USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Waterville > The centennial history of Waterville, Kennebec County, Maine, including the oration, the historical address and the poem presented at the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the incorporation of the town, June 23d, 1902 > Part 46
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Christian Knauff was born in Hersfeld, Germany, May 1, 1841, the son of Heinrich Knauff ; was educated in public and com- mercial schools ; married Mathilde Susskraut in Portland, Jan. 16, 1868, and Ida Grimm in New York, Oct. 5, 1876. He came to Waterville in 1863, and was engaged in the dry goods business until 1895; was a member of the common council in 1891 and 1892, and of the board of aldermen in 1893; was mayor of the
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city in 1894 and 1895, and is now acting as overseer of the poor ; is a director of the People's National Bank of Waterville, and president of Waterville Savings Bank ; is a member of Samari- tan Lodge, No. 39, I. O. O. F., of Ahiram Encampment, No. 22, and Canton Halifax, No. 24. His children are Mrs. Lizzie M. Parsons, Minneapolis, Minn., Emma A. Knauff, Waterville, Henry W. Knauff, Minneapolis, Minn., Frederick E. Knauff, Minneapolis, Minn. His residence is at No. 29 Pleasant street, Waterville.
Isaac C. Libby was born at Exeter, Maine, June 2, 1837. He was the son of James and Mary Ann (Boston) Libby. He was educated in the common schools of Exeter and Troy, Me., and fitted for college at Hampden (Me.) Academy. He married Helen M. Green of Troy, Me., in 1859. He began teaching school at the age of sixteen; in 1858 engaged in farming in Troy ; in 1860 started in the cattle business, shipping live stock to the Brighton market, and his extensive business gave him the title of "Cattle King of Maine." In 1892 he moved to Water- ville ; became a director of the People's National Bank, and pres- ident of Waterville Trust and Safe Deposit Company. In 1893, purchased Waterville and Fairfield Railway and Light Company, and became president of same; first president of the Maine Con- densed Milk Co .; in connection with A. F. Gerald, constructed the Calais and St. Stephen, the Skowhegan and Norridgewock, the Bangor, Orono and Old Town, and the Portsmouth, Kittery and York Street Railways, and was treasurer of all of these companies. In company with Messrs. Merrill, Milliken and C. E. Libby, he owned and operated two large sheep and cattle ranches in Montana. In 1893 he purchased the large landed estate known as the "Waterville Annex." He was Republican representative to the Maine Legislature in 1885-1889, member of the National Convention of 1888 that nominated Benjamin Har- rison. He was a Free Mason and an Odd Fellow, and an hon- orary member of several temperance societies. His children are Arthur Preston, Charles Everett, Howard Isaac, Ernest L., Frank Leroy, Pearl Ashton, Mrs. Wm. M. Pulsifer, and Herbert Carlyle. He contributed more than a thousand articles to New England papers. His place of residence was on Highwood street, Waterville. He died Oct. 12, 1899.
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William M. Lincoln, a life-long resident and business man of this city, was born in Waterville July 26, 1830, the son of George W. Lincoln. He received his education in the public schools and the Institute, and he entered business as a grocer in 1854. This he continued with marked success for forty years, retiring in 1894 and disposing of his business to his son-in-law, Mr. Geo. A. Kennison, and his son, Frank A. Lincoln.
Mr. Lincoln was married in 1856 to Miss Delia H. Ireland. Their children are Cora B., Florence M. (Kennison), Frank A. and Ralph E. Mr. Lincoln was member of the city council for two years, and since 1854 has been a member of the Masonic Order. Since his retirement from business Mr. Lincoln has given his attention to his large holdings of real estate. His resi- dence since 1854 has been at 22 School street.
Charles Edward Matthere's is not an old man, although his bus- iness trade mark is "Old Reliable." He was born in Boston, Dec. 2, 1846, the son of George F. and Louisa Field Matthews. He was married Dec. 24, 1876, to Miss Clara Snell, daughter of Mr. Ebenezer Snell of St. Albans. Two children were born to them, Louisa Bates and Gertrude Isabel. Mr. Matthews has had two partners in business, Mr. Geo. H. Matthews and Mr. D. H. Swan. He has served the city as councilman, alderman and chairman of the board of registration. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the Independent Order of Foresters. He has been engaged in the grocery business since 1881.
