USA > Maine > Maine; a history, Volume IV > Part 16
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practice, but has taken a leading part in many de- partments of the community's life. In politics he is a Republican, and although in no sense of the word a politician, he nevertheless is looked upon as a factor in public affairs. In his religious belief he is a Congregationalist.
Such is the brief review of the carcer of one who has achieved not only honorable success and high standing among men, but whose life record demonstrates the fact that success depends not upon circumstances or environment, but upon the man; and the prosperous citizen is he who is able to recognize and improve his opportunities.
EUGENE LESTER TEBBETS - One of Maine's prominent citizens, manufacturers, and business men, Eugene Lester Tebbets, was a man whose energy, vision and sound judgment won him a place in the front ranks of the State's na- tive sons. Not only was he a success in the busi- ness world, but there was a quality to his suc- cess that does not accompany the rewarded ef- forts of all men. He cultivated high ideals, and the standard of integrity he fixed was never lowered in his business intercourse with indi- viduals. Considerate, courteous, and just, he was so actuated by that fine sense of integrity that his employees esteemed, respected, and faith- fully served him. He was a man of education, learning, and broad views, ever ready to promote that which tended to the best interests of his fellows or his community, and his consideration and kindliness won him hosts of friends in busi- ness and social life. His father, John G. Tebbets, was one of the pioneer manufacturers of Maine, and at Locke Mills was engaged in the manufac- ture of wooden spools and wood turnings, build- ing up a business that was continued by his son upon the death of the elder Tebbets. His grandfather, Paul C. Tebbets, was one of the set- tlers of Lisbon, Maine, and was a leading mer- chant of that place.
Engene Lester Tebbets, son of John G. and Clara A. (Buckman) Tebbets, was born in Lis- bon, Maine, June 6, 1849, died at his home in An- burn, Maine, May 28, 1909. He was educated at the Edward Little Institute, Auburn, Maine, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bos- ton, of the class of 1809, making a special study of civil engineering. For about six years after leaving school he was attached to the engineer- ing department of the Maine Central Railroad as a civil engineer, then for six years longer he was connected with the accounting department as assistant treasurer of the general offices of the
HISTORY OF MAINE
road at Portland. The close confinement of of- fice work affected his health, and he returned to his out-of-door profession, civil engineering, and for six months he was with the engineering corps of a railroad in California, then, in 1882, returned home with his health restored.
That same year he formed au association with his father, John G. Tebbets, and for ten years father and son engaged in the manufacture o. wooden spools at their plant at Locke Mills, Ox- ford county, Maine. The death of his father threw the burden of management upon the son, and un- til his own death, fourteen years later, Eugene L. Tebbets continued the business with great suc- cess. By the introduction of exact business methods, prudence, and foresight, he developed and gradually enlarged his manufacturing oper- ations, until the plant of his company became one of the best equipped in the State, standing with- out a superior in modern and efficient appoint- ments. He gave freely of his time to the pub- lic service, and held many town offices in Green- wood, of which Locke Mills is a part. He placed the financial affairs of his town upon a sub- stantial basis, and proved in every way the value of his citizenship.
Mr. Tebbets married, September 4, 1873, Eliza- beth C. Morton, of Augusta, Maine, who sur- vives him, residing at Auburn, Maine. In 1897 Mr. Tebbets purchased a residence at No. 17 Prospect street, Auburn, which is still the family lionie, and while living there lie commuted be- tween his home and his business. Mr. and Mrs. Tebbets were the parents of the following chil- dren, of whom further: Charles B., Lawrence, Eu- gene L. and Donald H.
Charles B. Tebbets was born at Locke Mills, Maine, March 19, 1886, and died there, January 4, 1919. He attended the Edward Little High School, at Auburn, Maine, and was graduated from the University of Maine with the degree of C.E. in 1907. After completing his education, he became associated with his father, and upon the latter's death he succeeded to the presidency of the company, remaining at the head of the business until his death in 1919. His incumbency of this office was marked by the ability and ster- ling qualities that distinguished his honored father, and his sudden death from pneumonia was a great shock and loss to the community in which he was so well known. He was a director of the South Paris Trust Company, affiliated with the Masonic order, and, from his college days, the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, and was a member of the High Street Congregational Church, of Au-
burn. He married Elsie Engelmann, of Auburn, . Maine, and they were the parents of Lawrence M. and Gertrude D.
