Saco Valley settlements and families. Historical, biographical, genealogical, traditional, and legendary, Part 92

Author: Ridlon, Gideon Tibbetts, 1841- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Portland, Me., The author
Number of Pages: 1424

USA > Maine > Saco Valley settlements and families. Historical, biographical, genealogical, traditional, and legendary > Part 92
USA > New Hampshire > Saco Valley settlements and families. Historical, biographical, genealogical, traditional, and legendary > Part 92

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).

1. SALLY,2 b. May 12, 1786; m. Ezekiel Hotchkiss, Nov. 30, 1809, and d. May 1, 1852, aged 66 years. They had nine children, who have left numerous descendants.

2. DAVID,2 m. and settled in New Jersey; had several children, one of whom, named George,3 was major of an Indiana regiment in the Civil war.

3. ESTHER,2 mn. - Hine, and had one son, David,3 residing at Hartford, Susquehanna county, Penn.

4. PERSIS,2 m. - Gillett, and lived a while in Pennsylvania, but re- turned to New Haven.

5. WILLIS,2 b. Feb. 25, 1798; m. Sarah Hotchkiss, Aug. 14, 1822, she b. in Cheshire, Conn., Dec. 12, 1799. He died Oct 2, 1827; his widow, April 22, 1867. I suppose these lived in West Haven, Conn. There were children as follows :

I. WILLIS E.,3 b. Jan. 29, 1824; m. Feb. 8. 1845, to Eunice Smith, b. in Oxford, Conn., May 16, 1824. He d. Feb. 29, 1864, aged 40, Jeav- ing issue and a widow now living at Marian, Conn. Children :

(1). Frederick A.,4 b. May 2, 1846; m. Minnie Wilsey, in Oxford, Conn., April 25, 1876, she b. Aug. 3, 1856. These had: Oslo D.,5 b. Feb. 15, 1877; Jessie D.,5 b. March 17, 1879; Harry II.,5 b. Aug. 3, 1885.

(2). Sarah E.,4 b. March 23, 1827; d. Sept. 29, 1848.

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6. SAMUEL,2 b. June 5, 1800, in West Haven, suburb of New Haven ; m. Mrs. Caroline D. French, whose maiden name was Platt, and settled in Ohio, where they resided nine years, and there the two eldest children were born. They returned to Orange, Conn., and resided there until his death, Jan. 1, 1882. He was buried within a stone's throw of where he was born, on land formerly owned by his father, now in a cemetery. Three children :

I. EDWIN H.,3 b. Oct. 4, 1838; m. Jane Somers, July 4, 1864. No issue. He served as first sergeant in Ist Connecticut Heavy Artil- lery, also as aid to Gen. DeRussey; since marriage has resided in Washington, D. C.

II. HELEN F.,3 b. Feb. 2, 1843; was m. to Theron L. Alling, Nov. 23, 1865, and has had two children, a son and daughter; residence, Orange, Conn.

III. GEORGE F.,8 b. July 17, 1847 ; unmarried; in Orange, Conn.

LARRABEES OF NORTH YARMOUTH.

Stephen Larrabee,1 was evidently a brother of William, of Malden, who was one of the first pioneers of North Yarmouth, Me. The two purchased lands of the Indians before the regular settlement of the town. We have no documentary proof that these were brothers, but there is unquestionable evi- dence of their kinship. We have no mention of the parentage or place of nativity of Stephen, no record of his marriage, will, or death. That he had a large family the list of his children's names, both in the will of William, of date, Oct. 24, 1692, and in the petition of his son Isaac, dated Mar. 2, 1732, proved. His children will be mentioned in this connection briefly, and in another place at the heads of the various branches of which they became the progenitors. Of some the meagre records that are preserved in the towns where they had a precarious residence and unreliable tradition afford but little information. Some were slain by the blood-thirsty savages, some died on a foreign shore, while others seem to have closed life's mysterious drama in their homes surrounded by their friends.