Charles Kimball Matheres was born in Waterville, Nov. 19, 1823. He was the son of John and Pamelia Mathews. He attended the town schools, Waterville Liberal Institute and Hal- lowell Academy. He married Mary Elizabeth Marston. He taught a winter term of school in Sidney, taught in Waterville Grammar school, and one term in Hallowell. In April, 1846, he entered the book business in Waterville, in which he con- tinued twenty-eight years. For five years he was engaged in introducing school books, and for twenty-three he conducted an insurance agency, a total of fifty-six years of active business life. He was a director in the old Ticonic Bank and in the Ticonic National Bank for thirty-six years, and president of the latter for eight and a half years. He was a trustee of Waterville
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Savings Bank for about twelve years. He served as chair- man of the board of selectmen; was a Freemason, in religious preferences a Unitarian. His children are Florence, George, Charles W. and Lizzie C. Of these, all are deceased except the son, Charles W., who for several years has been associated with his father in the insurance business. Mr. Mathews was one of the committee of one hundred and took deep interest in the Cen- tennial. He died, August 4, 1902.
Ephraim Maxham was born in Middleboro, Mass., in 1809, and was the son of Joseph Maxham. He married, in 1838, Eliza Anna Naylor, who died April 13, 1900. He came to Water- ville from Boston in 1847, and started "The Eastern Mail," send- ing copies of this new paper to subscribers of "The Waterville Union," a paper which had been published for a short time, by Charles F. Hathaway, but which was then discontinued. In July, 1849 Daniel R. Wing, was admitted to partnership in the "Mail," and the paper was published by Maxham and Wing until the death of Mr. Wing in 1885, December 2nd. Mr. Max- ham was a charter member of Samaritan Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was also a member of the Waterville Lodge of Freemasons. He had one son, George Naylor, who served his country honorably in the Civil War. Mr. Maxham built the house on Temple street next west of the Congregational church, and occupied this house at the time of his death. He died, December 27, 1886.
Charles R. McFadden was born in Vassalboro, November 20, 1820, and was the son of Charles and Temperance ( Blackwell) McFadden. He was educated in the common schools, and mar- ried Emma H. Butterfield, February 1I, 1849. He was in the dry goods business in Waterville for nine years, was collector and treasurer of the town, was postmaster from 1861 to 1879, sheriff of Kennebec county from 1884 to 1888. He belonged to Waterville Lodge, No. 33, F. and A. Masons and to Teconnet Chapter, R. A. M. He was a member of the Universalist church. His children are Andrew L., sheriff of Kennebec county, Alice, and Zaidee, who died November 4, 1880. Mr. McFadden died August 7, 1897.
Edward G. Mcader, long connected with the business interests of Waterville, was born in Farmington, N. H., in 1825, the son
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of Nathaniel Meader. He was educated in the Friends School of Providence, R. I. He came to Waterville in 1848 and engaged in the dry goods business with Geo. A. Phillips under the firm name of Meader and Phillips, continuing the business until 1869. November 14, 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss Helen A. Smith, daughter of Gen. Franklin Smith. Their children are Edward L., Emily P., who was graduated at Colby in the class of 1878: Helen S. and Arthur R. In 1869 Mr. Meader entered into partnership with Gen. Franklin Smith and F. A. Smith and engaged extensively in the lumber and milling business until 1880. Mr. Meader retired from active business several years ago.
Nathaniel Meader was born at Rochester, Strafford Co., N. H., November 24, 1836; the son of Hanson and Susan (Lewis Shaw) Meader. He is a graduate of Waterville College of the class of 1863, and is a member of the + B K fraternity. From 1864 to 1875 he was in the hardware business of Arnold and Meader ; 1876-1888, Hubbard and Blake Manufacturing Company ; 1888-1892, Waterville Electric Light and Power Company ; 1898-1901, Union Gas and Electric Company. Member Maine House of Representatives, 1876-'77, and 1884; selectman 1884; mayor 1889 and 1890. Past master Waterville Lodge Free and Accepted Masons ; member Teconnet Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; past commander St. Omer Com- mandery, Knights Templar. His residence is at No. 16, Morrill avenue. Mr. Meader has always been deeply interested in the welfare of the town. It was by his efforts that the town was led to provide free text-books for the public schools.
James L. Merrick was born in Troy, Me., March 24, 1845, the son of Hall C. and Hannah Work Merrick. He was educated in the common and high schools but at the age of seventeen he left home for the sterner discipline of the camp and battlefield. He enlisted in Company C, 19th Maine Regiment Volunteer Infantry, July 22, 1862. Totally disabled, he was discharged in April, 1863. In December, 1863 he re-enlisted and served to the close of 1864. Mr. Merrick has held many offices in the G. A. R., has been commander of W. S. Heath Post, department inspector, assistant inspector-general, assistant adjutant-general,
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1894, '98 and 1900. With remarkable unanimity he was chosen commander Department of Maine G. A. R for 1902-3. He was made a Master Mason in 1866, joined the Odd Fellows in 1877 and has held offices in all three branches of the order. At present he is colonel of the 2nd Regiment, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F. For twenty-four years he has been engaged in the nursery stock business, employing a large number of agents. He was married March 16, 1869, to Susan Helen, daughter of Nathan and Betsy Webb Ward of Thorndike, Me. Their children are Maude M., Nella M., Herbert James, Franklin L., Bessie A. Mr. Merrick served as superintendent of schools in Troy, Me., for three years and for two years in the city council of Waterville.
