USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Wayne > History of the town of Wayne, Kennebec County, Maine, from its settlement to 1898 > Part 20
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August 27, 1849.
April 11, 1853.
Sumner C. Moulton, James M. Moulton, Bartlett W. Varnum, Wellington Hunton, Caleb Fuller,
January 29, 1829.
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
POSTMASTERS.
DATE OF APPOINTMENT.
Bartlett W. Varnum,
March 31, 1854.
Alfred Sawyer,
February 25, 1863.
Joseph S. Berry,
March 27, 1871.
John C. Stinchfield,
July 31, 1885.
James M. Moulton,
December 21, 1885.
Rev. Gideon S. Smith,
May 1, 1889.
James M. Moulton,
September 9, 1893.
Allen E. White,
July 22, 1897.
The following is a list of Postmasters who have served at North Wayne (as per records) since that office was established Feb. 14, 1846.
POSTMASTERS,
PATE OF APPOINTMENT,
Urban L. Hitchcock,
February 14, 1846.
Josiah F. Taylor,
March 8, 1852.
Williston Jennings,
May 9, 1884.
Frederick E. Nason,
January 20, 1886.
Charles A. Libby,
June 5, 1886.
Frederick E. Nason,
October 11, 1887.
Williston Jennings,
March 27, 1889.
Harry D. Nason,
July 22, 1893.
Addie L. Hayden.
June 29, 1895.
CHAPTER XVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
H TON. JOSEPH SANFORD BERRY, the third son of Elias and Harriet Berry, was born in Wayne, Nov. 20, 1836. His early life was passed in attending school and in assisting in the duties of the farm. He was educated at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary and the Normal School at Bridgewater, Mass. After leaving school he was engaged in teaching until 1858, when he accepted a position as assist- ant superintendent of the Maine State Reform School, where he remained for nine years. In this capacity Mr. Berry was eminently efficient. A man of humane and considerate disposition, a practical disciplinarian, an advocate of advanced ideas in the management of reformatory institutions, he made many improvements and suggested others that have been recently adopted.
Mr. Berry was married to Miss Eveline Parker, of Westbrook, in 1866. Resigning his position at the Reform School one year later, he was associated with Mr. D. W. Weymouth in the Wholesale Grocery and Flour business in Portland. Two years later, at the solicitation of friends, he returned to Wayne, and formed a partnership with Mr. Alfred Sawyer in the General Store business. Mr. Sawyer died soon after, and Mr. Berry remained there until his death, which occurred May 1st, 1888.
Besides holding positions of trust and importance in local affairs, Mr. Berry was Postmaster for sixteen years, and represented his district in the Legislature one term, his county in the Senate two terms.
Mr. Berry will be long remembered by citizens of Kennebec County as a high-minded, public-spirited man.
Edward G. Dexter was born in Wayne, April 9, 1824. His life with the exception of brief intervals was passed in his native town and ended there on September 24, 1895, after an illness of two weeks. From boyhood to the very close of life Mr. Dexter was a man of
HON. JOSEPH S BERRY.
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
energy and high character, useful in every avenue of life in which he worked. In his trade as a paper hanger and painter he was always in demand, not only in his own town, but the country round about. He was a kind-hearted, genial man and was interested in all that pertained to the welfare of his native town. He believed in God, his Saviour, his country and Wayne. He was always hopeful of the future of the place which had been his home from birth. In politics he was a loyal Republican, and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
But while Mr. Dexter is missed on every hand it is especially in the church where his absence is most felt. Brought up in a Christian home, he did not himself personally profess faith in Christ until 43 years of age, when under the preaching of Evangelist Edwin Burn- ham, he was converted and was baptized and united with the Baptist church of Wayne, May 19, 1867. From that time until his death he was an active, earnest, consistent and prominent member. It was a joy to be his pastor. To share his companionship in his home was sunshine and blessing that cannot be told in words. His presence had a calming, quieting effect when most needed. If things went wrong and others were excited it was Edward Dexter's voice and smile that would calm the storm and smooth the billows.
