USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > History of the city of Belfast in the state of Maine, Volume II, 1875-1900 > Part 14
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BOHAN PRENTICE FIELD HOMESTEAD. BUILT 1807
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GOVERNOR CROSBY HOMESTEAD. BUILT 1803, RESTORED 1900
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literary pursuits. He returned to Belfast in 1859, and resumed the practice of law, which he continued until 1870. He had been in professional life for nearly forty years, and his name was synonymous with probity, integrity, and fairness. Always courteous in his demeanor, he never forgot or refused the claim of the younger members of the Bar to sympathy and aid. He was long a member of the Unitarian Church, and until prevented by infirmity, was a constant attendant at public worship. His last public appearance was when he delivered a lecture in the "Popular Course," in the winter of 1877. In 1874-75 he paid a graceful tribute to his native city, by preparing for the "Re- publican Journal" a series of fifty-two papers, entitled "The Annals of Belfast for Half a Century, from 1805 to 1855. By an Old Settler." Like most men of a poetic temperament, Governor Crosby was a lover of nature. He loved the woods, the streams, the lakes, and their associations, with a longing that nothing could satisfy but a visit to his congenial haunts. The "Lakeside Cottage," on the shores of Lake Quantabacook in Searsmont, to which he frequently resorted with a few cherished friends, was continually beckoning, and it was a happy day when he could lay aside his law-books for the fishing-rod. For him, there was no sweeter music than the low plash of the waves on the beach, at his camp door. The often expressed wish of the Governor, that his breath might be surrendered in the room where it was first given, was not permitted to him. But in another apartment, in the home of his birth, in his library; among those mute companions, which in joy and sorrow, in health and sickness, had been his pleasure, his comfort, and his strength, and surrounded by his sorrowing friends, his calm and well-rounded life passed painlessly away.
JUDGE JONATHAN GARLAND DICKERSON was of English de- scent. He was born in New Chester (now Hill), New Hamp- shire, 5 November, 1811. He entered New Hampton Institution in 1830, where he at once became prominent in student debates. In 1832, he matriculated at Waterville College, and graduating in 1836, began the study of law. Three years later he was admitted to the Bar and entered upon practice at Searsport. In 1842, he was a member of the Legislature from Prospect. His next pub- lic service was at Frankfort, where he held the office of Deputy Collector of Customs. In 1849, he removed to Belfast, and in
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1855, purchased the "Republican Journal," which he controlled for three years. He was twice elected County Attorney, and in 1858 was appointed, by President Buchanan, Collector of Cus- toms of the port of Belfast, which position he held until the accession of President Lincoln in 1861. In 1862, he was ap- pointed, by Governor Israel Washburn, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, was reappointed in 1869 by Governor Joshua L. Chamberlain, and in 1876, by Governor Selden Connor. He died 1 September, 1878, while serving in this capacity. In addition to other honors, Judge Dickerson received from Colby University the degree of Doctor of Laws. His pro- fessional life of nearly forty years was characterized by untiring industry, study, honesty, and great independence of character. He was regarded as a wise and safe counselor, an eloquent and earnest advocate, and as judge, learned and able, bringing to the investigation of legal questions keen powers of research and analysis, making his decisions from principle rather than from precedent. His written opinions, prepared with scrupulous care, were models of their kind.
Judge Dickerson first married Ellen Getchell, of Waterville, Maine, by whom he had one son, Frank Wilberforce, whose edu- cation was obtained in the Belfast schools and Westbrook Sem- inary, and who served in the War of the Rebellion (in the regu- lar army) with distinction, with the rank of brevet major. He next married Lydia Jane Merithew, of Searsport, by whom he had (1) a son, early deceased; (2) Ellen Louise, educated in the Belfast schools and the Gannett School of Boston, who married Colonel Edward H. Leib, and who had one daughter, Louise Dickerson Leib, educated in the Searsport schools and a graduate of Dr. Sargent's School, Cambridge; (3) a second daughter, Lucy Ames, who married John M. Burleigh, of South Berwick, Maine, and who had four children: Clara Matilda, graduate of Smith College, John Holmes, University of Maine, Louise Diekerson, Smith College, Anita Merithew, Smitlı College.
Judge Dickerson was afterward married to Eliza A. Berry, of New York. They had three sons: Charles Berry; Frederick William, educated at the Franklin Academy and University of Maine; Jonathan Garland who died at fourteen years of age.