I. STEPHEN,2 b. 1656, of whom presently.

2. WILLIAM,2 settled in Arundel.

3. SAMUEL,2 d. before Aug. 8, 1727.

4. ISAAC,2 b. 1664; removed to Lynn.

5. BENJAMIN,2 settled in Falmouth.

6. EPHRAIM,2 killed by Indians at North Yarmouth.

7. JOHN,2 who crossed the sea and "did abide."

8. JANE,2 m. William Ashfield.

Stephen Larrabee,2 (1), b. 1652 ; t mentioned first in the will of William,

* JOHN LARRABEE, of New England (evidently a mariner), appoints Elizabeth Crawford, of London, his attorney April, 1694; proved June 19, 1694 .- Register.

t Gould says: "I think the oldest inscription on any stone in the Eastern burying-ground is that to the memory of Stephen Larrabee, who died in 1718, age 66." This shows where one of the "loving kinsman" of William Larrabee, of Malden, was laid down to rest, and also, if the dates are correct, that he was not a son of William and Elizabeth Felt, Stephen's birth being in 1652, and their marriage in 1655. Query : Did Stephen die at the home of his brother Benjamin? If not, why buried at Falmouth?

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of Malden, among his "loving kinsmen," and in his brother Isaac's petition, was probably the eldest son. He had a wife named Isabel, after going from North Yarmouth to Malden, by whom two or more children. We know that one or more sons were born twelve years previously, as will appear; and we are confident from the correspondence of dates, names, and slight documentary hints, that he was father of those whose names we will subjoin to aid our treatment, viz :

I. STEPHEN,8 b. 1682 ; dead 1737.

2. DEA. WILLIAM,8 b. 1684 (?); m. 1708.

3. CAPT. JOHN,8 b. 1686; m. 1710.

4. SAMUEL,8 b. 1690 (?) ; m. 1717; living 1760.

5. ABIGAIL,8 b. 1694; m. 1718.

6. CAPT BENJAMIN,8 b. 1696; went to Brunswick.

7. EPHRAIM,3 b. 1698 (?); m. before 1722.

8. MARGARET,3 m. - Brock.

Stephen Larrabee8 (1), b. in 1682; m. Margaret Pain, Jan. 10, 1704, the return made in Boston by Rev. Robert Cheever. He was living in Medford, Mass., about 1706. He moved down to North Yarmouth after 1722, where other children were born. He d. Oct. 20, 1737, and his widow m. Samuel Seabury, Esq., Sept. 27, 1738, d. May 18, 1754. Stephen's will was dated Oct. 18, 1737, probated Jan. 7, 1739, in which four children were mentioned, STEPHEN, JOHN, HANNAH, and MARGARET. Issue, far as known, as follows :

I. HANNAH,4 b. May 4, 1707 ; m. Nov. 8, 1722, Amos Harris, weaver. She "owned the covenant" in church at Charlestown, Mass., July 7, 1723; settled in North Yarmouth and had a family.

2. MARGARET, 4 b. Feb. 22, 1709 ; m. Benjamin Welsh, in North Yarmouth, Sept. 22, 1735; d. Dec. 1, 1737.

3. JOHN,4 b. May 14, 1715; m. Mary Pomery (intention Feb. 2, 1744) ; settled in North Yarmouth; had a numerous family, named as follows :

I. MARY,5 b. Nov. 25, 1744; m. Benjamin Rackley, Dec. 2, 1768, and lived in Greene, Me. He d. July 3, 1808, aged 63 ; she d. Nov. 14, 1808, aged 63.

II. STEPHEN,5 b. Sept. 23, 1747 ; m. Molly Merrill, in North Yarmouth, Nov. 17, 1774, and settled in Greene, Me. He was a carpenter and assisted his brother John in building the first meeting-house in Greene. He had five sons, of whom hereafter. He d. July 20, 1824, aged 77 ; his wife d. Dec. 20, 1813, aged 59.

III. DEA. JOHN,5 b. Nov. 16, 1749 ; m. Jane Brown (intention Sept. 4, 1773,) and settled first in Freeport, but subsequently removed to Greene, Me., in 1779, where he d. in 1816. He was a carpenter and with Stephen built the first meeting-house there in 1794; chosen deacon of the Baptist church in 1799; was "eminent for piety"; one of first board of selectmen and served several years; was a cit- izen who manifested much public spirit and promoted all reforms ; farmer. Four sons and six daughters, of whom more.