He was constant in looking after the welfare of his church home. Jealous of its honor he helped hold up the flag until the end. When the new church was erected he was tireless in his efforts, seconded as they were by his loyal companion who still survives him, and who is the only one remaining in the church bearing the name of Dexter. One-third of the original membership bore the name, and out of nine Deacons who served during the first century of the church existence, five were Dexters.
"Oh. when the Saviour shall make up his jewels, When the bright crowns of rejoicing are won, Then shall his weary and faithful disciples All be remembered by what they have done."
Capt. Samuel West Frost was born in Monmouth, July 28, 1800. He was the eldest of a family of twelve children. His parents were William and Betsey (Billington) Frost. He inherited a strong con- stitution and his life-long habits of temperance and sobriety contributed much to his health and longevity. He seldom suffered from sickness, and lived to enjoy a green old age. On the 20th of Feb., 1831, Mr.
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
Frost was united in marriage to Miss Parintha Wing of Wayne. With his wife he moved to Milo where he was engaged in farming for six years. In February, 1837, they removed to Wayne, to the farm opposite the residence of the late Capt. Jos. F. Jennings. It was a fine location and a fertile farm. Mr. Frost bought the place of Mr. Abijah Crane. Here he lived until his death, which occurred on April 28, 1879. Eleven years previous to his decease he gave up the charge of the farm to his son-in-law Mr. Luther S. Maxim. A fine row of symmetrical maples growing beside the lane leading from road to house were set by Capt. Frost in 1842. He was one of the original members of the Cemetery Company, and gave $25 towards building the noted and beautiful Wing cemetery. Afterwards he gave $100 for a permanent fund, the interest to be used to keep the inside of the yard in repair, and at his decease left 850 more for the same purpose, with the proviso that another $50 should be given, making the sum $100. The requisite amount to render the bequest available was readily raised. Interred in this cemetery rest the remains of Capt. and Mrs. Frost.
C'apt. Frost served as selectman of Wayne several years. He was an industrious, practical, thrifty and successful farmer. He was a man of sound judgment, of sterling integrity and was respected and esteemed by his fellow citizens for his many good qualities of mind and heart. He was an honest man "the noblest work of God." In re- ligions belief both he and his wife were staunch Universalists.
Mrs. Parintha (Wing) Frost was the third of the twelve children of Aaron and Sylvina (Perry) Wing. Aaron was one of the seven Wing brothers, who with their father, were among the first settlers of New Sandwich. Parintha Wing was born at Wayne village March 14, 1796. When a young woman she taught school at the Wing Corner in Wayne near by her father's residence. Working before and after school and at the noon recess, she spun her stint of yarn each day, besides teaching. She also worked at the tailoress trade which she learned in a peculiar manner. A tailor came to her father's house to teach the mysteries of his craft to a class of girls, one of whom was her oldest sister. She asked the privilege of sitting in the room while he gave the lessons. This request was granted, not thinking she was old enough to learn much from his instructions. But, as the saying is, she "caught on," and afterwards made a chart and went to work at the trade of tailoress. In the spring and fall of the year she used to go from house to house to ent and make clothes for men and children.
Your Grandfather , George H. Fairbanks .
Your Grandmother Guez I Trubanks
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
With her shears and needle she earned one hundred dollars in each of the first two years of her married life, besides doing her own work and having a boarder a portion of the time.
Miss Wing was married on Feb. 20, 1831, to Mr. Samuel W. Frost. With her husband, she lived in Milo six years and then moved back to Wayne. She lived the last of her life with her daugh- ter and only child, Roxana P., wife of Luther S., son of Ephraim and Ruth Maxim of Wayne. Mrs. Maxim was born Jan. 6, 1832, and was married Dec. 12, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Maxim have lived at their present residence, opposite the mansion of Jennings Brothers, ever since their marriage with the exception of four and one-half years at Jersey City and two and one-half years at South Fayette. Mrs. Frost was a strong, well woman and lived till Dec. 7, 1877. Her death occurred only about sixteen months previous to the decease of her husband, Capt. Frost. She was a model house-wife, a hard work- ing and well-informed woman, a worthy help-meet and well beloved by all her neighbors and acquaintances.