Lawrence Tebbets was born at Locke Mills, Maine, April 19, 1887, and died there, February 29, 1908. He was educated in the Auburn schools and the Highland Military Academy, of Worces- ter, Massachusetts. He worked for his father in different departments of the spool mill. At the time of his sudden death at the Locke Mills sum- mer home he had charge of the men and accounts at their Rumford Point saw mill. A capable young man, a loving son, a sincere friend, his early death was deeply felt by all who knew him.
Eugene L. Tebbets, Jr., was born at Locke Mills, March 22, 1892, and was educated in the public schools of Auburn, and Hebron Academy, graduating with honors from the latter institu- tion, and completing his studies with a course in a Boston business college. He also entered his father's business when he had finished his scholastic work, and was so engaged when the United States entered the European War. He was one of the first of his town to enlist in the army, becoming a member of the IoIst Trench Mortar Battery, serving with this organization in its strenuous service on the western front in France. His battery participated in the fighting on the Marne and Meuse rivers, and went into ac- tion along the Chemin des Dames, at Appre- mont, Chateau Thierry and St. Mihiel. When the armistice was signed, he was stationed at Ver- dun, and after receiving his honorable discharge from the army he resumed his work at Locke Mills, filling the position of president of the com- pany. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma college fraternity, and belongs to the High Street Congregational Church of Auburn. He married Marion McFarland, of Auburn.
Donald H. Tebbets was born at Locke Mills, Maine, July 26, 1896. He attended the Edward Little High School, of Auburn, and was graduated from Bowdoin College in the class of 1919 with the degree of B.S. Since the death of his brother, Charles, in 1919, he has filled the post of treas- urer of the company, capably discharging its im- portant duties. His college fraternity is the Delta Upsilon.
WILLIAM GLEASON BUNKER-One of the active men of Augusta, Maine, at the present time, and one whose activities are having a most direct effect upon the character and appearance of this place, is William G. Bunker, architect, man of affairs and public spirited citizen, who, since
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BIOGRAPHICAL
coming to Angusta about five years ago, has made an enviable reputation for himself in his profes- sion, and has identified himself most closely with the community's life. Mr. Bunker is a member of a good old Maine family, and is the son of Josiah B., now a retired sea captain, and Roxie (Stevens) Bunker, both natives of the State, the former having been born at Gouldsboro, and the latter at Steuben. The younger Mr. Bunker is a well known architect, and has been for many years actively engaged in this profession, many well known buildings having been designed by him, including model school buildings for the State Educational Department, the Elks Home, Smith School and Lincoln School buildings of Augusta, the second and third wings of the Angusta State Hospital, the Central building of the State School for Girls at Hallowell, and was associated with Edward F. Stevens, a specialist in hospital architecture, in planning the Angusta General Hospital. Besides, many handsome buildings elsewhere were designed by him, such as the high school buildings at Livermore Falls and Hallowell, Maine, and the grade school building at Jay.
It was in Hancock county that the birth of William Gleason Bunker occurred, November 12, 1872, but as a small boy he accompanied his parents to Millbridge, Washington county, and it was at the latter place that most of his child- hood was spent. It was at Millbridge, also, that he attended school and gained the greater part of his education, studying one winter at the high school. Later he took a course at a business col- lege at Bangor, Maine, with money saved by fol- lowing the sea. Indeed, at an early age he had sailed before the mast, his purpose, to earn and save sufficient funds to pay for his education. It was this independence of spirit and energy of character that soon forced a way upward for the young man when he finally came face to face with the serious business of life and began to make his own way in the world.
Upon attaining his majority Mr. Bunker went to Bar Harbor, Maine, where he followed the building trades for a time, and then went to Bos- ton. In the latter city he attended the evening schools, and there took up the study of designing, especially architectural designing. From the out- set he exhibited great aptitude and talent for the work which his tastes had prompted him to take np, and it was not long before he became a pro- ficient draftsman. In the year 1908, he entered the employ of Fred L. Savage, a well known architect at Bar Harbor, and worked in that gen-
tleman's office for a term of years, gaining the necessary practical experience and otherwise fit- ting himself to carry on an independent business. He left in order to accept a position with the State Highway Commission which, of course, gave another entirely different kind of experi- ence, but one of equal value. Eighteen months he remained with the commission and then, on May I, 1915, opened an office for himself in An- gusta, and for the last five years has been prac- ticising his profession on his own account. Dur- ing this period he has met with a most grati- fying success, and has won for himself an en- viable reputation throughout the community.