IV. MEHITABLE,5 b. Oct, 10, 1751; d. Feb. 20, 1826, aged 76.

v. CAPT. SAMUEL,5 b. Oct. 15, 1752; m. Mary Brown, of North Yar-

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LARRABEE FAMILY.

mouth, intention lodged Nov. 14, 1778, and settled in his native town. He served in the Revolutionary army, and after his return built an old-fashioned tavern stand on the Topsham road, which is still occupied as a dwelling. Here the old-time stage-coaches stopped and changed horses daily 75 years ago. Mrs. L. d. Mar. 11, 1841, aged 85 ; he d. Nov. 21, 1844. Six children, of whom more.

4. MARY,4 b. April 12, 1731; m. William Hooper, in North Yarmouth, (intention Dec. 11, 1756).

CHILDREN OF STEPHEN AND MOLLY:

I. SAMUEL, 6 m. - Mower, and settled on the homestead; removed to Leeds and d. there at the age of 88; probably had issue.

2. WILLIAM,6 m. - Mower, and went to Wisconsin.

3. JEREMIAH,6 settled in Parkman, Me.

4. RHODA,6 mn. Dea. David Briggs, of Minot, Me.

5. POLLY,6 m. - Waterman, of Minot, Me.

6. SUSANNA,6 lived in Leeds, Me.

CHILDREN OF JOHN AND JANE:

I. NATHANIEL,6 b. April 14, 1779, in Greene, Me .; m. Penelope House, Mar. 7, 1802, and settled, as farmer, in Parkman, Me. Five children.

2. JOHN,6 m. Cynthia Mower, and settled on the homestead in Greene, where he d. at the age of 84.

3. JOSIAH,6 m. Laurina Phillips, and was for many years a prominent man in Greene, Me .; was chosen deacon of the Baptist church in 1842; taught school and served as one of the selectmen.

4. AMMI, 6 was in the war of 1812; d. at the age of 70.

5. SARAH,6 m. Rev. Phineas Pillsbury.

6. PHEBE,6 m. Alpheus Drake, of Minot.

7. MARY,6 m. Benjamin Parker, of Greene.

8. HANNAH,6 m. William Parker.

9. MARGARET,6 m. Thaddeus Sawyer.

IO. DEBORAH,6 m. Isaac Coburne.

CHILDREN OF CAPT. SAMUEL AND MARY:

I. HANNAH,6 b. Aug. 25, 1781; m. Robert Fulton, who d. May 23, 1834, aged 55 years.

2. MEHITABLE,6 b. Jan. 1, 1784; m. Gideon Stinson, and d. Nov. 10, 1804, aged 20 years.

3. JANE,6 b. Aug. 14, 1786; m. Nathan Oakes, and d. May 29, 1828.

4. BENJAMIN,6 b. June 2, 1789 ; lost at sea in 1816.

5. CAPT. SAMUEL,6 b. July 19, 1792 ; m. Sylvinia E. Lowe (pub. Dec. I, 1819), and d. Sept. 23, 1828; she d. Sept. 14, 1838. Two children :

GARDNER M.,7 b. Nov. 8, 1820; deceased.

II. MARY J.,7 b. May 17, 1822 ; d. May 17, 1839.

6. MOSES,6 b. Mar. 17, 1799; lost at sea in 1835.

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LARRABEE FAMILY.

CHILDREN OF NATHANIEL AND PENELOPE:

CYNTHIA,7 b. Nov. 10, 1803; m. William Farwell, in 1832, who d. in 1833, and she m., second, David Prescott, in 1836, who d. in 1885. She d. Mar. 14, 1881 (?).

2. BENJAMIN,7 b. Mar. 15, 1807; m. Bethshebe Southworth, in 1835, and had issue, four children :

1. JOHN E.,8 b. Jan. 16, 1836; m. Mary E. Harris, Sept. 22, 1866, and had four children, viz. :

(1). Charles S.,9 b. Aug. 5, 1867 ; m. Nora Hutchins, Aug. 5, 1892.

(2). Cora M.,9 b. Sept. 10, 1869; m. Elbridge Ellis, July 3, 1889.

(3). Edith A.,9 b. June 11. 1873; in. Harry Hutchins, Sept. 3, 1891.

(4). Roy L.,9 b. June 20, 1876.

