USA > Maine > Androscoggin County > Livermore > History of the town of Livermore, Androscoggin county, Maine : from its inception in 1735 and its grant of land in 1772 to its organization and incorporation in 1795 up to the present time, 1928 > Part 4
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
In 1803, Rev. Joshua Soule, d. 1808, aged 65, preached the dedicatory sermon and established a church that has had on its roll the names of many influential families; a church that is still active in town; a church that works for the good of mankind and seeks not influence and money, but only to do its Master's bidding. Originally this house had a gallery on three sides, but in the course of time those at the sides were removed and the walls of the building cut down and lowered. In 1856 the remaining gallery, opposite the pulpit, was made smaller and lowered and a large win- dow placed in the south front. The first pastor was Joshua Soule, and then followed John T. Adams, Dr. Henry Adams, Samuel Hillman, Samuel Thompson, John Wilkinson, David Stimpson, Aaron Humphrey, Eli Howe, Allen H. Cobb, Joshua Randall, Charles Virgin, Philip Munger, George Webber, D.D., David Copeland, Abel Alton, Benjamin Burn- ham, Asa Greene, S. P. Blake, Benjamin Foster, Alvah Hatch, John True, Joseph Gerry, James Farrington, Daniel Dyer, E. H. Gammon, Samuel Ambrose, Daniel Waterhouse, Caleb Mugford, Joseph Hawks. W. C. Stevens, S. W. Pierce, 1858. S. B. Bailey, 1859. S. S. Grey, 1860. Nathan An- drews, 1862. Isaac Lord, 1863. Francis Grosvenor, 1866. M. B. Cummings, 1868. Jonathan Fairbanks, 1869. Thomas Hillman, 1871. H. B. Wardwell, 1873. Thomas J. True,
£
49
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
1875. William H. Trafton, 1876. N. C. Clifford, 1877. Samuel R. Bailey, 1880. Walter Canham, 1881. M. K. Mabry, 1884. C. M. Abbott, 1887. S. E. Dunham, 1891. C. A. Brooks, 1892. S. E. Leach, 1897. Charles Dane, 1899. F. H. Hall, 1901. Frank H. Hall, 1902. M. K. Mabry, 1903. E. S. Cudsworth, 1904. G. J. Palmer, 1905. W. H. Atkinson, 1907. J. L. Pinkerton, 1908. W. C. Beedy, 1913. Ivan C. Thom, 1915. Bessie Crowell, 1918. Merle S. Conant, 1920. Charles L. Whynot, 1920.
Until 1858 the parsonage stood on the old discontinued road leading from "Cat Corner," direct to the Center, but on the 29th of September of this year it was moved bodily to where it now stands, next west of J. H. Thing's residence. But alas for the old church, its children left home and must needs worship elsewhere. Scenes of joy and sorrow, of prosperity and adversity have been its lot, and today it is but a monument, perhaps more so to me than to others, for within its walls I first labored with the old-fashioned "Cate- chism," and listened to a sermon of one and one-half hours
Church at Livermore Center, Built in 1803
50
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
duration in the forenoon and another of equal length in the afternoon, capped with the privilege of hearing the "Pillars" of the church "exhort."
Its ministers were sincere and devoted, but not educated to the requirements of today. How well I remember its pul- pit with its red curtains, and studded with brass-headed nails. On each side were balustrade railings and directly in the rear was a small window that shed its light on the desk. Once the curate was sternly describing the down- ward road to evil that so many were traveling, and bringing his clenched fist down like a sledge-hammer, missed those brass-headed nails in the desk by the skin of his knuckles, and then like the honest old Methodist that he was, calmly raised his hand and gazed inquiringly at the bruised fingers. From this same desk I heard a preacher proclaim that his faith was so strong that if he should ask the Almighty to raise the whole audience up to Heaven, that right up they would go; and I heard another vividly describe Abraham's willing sacrifice of Isaac, and finished up the account by say- ing that "Abraham was about to strike the match," etc. This brought us down to the nineteenth century with a jolt and jar. Before the Civil War Elder Randall, who will be remembered as an active and energetic abolition and tem- perance lecturer, addressed an evening meeting in this church, and to more forcibly illustrate the iniquity of slavery, exhibited a genuine slave driver's whip. During the lecture it was passed around among the audience and some mischief-loving youth succeeded in cutting off the snapper and great was the ire thereat. That same boy is alive now, a gray-haired man.