BOHAN PRENTICE FIELD. In 1875, Mr. Field was Register of Probate, a position he had filled since 1852, with the exception
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of two years. From 1881 to 1885, he was superseded owing to a political change; he was restored in the latter year, and re- tained the position until the close of 1892. Upon his retirement the Waldo Bar testified their appreciation of his efficient and courteous conduct of the office, by the presentation of a gold- headed cane. His death occurred 1 October, 1897. He was then eighty-two years of age and our oldest lawyer. His portrait, made in 1895, adorns the office where he so long and faithfully served.
WILLIAM HENRY FOGLER. For sketch of Colonel Fogler and his war record see Volume I. He was Alderman, 1871-73; Attorney for Waldo County, 1875-78; a law partner of Judge Philo Hersey in 1883; Mayor of Belfast, 1885; and was a promi- nent Mason. In 1890 he removed to Rockland, representing that town in the Legislature, 1897; and in 1898 became a Judge of the Supreme Court. He died February 18, 1902.
WAKEFIELD GALE FRYE. At the close of 1879, Mr. Frye vacated the office of Clerk of the Courts, which he had held for ten years, and resumed the practice of law, having an office over the store of Alden Darwin Chase. In February, 1882, he was appointed Consul-General of the United States at Halifax, where he remained until 1885, when he was superseded by a political change of administration. He then engaged in business in Boston, and for a short time was the legal partner of Hon. Bordman Hall. In June, 1889, he was returned by President Harrison as Consul-General to Halifax, and remained there until his death, 14 August, 1893.
Mr. Frye was a man of stanch integrity and high moral character, and was universally respected and beloved. His age was sixty-six years and eight months.
The "Halifax Herald," in a notice of Mr. Frye, says: " He was a model representative of his government - conscientious, un- assuming, dignified. He enjoyed the highest respect of the peo- ple who knew him, and his death will be greatly regretted."
JAMES SUMNER HARRIMAN was in business with his father until the death of the latter in 1878, when he formed a legal partnership with his brother, George Frank, which was ter- minated by the removal of the latter to New York. He was City Clerk from 1878 to 1886, and City Solicitor in 1893-94. He held the position of Deputy Collector of the Customs, from
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1890 to 1893, and in 1897 was appointed Collector by President McKinley. He married Ella, daughter of the late William H. Dutton. In 1898 he built a house on Pearl Street.
WILLARD POPE HARRIMAN was in his sixty-fourth year at the time of his death, 19 January, 1878. Up to 1871, he had held many public offices, but after that, devoted himself to the prac- tice of his profession. Though he entered the Bar late in life, he acquired a prominent position, and carried on a large business. He was social and genial in his manners, and while not a mem- ber, was a liberal supporter of the Methodist Church. James Sumner and George Frank Harriman are his sons.
COLONEL PHILO HERSEY practiced law in Belfast until November, 1885. He then removed to Santa Clara, California. In 1876-77, he was on the military staff of Governor Connor, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. From 1877 to 1881, he was Judge of Probate for Waldo County. In 1883, he formed a legal partnership with Colonel William Henry Fogler, which continued until the following year. Upon his departure to California, a farewell entertainment was given him by the Grand Army Post, and he was presented with a gold-headed cane. Colonel Hersey continues to reside in California. He has visited Maine twice within the past four years. His wife, Arbella, daughter of the late Hon. Horatio Huntington Johnson, died in 1895.
ALBERT GALLATIN JEWETT was born in Pittston, Maine, 27 November, 1802, son of Daniel and Betsy (Tarbox) Jewett, who came to Pittston in 1787. He graduated from Waterville College in 1826; read law with Joseph Williamson, Sr., and was admitted to the Waldo County Bar in 1829. He went to Bangor to prac- tice, became prominent there, and was County Attorney for Penobscot County for five years. The Bangor House is said to have been built through his exertions.
He settled in Belfast in 1860. He married Hannah, daughter of John Wilson. They had one daughter, Isabella, who married Charles Miller Harris.