George Alpheus Lyon Merrifield, born in Waterville, March I, 1839, in the little cottage long occupied by the late Rufus Nason, (a relative) now standing on upper Main street, named for Hon. George Evans, a noted politician of his day, and for Hon. Alpheus Lyon, an early resident of the town. Mr. Merrifield was educated at the Waterville Liberal Institute, and in the pub- lic schools of the village; was engaged in the boot and shoe trade in 1865, when appointed to a government position in Wash- ington, entering the pension bureau of the interior department, on June fifth of that year, where he has served continuously since, a period of thirty-seven years. It is rare that a man fills a government position in the same bureau for so long a period, and Mr. Merrifield is one of the few enjoying that distinction, being promoted in class and salary from time to time until 1882, when appointed a "principal examiner" under an act of Congress in that year creating the position. Though a resident of Vir- ginia for the last twenty-eight years Mr. Merrifield has a warm love for his native village and the old neighbors and friends and visits the old home at frequent intervals.
Dennis Libby Milliken was born at Scarboro, Maine, February Ist, 1804, and was the son of Allison and Jane Libby Milliken. He was educated in the public schools and Gorham (Me.) Academy. In May, 1829, he was married to Miss Jane Larra- bee. In 1830 he engaged in the lumber business with Jacob Southwick of Vassalboro, which he carried on successfully for many years. He was largely engaged in the banking business
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after 1853. Mr. Milliken was a member of the Maine House of Representatives, of the Maine Senate, member of the Council under Governors Fairfield, Kavanagh and Lot M. Morrill ; trustee of Waterville College (now Colby College), from 1859 during life. He was a member of the board of commissioners to equalize town bounties paid during the Civil War ; was presi- dent of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad ; president of the Waterville Bank and of the Waterville National Bank from 1855 until his death. As a man of business Mr. Milliken oc- cupied a prominent place in his town, county and state. He brought to the various business enterprises in which he was en- gaged, the soundest and most penetrating judgment; and this, joined with the high reputation for integrity which he uniformly maintained is doubtless very largely the explanation of the pros- perity and success which are understood to have rewarded his business career. He was a member and one of the founders of the Unitarian Society in Waterville. His children are George, Edward, Hadassah J. (Mrs. Isaac S. Bangs) and Mary E. Mr. Milliken died in Waterville, October 28th, 1879.
Hon. Joshua Nye was born at Bucksport, Me., December 25, 1819. He worked on a farm until he was sixteen years old, studied in the common schools and in academies at Waterville and Kent's Hill. In 1846 he engaged in trade at Fairfield and Waterville and on June twenty-third of that year was married to Elizabeth Wood of Groton, Mass. He represented Waterville in the Legislature of Maine. He became treasurer of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad in 1855 and for seventeen years held the position and also was financial agent of the Maine Central Railroad. During his life in Waterville, Mr. Nye was especially active in temperance work, gathering about him every week the young people for instruction in temperance. They were called the Cadets of Temperance and included many who are now the foremost citizens. He was also a faithful mem- ber and liberal supporter of the Congregational church. In 1868 he was appointed State constable for enforcing the prohibi- tory law and refusing the salary of $2,000 per year which ac- companied the office, so zealously did he fulfill its duties that his life was threatened many times. His life work has been in the
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line of temperance. He was president of the Maine State Tem- perance society for twelve years, has been a member of the Sons of Temperance for fifty-eight years ; twice has been grand chief Templar of Maine in the I. O. G. T. For six years Mr. Nye was insurance commissioner of Maine, and afterward was con- nected with the Equitable Life Insurance Company. From 1871 to 1876 he represented Maine as Centennial Commissioner at Philadelphia. In 1885 he removed to Boston, and for many years has been connected with the Boston Custom House. His son Frank E. Nye, was graduated at West Point in 1869, and is now (1902) colonel in the Commissary Department, stationed at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. The Nye residence in Waterville is now the home of Mr. J. Frank Elden on Main street.
