USA > Maine > Waldo County > Brooks > Sketches of Brooks history > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
THORNDIKE AND HICKS of Rockland, Maine, opened a factory in 1911-1913 for the canning of apples. Located in the old Yankee Blade building, now used as a grain store by A. E. Chase & Company.
BROOKS FARMERS' UNION. Through the activities of the farmers of Brooks and surrounding towns, an organization, a branch of the Maine Farmers' Union, was incorporated October 6, 1913, with D. V. Boody of Jackson, President, and George B. Roberts of Brooks, Treasurer. It was formed for the purpose of co-operation among the farmers in shipping farm products and the purchase of farm machinery, grain and fertilizer. At the time the Union maintained a store. Some of the local managers were Isaac Leathers, Francis Gonyer, Henry Reynolds, Carl Reynolds, Clarence Hamlin, Bert Boody, Walter Young, Joseph Stimpson, Everett Cilley. The business' of the organization was not a success and dissolved about 1922.
THE BROOKS GRAIN COMPANY was a corporation formed by the combined business of Swan and Sibley of Belfast, who operated and maintained a store at the old Grist Mill, and Wilbur E. Barker of Brooks, who had conducted a grain and feed business for several years. After the consolidation, the business was all conducted at the Mill. Officials of the company were, William B. Swan, President, Ed. Sibley. Treasurer, A. E. Chase, Secretary, Wilbur E. Barker, General Manager.
WILBUR E. BARKER, born in Troy, Maine, June 11, 1856; married Edith Gertrude Roberts of Jackson, Maine, March 5, 1882; one
-
£
194
SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY
child, Erma May Barker, who married Wilbur R. Blodgett; Mr. Bar- ker operated a store at Brooks for several years dealing in grain, flour, and feed, in addition to conducting extensive farming, having three large farms. He was a Congregationalist, and Republican. He had served the town as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He was member of Masons, Knights of Pythias and Grange. Died sev- eral years ago. After a few years, the Brooks Grain Company sold to Clarence F. Spaulding of Pittsfield who developed an extensive business, and about 1918 sold to Merrill and Mayo of Waterville, who maintained the business with Hamilton E. Jenkins, Manager, until 1928, when they sold to A. E. Chase & Co.
HAMILTON E. JENKINS, born in Vinalhaven, September . 11, 1878; married Effie M. Tibbetts, March 8, 1899 at Monroe, Maine, who died January 11, 1929; children, Lawrence E. Jenkins; wife of Lawrence, Stella B. Jenkins; married second, Mathilda Clary Littlefield, October 30, 1930. Occupation, manager of grain and feed store of Merrill and Mayo Co., Waterville, until 1928; now conducts a grocery store; mem- ber Knights of Pythias; Democrat.
A. E. CHASE AND COMPANY established at Brooks, Maine, February, 1911, dealers in general merchandise, feed, flour, fertilizer, baled hay and potatoes. Original stock holders, Alfred E. Chase, Ezra A. Car- penter, Fred Henry Brown. After the death of Mr. Chase, in August, 1916, and Mr. Carpenter, February 19, 1926, their holdings were taken over by Fred Henry Brown, who owned a majority of the stock at the time of his death Dec. 25, 1930. The business was established about 1878 by the late Mr. Chase when a very young man. He oper- ated in a small way, having a small grocery store near the location of the present Chase Company. His business expanded, making neces- sary larger quarters. About 1878 the lot of land now occupied by the A. E. Chase & Company was purchased and the original building moved. The stock of merchandise was increased and business de- veloped, from time to time additions were made to the buildings until the A. E. Chase Company has one of the largest stores of its kind in Waldo County. For many years the late Michael Chase, father of Alfred E. Chase, conducted a store at the location of the present drug store of Albert R. Pilley. This was destroyed by fire in 1872 and his quarters were taken up near the railroad station. On the death of Michael Chase, the son took over the potato and hay business. The A. E: Chase & Company at the present time gives employment to about ten men and one woman.