Mr. Jewett was a prominent Democrat up to the breaking-out of the War of the Rebellion. Then he became a Republican or a "War Democrat." In 1844, he was one of the Maine members of the memorable Democratic National Convention at Balti- more, and supported Martin Van Buren for the nomination for President. There were four or five candidates, and the conven-
JAMES BOWDOIN MURCH 1809-1880
ALBERT BOYD OTIS 1839-1897
WILLARD POPE HARRIMAN 1814-1878
WAKEFIELD GALE FRYE 1826-1893
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tion was divided. When it became evident that Mr. Van Buren could not get the nomination, Mr. Jewett ardently supported Mr. James K. Polk, who was nominated on the ninth ballot. The bitterness of the Southern delegates, which subsequently ripened into secession, was manifest in this convention. Mr. Jewett was a prominent delegate, and standing up in his seat he hurled defiance at the rebellious wing of the party. After the nomination of Polk, Mr. Jewett stumped Tennessee for him. While there he was the guest of ex-President Andrew Jackson, and spent several days with him at the "Hermitage." After Polk's election, he appointed Mr. Jewett chargé d'affaires in Peru, where he remained for three years. He then went to Paris, spending some time for the purpose of educating his daughter. He was in Paris during the trying scenes of the French Revo- lution which culminated in 1848, in the abdication of Louis Philippe. Mr. Jewett was a correspondent at this time, for the "New York Herald." In 1849, he left Paris and came to Bangor, Maine. From that time until 1860 he engaged in shipping enter- prises at Aspinwall and Savannah, was attorney for the Bruns- wick and Altamaha Canal Company; but finally, again took up the practice of law at Savannah. In 1860, he came to Belfast to live permanently. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, Mr. Jewett was among thie few Maine men to appreciate the magni- tude of the coming struggle. As mayor of Belfast, in 1863-65, he was active in all measures pertaining to the war and made a stirring appeal to the enrolled men. In 1867, he was an earnest advocate of the Belfast and Moosehead Lake railroad project and became one of the first directors of the Belfast and Moose- head Lake Railroad Company.
As a lawyer he excelled. A prominent member of the Bar says: "He was particularly strong as an advocate, and was well versed in common law. He was engaged in many prominent suits, and became known throughout the State. He was an earnest and forcible speaker and had great influence with a jury." Mr. Jewett at one time formed a law partnership with Philo Chase, and at the time of his death was the law partner of Fred Waldo Brown. In 1863-65 and again in 1867-68 he was Mayor of Belfast. But he was too pronounced and outspoken in his opinions ever to become a successful politician.
On 8 April, 1865, Mr. Jewett's house on Wilson Hill, at the
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corner of Main and Congress streets, was destroyed by fire. He then moved to his farm on Lincolnville Avenue, distant about a mile from the city, where he lived with his daughter and grand- children until his death, on 4 April, 1885.
GEORGE EDWIN JOHNSON. After being Judge of the Police Court for five years, Judge Johnson resigned in September, 1877, having been chosen County Attorney. This position he occupied until 1881. During 1882, he was in partnership with Reuel Wilford Rogers. He was chosen Mayor in 1882, and for the two following years. Since 1885, he has been Judge of Probate, and City Solicitor from 1897.
JAMES YOUNG MCCLINTOCK was born in Bristol, Maine, in 1801, of hardy Scotch-Irish stock. At the age of twenty-four he went to Swanville as a school-teacher, and the following year removed to Belfast, engaging in trade at what is known as the Board Landing. Here he laid the foundation for the handsome property he afterward accumulated, by habits of industry and economy. In 1850, he built the block at the corner of Main and High streets, known as City Block. Two years later he erected the two brick tenement blocks on High and Spring streets. While at the Board Landing, he built several vessels and became interested in vessel property. Mr. McClintock was an ardent Democrat, and as an active politician was known beyond the limits of Belfast. On election day, in olden times, he would mass his voters, and with fife and drum march them to the polls. During exciting campaigns he wagered heavily on the result, sometimes losing and winning thousands of dollars.
In 1838, 1843, and 1856 he was Sheriff of Waldo County, and was Deputy Sheriff for thirty years. In 1873, he was admitted to the Waldo County Bar, but his practice was confined to his own business. He was a Coroner for Waldo County at the time of his death. Mr. McClintock was a very positive man - equally strong in his likes and dislikes. He is credited with many kind acts, and was very fond of children, driving numbers of them in his wagon to and from their schools. For many years he was a potent factor in our local affairs, and his was a well-known figure on our streets. Up to the time of his last illness he was a remark- ably active man for one of his age.
WILLIAM HENRY MCLELLAN. Mr. Mclellan began the prac- tice of law in Belfast in 1860. In 1876, he was the Democratic
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candidate for Congress, from the Fifth District, and three years later the Legislature elected him Attorney-General of the State. In September, 1882, he removed to Kansas City, Missouri. Before his departure, the Waldo Bar gave him a dinner at which complimentary resolutions were passed. He returned to Belfast in July, 1888, and resumed the practice of his profession. He died in 1912 at Belfast.
