Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine; 1625-1892, Part 52

Author: Kingsbury, Henry D; Deyo, Simeon L., ed
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York, Blake
Number of Pages: 1790

USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine; 1625-1892 > Part 52

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" Fond of literature for the delightful insight it gave him into the companionship of great minds, and the deep vista of other worlds than were visible from Brownsville, he readily devoured such books

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as the college library afforded, and the rooms of the various societies contained. This was a matter of delight to the rapidly expanding mind of the boy, and the highways and by-ways of Shakespeare, the fine philosophy of Bacon, the rare pages of Ben Jonson, the lighter fancies of Oliver Goldsmith, mingled their varied influences with the greater histories and the more modest story of the young republic. To the tale of 1776 and the early days of his country's career young Blaine lent more than a willing ear, and was never tired of the story of how large a part his grandfather had played in that sad yet glorious drama. The taste for history, too, founded a solid taste in literature that has ever since continued to such excellent advantage, and notably makes brilliant the pages of Twenty Years of Congress.'

James G. Blaine left college with the view of becoming a teacher, for on his own brain and hand he must now depend for success in life. He went to Kentucky and became a professor in the Western Institute, of Blue Lick Springs, which was then numerously attended by the boys of that state. As an instructor his services at this school were successful and highly appreciated. In thus honoring the teach- er's profession he followed the example of Daniel Webster, who taught at Salisbury Plains and at Fryeburg Academy. William H. Seward had a like experience in Georgia, and Sarmiento, one of the few patriotic and noble statesmen of South America, as well as the lamented Garfield, were for years teachers of youth.

The testimony is ample that Mr. Blaine's years of service as in- structor in Kentucky and Philadelphia were efficiently and thoroughly performed. It was during his residence in Kentucky that transpired what was to have a remarkable influence on the lines of his destiny. The query may have been sometimes raised, why did so gifted and promising a young man turn his back on the encouraging opportuni- ties of the South as well as the state of his birth, and come to Maine? If the answer has the air of romance, it certainly is not exceptional in the lives of men. It is said that "Love laughs at locksmiths." Legend or history attests that two thousand years ago, it caused its subject to swim the Hellespont. In modern days it scorns the bound- aries of states and takes little account of climate and material sur- roundings. It was while teacher Blaine was serving at Blue Lick Springs that he first met Harriet Stanwood, who was then one of the instructors at a young ladies' school, at Millersburgh, a few miles dis- tant from Blue Lick. This young woman from Augusta, Me., was one of those well educated persons of her sex, who, in those days, were accustomed to go South and West as teachers. The meeting of these two persons resulted in an acquaintance and marriage, in 1851, and the intelligence and devotion of the wife thus chosen have been a stimulating and supporting force to James G. Blaine in his long, exciting and successful public career and private life. Considering that the gifted son of Western Pennsylvania became the husband of a Kennebec lady so eminently worthy of his choice, it would be super-

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fluous farther to explain why he came to Maine, instead of being drawn West by the attractions of its mountains, prairies and mines. The pro-slavery atmosphere and surroundings of Kentucky were not congenial to him. Several years later, soon after becoming a jour- nalist, he wrote:

"Our residence in the South gave us, we hope, the advantage of a thorough comprehension of slavery in all its aspects and of the views of the men who sustain it. The anti-slavery sentiments, which, from. our earliest youth, we imbibed in our native Pennsylvania, were deep- ened and strengthened by a residence among the slave-holders, and' nowhere, either on slave soil or on free soil, have we expressed other feelings than those of decided hostility to the extension of the with- ering curse."