195
MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS
MICHAEL CHASE, JR., born in Brooks, Maine, January 3, 1824; the son of Michael and Sarah Chase; died in Brooks, August 4, 1900; married first Mary Ann Roberts, daughter of Alfred J. Roberts, fourth child of Joseph Roberts, Jr., and Huldah Myrick Roberts, November 10, 1853, who was born May 10, 1835 and died November 4, 1861; they had one child, Alfred Edward Chase, born September 13, 1855, died August 15, 1916; married Lizzie Pilley, October 28, 1880; Alfred Edward and Lizzie Chase had two children, Millard Filmore Chase, born September 2, 1881; Marie Louise Chase, born December 15, 1888; Michael Chase, Jr., married for his second wife Abbie D. Rob- erts, a sister of his first wife; she was born June 9, 1839 and died October 14, 1885; one child, Lena E. Chase, born February 15, 1866,
Michael Chase
Leroy E. Godding
married Willard S. Jones, May 28, 1896, died July 1, 1922; children of Willard S. and Lena Chase Jones were, Christine A. born August 30, 1897, married Bradford H. Stoddard, March 17, 1923, who died Sept. 24, 1926; Hollis W. Jones, born April 15, 1900, married Elsie Munro of Newton, Mass .. December 1, 1921, and Laura C., born July 5, 1902, married Bernard F. Ellis, December 9, 1922; had one child.
Michael Chase was active in the Civic Life of the Community, served the town in many positions of trust and for many years was a Trial Justice.
ALFRED EDWARD CHASE was identified with the best interests of the Town of Brooks; throughout his entire life recognized as a leading citizen; devoted to his business even though he found opportunity to
196
SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY
assist in every measure that was of advantage to the Community. Lena Chase Jones was very active in Church and Fraternial Work; served as organist of the Congregational Church for many years.
WILLARD SUMNER JONES, born at Brooks, Maine, June 26, 1854; married first, Alice F. Gordon at Brooks, Maine, June 17, 1880; mar- ried second, Lena E. Chase, May 28, 1896; children: Christine A., married Bradford Stoddard, Hollis W. married Elsia Munro, Laura C. married Bernard Ellis; occupation, clothing manufacturing with John H. Gordon, 1894-1896; in Furniture and Undertaking business 1920, painting and paper hanging til 1926; manager of chain store (First National Stores) for a time; member of First Congregational Church since 1877; member of Masons since 1887, Odd Fellows, Grange; Republican.
FRED HENRY BROWN, born in Jackson, Maine, August 9, 1860; died Dec. 25, 1930; married Susanna Carpenter, at Brooks, Maine, March 14, 1879; children, Emily Abbott, married Jonas L. Putnam; Myra Evelyn, married Edwin H. Rose; Julia Abigail, married Alfred A. Rand, Everett Ezra married Grace Littlefield; occupation, President and Manager of A. E. Chase Co., Brooks, Maine; member Good Tem- plars and Grange; Congregationalist; Republican.
CHASE AND VARNEY COMPANY. Chase and Varney Company was organized 1908 with Alfred E. Chase as President, and Charles Orin Varney, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Varney, for a time was man- ager of the Goodwin Clothing Company of Newport which main- tained a branch store at Brooks. The business was destroyed by fire in 1908, after which Mr. Varney established a business of his own until the association with Mr. Chase, and the Company was formed. Prior to becoming manager of the Goodwin Clothing Company, Mr. Varney had been in the employ of Mr. Chase for about eight years.
CHARLES ORIN VARNEY, born in Jackson, Maine, February 2, 1875, married Vesta A. Rose, Brooks, Maine, May 8, 1906, present Trea- surer and Manager of Chase and Varney Company. Member Knights of Pythias; Republican.
SAW MILLS
1855 Joseph Ellis, Samuel G. Ellis, Ebenezer Page, Alfred J. Roberts.
1906 *- 1910 Peavey Bros., The Roberts or Upper Mill.
1911 Colson & Jenkins.
1912 Colson & Jenkins; Jenkins Lumber Co .- saw & shingle mill.
السوري
£
197
MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS
Roberts and Son, Mill
The Grist Mill
...