In 1871 the members of this church who resided at North Livermore, purchased the old Col. Jesse Stone tavern and remodeled it into a neat and commodious house of worship and organized a church with 27 members on its roll.
In 1877 the Methodists in and around Brettun's Mills erected a chapel at that place and later bought a parsonage
0
51
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
153
1.38
Methodist Church, North Livermore
for its resident minister who supplied fortnightly at the North Livermore church until it was abandoned.
But alas for the old historical Center church! In 1907 it was sold, taken down and removed to Rumford Falls, and made into a boarding house. Its doorsteps are used for cul- vert stones on the road leading from North Livermore to Livermore Falls.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH AT THE NORLANDS
This church, that is such a conspicuous landmark for miles around, was raised June 9, 1828, and dedicated in 1829. When the timbers of the spire were raised, a sailor from Bath, who was imported for the occasion, climbed to the top and slipped an iron ring over the apex, that bound them together. The hundred people, regardless of denomi-
52
-
---
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
nation, who assisted in the erection of the frame, gazed in admiration of the first church in town with a steeple. At this time the nearest Universalist church was at Farmington on the one hand, and at Buckfield on the other. Some one asked Isaac Lovewell, a stern Baptist, who had assisted at the "raising," what he thought of the spire, and Lovewell said in his droning voice, "That it would be a good place for the Devil to light when he flew from Farmington to Buck- field."
A row of horse-sheds were on the East and North sides of this church, each individual building his own, and all uni- form in construction. The last to remain standing belonged to Isaac Lovewell, previously mentioned. The ministers, who somewhat regularly and intermittently preached in this house, were Rev. Jeremiah Stoddard, who died in 1875, aged 81; Rev. Thomas Barnes, Rev. Butterfield, Rev. B. Streeter, Rev. William A. Drew, Rev. Jabez Woodman, Rev. George Bates, Rev. Sylvanus Cobb. These ministers preached in different places provided for them by the people until the church was built and thereafter Rev. Bates, Rev. Drew, Rev. Seth Stetson, Rev. Stoddard, Rev. Woodman, Rev. George W. Quimby, Rev. Ezekiel Vose, Rov. Robert Blacker, Rev. Fredric Foster, Rev. W. R. French, Rev. D. T. Stevens and Rev. O. H. Johnson. During the Civil War many funerals of soldiers were held here, attended by Rev. O. H. Johnson, who told me that during the conflict he at- tended over two hundred funerals of soldiers who were killed or had sickened and died ; this, of course, covered a wide ter- ritory in which he labored during his life. This church was renovated, the old singers' gallery at the south end closed from view, the doors to every pew removed, a plat- form built entirely across the north end of the church, beau- tiful memorial and stained glass windows replaced the old ones and it was rededicated in 1873. Edward Chapin of New York, preached the dedicatory sermon from the text: "God is a Spirit ; and they that worship Him must worship Him in
Universalist Church, Norlands
54
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
spirit and in truth." I remember how he looked when he said, "Ah! how many would do so, if it wasn't for that fire- edged Hell over there." Annie Louise Cary sang, the church was crowded and it rained a perfect deluge. Through the generosity of the Washburn brothers a fund, the interest of which can be used for the repair and upkeep of this church, is available every year. The steeple became out of repair and decayed and was replaced exactly like the origi- nal by William Drew Washburn at a cost of $600.00. He also gave a fine-toned bell to this church.
In 1892, March 16th, Charles Shaw, a "Steeplejack," while attempting to straighten the rod of the vane, fell to the ground and was instantly killed.