George W. Fairbanks, of Wayne, was born in Winthrop, Aug. 5, 1803. While yet a lad, his father removed with his family to Wayne and settled on a farm in the southeastern part of the town. As he grew to manhood he followed the occupation of a farmer, and also taught school. He was commissioned Justice of the Peace Oct. 27, 1830, and was chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Wayne in 1870-71-72. He was a worthy citizen, disliking wrong and honoring virtue. His mother, Lydia (Chipman) Fairbanks, was daughter of Jacob and Anna ( Waterman ) Chipman, and a lineal descendant of John Howland and Elizabeth (Tilley ) Howland, two of the one hun- dred and two Pilgrims who came on the Mayflower and landed at Plymouth, Dec. 21, 1620.
He married April 1, 1828, Lucy Lovejoy, a woman of evenly balanced mind, of literary and artistic taste, and possessed of a distinc- tive charm of manner. Their home, the center of hospitality, content and good cheer, was a good example of New England domestic life. Not the least among its attractions was the influence of music which pervaded the home circle, for both Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks were leading musical characters in their day, and long stood at the head of the church choir, while he was a famous teacher of singing schools.
After a singularly happy and devoted married life of half a cen- tury, their golden wedding was celebrated Apr. 1, 1878, at the old
15
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
homestead, "Prospect Farm," and was an occasion long to be remem- bered by all who were present. He died in Oakland, Oct. 13, 1888. His wife, who was the daughter of Collins and Sally ( Pettingill) Lovejoy, was born in Wayne, Nov. 29, 1805, and died in Oakland, Nov. 27, 1883. Her grandfather, John Lovejoy, and great grand- father, Capt, Hezekiah Lovejoy, were both soldiers in the Revolu- tionary War. Children born in Wayne:
1. Lucy Frances, born Feb. 8, 1829; died Sept. 13, 1831.
2. Lucilla Eliza, born Apr. 16, 1830; married, Jan. 1, . 1853, Arthur H. Johnson.
3. George Franklin, born Oct. 17, 1831.
4. Henry Nathaniel, born Oct. 24, 1838.
5. Julia Maria, born June 8, 1842; married, April 8, 1865, Maj. Aber R. Small of Oakland. She died Feb. 28, 1885.
Lieut. Henry Nathaniel Fairbanks of Bangor was born in Wayne, Oct. 24, 1838. Spent his early life on a farin, receiving a common school and academic education ; taught school and worked in a scythe factory in Oakland. April 26, 1861, enlisted in Co. G, 3d Maine Volunteers, and served with the regiment about fourteen months. Upon returning from the army and recovering his health, he engaged with John P. Squire & Co., Faneuil Hall Market, Boston. While there he was a volunteer in Co. C, 44th Massachusetts Regiment, and aided in suppressing the riot in Boston, July 15, 1863, caused by the draft. In November. 1863, he enlisted in the 30th regiment Maine Veteran Volunteers; was appointed 1st Sergeant of Co. E, and was promoted to 2d Lieutenant, April 9, 1864; served in Banks' Red River Expedition, La., and Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. Was wounded at the battle of Monnett's Bluff, Red River, La. Mnstered out the U. S. service, with the regiment, Ang. 20, 1865. He is a favorite Memorial Day speaker, and has accepted numerous invitations to address his old army comrades.