The Portland Packing Company
198
SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY
1914-1922 Jenkins Lumber Co .- saw & shingle mill.
1930 Joseph Ellis & Son,-Guy A. Prime.
THE OLD GRIST MILL is one of the oldest in the village. In recent years for about four years it was operated by Swan and Sibley of Belfast with Wallace O. Estes of Brooks as Manager. At the present time it is- in part used as a garage.
. H. P. HOOD AND SONS. For about two years, 1903-1905, Hood and Son, Creamery, established in Brooks, October, 1902, was located in a building that was formerly used as a clothing shop and which was moved to a location on the railroad track near the Chase Hay barn. After several years they purchased the Portland Packing Com- pany corn shop and moved to the opposite side of the railroad track. It has an established business in purchasing milk and cream for Bos- ton markets. It is operated by H. P. Hood and Sons of Charlestown, Mass., and gives employment to four; it pays out about $3,000 per month for milk, cream, skim milk, etc .; they load a car about three times a week, use over 1,000 tons of ice and the 100 who bring milk to Creamery use about the same amount. Sold to Turner Center System, 1929.
ELMER G. ROBERTS, local manager of H. P. Hood and Sons is the son of William Henry Harrison Roberts and Esther B. Rand Roberts; was born in Brooks, Maine, January 12, 1862, in the Manter house, so-called, now the location of the residence of Mrs. Abbie E. Dow, widow of the late Marcellus J. Dow. Married Estelle E. Card at Searsport, Maine, July 11, 1883, who died Jan. 17, 1931. Children, Helen Mildred, born May 23, 1891, died October 1, 1891. He served the town of Brooks as a member of the Board of Selectmen, Treasurer, Superintendent of Schools. Formerly local manager of the Brooks Water Company. Member of Marsh River Lodge F. and A. M., Golden Crown Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Congregationalist, Democrat.
JAYNES CREAMERY COMPANY operated at Brooks for about two years, 1903-1905, and then sold to H. P. Hood & Sons.
ROBERTS AND SON, established in Brooks, April, 1881, located on the right hand side of the road leading from Brooks Corner to Mon- roe in the building formerly used by Staples and Jones as a carriage factory. At one time the town meetings of Brooks were held in this building. The firm consisted of W. H. H. Roberts, who built the mill and established the business in 1881, and his son Forrest K. Roberts, who became associated with him as partner in 1882. Mr.
الساحرة
£
199
MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS
Roberts, Sr., spent ten years in Waltham, Mass., where he worked in the wood turning business and acquired a thorough knowledge of the line of work. He returned to Brooks in 1880 and purchased the mill privilege and has been an important factor in the business life of the place ever since. For many years they manufactured toys for the South Paris Manufacturing Company, South Paris, Maine, but after .a time gave exclusive attention to the special line of basswood seat chairs. At the present time they do all kinds of woodwork and wood novelties. In 1908 a new and very substantial cement dam was built and new machinery and equipment was added to their plant, .so at the present time it is modern in 'every detail.
WILLIAM H. H. ROBERTS was born in Corinna, Maine, October 31, 1835, died January 17, 1913. Married Esther Rand of Monroe, Me.
FORREST K. ROBERTS, son of William H. H. and Esther Rand Rob- erts, born in Brooks, Maine, February 9, 1860. Married Mabel E.
Staple's Carriage Shop
Penney at Brooks, Maine, May 1, 1889. Children: Olive Roberts, married Gustave Ward; Faustena Roberts, married Horace Parlin; Clair E. Roberts, who is associated with his father in the mill busi- ness, was born at Brooks, July 3, 1890. Unmarried. He and his father are members of the Masonic Lodge, and Democrats in politics.
CLAIR E. ROBERTS, born at Brooks, Maine, July 3, 1890; unmar- ried; business. Roberts & Son, 1912; member of Masons; Democrat.