In connection with this church and The Norlands, the Washburn Memorial Library should be mentioned, for they all come under the care of the trustees of the Washburn estate. Hon. E. B. Washburn, during the years of 1884 and 1885, erected, on the Washburn estate, a fine library build- ing, and on August 5, 1885, with appropriate exercises, ded- icated it to the memory of his father and mother. The library building is of Hallowell granite, and contains many pictures and relics that are priceless in value. Among the oil paintings can be seen the picture of John Brown, who in an attempt to free the slaves, became a hero, but lost his life Dec. 2, 1859. Many distinguished men were present at the dedicatory exercises.
Hannibal Hamlin, W. P. Frye, following the address of E. B. Washburn, spoke to an audience of fifteen hundred people.
In 1869 the Universalist Church at Brettun's Mills was erected and in November of this year it was dedicated; the Rev. Amory Battles of Bangor, preaching the sermon. Through the energy and generosity of the residents and with the help of the "Ladies' Sewing Circle," a large bell was placed in the tower in 1870.
55
-
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
Universalist Church, Brettun's Mills
ADVENT CHURCH
The belief in the Church of the Advent is by no means modern in Livermore, although its neat and modest chapel, in South Livermore, was erected in 1902.
They held their meetings for many years in the old school-house that now serves for a horse-shed to this church. As a rule they hold services regularly, either by preaching or Sunday School and this church and also the neighborhood has always endeavored to observe the Sabbath.
BAPTIST CHURCH, SECOND
In 1811 by the efforts of Elder Ransom Norton, a Second Baptist Church was organized with a membership of seven. teen. A church was built in 1819, at the intersection of the road leading past the house of E. R. Boothby, with that lead- ing past the house of R. E. Pike. It was taken down and rebuilt very near to the North Turner Bridge Cemetery, in 1842. It lost its organization and was sold for $20 in 1911.
-
.
-- -
56
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
Its ministers from time to time were: Ransom Norton, W. Foss, Martin Leonard, William Johnson in 1838; Joseph Hutchinson in 1840; Samuel Boothby in 1842; Levi Burn- ham in 1848; Nathan Mayhew in 1850; R. C. Storr in 1852; Orrin Richardson in 1860; R. B. Andrews in 1864; S. S. Wyman in 1868; P. Bond in 1869; S. S. Wyman in 1875; A. H. Gould in 1876, and S. S. Wyman in 1879.
Genealogy of Some Livermore Pioneer Families
Boast not these titles of your ancestors,
Brave youth; they're their possessions, none of yours; When your own virtues, equalled have their names,
'Twill be but fair to lean upon their james.
ATWOOD, SAMUEL.
D. 1816, aged 47; m. Hannah Boyden, d. 1854, aged 84. He was born in Berkley, Mass., and came to Livermore in 1795, settling at Brettun's Mills, and in 1800 took the con- tract to build a bridge over the outlet of Ram's Head, or Brettun Pond, for $60. He afterwards settled upon the farm now owned by L. D. Poland. He and his wife, who after his death, married James Norton, are buried at North Livermore.
Children : (2d Gen.) Johanna, d. 1868, aged 79; m. Thomas Rich. Hannah, m. Elias Morse (New Portland), William, m. Mary Regan. Samuel, m. Sally Pierce (Lexing- ton). Hezekiah, b. 1798. Rhoda. Nathan, m. Ruth H. Rogers. Henry S., b. 1804. Hepsibeth, m. Artemus Cole (Buckfield). Ephraim, m. Eliza Morrell; 2d, Adaline Whit- ney. Eliza, m. Sidney Spaulding (Buckfield). Brittania, d. 1815, infant. Lorenzo, m. Lucy Harris (Buckfield) .
Of these :
ATWOOD, HEZEKIAH, CAPT.
D. 1870, aged 72; m. Nancy Coffin, d. 1894, aged 91. He lived on the farm previously owned by his wife's father, Naphtali Coffin, now owned by F. D. Merrill.
Children (3d Gen.) :
BRITTANIA, d. 1871, aged 50.
HEZEKIAH, JR., b. 1823.
EPHRAIM A., b. 1827; m. Caroline Bradbury (Cal.).