Turning northward with his young wife, early in 1851, he fol -. lowed a course of law study, in law offices of the neighborhood of his birth, which he subsequently completed in Philadelphia, while for- two years he was engaged as one of the teachers in the institution of that city for the instruction of the blind, and where he left a fine- record for his ability and fidelity as an instructor. In that Pennsyl- vania institution there is said to be now preserved the first evidence of Mr. Blaine's literary effort. It is a thick quarto manuscript, bound and lettered, giving a historical view of the institution from the date of its foundation to the time of the young teacher's departure. The- methodical character and completeness of this manuscript volume is said to be very striking and indicates that mastery of details and thoroughness of statement which have been so signally shown in his- subsequent career. The record is completed with the date of Sep- tember, 1854, and in November of the same year he became a resident of Augusta, Me., and one of the editors and owners of the Kennebec. Journal. It was an opportune time for a born journalist to assume his responsibilities. The political atmosphere was charged with burning issues. It is difficult for one of this generation adequately to conceive the condition of things that then existed, how dominant the slave power was then in the nation, and how hard it was for the majority to resist it, and how restless and on fire were large numbers to bring about a new order of affairs. It were impossible for one so intelligent,. so abounding in nervous force and ambition, to have been otherwise than in sympathy with the new movement for human freedom. To him inertia and laziness were and have ever been intolerable. There were reasons inherent in temperament and tastes, as well as in his. range of reading, which led him to be a political editor, and to aid in. the discussion of the issues that were rapidly taking shape in direc- tions of tremendous importance.

It was in these circumstances that he connected himself with the newspaper,which had been twenty years before established by Luther- Severance, whose able pen and honored name had made it well known.

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in and outside of Maine. It was soon after the repeal of the Missouri Compromise; there were dark and sinister clouds in the political sky which many failed to see, and there were positive and negative poles to the national machinery. It certainly was not in the character com- posite of the young editor to be a negative, or to lull men to sleep when strong electrical currents were in the air. Opposition to the ex- tension of slavery, made intense by the recent passage through con- gress of the Kansas and Nebraska Bill, were just then disrupting the whig party, recasting more or less the democratic party, and rapidly preparing the way for uniting all the earnest and determined op- ponents of slavery in national organization. In Maine the question of prohibition supplemented the slavery issue in driving a consider- able proportion of the democratic to the republican ranks, while . causes arising from the same issues carried several thousand whigs to democratic fellowship. It was thus at a crucial and formative period in Maine politics that the new editorship of the Kennebec Journal came into play as a strong force. The young editor was clear, vigorous and incisive in his style of writing, and his blows always told. It was said of an eloquent American divine and a brilliant writer, that he was accustomed to begin reading a book in the middle and then glance rap- idly both ways to catch the chief thoughts of the author. Mr. Blaine, even then, could go through the center of a pile of newspaper ex- changes and absorb all they contained of real value quicker than any other editor we ever knew. He has always had a remarkable control of his resources. His trenchant pen, his bold utterances, the thorough and able manner with which he discussed pending political questions, soon made him known to the public, and his personal magnetism, his frank and open bearing toward those with whom he was brought into acquaintance and association, rapidly made him friends and sup- porters.

It was at the beginning of 1855 that the writer of this first saw Mr. Blaine, at an appointed personal interview. His appearance then is fresh to our memory as of yesterday. His large, lustrous, expressive eyes, his striking physiognomy, and his vivacious and nervous man- ner of expression were a sure index of marked ability and of these qualities which give one popularity and influence with the people, and make him a favorite among his associates. In a few hours after that first meeting we were partners in the ownership and editorial direc- tion of the newspaper with which he had connected himself two months before. The legislature was in session. Anson P. Morrill had just been chosen governor and a new era opened in the political history of the state. It was a fine opportunity for the talented young editor, recently from another state, to become acquainted with the citizens of the county and the state, and well did he improve it. The ready and rapid manner with which he drew to himself friends and

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made his influence felt, showed him then a born leader of men. It was early in the summer of 1856, when he made his first effort at speech-making in Maine. It was not known that he had gifts in that direction, and in that regard he then had much modesty and hesita- tion. But he ventured to go to Litchfield and be one of the speakers at a town assemblage, chiefly farmers, citizens well informed as to. questions then uppermost in the public mind. The history and the objects of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and the outrages on the free state men of Kansas, were the themes of discussion. The writer rode with the young editor to the Litchfield meeting, and heard Mr. Blaine's first political speech in Maine. It greatly pleased the audience; it captivated the intelligent Kennebec farmers; it was more than a success. That was the beginning of his high reputation as a public speaker in Maine, which he has held for so many years.