Augustus Otten was born in Erkelenz, Prussia, December 18, 1853, the son of H. A. Otten. He received his education in the public schools of his native land and came when a boy of fifteen to New York. There he learned the business of baker. Coming to Waterville he established a bakery December 19, 1883, which with frequent enlargement and increasing success he has con- tinued to the present time (1902). Ocober 7, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Della Richardson, daughter of Mr. Silas Richardson of Skowhegan, Me. Mr. Otten is a member of Havelock Lodge, Knights of Pythias. The family attend the Baptist church.
Jacob Peavy was born in the village of Krotoshine, Province of Posen. He came to America in 1848, but was shipwrecked and landed after much hardship possessed only of his life, his deter- mined purpose and his signal business ability. He came to Waterville in 1852 and with his brothers L. H. and Isaac, es- tablished the house of J. Peavy and Brothers. Their business was the cutting, making and retailing of men's clothing. Steadily the business advanced until it became the foundation of the great houses in Boston and New York now known as Peavy Brothers. Mr. Peavy removed to Boston in 1890, where he died in 1894. He had accumulated a large fortune and had firmly established the great business which has since been carried on by his sons. His children are Rebecca P., now Mrs. Mark Gallert, Gustavus I,,
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who graduated from Colby in the class of 1875, Silas, Henry, Esther, now Mrs. M. H. Goldschmidt of Boston, and Leo. All the sons are connected with the business which they inherited and have extended.
Homer Percival was the son of William Percival, who came to Winslow in 1804, and moved to Cross Hill, Vassalboro, in 1807. Here Homer was born, March 27th, 1816. He was educated in the common schools. He married Mary Crocker Percival, November 15, 1840. He came to Waterville when a young man and was a clerk in Mr. Sanger's store, and after- wards was in partnership with his broher, Joseph. After twenty-five years in business he became cashier of the Peoples' Bank and of the Peoples' National Bank, being succeeded after thirty-six years by his son, J. Foster Percival. He was a mem- ber of the Congregational church and of the I. O. O. F. His children were J. Foster, Marshall C., Charles H., Ellen M., Susan J., Clara E. His residence in Waterville was on Pleasant street, where he died April 6, 1898.
Joseph Percival was born in Vassalboro. January 31, 1813. He was the son of William Percival and was one of a family of eight children. About 1833 he came to Waterville and taught several terms in the school building on Front street. In 1835 he married Emeline, daughter of James Gray and sister of Jonas and C. E. Gray. He was for a short time clerk for William Dow in a store near where Peavy block now stands, then in business for himself with his brother Homer. He held almost every position of honor the town could give him, having been a teacher, superintendent of schools, town clerk, treasurer, col- lector, first selectman, representative to the Legislature. He was identified with the Universalist church. His children were Annie E., Henry H., Frank J., Albert W., Willie C., and Mor- rell. His wife died in 1895. His own death occurred February 7, 1898.
John White Philbrick was born in Waterville, March 8, 1821, the son of John Robinson Philbrick. He was educated in the public schools and in Waterville Academy, showing even then so strong a bent for mathematical and mechanical studies that Prof. Keely coveted him for his department. Thoroughly to learn the
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trade of a mechanic was to him no unpleasant task. Having married Miss Julia Shepherd Moore he went to Wisconsin, in 1843, where he remained about four years. He held office in the territorial government of Taychudah, Wis. Returning to Waterville he served as engineer on some of the river steam- boats, but came to the great work of his life when the Andro- scoggin and Kennebec Railroad entered Waterville. He rode in on the first locomotive which reached this place in 1849. Soon after he became master mechanic of the A. and K. Rail- road retaining his position in the Maine Central for thirty-three years. Of great ability in mechanical constructions and of absolute integrity his administration of the railroad shops was eminently sucessful and profitable to the corporation. En- gines made from his designs and many appliances were copied and used in other shops. Mr. Philbrick was for several years a trustee of the Merchants Bank. After the death of his first wife in 1859, he was married to Mrs. Mary Shaw Dauble in 1863. She died in 1888. Mr. Philbrick was a member of Waterville Lodge F. & A. M., and was for nearly sixty years a member of the Baptist church. For forty years he served as deacon, to the profit and satisfaction of the church. His children are Mrs. Elizabeth B., wife of Prof. John B. Foster, LL. D .; Samuel M., of Portland, Oregon; Frank B., of the firm of Webber & Phil- brick of the Waterville Iron Works, Mrs. Frances P., wife of Charles F. Meserve, LL. D., president of Shaw University, and the late Lieutenant J. Herbert Philbrick, U. S. A., who, died twelve years ago. As one of the old and honored citizens of Waterville, Mr. Philbrick greatly enjoyed the centennial exer- cises. He died at his summer home at Squirrel Island, July 17, 1902.