58
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
FRANCES E., b. 1831; m. Tristram M. Walker.
ABBY VESTA, b. 1833; m. Eugene Humphrey (N. Y.).
HANNAH B., b. 1835; m. Charles L. Beck of Livermore Falls. They have one son, Eugene I. Beck, b. 1860; d. 1925; at one time the proprietor of the "Livermore Falls Express and Advertiser," who m. Lillian B. Doyen, b. 1864; d. 1926; 2d, Stella D. Glover.
JAMES N., b. 1838.
CLARA A., b. 1841; m. R. C. Boothby (Livermore Falls) .
ATWOOD, HEZEKIAH, JR., REV. Of these (3d Gen.).
B. 1823; d. 1886; m. Mary A. Baker, b. 1824; d. 1883. 2d, Lugene Wyer. He was a veteran of the Civil War and afterwards became a Freewill Baptist minister and lived at Livermore Center.
Children (4th Gen.) : 1st wife, Charles B., Rev. (New York) ; George M., Dr. (Mass.).
ATWOOD, JAMES N. (3d Gen.)
B. 1838; m. Mary E. Knight, b. 1841. He is a veteran of the Civil War and after his father's death lived on the old farm, caring for his aged mother until her decease. He is a machinist by trade and resides at Livermore Falls. They have one son, Charles K. (Boston).
ATWOOD, HENRY S. (2d Gen.)
B. 1804; d. 1871; m. Sarah Coffin, b. 1808; d. 1883. He lived at Richmond's Mills and had two children.
(3d Gen.) Abbie C., b. 1843; m. Henry Hyde. Charles H. He was a soldier in the Civil War and is buried on an island in New York Harbor.
HYDE, HENRY.
D. 1892, aged 57; m. Abbie C. Atwood, b. 1843, now liv- ing at Livermore Falls. They had one son, Charles W., b. 1866; m. Mary A. Dain, b. 1871. He is purchasing agent and paymaster for the International Mills at Chisholm, Jay, Me.
.
59
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
Children : Allen A., b. 1893; m. Gladys R. Gilman. Lucille D., b. 1896; m. L. F. Morrow; d. 1924. Theo. R., b. 1902; d. 1927; m. Thelma F. Wyman; Henry W., b. 1910.
ALDEN, AMASA.
B. 1807; d. 1890. His wife, Eliza P. B., d. 1875, aged 67. He was a man of good education combined with native wit and a firm believer in Spiritualism. In 1887 he published a little book of poems. He was a brick mason by trade and lived in several places near the Falls in Livermore.
Children : Amos A., d. Celestia C. Lucy L., Kentucky. Oscar F., m .; Wyman, Mass. Mary M., Alabama. Eliza, d. Of these, Celestia C., m. 1st, Hayward; 2d, Ripley, and their children were : Frank C. Hayward, Mass .; Scott Ellis Ripley, Mass.
ALDEN, CHARLES.
M. Susan E. Peterson.
Children : Charles H., d. in Cal. Etta, m. H. M. Per- kins; both are now dead. Flora, Salem, Mass. Stephen D., Mass. Stella, Kennebunk. Amos H., d. Albertus A., Mass. Susie M., m .; Thayer, Mass.
For many years they all lived at what was known as Alden's Mills, in the north part of the town. The first dam and sawmill was built by Hebron Norton and later was owned by M. P. Chenery, who sold to Alden.
ALDEN, COLUMBUS.
Purchased the Thomas Coolidge farm and with nothing but his sturdy body and willing hands, made the farm pay for itself and raised a large family of children. Those re- maining in town are Wallace, Statia, Everett and Annie, who married George A. Gammon. He died in 1928.
ADKINS, JOSIAH.
M. Mary A. Phillips and lived on the Samuel Sawin farm. The latter years of his life he was confined to the
1
-
60
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
house by rheumatism. His living children are Fred E. and Ella A., who married Elton Adkins.
ADKINS, FRED E.
Succeeded his father on the farm but sold, and is now a partner with C. A. Turner in a general store at Brettun's Mills.