ISAAC STAPLES AND SON, manufacturers of carriages and sleighs. Isaac S. Staples, born in Prospect, Maine, February 22, 1840; died in Brooks, April 19, 1918; son of Jonathan and Sarah Sparrin Staples;
الـ
181
200
SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY
came to Brooks at about the age of sixteen as apprentice to Libbeus Jones in his carriage shop; later went into partnership with him, mak- ing many carriages and sleighs; made the first vehicle known as the jumper sleigh. On March 10, 1861, he married Mary A. Jones, who was born March 12, 1843; died February 6, 1923; there were four children: Ellen F., born March 2, 1862, died January 2, 1863; Fran- ces A., born December 22, 1863, married Chas. W. Merritt of Lowell, Mass., October 12, 1892 who died in Ashville, N. C., April, 1897; one son, Raymond L., born September 1, 1895, married Dorothy Kilgore, living in Brooks, one child, Barbara Kay; Harry E., born November 20, 1867, living in Brooks, married Ella Jones of Unity, Maine, 1890,
Isaac Staples
John H. Gordon
who died September 28, 1925, two sons, Bernard F., born July .8, 1894, died in service of World War, September 24, 1918, 1st Lieu- tenant, Dental Corps, married Helen E. Frye, Williamsport, Pa .; Clar- ence F., born May 19, 1880, died when about 21 years old. Leroy I., son of Harry E., born December 30, 1897, living in Brooks; oc- cupation, Staples Garage; married Vera Patterson of Thorndike, Maine; two children, one died in infancy, one living, Helene Fran- ces, born April 21, 1924.
Harry E. Staples became associated with his father when twenty- one years of age. And in addition to his association with his father in business, is also engaged in the sale of automobiles and live stock. Mason; Republican.
I
201
MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS
LEROY ISAAC STAPLES, son of Harry E., and grandson of Isaac S., maintains a garage. With the development of the automobiles the grandson could not find an opening in the carriage business so en- tered into that line of work which had displaced it. For nearly one hundred years the family has been associated in business in the same location.
' PERCY HILL GRANT, born at Fort Fairfield, Maine, November 20, 1882, married Amy C. Staples of Monroe, Maine, August 12, 1908. Children: Zenaide B., who married Lloyd Wentworth; Hervey J .; Robert, and Shirley M.
Mr. Grant was engaged in the grocery business at Winterport, Maine, for several years, later moving to Brooks and becoming asso- ciated with the A. E. Chase Company. More recently he has re- modeled a building near his residence and is engaged in the grocery business. He is one of the most active of the younger business men of the town. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Masons, and a Republican. A member of the committee to supervise the construction of the Willis E. Morse Memorial Building.
HARRY H. HUTCHINSON, born at Monroe, Maine, January 15, 1877. Married Maye Frances Johnson at Brooks, July 17, 1921; no children.
Mr. Hutchinson some years ago purchased the plumbing business from Otis W. Lane and conducted an extensive business for several years in the old location. Recently he has erected a modern business building on Main Street, west, and sold his plumbing and hardware business to Levi R. Stevens of Jackson, Maine. He was active in all war activities and served as local chairman of the "Four Minute Men." He has always been interested in Educational work and served as a member of the school committee. He also has co-operated in as- sembling information and in assisting in publishing these "Sketches of Brooks History". Member Marsh River Lodge No. 102, F. & A. M.
ALBERT R. PILLEY, son of Hiram and Mary Rose Pilley, born at Brooks, Maine February 4, 1874, married Esther M. Colson at Brooks, February 10, 1904. Child, Louise M. He passed his examination for registered pharmacist in Augusta while employed as drug clerk at Littleton, New Hampshire. Established present drug store at Brooks, 1899. Treasurer of the Town of Brooks for several years. Treasurer of Brooks' Board of Trade. Member Marsh River Lodge, No. 102, F. & A. M. Corinthian Royal Arch Chapter, No. 7. King Solomon Council, No. 1. Palestine Commandery, No. 14, K. T. Golden Crown Lodge, No. 108, K. P.