At the first regular meeting of the Waldo County Bar Associa- tion after his decease the committee appointed to prepare resolutions on the death of William Henry Mclellan, reported as follows: -
IN MEMORIAM - WILLIAM HENRY MCLELLAN
Hon. William Henry Mclellan, president of the Waldo County Bar Association and for many years the acknowledged leader of the Waldo County Bar, died in this city on the 25th day of March, A.D. 1912.
He was born in Skowhegan, 26 November, 1832, graduated from the University of New York in 1853, was admitted to the Bar in Andros- coggin county in 1855, and had been a practitioner at this Bar since 1860, until failing health obliged him to retire from active practice about four years ago. He was possessed of an exceptionally active mind and retentive memory, and as an advocate had no superior in this State. He was always true to his client and quick to see that his rights were in no way jeopardized. Hc took great pleasure in rendering to young attorneys any assistance in his power and his counsel and advice were often sought by them and always freely given. His promise to a brother attorney he always regarded as sacred, and scrupulously per- formed.
Resolved, that in his death this Bar has lost its most distinguished member, and as an expression of their appreciation of his many kind- nesses and their sorrow at his decease, that this memorial be inscribed on a page of the records of this association set apart for the purpose, and that a copy be sent to each member of the family of our deceased brother and published in the "Republican Journal" and "Waldo County Herald."
GEORGE E. JOHNSON, REUEL W. ROGERS, ROBERT F. DUNTON, Committee.
WILLIAM COLBURN MARSHALL, the second son of Hon. Thomas Henry Marshall, was born in Belfast, 27 August, 1827. He graduated at Bowdoin College in 1847. During the following years he studied law with the late Hon. Solyman Heath and Hon. Woodbury Davis, and was admitted to the Bar of Waldo County
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in 1851. The same year he removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where he became established in practice. In 1861, he returned to Bel- fast, where he has since resided, engaged in mercantile, and other business, but not resuming his profession. Mr. Marshall has been overseer of Bowdoin College, trustee of Belfast Free Library, director of Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, first president of the Belfast Board of Trade, a director and chief stockholder of the Belfast Shoe Factory, organizer and president of the Memorial Hall Association that erected the building and gave the hall to Thomas H. Marshall Post, G.A.R. He had also been engaged in horse-breeding, and his stock has been promi- nent, and taken many premiums at our State Fairs. He was president of the Waldo County Horse-Breeder's Association, and was a trustee of the Maine State Agricultural Society. He was Mayor in 1871, 1872, and 1873, and Collector of Customs from 1876 to 1884. By appointment from Governor Cleaves in 1896 and by subsequent election, he held the office of State Assessor from 1897 to 1901. He married, in 1859, Miss Lois Rhodes, of Cleveland, Ohio, who died in 1896. Their only sur- viving child, William Rhodes, resides in Boston, Massachusetts.
SETH LLEWELLYN MILLIKEN, was born in Montville, Maine, 12 December, 1831, son of William and Lucy (Perrigo) Milliken. After such education as he could acquire in the country schools, he took a three-years' course at Colby University, and then entered Union College, New York, from which he graduated in 1856; and six weeks later was elected Representative to the Legislature from Camden, where he then resided. December 8, 1859, Mr. Milliken married Sarah Elizabeth Arnold, of Augusta, and removed to Belfast. After coming here, he read law in the offices of Hon. Nehemiah Abbott and Judge Jonathan Garland Dickerson. He was elected Clerk of Courts for Waldo County, in 1859, which office he held for about twelve years. In 1883, he was elected Representative to Congress, and was reelected for eight consecutive terms, thus holding the position for nearly fifteen years until the time of his death, which occurred at Washington, D.C., 18 April, 1897. The character of his funeral services was so unusual in Belfast as to claim brief mention here. A delegation of the following members of the Senate and House accompanied the remains to Belfast: Senators Hale of Maine, Gallinger of New Hampshire, Carter of Montana;
SETH LLEWELLYN MILLIKEN 1831-1897
1