His editorial labors were given to the Kennebec Journal until the summer of 1857, when he sold his interests in the paper, and became- the editor of the Portland Advertiser, which for years had been ably conducted by Henry Carter, though Mr. Blaine continued his resi- dence in Kennebec. Elected representative from Augusta, he entered the legislature of 1859. Very soon he showed forensic powers and skill in debate which soon gave him leadership in that body, which had among its members those of legislative experience and ability. In 1860 he was chosen speaker of the house, by the unanimous voice- of his party, and likewise in 1861. As a debater, a legislator, and as the presiding officer, he was brilliantly successful, proving himself to possess those remarkable qualities which, on another and a higher arena of responsibility, were to be developed into a national reputa- tion, which, in commanding proportions, he has held so many years, giving him a popular leadership and a political influence at the present time without an equal among living Americans. In 1862 he was unanimously nominated in the republican convention, at Waterville,. for congress, and was elected by a large majority. Anson P. Morrill, his predecessor, the large-brained, generous and noble hearted man he was, preferred not to be reëlected, as he wished to give exclusive attention to important private business, and he also highly appreciated the brilliant talents and growing reputation of Mr. Blaine thus early in his great career.

It is not for us to speak here of the remarkable success of Mr. Blaine during his twenty years of congressional life, in house and senate, nor of the commanding position he has held as secretary of state, with the lamented Garfield and in the present administration of President Harrison. His policy, acts and state papers are before the world and speak for themselves. Busy as he has been for many years at Washington, he still cherishes a lively interest in the people of Kennebec. As to the strong attachment which has so long existed

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between Mr. Blaine and the people of this county, it seems unneces- sary to speak to those who know him so well and esteem him so warmly. We are sure he has never regretted that he sought Augusta for his home. Kennebec has ever been, and still continues to be, proud of her adopted son. He has always been impressed by the general intelligence of the people of Kennebec, and often spoken of it to others. He likes to converse on equal social terms with{the Ken- nebec farmers. A thorough American himself, caring nothing for the society of dudes, democratic in his sympathies and tastes, he readily makes himself at home with the plain, sensible farmers and mechanics, as the indefatigable worker and the lover of labor always does. Ken- nebec has had in her history many distinguished citizens-Peleg Sprague, George Evans, Reuel Williams, Luther Severance, James W. Bradbury, Anson P. Morrill, Lot M. Morrill, and a score of others. But in this honored list of public men there has been none who had such enduring hold of the people and been regarded with so much pride and esteem as James G. Blaine. His success and renown at home and abroad they value as in part their own. He has always been interested in whatever concerned the prosperity of the county. He has favored the enterprises calculated to advance its business interests and growth. His judgment in business affairs has been highly regarded by his fellow citizens. His financial credit and fidel- ity to engagements are proverbial. Simple in his style of living, tem- perate in his habits, he has not held himself apart from others, but has favored whatever befits and gives profit, improvement and support to his neighbors and townsmen.

For years, amid partisan animosities and rivalries, there were made persistent efforts to discredit his talents, saying he was only an astute politician and had not the statesman's qualities. But this contention was abandoned sometime since. A politician he cer- tainly has been, as all successful statesmen, who deal with large bodies of men and public affairs, must be. But his mind does not work in a single groove. It is large, full-orbed, and well stocked with that which gives him power in whatever arena he enters. Large experience with men and books, sleepless industry in the acquisition of facts and their meaning, in the field of practical knowledge and culture, have broad- ened him and given him equipoise and strength to accomplish results. His speeches, state papers, literary addresses, the Garfield eulogy, his writings in newspapers and reviews, show him possessed of those in- tellectual gifts and tastes which have served to make him a distin- guished statesman, and if fully put in exercise, would have made him an eminent historian. His Twenty Years of Congress is an indication of what he might have been in this regard. His astonishing memory of facts, dates and men, as well as his ready understanding of govern- ments, peoples and events, fit him clearly to state the laws and lessons

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of history, for which his lucidity and precision of style seem so well adapted.