ALLEN, THOMAS. (1st Gen.)
B. 1786; m. Nancy Cole; 2d, Lucretia Baker, a sister to Hartwell, who lived at Livermore Center.
Children, first wife: (2d Gen.) Eliza, m. Tilson Bar- rows. John Cole, m. Sarah Lucus. Nancy T., b. 1818; m. J. S. Goding. Abigail, b. 1816; m. West Robinson. Betsey, m. Isaac Trowbridge. Sarah L., b. 1825; m. W. F. Hinds. Thomas J., m. Mary Walker; 2d, Deborah Doten. Jane G., m. John Norcross ; 2d, Samuel Reed. Lucius A., a soldier of the Civil War. At the time of Thomas Allen's death, he lived at North Livermore in the house now owned by Jennie B. Chenery.
ALLEN, JOHN COLE. Of these (2d Gen.)
B. 1816; d. 1880; m. Sarah H. Lucas, b. 1817; d. 1897. He lived on the Paul farm, now owned by Marcus E. Keith.
Children: (3d Gen.) Victoria, b. 1842; d. 1866; m. Emery Parsons. Albert, b. 1843; d. 1919; m. Mary E. Stemans, b. 1848. Axel, b. 1846; d. 1895. Rosetta, b. 1848; d. 1899; m. David G. Glines. Sarah N., b. 1852; d. 1913; m. James P. Bowles. Olive R., b. 1855; d. 1864. J. Flavel, b. 1857; d. 1918; m. Florence Elliott. Jennie C., b. 1859; d. 1919; m. William H. Turner. Mary N., b. 1862; d. 1926; m. Stephen S. Buzzell.
ALLEN, ALBERT. Of these (3d Gen.)
M. Mary E. Stemans. He was a veteran of the Civil War and was a skillful machinist at Livermore Falls for many years. He was a musician of note and a prominent member of the band and orchestra.
£
-
61
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
His children are: (4th Gen.) Lillian M., b. 1867. William H., b. 1869; d. 1918. Eugene E., b. 1872; d. 1921. George A., b. 1877.
ALLEN, LILLIAN M. Of these (4th Gen.)
M. George F. Treat, who was Postmaster at Chis- holm's, Jay, for many years.
Children: (5th Gen.) Winnie L., b. 1891; m. James W. Harris and they have two children, Betty Treat, b. 1925, and Dorothy, b. 1920; d. 1920. Mary E., b. 1895; m. Ralph W. King and they have two children, Irene, b. 1918, and Douglas Treat, b. 1923.
ALLEN, EUGENE E. (4th Gen.) M. Edith A. Swallow.
Children: (5th Gen.) Thomas E., b. 1915. Louise E., b. 1916. William C., b. 1919.
ALLEN, GEORGE A. (4th Gen.)
M. Ethel L. Wellman.
Children: (5th Gen.) Paul W., b. 1907. Robert S., b. 1910. Albert D., b. 1912.
ALLEN, THOMAS J. (2d Gen.)
M. Mary Walker; 2d, Deborah Doten.
Children: (3d Gen.) First wife, Lucius F., m. Flora Lucas, and their children are: (4th Gen.) Pearl E., m. Lucille Brown. Harry N., m. Charlotte Bridge. He is the well known photographer at Livermore Falls.
ALLEN, ARTHUR B.
B. 1860; m. Alice Parsons. 2d, Adelaide Grant. He was a brother of Lucius F. and Charles C. and Ferdinand W., all sons of T. J. Allen (2d Gen.) .
BIGELOW, JOHN.
Son of Thaddeus, d. 1847, aged 73; m. Mary Howard of Sutton, Mass., d. 1869, aged 95. He was of the sixth generation of those in America and moved to Livermore
62
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
from Worcester in 1802 and settled on the Simeon Howard farm at Livermore Center.