Mr. Bunker is active in many different depart- ments of the city's affairs besides that of his business, and takes a great interest in the gen- eral life of the place. He has been a prominent figure in local politics, but is not really identi- fied with any party, being an independent man in all things. He was cartoonist for the Demo- cratic State Committee, however, the first year of his association with Mr. Savage, which he claims helped to keep the wolf from the door, and has always held himself ready to aid in any canse in which he believed with ardor and en- thusiasm. He is a member of the Masonic Or- der of Bar Harbor, and also a charter member of the Order of Red Men, also of Bar Harbor; Knights of Pythias, of Millbridge, Maine; the Royal Arch Masons, the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Order of Maccabees, all of Augusta. His club is the Rotary, of Augusta.
On December 19, 1897, at Millbridge, Maine William Gleason Bunker was united in marriage with Gertrude Roberts, daughter of Oscar B. and Belle (Foren) Roberts, both natives and life-long residents of that place, where Mr. Rob- erts is now engaged in business as a manufacturer of sails. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bunker, as follows: Theodore R., and Roxie B., now pupils at the Cony High School, and Gladys J., now employed as a bookkeeper by the State Trust Company of Angusta.
LESLIE LEE MASON-Among the success- ful figures in the industrial and business world of Maine is that of Leslie Lee Mason, who has come to be most closely identified with the affairs of Portland and now (1919) of South Paris, Maine. He springs from good old Maine stock, and is a son of Oliver Hale and Olive M. (Lee) Mason, old and highly honored residents of Bethel, Maine, where Mr. Mason, Sr., was engaged for
HISTORY OF MAINE
many years in the hardware business, and was one of the founders of the Bethel Savings Bank, in which he held the offices of treasurer and president successively.
Leslie Lee Mason was a native of Bethel, born there, July 4, 1868. His childhood was spent in his native town, and he there gained the pre- liminary portion of his education in attendance at the local public schools. He later entered Gould's Academy, and after graduation from this institu- tion took a commercial course in the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. He then entered the industrial world and began the manufacture of dowels, which he has contin- ued uninterruptedly for twenty-seven years. In 1904 he engaged in the manufacture of toys at South Paris, continuing in the same at the pres- ent time, there having made his residence since June, 1917. His enterprises have been uniformly successful and he now occupies a position of importance and influence in the industrial world of Portland and South Paris. Besides his pri- vate business ventures, Mr. Mason is influential in the financial circles of his locality, and is a di- rector of the Forest City Trust Company and the Paris Trust Company of South Paris. He is a prominent citizen in the general life of the com- munity, and keenly interested in political issues of both local and national bearing. The demands made upon his time and energies, however, by the business enterprises with which he is con- nected, are of such a nature that he has been un- able to participate actively in public affairs, and he has never held political office of any kind. He is, however, a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and fulfills adequately all the obligations of citizenship. He is affiliated with numerous organizations, social and fraternal, particularly those of the Masonic order. He is a member of Deering Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Oxford Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. Albans Commandery, Knights Templar; and Kora Temple, Ancient Arabic Or- der Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Portland Club. In his religions belief Mr. Mason is a Universalist.
Leslie Lee Mason married (first) October 17, 1894, at Bethel, Maine, Maude E. Kimball, of Bangor, a daughter of John H. and Flora (Derry) Kimball, old and highly honored residents. Mr. Kimball still resides in Bangor, but Mrs. Kim- ball and Mrs. Mason are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Mason two children were born, as fol- lows: Dorothea, born May 6, 1896, and Donald
Kimball, born January 24, 1903. Mr. Mason mar- ried (second) March 4, 1918, Lucia Colcord, of Portland.