二
١
N
202
SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY
FRANCES A. MERRITT, daughter of Isaac S. and Mary S. Staples, born December 22, 1863, married Charles W. Merritt of Lowell, Mass., October 12, 1892, who died in Ashville, North Carolina, April, 1897. One son, Raymond L., born September 1, 1895, married Dorothy Kil- gore, daughter of Dr. A. E. and Ellen Kilgore. One child, Barbara K. Mrs. Merritt learned the millinery business in Belfast. For several years was the proprietor of a millinery store at Camden, then moved to Massachusetts. After the death of her husband, she returned to Brooks and was employed for several years by Mrs. Abbie E. Dow, the widow of the late Marcellus J. Dow. She then purchased the business of Mrs. Dow and since that time has been the proprietor of a millinery store at Brooks. She has been very successful and. en- joys a large patronage through the county and state. She is very active in the social and religious life of the community.
JOHN H. GORDON was born in Thorndike, Maine, September 25, 1836, son of Elijah and Barbara Horton Gordon. While in his teens Mr. Gordon went to Boston and learned the printer's trade, after which he was given employment on the City papers; later he moved to Bangor, Maine, and was on the staff of the Bangor Whig & Courier, a paper of that City. Making a change in his profession he took up the photographing art, and traveled about the State in pur- suit of this vocation. Coming to Brooks about 1863 he established a small grocery store in a building that stood on the corner (where Williams Bros. are now located). His trade increasing to the extent that more room was needed, he rented the down stairs part of the Masonic Building that stood on the lot adjoining, and conducted a general merchandise business there for a number of years. During the occupancy of this building, Mr. Gordon had the misfortune of meeting with a loss; his store was discovered to be on fire one night about 12 P. M. Many villagers responded to the alarm and although the flames were soon under control and extinguished, Mr. Gordon's entire stock was considerably damaged. Repairs were soon made and stock replenished; the store was reopened for trade. In the mid seventies, he purchased the corner lot and building where his first store was opened, disposing of the building to Michael Chase (who moved the same across the river, and attached it to the A. E. Chase Co.'s store for a potato house. This building stands there to-day and is used for the Hardware Dept. Erecting a building upon this lot, Mr. Gordon moved his stock from the Masonic building to this new store and conducted same for a number of years, or about the early eighties. In 1878 he branched into a new business and began
203
MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS
the manufacture of clothing and in so doing rehired the Masonic building which he had recently vacated; being successful in this en- terprise he determined to devote all of his time towards its develop- ment, and disposed of his store to Charles E. Lane. The growth of the clothing business soon demanded more space and in the early eighties he purchased what was then the Brooks Cheese Factory sit- uated about one-fourth of a mile from the village on the Jackson road, and moved his factory from the Masonic building to that site, installing some 30 sewing machines and a Brayton Petroleum Engine for power he began the manufacturing of clothing on a large scale, in this business he continued until his death Sept. 2, 1915.
During his career in the clothing business he employed at times as many as sixty in the factory, also gave work to many other out- siders as finishers. In the height of the enterprise the plant pro- duced as high as fifty dozen of pants daily; pants was the chief product made by him. The work was all done for Boston firms in- cluding C. N. Mellen & Co., Fowle, Cobb & Pearson, Spitz Bros. & Mork, Standard Clothing Co., Rhodes, Ripley & Co., and lastly J. B. Pearson & Co.
Mr. Gordon was connected with several other enterprises which included, a patent whiffletree which unharnessed a horse from a vehi- cle by the pulling of a strap, an umbrella holder for carriages, a patent shoe blacking, a pipe wrench. He was also connected with the manufacture of cedar oil and wire shoe nails. He was twice married. First wife Annie B. Curtis of Bangor, died June 17, 1892.
Five children:
BABY BOY died in Boston only a few days old.
ALICE F. GORDON, married WILLARD S. JONES; died. Feb. 17, 1894.
FREDY GORDON, died when about 7 years of age, date unknown.
ANNIE B. GORDON, married CHAS. F. SHAW; died. March 13, 1914.
HARRY E. GORDON, married SUSIE S. WENTWORTH, first wife; LORA M. JEN- NINGS, second wife; ISABELLA SMITH, third wife. Employed as Locomo- tive Engineer on Maine Central R. R. (Pensioned).