II. LLEWELLYN W.,8 b. 1838 ; killed in the battle of Pittsburg Landing.

III. PHŒBY,8 b. 1840; m. - Russell; in the West.

IV. JULIA M.,8 b. 1843; m. - Harper, and lives at Sand Springs, Ia.

3. PH(EBY,7 b. Oct. 22, 1813; d. Nov. 18, 1833.

4. JOHN,7 b. Apr. 8, 1816; m. Lucy Holmes, Apr. 8, 1844, and settled in Parkman, Me. Children:

I. JOSEPHINE S.,8 b. June 4, 1848.

II. ANNIE L.,8 b. July 23, 1852 ; m. Oct. 9, 1881, Henry Beal, and lives in Parkman, Me.

5 BETSEY J.,7 b. Sept. 23, 1819; m. A. J. W. Stevens, Jan., 1846; he d. July 29, 1874. Issue.

J. H. Larrabee, b. in Parkman, Me., in 1848; went to Dexter, in Dec., 1870, where he works as a finisher in the woolen mills. He m. Hattie R. Staples, Nov. 26, 1876. No issue.

Robert Larrabee, whose mother was Mehitable Larrabee (father's name unknown), was born in North Yarmouth, June 3, 1785, and brought up by his uncle, Capt. Samuel Larrabee, the tavern-keeper. He learned the carpenter's trade with Dea. John, another uncle, and settled in Phippsburg. He married Hannah Beath, of Boothbay, Me., Jan. 6, 1807, she born there, June 19, 1786, and died at Bath, Me., June 1, 1873. Mr. Larrabee died at Phippsburg, May 1, 1863, aged 78. Children as follows:

I. WILLIAM P.,8 b. Aug. 1, 1807, in Georgetown; m. Ann Smith, Dec. 24, 1832; sea-captain, lost at sea with two daughters in 1852, after sailing from Philadelphia, bound for Cuba. The vessel was never heard from. He commanded on board of many Maine vessels, including the ship "Hamburg" and the ship "Moro" built in Bath in 1847 ; widow d. in 1878. Children as follows :

I. MARGARET A.,9 lost at sea in 1852.

II. HANNAH J.,9 lost at sea in 1852.

III. CHARLES S.,9 b. Mar. 10, 1839, in Phippsburg ; m. Ellen M. Conant, at Bath, Aug. 17, 1862. He early engaged in the publishing busi-

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LARRABEE FAMILY.

ness as a partner with his cousin Appleton and uncle, Seba Smith ("Major Jack Downing"), in New York. In May, 1862, was mus- tering officer of Maine, stationed at Bath; went out captain of Com- pany K, 19th Maine Regiment, and resigned Mar. 10, 1863. He is now Companion of Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Maine Com- mandery; was vice consul of the United States, at Mayence, under the administration of President Arthur. After his resignation from the army he was a member of the gold exchange, and from 1868 to 1871 was member of a firm importing chemicals. Since 1872, he has been abroad introducing American machinery ; established a firm at Frank- fort-on-the-Main, Germany, in 1872, under name "C. S. Larrabee & Co."; in America the firm known as "The Larrabee Machinery Co."; exporters previous to 1872. Their European house is well known as they have introduced so many specialties in machinery and other American products. Mr. Larrabee has now established his home at Bath, Me. He is a gentleman of liberal education, extensive business experience, and unfaltering energy, whose success is a just measure of his ability as manager of a great enterprise.

IV. EMMA E.,9 m. John H. Little, lieutenant in the United States Revenue Marine, deceased in 1891. She resides in Brooklyn, N. Y., with issue, two sons and a daughter.

v. CLARA A. P.,9 m. Charles P. Johnson, of the New York custom-house, and resides in Brooklyn, N. Y .; has issue, three daughters and a son.

VI. MARIA C.,9 m. Charles J. Seymour ; resides in Brooklyn. No issue.

2. JOHN B.,8 b. Mar. 5, 1809, in Georgetown, Me .; m. Eliza Hibbard, Apr. 13, 1834, and resides in Topsham, at the age of 85. He remem- bers that he went to school in a little, red schoolhouse in North Yar- mouth, near a tavern kept by Capt. Sam Larrabee. Children as follows:

I. SARAH,9 m. Eben Jordan, Jr., of Boston (firm of Jordan, Marsh & Co.).

II. GEORGE,9 d. July, 1891.

III. CALDWELL,9 in California.

3 . HANNAH A.,8 b. Oct. 15, 1810; m. Joseph Bowker, Feb. 6, 1837; d. Nov. 6, 1837.