Mr. Mason's life is an active one. He is typical of the energetic man of affairs, whose united labors have built up Maine's industrial develop- ment. In him, as in this type so characteristic of Maine, this energy and industry is based upon a foundation of moral strength, which renders it doubly effective with the power forbearance al- ways gives. His honor and integrity are unim- peachable, his sense of justice sure, and his char- ity and tolerance broad and far-reaching. His successes are made permanent, founded as they are on the confidence of his associates, and he has built up for himself an enviable reputation among all classes of men.
HENRY ALLEN APPLETON, deceased, whose death at Bangor, Maine, October 5, 1903, was felt as a severe loss by the entire commun- ity, occupied a distinguished place in the life of this city, and so acquitted himself in all the walks of life that he was justly regarded as a most valu- able citizen and as one of the representative business men and a leader of social life here. Mr. Appleton was widely esteemed for his kind- ness and liberality, while his genial tempera- ment and simple, unaffected manner endeared him to a large circle of personal friends. His deeds of charity, though performed in such a manner as to be known only to the recipient of his bounty, served during the course of his life to relieve and soften a great many cases of actual suffering and distress among the poor of the city, and his carcer may well be described as one of usefulness and benefit to mankind.
Henry A. Appleton was born January 7, 1848, at Bangor, Maine, son of the Hon. John and Sarah N. (Allen) Appleton, and a grandson of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Peabody) Appleton, the latter residents of Ipswich, New Hampshire. Jonathan and Elizabeth (Peabody) Appleton were also par- ents of a daughter, Eliza, who became the wife of George Gibson, to whom she bore one child, Charles A. Gibson, late of Bangor.
The Hon. John Appleton, father of Henry A. Appleton, was born at Ipswich, New Hampshire, July 12, 1804, and after completing his studies at Bowdoin College, from which he was gradu- ated with the class of 1822, he began a course of study in law with George F. Farley, of Gro- ton, Massachusetts. He later studied with the celebrated Nathan Dane Appleton, of Alfred, Maine, who was a relative of his, and was admit-
Henry A. Appleton
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BIOGRAPHICAL
ted to the bar of his native State at Amherst, in 1826. In the same year, however, he removed to Dixmont, Penobscot county, Maine, where lie en- gaged in the practice of his profession .. Shortly afterwards, however, he removed to Quebec, and six years later, in 1832, came to Bangor, where he formed a partnership with Elisha H. Allen, under the firm name of Allen & Appleton. This association was dissolved in 1841, when Mr. Allen was elected to a seat in the Federal Congress, Mr. Appleton then forming a partnership with John B. Hill, late of Bangor. In the same year Mr. Appleton was himself appointed reporter of de- cisions for the Supreme Judicial Court of the State, and served in that capacity for about one year, during which time he compiled and edited Volumes XIX and XX of the State report, now highly esteemed by his profession. On May II, 1852, he was appointed justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, and served on that body for many years, being re-appointed at the expi- ration of his first term. On October 24, 1862, upon the retirement of Chief Justice Tenney, he was elevated to that, the highest judicial position in the State, and was re-appointed to the same of- fice September 17, 1869, and again on September 20, 1876. Justice Appleton assisted in compiling a treatise on "Evidence," which was published in Philadelphia, in 1860, and had a wide circulation. He married (first) February 6, 1834, Sarah N. Allen, who died Angust 12, 1874. They were the parents of four sons, as follows: Colonel John F., deceased, an officer of the Civil War; Edward P., deceased; Frederick H., of Bangor, Maine, and Henry Allen, of whom further. Justice Apple- ton married (second) March 30, 1876, Anne V. Greeley. His death occured at Bangor, at an ad- vanced age.
Henry Allen Appleton spent his entire life in his native city of Bangor, where he obtained an excellent education in the local public schools and the Bangor Academy. During his active business career he was identified with various lines of business, but took a more prominent in- terest in the land and lumber enterprises with which the majority of the old families in the State were identified than in any other. Because of his honorable business methods, his persever- ance and progressiveness, coupled with an abil- ity and judgment of a superior order, Mr. Apple- ton was enabled to build up a business which brought him large returns for the labor expended. He retired from active life several years prior to his death, being at that time regarded as one of the most substantial and influential citizens of trade as president of the St. John Lumber Com-
this place. After his retirement Mr. Apple- ton devoted most of his time to promoting such measures and undertakings as were calculated to advance the general welfare and, whether in his capacity of business man or philanthropist, he was always found faithful to his associates and to the task in hand, never betraying a trust reposed in him. Mr. Appleton was an influential mem- ber of the Democratic party, and was a staunch supporter of its principles, in which he had the greatest faith. For many years he exerted ? beneficient influence upon local affairs, but through his vote and through his voice, which was always a powerful one in the interests of of right. He was an active and influential mem- ber of the Tarratine Club.