John H. Gordon married second Ella N. Roberts, August 10, 1895. No children.
Mr. Gordon was a member of the Marsh River Lodge, F. & A. M., and at one time served as District Deputy Grand Master of this district; he was also a member of the Eastern Star, Happy Valley Chapter.
£
201
SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY
THE ELLIS FAMILY
JOSEPH ELLIS, Sr. was one of the earlier settlers of Brooks, and among the most respected and substantial citizens of the town. Al- . ways engaged in farming and for years operated a mill at South Brooks.
JOSEPH ELLIS, SR., born in Prospect, Maine, 1787; died in Brooks, Me., March 10, 1871; married Mary Ann Giand at Prospect, Maine; children: Mary Ann, Samuel, Matilda, Emily, Joseph, Alfred. Occu- pation, farmer.
JOSEPH ELLIS, JR., born in Brooks, Maine, October 20, 1835; died in Brooks, Me .. Feb. 26, 1921; married Abbie S. Bicknell, November 19, 1857 at Belfast, Maine; children, Herbert O., married Mae E. Steadman, Joseph E., married Esther M. Clements, Alfred S., married Hester R. L. Page, David P., married Mae E. Jones; occupation, farmer and millman, Representative 1872; member of Masons and P. of H .; Democrat.
JOSEPH E. ELLIS, born at Brooks, Maine, July 3, 1866; married Esther M. Clements at Belfast, Maine, January 28, 1904; who died July 3, 1930; children: Frank B., married Erla Edwards, February 18, 1921, Herbert C., married Bernys Holt. July 17, 1919, Marshall mar- ried Eunice Chase. March 20, 1920, Bernard F., married Laura C. Jones, December 9, 1922; occupation, farmer and millman; member of Masons and Grange; Republican.
A SURVEY OF THE MERCHANTS AND MANUFACTURERS AS OF JUNE 1, 1930
On the Monroe and Brooks road going west, Roberts & Son, Wood Working Mill, now owned and operated by Forrest K. Roberts and his son, Clair E. Roberts, the mill originally operated by water power, then as an auxiliary power, steam was installed. The old mill which was es- tablished by William H. H. Roberts was located about two hundred feet east of the location of the present . mill. The old dam was washed out in a spring flood. after which it was discontinued. The present mill now uses electricity as power.
The Brooks Inn now owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Albert B. Payson.
The Millinery Shop of Mrs. Frances A. Merritt was located for many years in the Isaac S. Staples house. It is now located at the home of her brother Harry E. Staples.
0
205
MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS
Sherman Murray, barber is located in the Kilgore building.
The store formerly owned and occupied by Marcellus J. Dow, then by the Penobscot and Waldo Telephone Company, then by the branch of the Waldo Trust Company of Belfast, and for a time by James B. Payson, barber, now occupied by Murphy and Loon, Bakery.
On Brooks Square: J. R. Williams and Robert A. Williams con- duct a general grocery store, under the name of Williams Bros. They purchased the grocery business from Albert B. Payson about . twelve years ago. The building is located on the site of the old Thaddeus I. Huxford store. The second story is occupied by J. B. Pearson Company, Clothing Manufacturing of Boston, Mass .; Eben W. Miller of Brooks, foreman.
On the Knox, Brooks road going west, George Barstow, a barber, is located in a building owned by Albert B. Payson.
M. A. Haley of Monroe, undertaker, maintains a branch in a build- ing owned by Albert B. Payson, situated west of Williams Bros. store.
Levi R. Stevens who was formerly in business in Jackson, Maine, is engaged in the plumbing and heating business in a modern build- ing, constructed in 1925 and owned by Harry H. Hutchinson.
On the Railroad Square: Chase and Varney, clothing and dry goods, Charles O. Varney, manager.
A. E. Chase and Company, Fred H. Brown, manager. This com- pany is a member of the Independent Grocers Association and deals in groceries, grain flour and hardware.
Black and Gay, canners of beans, corn and apples, Leroy E. God- ding, Superintendent.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.