4. DEA. SAMUEL W.,8 son of Robert, b. Nov. 13, 1812 ; m. Rachel Knight. He was a carpenter by trade, and after settling at Portland, in 1847, worked for some time with his tools. He then engaged as surveyor for the lumber firm of Knight & Pool, and was afterwards admitted a mem- ber. After the death of the original members he succeeded to the business and continued it to the end of his life. For several years lat- terly his son was associated with him under the name of S. W. Larrabee & Co. He united with the Second Parish church soon after coming to Portland and served as deacon over forty years. He had long been a member of the Bible Society and was its president for several years. Deacon Larrabee was an ardent Republican and great admirer of Hon. James G. Blaine. He served in the common council in 1859-60, and as alderman in 1861, '62, and '63. During the latter year he acted as mayor several times and often declined a nomination for that office; served one term in the Legislature. He died quite suddenly at his home in Portland, May 22, 1893. His life had been one of great

Taules # harnatex,

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LARRABEE FAMILY.

benevolence and public spirit, and his death was deeply lamented. Children: Charles A.9; Frances,9 m. William Moses, of Bath, Me .; Henry P.,9 m. Ellen Fuller, of Portland.

5. CORDELIA E.,8 b. Sept. 14, 1813, in North Yarmouth ; m. William Swan (deceased) and resides at 45 Fort Green Place, Brooklyn, N. Y.

6. JOSEPH P.,8 b. Sept. 12, 1816, in North Yarmouth ; m. Lydia Morrison, June 14, 1853 ; d. May 4, 1886. He was a surveyor in Portland. One child, Mary P.,9 d. young.

7. JOTHAM C.,8 b. Dec. 7, 1818, in North Yarmouth ; m. Esther Knight, of Portland; kept a bookstore on Exchange St .; d., issueless, Apr. 21, 1888.

8. MARY M.,8 b. Aug. 18, 1822; was m. to William Anderson, of New York, and lives with her sister Cordelia.

9. JAMES R.,8 b. Sept. 18, 1820 ; m. Lucretia Elliott, Sept. 6, 1846; d. Sept. 20, 1884. Children : Frank,9 deceased; Horace,º deceased ; Jennie,9 m. Charles Norton, of Bath, Me .; Elmer C.,9 and William.9

IO. CAROLINE,8 b. Jan. 26, 1824; was m. to Capt. Charles N. Delano, of Bath, Me., Aug. 15, 1843 ; d. Nov. 4, 1864. Four children.

II. BEATRICE J.,8 b. Jan. 26, 1824; was m. to Capt. Charles N. Delano. She and Caroline were twins and wives of the same man.

12. ANN C.,8 b. Mar. 28, 1826 ; m. George L. Hill, of Phippsborough, June 6, 1849; d. Feb. 28, 1828. Several children married.

13. ROBERT I. D.,8 b. Nov. 26, 1828; m. Lydia Smith, of Litchfield, Oct. 9, 1851; d. May 9, 1890. He once kept a store of artists' supplies, in Portland. Children as follows :

I. THERESEA J.,9 d. in infancy.

II. WILLIAM M.,9 d. an infant.

III. EDWIN H.,9 d. an infant.

IV. ROBERT B.,9 m. Lulu F. Keyes, of Hyde Park, Mass., and had issue, Herbert P.,10 b. Nov. 20, 1888 ; Everett C.,10 b. Oct. 21, 1890; Howard B.,10 b. Sept. 26, 1892. He resides at West Medford, Mass.

v. HERBERT A.,9 m. J. Lillian Colson, of West Medford, Mass.