Children: (7th Gen.) Polly, b. 1796, m. Aaron Cool- idge. Joel H., b. 1798, d. 1801. Caroline, b. 1803, m. Charles H. Baker. Andrew P., b. 1804, m. Mary E. Gibbs. John Warren, b. 1807, m. Osca Bradford. Joel Howard, b. 1810, m. Caroline S. Bradford. Leander F., b. 1812; m. Abigail P. Whitney. Martha B., b. 1814; d. 1824.
BIGELOW, ANDREW P. Of these (7th Gen.)
B. 1804; d. -; m. Mary E. Gibbs, b. 1811. He was a cattle drover and farmer and lived in Wayne and Liver- more.
Children: (8th Gen.) Charles Edwin, b. 1835; m. Addie S. Lamson. They have two children, Harry A. and Charles Fred. Charles Edwin Bigelow owns his grand- father's farm at Livermore Center. A sister, Martha B., b. 1841, m. Lewis Wing of Wayne.
BIGELOW, JOHN WARREN. (7th Gen.)
B. 1807; d. 1856; m. Osca Bradford, b. 1811; d. 1881. He lived and died on the old place at Livermore Center and his children were: (8th Gen.) Benj. Rush, b. 1833; d. 1856. Hayden, b. 1836; m. Nancy J. Carver, b. 1836; d. 1903 (Greene). Seth B., b. 1838; d. 1856; Caroline S., b. 1840; d. 1856. John W., b. 1843; m. Dillingham (Auburn) . Franklin B., b. 1845; m. Alice Raynes (Auburn) ; Osca, b. 1848; m. Thomas Pratt, b. 1840 (Fayette).
BIGELOW, JOEL HOWARD. (7th Gen.)
B. 1810; d. 1885; m. Caroline S. Bradford, b. 1815; d. 1837. 2d, Hannah Lunt, b. 1812; d. 1887. He lived on the farm now occupied by his daughter, Mary Ella, next south of the John Hayes place.
Children: (8th Gen.) Caroline, b. 1845; m. Rev. A. W. Jackson (Mass.), b. 1842; d. 1911. Mary Ella, b. 1847.
1_
63
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
Of these (8th Gen.) Bigelow, Caroline, m. Rev. A. W. Jackson.
Children : (9th Gen.) Francis T., b. 1876; d. 1918; m. Ruth P. Holden. Howard B., b. 1874; d. 1918; m. Mary E. Smith. Ruth C., b. 1881; m. William B. Bartlett.
Of these (9th Gen.) Jackson, Francis T., m. Ruth P. Holden. He was a fine musician and his accidental death was a loss to the community.
Children: (10th Gen.) Barbara H., b. 1911; d. 1913. Elizabeth B., b. 1913. Holden F., b. 1914. 2d marriage of Ruth P. Holden Jackson to Francis S. Dow, b. 1888. He resides on the well known Bigelow farm near Livermore Center and his children are Margaret S., b. 1920; Everett C., b. 1922; Martha P., b. 1924; and Priscilla H., b. 1926.
BIGELOW, LEANDER F.
B. 1812; d. 1896; m. Abigail P. Whitney, b. 1821; d. 1869. He lived at Gibbs' Mills, and also on the farm now occupied by G. A. Norcross.
Children: (8th Gen.) Betsey G., b. 1842; m. George Q. Gammon (Jay). Abbie A., b. 1844 ; m. Emerson E. God- ing (Livermore Falls) .
BENSON, ICHABOD.
D. 1833, aged 76; Abigail, his wife, d. 1840, aged 82. He was a Revolutionary soldier and has descendants living in Auburn. He lived on the farm now owned by J. Hammond Gordon, at the foot of Bear Mountain.
BENSON, STEPHEN.
D. 1852, aged 75. Benson, Polly, d. 1795, aged 16. Ben- son, Joshua, d. 1874, aged 82; Benson, Ephraim, d. 1814, aged 19. Benson, Seth E., d. 1800, aged 3. Benson, Ichabod, Jr., d. 1859, aged 74. Benson, Waitstill, d. 1822, aged 35. BENJAMIN, SAMUEL.