In 1866 and a part of 1867, he was with the Adams Express Co., in New York City. August, 1867, he began work as solicitor for the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co., of Hartford, Conn., in the city of St. John, N. B., and remained there about three years. In 1870, he was appointed State agent for the above named company, and located at Newark, N. J. He remained there until January, 1872, when he was appointed general agent of the Company referred to, for Maine and the lower Provinces, with headquarters in Bangor,
Henny Nathaniel Fairbanks, Bangor, Maine,
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
and is still agent for that Company. Was three years a member of the Common Council of the city of Bangor, and President for the year 1881-82. In 1880 he was elected a director in the European and North American Railway, representing the city's interest under the loan hill. Was Chairman of the Republican City Committee of Bangor in 1892. In September, 1892, he was elected a representa- tive of the Legislature for two years, and was a member of the Mer- cantile Affairs and Insurance Committee, and chairman of the Pension committee on the part of the House. Re-elected in 1894, and was chairman of committee on Mercantile Affairs and Insurance, and a member of Pension Committee of the house. He is a Knight Templar and 32nd degree Mason ; member of the G. A. R. and Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He is a lineal descendant of John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley, who came to Plymouth in the Mayflower. John Howland married Elizabeth Tilley, who was the daughter of John and Bridget Tilley, who came with the colony and died the first year. Hope Howland, daughter of John and Elizabeth, married John Chip- man ; Samuel was son of John ; Jacob son of Samuel ; and Jacob son of Jacob ; and Lydia * daughter of Jacob ; she married Nathaniel Fairbanks, grandfather of the above named. He is well known in business circles as a man of enterprise, integrity and liberality, He married in Farmington, Oct. 24, 1867, Abby Anna, daughter of Philip and Esther H. (Allen) Woodworth. She was born in Jay, April 1, 1845. Children :
1. Philip Sheridan, born in Farmington, Nov. 1, 1869; died in Bangor, Dec. 31, 1876.
2. Hiland Lockwood, born in Farmington, Sept. 21, 1871; was graduated from Bowdoin College in the class of 1895. He was prom- inent in athletics. In 1897 entered Harvard Law School.
3. Nora Lucy, born in Bangor, June 8, 1879.
Williston Jennings was born at North Wayne, Mar. 24, 1843. He was the son of Samuel Morton Jennings, and is the fifth in direct descent from John Jennings, one of the first settlers of New Sandwich. Williston acquired his education at the public schools of Wayne and
* Her father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, from Halifax, Mass .; contract- ed small pox while a prisoner, of which he died. Her grandfather Chipman, of Hali- fax, Mass., was a soldier in 1740 in the disastrous expedition against the Spaniards in the West Indies, where he died.
See Plymouth Co, Probate Records Vol. 8, page 468. His will probated November 2, 1741.
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
at Kent's Hill. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the State service, April 28, 1861. The company was raised at Buckfield by Capt. McDonald and Lient. John P. Swascy. These troops were not assign- ed to active service and young Jennings entered the United States Navy and served on the ship Cambridge. Among several expeditions and engagements, the chief one in which he took part was the famous naval conflict with the rebel iron clad Merrimac and the confederate fleet in Hampton Roads, Va., on Mar. 8 and 9, 1862. Later he entered the Quarter Master Department, furnishing supplies to the Army of the South West. He was one of the guards on the transport Memoria, whose crew was almost all killed by the enemy's sharp- shooters in a trip on the Cumberland River. He served in Gen. Thomas' Army at the battle of Nashville, Tenn., in December, 1864. After the war he was engaged in the boot and shoe business at North Wayne and Kent's Hill till 1890. Since that date he has been in the employ of the North Wayne Tool Co., as Superintendent of the Scythe and Tool Works at North Wayne.
He was married June 1, 1870, to Melora E., daughter of Samnel Faunee of North Wayne. Their only child was Charlotte Morton Jennings. Mr. Jennings was Postmaster at North Wayne through two National Administrations. He represented his district in the House of Representatives of the Maine Legislature in the session of 1895-96. He united with Asylum Lodge No. 133, F. & A. M., at Wayne, and was raised to the degree of Master Mason in 1881. Ever since he has held his membership and has frequently served the Lodge in an official capacity. He has long been a member and at present is Commander of the Lewis H. Wing Post, No. 167, G. A. R. of Wayne. For several years he and his wife have been members of Starling Grange No. 156 P. of H. of North Fayette. In religious belief Mr. Jennings is a Unitarian, with liberal views. He is a man of marked ability and strict integrity, genial, courteous, free-hearted and open- handed. Happy are he and his worthy wife when dispensing the honors of hospitality to many a welcome guest.