VI. MARY H.,9 unmarried, 1894.

Benjamin Larrabee,8 son of Isaac, of Lynn, received land, by deed from his father, in North Yarmouth, Mar. 4, 1728 ("half part of his right"), and settled there; was drowned Sept. 6, 1751. His father mentions him as de- ceased in 1756, and wills his child- not named -one shilling. A Benjamin m. Elizabeth Newman, in Lynn, Oct. 3, 1725. A Benjamin and Hannah had a son SAMUEL,4 b. Oct. 22, 1742. A Benjamin and Elizabeth Welsh had three daughters, born in North Yarmouth, viz .: MARGARET,4 b. Feb. 2, 1742; MARY,4 b. May 13, 1745; JOANNA,4 b. May 15, 1748.

LARRABEES OF FALMOUTH, ME.

Capt. Benjamin Larrabee, son of Stephen, Ist, was born in 1666, proba- bly in North Yarmouth. He was driven away during the Indian war, and took up his abode at Portsmouth, N. H .; married Dec., 1686, Deborah,

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LARRABEE FAMILY.

daughter of John and Deborah Ingersoll, of Kittery. After the peace he came to Falmouth in 1716 .* Tradition says he was active as an Indian fighter dur- ing the time of his exile. He had been a sergeant and was known as Capt. Ben, probably from having commanded scouting parties against the savages. Savage has designated him a son of Isaac Larrabee, but he was his brother. Willis says he recovered the property of his father in North Yarmouth. He was second in command in the fort at Casco, and when it was demolished and the stores moved to Boston, he removed his residence to the neck, and became a leading spirit in its re-settlement. Smith's journal says, June 13, 1746: "This neighborhood are building a block-house near Mr. Larrabee's for the common defense." Goold says: " At midsummer the people of the town commenced a block-house and stockade on Benj. Larrabee's land, where the old city hall now stands." Also, "The Larrabee house stood where the portico of the old city hall now stands." He administered on the estate of his brother Thomas, who had been killed by the Indians in Scarborough, in 1723, and on that of intestate brother Samuel, of North Yarmouth, in 1727. He d. in 1733, aged 67. His children named as follows :

I. BENJAMIN, b. in 1700; m. Amy Pride, of Back Cove (Falmouth), about

1730. He was an active citizen and received valuable grants of land on Falmouth neck. He built a one-story house in the woods, where Federal street joined Middle street (Willis), which was considered quite out of town. He owned the whole tract on which his house stood, ex- tending to the junction of Congress and Middle streets. He d. in 1784. Children as follows :

I. ELIZABETH, b. 1732; m. John Webb; d. 1827.

II. BENJAMIN, b. 1735; m. Sarah Brackett, a dau. of Joshua Brackett, and inherited a large property adjoining Green street. He d. in 1809, leaving issue. The heirs of the Larrabee lands sold them to Daniel Davis, in 1792.

III. MARY, b. 1737; m. Thomas Tuckfield.

IV. JOHN.

V. SARAH.

VI. ABIGAIL, d. young.

VII. WILLIAM, d. young.

VIII. ANNA, b. 1751 ; m. David Ross.

2. DEBORAH, m. James Mills, of Lynn, later of Falmouth; second, Thomas Cummings.

3. SARAH, published to m. Nov. 15, 1712, Samuel Proctor, of Lynn, later of Falmouth.

4. ELIZABETH, m. Joshua Cromwell, April 13, 1725.

LARRABEES OF BRUNSWICK, ME.

Capt. Benjamin Larrabee 3 was probably a son of Stephen and Isabel, of Malden, Mass., where he was born Feb. 11, 1696. He was married May

* He sold his homestead in Lynn, Mass., " betwixt Rebecca Allies'and Samuel Proctor's, front- ing to the Black Marsh, so-called, Samnel Proctor's east, Samuel Leighton west," consisting of one-half acre, to Ralph Tonkins and wife Mary, both of Lynn, innholders, Aug. 23, 1717. The conveyance was signed by Benjamin and Deborah Larrabee, and recorded Jan. 8, 1721-2.