B. 1753; d. 1824; m. Tabitha Livermore, b. 1757; d. 1837. She was a second cousin to Deacon Livermore.
64
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
Children: Billy, b. 1785; d. 1849. Samuel, Jr., b. 1786; d. 1871. Nathaniel, b. 1788; d. 1867. Betsey, b. 1790; d. 1860. Polly, b. 1792; d. 1865. Martha, twin of Polly, b. 1792; d. 1861. David, b. 1794; d. 1883. Charles, b. 1795; d. 1834. Elisha, b. 1797; d. 1852. Ruth, b. 1799; d. 1869. Samuel Benjamin was a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution and distinguished himself in many ways. Deacon Livermore's influence brought him to this town and on Oct. 10, 1782, he bought of the Deacon what we now know as the Abijah Child farm. Lieut. Benjamin returned to Water- town, Mass., from whence he came, but in the spring of the following year, accompanied by his newly wedded wife, he came to Livermore with the purpose of establishing a per- manent home. During the erection of his log house, that stood on the easterly side of the road running north and south as now traveled over Waters' Hill and close to the south line of his land, he lived in Major Fish's log cabin at the junction of the old discontinued road leading northerly from "Cat Corner," with the present one running from Liv- ermore Center to Gibbs' Mills. When we remember that he was the fourth settler with a family, actually living in the new "Grant," the necessity for traveling over two and one-half miles, after the day's labor, for the sake of having a roof over his bed and a wife to cook the breakfast, is apparent.
In the spring of 1796 he became part, and later, full owner of the mills and water rights known as Gibbs' Mills in Livermore and from the fact that on May 13, 1794, he sold to Abijah Child (who immediately took possession), his farm, reserving "timber for his buildings," we presume that he must have resided near his new purchase until early in 1798, when he bought Lot 11 on the east side of Androscog- gin River, where he lived until his death in 1824. A man respected and honored by his townsmen.
Children: Billy, b. 1785; d. 1849. Samuel, Jr., b. 1786; d. 1871. Nathaniel, b. 1788. Betsey, b. 1790; d.
65
HISTORY OF LIVERMORE
1860; m. Samuel Morrison. Polly, b. 1792; d. 1865; m. Samuel Ames. Martha, twin to Polly, d. 1861; m. Israel Washburn. David, b. 1794; d. 1883. Charles, b. 1795; d. 1834; m. Lucy Chase. Elisha, b. 1797; d. 1852, in New Orleans, La .; m. Joan Sawtelle. Ruth, b. 1799; d. 1869; m. Jonathan Lovejoy.
BENJAMIN, BILLY. Of these :
B. 1785; d. 1849; m. Phebe Wellington, b. 1788; d. 1869.
He was called "Colonel," which title he earned in the State Militia. His wife, Aunt Phebe, as she was familiarly called, was a dear and kind old lady as I knew her, and dur- ing her widowhood made annual visits among her friends where she was always welcome. At this time she lived in a house, now removed, at Livermore Center, standing oppo- site to and a little north of the present school-house.
BENJAMIN, SAMUEL, JR.
B. 1786; d. 1871; m. Olivia Metcalf, b. 1795; d. 1879. He resided in Winthrop and became celebrated as a maker of excellent agricultural implements. His granddaughter, Mary Louise Benjamin, is the author of the Benjamin Gen- ealogy published in 1900.
BENJAMIN, NATHANIEL.
B. 1788; d. 1867; m. Betsey Chase, b. 1793; d. 1854. He lived on the "Intervale" and his children were: Charles Tristram, b. 1813; d. 1815. Infant, b. 1814; d. 1814. Eliz- abeth, b. 1816; d. 1889; m. Enos Dillingham. Mary Stella, b. 1819; m. Albert G. Hinds, b. 1815.
NATHANIEL, JR.
B. 1821; d. 1881; m. Hannah Starbird. He lived on the Intervale and had a crooked leg that necessitated an iron extension to the sole of his boot. He died in indigent circumstances and his children were: Tristram, drowned in the river, 1871. Albert W. Charles C. Nellie Irwin. Elmer T., d. 1920.
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.