Mr. Holman Johnson was born in Vassalboro, June 25, 1798. His father, Mr. John Johnson, emigrated with his family to the State of New York, when Holman was but a lad, and engaged in farming. As soon, however, as the boy became of age, he came back to the home of his childhood, arriving in Vassalboro with but fifty cents in his pocket, having performed the entire journey on foot. Here he
HOLMAN JOHNSON.
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
began to manufacture shovel handles by hand, his only tools being an auger and a knife; for it was not until 1854 that any machinery of importance was invented. In that year Mr. Russell D. Bartlett of Bangor invented three machines which revolutionized the shovel handle business. The exclusive right to the use of the same was pur- chased by Mr. Johnson. He established factories at St. Albans, Wayne, Industry, Orono and Brownville in this State, and one in Vermont and one in New Hampshire. He continued in this business to the time of his death. It has been estimated that the number of handles made by him reached a million and a half dozens, which were nearly all sold to Oliver Ames and his successors of North Easton, Mass.
Mr. Johnson came to Wayne in 1858, where he spent the remainder of his life. He purchased largely of real estate, including the water power ; erected a fine set of buildings, a shovel handle factory and saw mill. In 1863 the business portion of the village was destroyed by fire, in which he lost heavily. He afterward rebuilt the shovel handle factory, grist mill and a store. He also erected a machine shop, sash and blind factory, Masonic Hall and several dwelling houses. In 1872 he erected the woolen mill.
Mr. Johnson was twice married ; in 1825 to Louise F. Getchell of Vassalboro, and in 1838 to Miss Sarah Goodwin of St. Albans. He was the father of fifteen children.
Mr, Johnson died Mar. 27, 1879. His wife survived him thirteen years, dying June 14, 1894. His eldest son, Henry, a physician in New Bedford, died the same year as his father. Mary, the youngest daughter, the following year; Oliver A. died in April, 1894, and Sarah, one of the eldest daughters, widow of Mr. Robert Bangs, died iņ Sabattus in 1896. The surviving children are Mrs. F. B. Chandler, Alfred F. and Mrs. Chas. E. Wing of Wayne, Mrs. N. P. Downing of Minot, William A. of Veedersburg, Ind., and Charles S. of Brown- ville.
One who knew Mr. Johnson well said of him: "He was a man of untiring industry, economical and temperate habits and benevolent and kindly impulses. He was decided and firm in his convictions, and of tenacious will. In business he was exacting but always honor- able. He made no one his confidant, and seldom sought advice. To this community he was of incalculable worth ; for twenty years he was the life of the place, giving employment to a large number of persons in the town, and thousands of persons within a circuit of thirty miles
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
have been benefited by his enterprise. Many persons can testify to his sympathy and kindness ; when hard pressed by creditors, they have applied to him for help. Young men starting in business have been furnished with capital from his purse. The cause of education received munificent gifts from him. He took a lively interest in the erection of the school building in Wayne. But most of all, perhaps, is the Methodist church indebted to him for benevolent deeds. He gave liberally to the church in this place, and has aided other churches in various ways. The Methodist school at Kent's Hill received at one time his check for $500. In his death the church, the town and the community have lost a benefactor."