Henry Allen Appleton was united in marriage, March 14, 1878, with Maria S. Sanborn, the youngest daughter of the Hon. Abraham and Maria (Sawtelle) Sanborn. Mrs. Appleton was one of a family of five children, the others being as follows: Emily, deceased, who became the wife of General S. F. Hersey, now deceased; Helen, Richard, and Henry, the last two also deceased. Abraham Sanborn was born at Laconia, New Hampshire, and was prepared for college at the Bangor Academy. He later entered Waterville College (now Colby College) from which he was graduated with high honors, and then read law with Jacob McGraw, of Bangor. He was admit- ted to the bar of this State after a successful competitive examination, and established him- self in the active practice of his profession in that portion of Levant, later known as Kenduskeag. About the year 1840 he removed to Bangor, being the third attorney in that town, and rapidly be- came one of the leading members of the bar, and an eloquent and forceful advocate. He developed in course of time a large and representative clien- tele, the greater part of his work being carried on in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. Al- though his time and attention were almost entire- ly devoted to his profession, he yet took an active interest in politics, and was chosen by his fel- low citizens to represent them in the State Legis- lature, serving on that body several times, and making a wide reputation for himself as a cap- able and disinterested public servant.
JAMES WILEY PARKER-The more than half a century that Mr. Parker has spent in the lumber industry bas witnessed his progress from a clerkship in one of the largest lumber concerns in the Fast to a conspicuous position in the lumber
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pany, operating the largest saw mill plant in New England and the largest shingle mill in the United States. His business headquarters are in Portland, where he is well known socially and fraternally, and where he is an active participant in all civic movements, and, as a supporter of Republican principles, interested in public affairs.
James WV. Parker is a son of John and Abbie (Brown) Parker, of Hampden, Maine, grandson of Nathaniel and Matilda (Young) Parker, and great- grandson of Chase Parker, of Buxton, Maine. Matilda (Young) Parker was a daughter of Cap- tain Young, of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, a sea cap- tain who sailed around the world.
John Parker, son of Nathaniel, and father of James Wiley Parker, was a farmer of Hampden, a Baptist in religion, and a strong antagonist of slavery. His wife, Abhie Parker, was a daughter of David and Letitia (Hunter) Brown, of Clinton, Maine. David Brown was an explorer and expert lumberman, owning considerable timber land, fol- lowing lumhering all of his long life. John and Abbie (Brown) Parker were the parents of : James Wiley, of whom further; and Letitia, deceased.
James Wiley Parker was born in Hampden, Maine, July 30. 1850. He attended the little red district school, afterwards Hampden Academy, for two terms in the fall of the year subsequently en- tering the Bangor Business College, whence he was graduated, March 10. 1860. His business career began October 10. 1869, when he became a clerk in the employ of the Berlin Mills Company, of Berlin, New Hampshire, the largest lumber con- cern in the East. He was advanced to the position of head clerk in 1872, also serving as paymaster, and in 1879 his abilities were recognized by his admission to the firm, which was then a partner- ship. and upon the incorporation of the business in 1888 he hecame its vice-president. Two years after his admission to the firm, in 1881. he was placed in active charge of the business as local manager, and in 1886 his department became the woods opera- tions and log driving. In his various capacities with the Berlin Mills Company, Mr. Parker gained a knowledge and experienced valuable in the ex- treme and which stood him in good stead in his subsequent independent operations. He sold his interest in the corporation in 1806, then purchasing the controlling interest in the South Gardiner Lum- ber Company, on the Kennebec river, South Gardi- ner, Maine. In the following year Mr. Parker be- came the owner of the controlling interest in the Rufus Deering Company, lumber manufacturers, of Portland, and in 1002 he organized the St. John Lumher Company, building, at Van Buren, Maine,
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