The charge sometimes has been made, that Mr. Blaine gives his confidence to men of doubtful reputation. The like charge was made against Webster, Clay, Chase and Grant. It was often made against so noble a man as Abraham Lincoln. Jefferson, Madison, Jackson were not without errors of this kind. Even the most perfect being in the human form that ever had to do with men on earth, had among his near associates one who betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver, and another who denied him with lying lips. Go across the sea and you will hear of the like imputation against the leading states- men of England, from Chatham to Salisbury. A good natured, kind hearted knave knows how to make himself agreeable to men of genius, pressed with grave cares and high responsibilities. Great minds and generous hearts cannot always be on guard with sharp suspicions against those who approach or serve them. It would be unreasonable to expect that the subject of this sketch should be entirely exempt from the mistakes from which other distinguished public men of this and other times have not been free. He is far from being naturally a suspicious or an unforgiving man. He is less resentful toward those who have unjustly treated him than the large majority of men. We have been near him in some of the most trying hours of his life, when cruel falsehoods were falling thick around him, like icy pebbles in a storm of hail, and even when minie-balls, loaded with the poison of malice, were whistling around, aimed by those who meant to strike him down at whatever cost. When he barely failed of the presidential nomination in 1876, he was not bitter in denunciation of those, who, he had reason to believe, had opposed him by unfair methods. When he lost his election in 1884, as by the weight of a single straw, under the peculiar circumstances which transpired in New York in the last few days of the canvass, and when he was struck in the dark by those whose support he had the right to expect, he respected himself and his cause too much to use unseemly and bitter language regarding those of his opponents who had used against him weapons not allow- able in honorable political warfare. He made allowance for the excited passions and the party prejudices of men. He made allowance for the weakness of human nature, pressed by the temptation to win suc- cess for their cause at whatever cost, and wrought to the highest ten- sion by the hope of victory. In these sharp, tremendous trials, his broad and generous character asserted itself, in a manner to reflect honor on him as the man and the statesman his countrymen now esteem him.

Mr. Blaine has passed through severe trials of bereavement and sorrow. He has seen his trusted friend and associate in great affairs, the lamented president, shot down at his side by an assassin. The

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common fate of man was not to be reversed for him and those of his blood. Death suddenly entered his home and flung its dark shadows across its threshold. He has seen his cherished sons in the pride and flush of hope and ambition, suddenly taken away by insidious disease, and a beloved daughter smitten by death, leaving her young children and beloved husband in their sadness and loss. His manly form and physical strength have been assailed and weakened by sick ness and pain. Yet, the force of his mental powers has not abated. His large and receptive mind has been purified and refined in the crucible of trial and suffering, and he is still able to touch the thoughts and feelings of men by the aptness and electricity of his words, as can no other public man in America. Passing through as stormy, pro- longed, and eventful a career as Edmund Burke, he has the audacity and fertility of genius and the remarkable enthusiasm of followers, of which William E. Gladstone furnishes so splendid an example. Twice refusing the presidency when it was clearly within his grasp, and it was earnestly and persistently pressed to his acceptance, he still con- tinues his duties as a great secretary of state, dealing with numerous international questions of large importance, exhibiting a sagacity, a ripeness of powers, a balance of judgment and decision, surprising to many who formerly opposed him, and with a success more than equal to his high reputation. When he shall have completed his great labors at the national capital, it is hoped that he will spend the re- mainder of his days at his old home in Maine. It is certain that here he will be respected and beloved by the citizens of Augusta, of Ken- nebec county, and of the entire state. Here, in the midst of his cher- ished friends, and the supporting atmosphere of the books and studies which he so fondly loves, may he pass his closing years, and have the bright sunset of life befitting his fame, and radiant with the Christian hope of immortality.