Oliver Allen Lawrence ("Asa, 4James, 3.Joseph Jr., 2Joseph, 'Rob- ert who settled in Sandwich, Barnstable County, Mass., between the years 1664 and 1667), was born in Wayne, July 8, 1803, and died instantly of apoplexy, or heart disease, at Augusta, July 14, 1881, at the age of 78 years and 6 days. His first wife was Janet Davenport. Their only child was John Oliver, born Feb. 3, 1836, and died Sept. 11, 1864. He was married to Mary E. Wright, and from this union was a daughter, Lizzie E., horn Sept. 24, 1864. John Oliver was a member of Co. C, 29th Regiment, Maine Volunteers.
Oliver Allen's second wife was Lemira Bartlett, his third, Mrs. Ann Austin, who died Aug. 19, 1886. Lemira Bartlett Lawrence was born in Hartford, April 17, 1804, and died in Wayne, Dec. 26, 1872, aged 68 years, 8 months and 9 days. She was a woman of good mental capacity, of large and generous heart, and universally loved and respected. She was a member of the Baptist church in Wayne. Her children were Hiram B., Horatio B., and Abbott Nelson, born in Wayne, Oct. 5, 1846, and died in his native town, June 13, 1871, at the age of 24 years, 8 months, 8 days. He was nearly fitted for college when he met with an accident by which he lost the sight of one eye. This changed his whole course of life. He had taught school one winter in Topsham. His intention had been to study medicine ofter completing his college course. A quick and promising scholar, an original thinker, though eminently practical, an affectionate and dutiful son and brother, his early loss was deeply felt by his parents and brothers and a wide circle of other relatives and friends.
Horatio Bartlett Lawrence was born in Wayne, Dec. 19, 1841. He entered Bowdoin College, August, 1861. He soon took a high stand
H. B. LAWRENCE.
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HISTORY OF WAYNE.
in scholarship, and was given one of the highest literary parts of the Junior exhibition. Graduating in 1865, he was Principal ofthe Gardiner High School two years. He then pursued a full course of theological study in the Seminary, Newton, Mass., and graduated in 1870. He, however, has exercised the Christian ministry only occasionally. He has given his attention, for the most part, to education. He is a fine linguist, a thorough scholar in all branches, and an apt and faithful teacher. In 1874 he was married to Adelia M. Brown of West Sut- ton, Mass.
Hiram Bartlett Lawrence was born in Wayne, Mar. 8, 1840. At- tending High School at Wayne, Towle Academy, Winthrop, and Maine State Seminary, Lewiston, he entered Bowdoin College in Angust, 1862. There he was president of his class the first year, and class orator at graduation. In college he belonged to the secret society of Psi Upsilon, andjoine I the Masons at Gir liner. Gra luating in 1866, he entered the law office of N. M. Whitmore, 2d, Esq., of Gardiner, but later pursued his studies with Hon. F. E. Webb of Winthrop, and was admitted to the Kennebec bar, Aug. 11, 1868. For six years he had charge of the Gardiner High School and Pena- cook Academy, New Hampshire, and fitted young men for Bowdoin and Dartmouth. For the last twenty-six years he has been Principal of a large school at Holyoke, Mass. In 1875 he was married to Mary J. Day of Holyoke. They have had three children, only one surviving, Vera Bartlett, born June 19, 1888.
Charles Frederic Leadbetter, son of Lucius C. and Mary A. Lead- better, was born in Wayne, Nov. 14, 1866. He is the youngest of a family of four children,-Freddie C., who died in childhood ; Nellie A., now Mrs. U. P. Francis of Livermore, and Arthur C. of Deering. He was educated in the public schools of Wayne from which he entered Coburn Classical Institute, Waterville, in 1885, graduating in 1887 ; the same year entered Colby University and graduated there- from in 1891, in the first division of scholarship. Appointed speaker on the Freshman prize reading, Sophomore declamation, Junior exhibi- tion, and Commencement exercises at graduation ; also delivered the class oration at graduation. Appointed Assistant College Marshal for Commencement in Sophomore year, and Head Marshal in Junior Year. Member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and editor of the Society Quarterly for college Chapter in Junior year. Member of the editorial board of the Colby Oracle, the annual college publication for 1890. Elected a mem-
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