Frank B. Philbrick, son of John W. Philbrick, was born in Waterville, November 9, 1848. He was educated in the Water- ville schools, Kent's Hill Seminary and the Mt. Kisco Military Academy. Mr. Philbrick early showed a talent for mechanics and mechanical engineering. July 1, 1873, he entered the firm of Webber, Haviland & Philbrick, founders and manufacturers of machinery. November 1, 1882, Mr. Webber and Mr. Philbrick bought out the interest of Mr. Haviland. After the burning of
GEORGE ALFRED PHILLIPS.
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their shops and foundry they built a new, larger and greatly im- proved plant at the head of the falls, known as the Waterville Iron Works, (vid. Manufacturing Industries Chapter XV). Mr. Philbrick has served on the board of education, is a deacon of the Baptist church, as was his father before him, is the treasurer of the Good Will Home Association which conducts the great work for boys and girls at East Fairfield, founded and man- aged by Rev. G. W. Hinckley, is the president of the Waterville Y. M. C. A. to which he has given not only money but time and attention in conducting classes in mechanical draughting ; he is also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mr. Philbrick was married, June 17, 1873, to Addie Frances Shaw, daughter of Rev. B. F. Shaw, D. D. After her death he was married, January 26, 1898, to Mary L., daughter of Prof. S. K. Smith. He had two sons, Herbert Shaw, who after graduation at Colby has been principal of the Calais High school, and Benjamin Elden, who was graduated at Colby, in 1900, and after long illness borne with splendid courage, died in Raleigh, North Carolina, 1902.
George Alfred Phillips was born in Waterville, April, 1826, and was the son of William and Caroline (Crommett) Phillips. He married Marcia Tucker of Fairfield. He commenced busi- ness with his father in a general store. In December, 1848, the firm of Meader & Phillips, dry goods dealers, was formed and continued eighteen years, in 1850 building the block now oc- cupied by Wardwell Brothers. In April, 1866, he sold out to C. R. McFadden & Son, and he was then in the "Ticonic Water- power Construction Company, and later purchasing agent of the Maine Central Railroad until 1876. He bought out the hard- ware business of Arnold & Meader, which in company with his oldest son, C. M. Phillips, he continued until he sold out to W. B. Arnold and Company, in 1881. He then bought one-half in- terest in Lawrence Brothers lumber business at Shawmut, which he sold in 1891 and came to Fairfield and formed the lumber company of G. A. & C. M. Phillips. When the mills were burned in 1895, he went to Farmingdale, and built the large sawmill now run by the Burleigh Mills Company. He was largely instrumental in starting the Ticonic Water-power Com- pany and inducing Mr. Lockwood to take interest in the enter-
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prise. He belonged to the Free Masons, and at his death was next to the oldest member of the Waterville Lodge, only J. H. Drummond having joined before him. He was identified with the Unitarian church and was for years the leader of its choir. His children were Anna Cora, Charles M., John H., Edward H. His residence was on Silver street.
Aaron Appleton Plaisted was born in Waterville, at the Asa Faunce house, foot of Main street, March 25, 1831. He is the son of Dr. Samuel and Mary (Appleton) Plaisted, his mother being a daughter of Dr. Moses Appleton. He was educated at Waterville Academy and Waterville College and was graduated with Phi Beta Kappa rank, in the class of 1851. He taught in Bloomfield Academy, 1851. At Shelburne Falls, (Mass.) Academy, 1852. After studying law at Harvard Law School, he became partner of Hon. Samuel Wells at Portland. From 1856 to 1858 he practiced law in Dubuque, Iowa. Returning to the East he became cashier of Ticonic Bank, continued in the same office with the Ticonic National Bank and gave to the in- stitution thirty-eight years of able and successful service. Dur- ing a part of the war period Mr. Plaisted was Assistant Collector of Internal Revenue ; he has been a member of the prudential and other important committees of the College. September 23, 1856, Mr. Plaisted was united in marriage with Miss Emily Carleton Heath, daughter of Hon. Solyman Heath. Their children are, Appleton Heath, who succeeded his father as cashier of Ticonic Bank; Philip H., who has kept up the honorable record of the Plaisted drug store until 1902, when he sold out the business ; Helen Florence, a successful teacher in Coburn and Waterville High school; Sheridan, who was graduated at Colby in 1886 and Emily Redington. Mr. Plaisted's long residence in Water- ville and his connection with many of the old families has enabled him to render very valuable aid to the editors of this volume. The chapter on "Early Settlers and Their Work" is from his pen.
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