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Representatives Boutelle of Maine, Hicks of Pennsylvania, Shannon of New York, Skinner of North Carolina, Weymouth of Massachusetts, Hilborn of California, Dinsmore of Arkansas, Stallings of Alabama, Graff of Illinois, and Terry of Arkansas. Deputy Sergeants-at-Arms Peirce and Carter White, of the House of Representatives, had charge of arrangements. His body lay in state in the Universalist Church under guard, fur- nished by the Grand Army of the Republic, until the afternoon of the funeral, when it was taken to the Unitarian Church, owing to the greater seating capacity of that edifice. Governor Llewellyn Powers and Councillor H. W. Mayo of Penobscot headed the procession as it entered the auditorium of the church. Senators Hale and Gallinger followed heading the congressional delegation, and next came the immediate family and relatives; then, in the order given, the City Council, Waldo County Bar, the Masons, and the Grand Army. The pallbearers were: Thomas W. Pitcher, A. J. Harriman, Dr. D. P. Flanders, Edward Sibley, Lucius F. McDonald, Asa A. Howes. Governor Llewellyn Powers and ex-Governor Edwin C. Burleigh, Hon. Oramandel Smith, and Assistant Secretary of State Chadbourn, acted as honorary pallbearers, on the part of the State. Rev. Charles H. Wells, pastor of the Universalist Church, delivered the funeral address. The remains were taken to Grove Ceme- tery, and placed in the receiving tomb. These were the days of Burleigh, Dingley, and Boutelle in the House, and Hale and Frye in the Senate: and Mr. Milliken, in company with these men, whom Maine had sent to represent her at Washington during the epoch, was allowed to remain there long enough to acquaint himself with the routine and requirements of his office. Through long familiarity, he became thoroughly versed in the workings of the machinery of our National Capitol, and he was consid- ered by his colleagues of the House as a most efficient and valuable member of the various committees to which they appointed him. He was for a number of years Chairman of the Public Buildings and Grounds Committee, and the beautifying of Washington with suitable public buildings became a matter of personal pride to him. That the lower side of Pennsylvania Avenue should become the property of the National Govern- ment, and be devoted exclusively to its buildings and parks, was his idea. He was also instrumental in securing the passage of a
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large number of bills authorizing the erection of government buildings in different parts of the country.
It was his desire that no resident of his district, the Third Maine, who appealed to him should be refused anything that it was within his power to grant. The veterans of the Grand Army always considered him their friend, and he ever had their inter- ests at heart, and his influence was used in securing many pen- sions for deserving old soldiers.
The following is quoted from "Memorial Addresses on the Life and Character of Seth L. Milliken," delivered in the United States House of Representatives and Senate: -
Mr. Milliken came of good stock. On the paternal side he was of Scotch descent. His maternal ancestors were the Counts of Perrigaux, who were prominently identified with the early history of France. He thus inherited the best characteristics of two strong races, - from his father, a strong will, tenacity of purpose, and marked power of analysis; from his mother, a poetical temperament, innate courtesy, and a ready wit. It is to the combination of these qualities that we may trace his notable success as a public speaker, and his happy faculty of making and retaining strong friendships.
Thoroughly equipped by a large experience with men, by extensive reading, by careful study, endowed by his Maker with a fine physique, an attractive voice, graceful manners, he became a very popular plat- form orator, and his services were in demand in every political campaign all over the country, and he traveled thousands of miles, working for the Republican party. And while ever loyal to it, and a firm believer in its tenets, he was always tolerant of the views of his opponents. As a Memorial Day and Fourth of July orator, he was also much sought after.
From his earliest years Mr. Milliken was left almost entirely to depend upon his own resources. He paid for his own schooling, he worked his way through college, and in all his after life he was in all things self- dependent and independent. He never forgot the lessons of such a life nor the people who extended to him their sympathy and trust, and he was amply rewarded by the sympathy and trust reposed in him by his own district.
He is an excellent example of a type of American of the last century, that has become famous the world over: - the poor country boy, who, self-educated, self-trained, and finally selfmade, attains, through his own energy, perseverance, and sagacity, to one of the highest positions within the gift of his countrymen.
Few men in public life possessed a finer tact in dealing with
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others. It was not in Mr. Milliken's nature to treasure resent- ment. Sanguine in temperament and accustomed to look on the bright side of life, he had an abiding love for his native state and country, and a profound faith in the future of both. He died as he had lived, in the harness. At the meridian of his powers, at the age of sixty-five years, he was called suddenly from the activities of an unusually full and successful carcer, which touched some of the most important national questions of his time. From its duties, its hopes, and its aspirations he was summoned to "the lone couch of his everlasting sleep."
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