Charles H. Blaisdell was born in 1833, in Sidney, where his father, David, lived, and where his grandfather, Elijah, a son of David Blais- dell, settled with his five sons: John, Daniel, Elijah, jun., David and Hosea, in 1817. Charles H. was ten years at Oakland in the scythe and axe manufactory, and in 1878 purchased his present farm near the state muster grounds. He was two years street commissioner; four years in the city government, being president of the council in 1890 and 1891. He had one sister, Elma L., born 1838, died in child- hood. His wife is Sarah E., daughter of Erastus O. Wheeler, an old family of Waterville. Their only child is Cora A., who married Ed- gar S. Turner, instructor in the science of accounts and business practice at the Dirigo Business College, Augusta, and their only child is Erldon M. Turner, born August 16, 1891. Mr. Blaisdell was the first master of the Masonic Lodge at Oakland; first high priest of the Chapter; and first M. E. H. P. of the Council.

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J. Albert Bolton, born in 1829, is the only son of William Bolton, and a grandson of Savage Bolton, who was the first settler at Bolton Hill, and built his original log house on what is now the front yard of Greenleaf Barrow's. J. A. Bolton married Priscilla S. Merrill. Their only daughter died in infancy; their only son, William A., a young man of great promise, was graduated at Cony High School, and Boston Commercial College, and died at the age of twenty-two.

John W. Boyington was born in Dresden in 1813, and died in Augusta in 1887. His father, John, of Windsor, was a son of Peltiah Boyington, of Mercer, Me., a revolutionary soldier. John W. was married in 1838 to Militiah, daughter of Charles, and granddaughter of Charles Glidden, of Jefferson, Me., and soon after settled near Cooper's Mills, in Windsor. He removed to Augusta in 1852, where he was a carpenter and farmer. His children are: Charles B., of Ban- gor; J. Frederick, of Augusta; Alonzo S., of Corinna, Me .; and Ella F. (Mrs. Clifton Buttrick), of Hudson, N. H.

SAMUEL S. BROOKS was born in Augusta, Me., March 28, 1821, and has been continuously in business on Water street for over half a century. He was the youngest son of John Brooks, who came to the Kennebec from Lincoln, Mass., and settled at Cushnoc (now Augusta) in 1784. At the age of ten his father moved to Farmington, Franklin county, and Samuel S. had the opportunity of some schooling at the village academy, and a good deal of hard work. At the age of fifteen he came to Augusta, and worked for six years in his brother's (W. A. Brooks') grocery store, in which he became a partner at the age of twenty-one.

After two years he succeeded his brother in business, and soon after commenced building vessels on the east side of the river, at the wharf then known as General Cony wharf. The Oriole and barque Ocean Bird were built and launched there, where now is only a sand bed. He subsequently built, with Read & Page, of Hallowell, the ship Abbe Langdon, of 1,060 tons measurement, being the largest vessel ever launched this side of Richmond. This ship cost over $60,000, and came within twenty-four hours' sail of London with a freight of some $32,000, when she went ashore in the English channel, and was a total loss. The vessel and freight were valued at $100.000, and were only insured for some $10,000, to cover the cost of a two years' outfit. This was a most serious loss to Mr. Brooks, and the great American con- flict coming on, he discontinued building vessels.

He was at one time interested in the manufacturing of shovels at the Kennebec dam, and also in the furniture business both at West Gardiner and Augusta. Since 1855 he has been largely engaged in the wholesale and retail hardware business, occupying the Darby Block until he erected Central Block in 1878, where he now is.

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S. S. Brooks was married in 1861, to Mary C., daughter of Thomas Wadsworth, of Augusta. Albert W., who was educated at Amherst College, the oldest of their five children, is now in the hardware busi- ness with his father in Augusta; Samuel C., the second son, was a graduate of Amherst College and of the Yale Theological School, from whence he went to Colorado, where he died while doing mis- sionary work, in 1889; the third son, Percy W., a graduate of Bowdoin College, in the class of '90, is now a clerk in the banking house of N. W. Harris & Co., Boston; Florence, the oldest daughter, is traveling with a party in Egypt, from whence she is a frequent newspaper cor- respondent; Daisy, the youngest, is a music pupil in Boston.

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Illustrated history of Kennebec County, Maine; 1625-1892, Part 52

Author: Kingsbury, Henry D; Deyo, Simeon L., ed Publication date: 1892 Publisher: New York, Blake Number of Pages: 1790

Author: Kingsbury, Henry D; Deyo, Simeon L., ed
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York, Blake
Number of Pages: 1790