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18, 1727, by Rev. Thomas Foxcroft, to Mary Eilthorpe, of which record in the ministerial returns of Boston. He died in Brunswick, Me., May 9, 1748, and his widow became the wife of John Oulton. Capt. Larrabee was a man of note. He settled in Brunswick and commanded Fort George from 1727 to 1731. He was agent for the Pejepscot proprietors,* having been appointed in 1731, when the books containing the transactions of the company were placed in his hands. In a letter dated at "Harrow House, in Falmouth, June 27, 1734," Thomas Westbrook, a member of the Pejepscot Company, wrote to his partner, Colonel Winthrop, of Boston: "Captain Larrabee is with me to sign his power for acting for the Brunswick Company." On July 16, 1737, the proprietors gave him full power of attorney to execute deeds to the set- tlers of Brunswick and Topsham, and a list of thirty-six such instruments are recorded in York county. In June, 1740, the proprietors gave Captain Lar- rabee a lease of the lands adjacent to Fort George, with the privilege of sal- mon fishing on such terms as might be agreed upon.

In 1735 he with others petitioned the General Court, asking to be "erected into a township." The Legislature granted this petition, but the Governor withheld his signature. On the 25th of May, the same year, Benjamin Lar- rabee presented a second petition, of like character, to the General Court in behalf of the inhabitants of Brunswick. This was granted and a bill passed at the next session incorporating the town; at the same time Benjamin Lar- rabee was authorized to call a town-meeting for the election of town officials. He was chosen on the first board of selectmen. He gave the First Parish in Brunswick, in 1737, a flagon which bears the inscription : "Gift of Benjamin

Larrabee, Esq., 1737." He was selectman for Brunswick in 1739, 1740, and 1742. There are eight letters from Gov. Belcher to Capt. Larrabee, of Bruns- wick, dating from 1731 to 1740, published in the Register. He lived in the fort for some years and his children were born there. He was buried in the graveyard attached to the fort, but no trace of his "narrow house " can now be seen. There is a tradition that his gravestone was seen in a cellar wall under a dwelling-house in Brunswick. He was a man of great worth, compe- tent as a business executor and brave as a military commander. Children :

I. MARY,4 b. April 7, 1728.

2. NATHANIEL,4 b. Dec. 23, 1729, in Fort George, at Brunswick. He and Elizabeth Harding were published for matrimony, Feb. 9, 1758, and I suppose were married. He was a prominent citizen, as the designations in old documents prove; he was styled "gentleman," "esquire," and "major." He was captain of militia in 1775, and served as selectman almost continuously from 1762 to 1802. From his majority he was con- stantly called to fill positions of trust, and his name appears on several petitions to the General Conrt. He was appointed "second major" of a regiment raised for Gen. Thompson's brigade, to go to Penobscot to

* Local historians have fallen into error respecting this Benjamin Larrabee. He was not identical with either Benjamin Larrabee of Falmouth. Writing of the Pejepscot settlers, in 1714, Goold says: "Benjamin Larrabee was interested in the company, was agent for the pro- prietors, and afterwards became a prominent citizen of Falmouth." This statement cannot be correct, for Capt. Benjamin of Brunswick spent his days in that town and died there in 1748. His wife was Mary Eilthorpe, while the wife of Capt. Benjamin of Falmouth was Deborah In- gersoll. Benjamin Larrabee, a brother of Capt. John Larrabee, commander at Castle William, Boston harbor, purchased land on Charter street, at the north end of Boston, with said brother for £300, in 1726, and Oct. 14, 1730, he and wife Mary conveyed one undivided half part to said brother, Capt. John, for £150. From this date we do not find mention of Benjamin in Boston. From one of his letters we find that the Capt. Benjamin of Brunswick sailed from Boston to the eastward when he went down to assume his duties.

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"dislodge the enemy there," and Wheeler says his company engaged in the first fight. In 1753 he seems to have been owner in a grist-mill at New Meadows; was living at the "east end" in 1752. The house owned and occupied by him, built about the time of the Revolution, was standing in 1878, and used as a store-house. No record of his death or of issue.

3. ISABELLA,4 b. Nov. 27, 1731.

4. ABIGAIL,4 b. Jan. 9, 1733.

5. HANNAH,4 b. Dec. 10, 1735.

6. ELIZABETH,4 b. Jan. 10, 1737.

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Saco Valley settlements and families. Historical, biographical, genealogical, traditional, and legendary, Part 92

Author: Ridlon, Gideon Tibbetts, 1841- [from old catalog] Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Portland, Me., The author Number of Pages: 1424

Author: Ridlon, Gideon Tibbetts, 1841- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Portland, Me., The author
Number of Pages: 1424