Mr. Miller is a member of Lebanon Lodge, F. & A. M., at Norridgewoek. In politics he is a Democrat.
On February 15, 1877, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Hattie M. Rogers, of Nor- ridgewock, Me., a daughter of Ira S. Rogers. Of this union were born three children-Zina Maude, Mary J., and Inise B. Mary J. Miller, who is the only survivor of the three, resides with her parents in Norridgewock. Zina Maude Miller married Charles R. Sawyer, and was the mother of one child, Inise M. Sawyer, who has been adopted by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and takes the name of Inise Maude Miller. Her father, Charles R. Sawyer, resides in Skowhegan.
AMES F. CONNOR, of Pittsfield, was born in this town, December 30, 1838, son of Hiram B. and Susan C. (Lancey) Connor. His parents were both natives of the Pine Tree State, the father born in Pitts- field in 1812, and the mother in Palmyra, Somer- set County. The former was a son of Jesse Connor, who came to Pittsfield in the year above named, and who was a miller and lumber- man by occupation. The town of Pittsfield, taking its name from him, was formerly known as Connor's Mills.
Hiram B. Connor, who was a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, was associated for ten years with his brother, Jesse C. Connor, in the ship timber industry. For many years also he was engaged in mercantile business. At one time he repre- sented the Pittsfield distriet in the Maine House
of Representatives. His death took place Oc- tober 4, 1886. Of his children the following survive: James F .; Louise M., wife of Henry Davis, of Pittsfield; Georgie A., wife of D. M. Parks, of Pittsfield, Me .; and Emma J., wife of Fred Dyer, of Portland, Me.
Educated in the public schools of Pittsfield, James F. Connor began industrial life as clerk in his father's store, and continued thus employed until reaching his majority. He then went into business for himself in Pittsfield as a cattle broker, which occupation he followed for twenty- one years, shipping his cattle to the market at Brighton, Mass. Subsequently entering into the real estate business, he has followed it sue- cessfully up to the present time. He is now president of the Mount Pleasant Quarry Com- pany at Milton, Mass., and managing director in the Waverly Woollen Company of Pittsfield, having held the latter position since the incor- poration of the company. Mr. Connor has been largely instrumental in building up vari- ous other important industries in Pittsfieldl, whereby he has contributed greatly to the pros- perity of the town. In 1886, in connection with his son, Hiram B. Connor, under the firm name of J. F. Connor & Son, he engaged in the breeding of fine horses, which enterprise, prov- ing very successful, has been since continued, the younger Mr. Connor being the active part- ner and manager. To give an account of all the different business enterprises which Mr. Connor has promoted, assisted, or been in some way connected with, would be almost equiv- alent to sketching the industrial history of Pittsfield for many years back, and would oc- cupy more space than is available in this vol- ume. As an energetic, useful, and public- spirited citizen, he is held in high esteem in the community in which his lot has been cast.
Mr. Connor was married in 1860 to Josephine M. Wells, daughter of Gideon Wells, of Clinton, Me. Of this union were born three children: Nettie M., who is now deceased; Blanche L., wife of William L. Pushor, formerly cashier of the Pittsfield National Bank; and Hiram B., of Pittsfield, to whom we have already referred. The mother of these children died March 1, 1898, at the age of nearly fifty-nine years, her birth having occurred May 7, 1839. Mr. Connor
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.