USA > Maine > Oxford County > Peru > The history of Peru in the County of Oxford and State of Maine, from 1789 to 1911. Residents and genealogies of their families, also a part of Franklin plan > Part 23
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
232
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
ministry. He moved West, continued his studies and made the ministry his profession through life; Adrian G., m. Anna Crane out West. He was on a visit to Peru around 1902; took great interest in church service and Sabbath school here. He closed ilfe a year or two later. His sister, Sabrina, wife of Wm. H. Walker, is ever to be remembered for her sweet temper, amiable disposition, her deeds of charity, her devotion to Christianity, and the good cheer she imparted to all around her.
Another branch of this family, Orville Robinson, b. in Sumner, the son of Asa and Lois Barrows, b. Hebron. m. Apr. 13, 1845, Sabra W., b. Feb. 26, 1826, dan. of Elisha Bisbee, Jr., of Sumner. They settled on farm bordering on Canton. Children :- Fanny B .. b. Dec. 11, 1845, m. Pub., Dec. 12, 186%. L. B. Heald, in Summer. Wife d. May 22, 1869. Henry Raymond, b. Oct. 16, 1853. m. Oct. 1, 1882, May F., b. May 17, 1860, dau. of Asia Keene of Sumner. Their children :- ( 'larence H .. b. Nov. 29, 1883, m. June 26, 1909, Mabel F., dau. of Archibald Sawyer of Buckfield; Ethel L., b. May 21, 1887, is a graduate of Farmington Normal School; Carroll L., b. Oct. 24, 1896. The grandparent, Orville Robinson. d. Dec. 18. 1874, on the old Walker farm, occu- pied by him and family since 1849. All the rest of this family are living here and flourishing farmers, 1910. The grandmother, in her 84th year. still preserves her comeliness and much old time vigor. Mr. Robinson, Sr., is one of the leading men in town af- fairs, has served on the board and been town treasurer several years. His wife is a pattern of industry, a champion of moral reform, one of the few striving to maintain religious service and Sabbath school at the old meeting house a part of the year. Mrs. Mabel F. continues school teaching.
John Reddin
John Reddin was an old resident in Peru and a pioneer settler of Franklin, a man of noble sentiments, generous, broad mind and of good habits. He was b. in Favette, of Scotch descent. His sisters, Pattie, m. Reuben Lovejoy, and Clarissa, m. Salmon An- drews. John Reddin, m. Hannah Canwell, probably a sister of John Canwell. They owned and operated at one time the Herbert Bowker farm. He kept also a small store. In politics he was an AAbolitionist in the days of that party. Their children were :- Deborah, Rachel, Mary Ann. Mary C., and Oliver. Mr. Reddin and wife were living in Sumner. in the vicinity of Farrar's mill,
Pine Cottage. Worthly Pond
1
Buildings across the pond at left are on the Curtis farm. those on the right on the Levi Randall farm. now Emery Cox place.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ALI .. LIMAX AND TURE FOUNDATION .
233
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
in the early eighties. He was a very conscientious man, more so than his wife. He outlived his whole family. He remarked at the funeral of his son, Oliver, that he was the only one left to tell the story. He lived ninety years. No dates. Five children of Oliver Reddin are living in Sumner (1910) :- Will V., George, John, Inery Bisbee, and Percy Reddin.
Levi Randall
Levi Randall, b. Peru, Mar., 1812, was son of Samuel, b. Liv- ermore, and Beulah (Norris) Randall, both of Wayne, m. 1814. Beulah was a sister of Gideon, the first trader at West Peru. San- uel Randall left wife and went to Aroostook Co. He wanted wife to go, but it was a long way through woods, guided by spotted trees, to ride horseback with two children, and she heeded the advice of her friends to remain here. Mr. Randall never returned. Levi Randall nı. (1st) Amanda, dau. of Alvah Small. Pub., Nov. 17, 1842. Had dau., Mary Celestia, b. Aug. 17, 1844. Wife d. Oct. 15, 1815. He m. (2nd) June 6, 1847, Emily Washburn, dan. of James and Lovina Brown, dau. of Nathan Brown of Rumford; had son, Francis Eugene, b. Mar. 20, 1848, who m. wife of Edward Babb. "divorced." Wife. Emily, d. Apr. 25, 1850, ae. 25 years. He m. (3d) Pub., June 23. 1852, Mary Adeline, b. July 6, 1832, dau. of Lawson Small. No issue. Mr. Randall d. of cancer. Sept. 17. 1883. The widow is still living on home farm at Worthly pond. Mr. Randall lived here nearly all of his married life and d. here. In views of Worthy pond, see farm buildings looking over and beyond motor boat, bearing flag and two persons. The white house on the left is the Warren Curtis farm. The barn at the right and white house at right of and partially hidden by barn are buildings of the Randall farm. In motor boat, bearing six persons, you get a better view of Randall farm above the build- ings. The houses are not as near as they appear.
Smith
Josiah Smith, b. Falmouth, of English descent, a ship carpen- ter. m. around 1800. Comfort, a sister to Amos Knight of Fal- mouth. They were here Mar. 1, 1814. They had four sons and three daughters, who lived to grow up and marry. The parents and all seven sons and daughters were early and hardy pioneers in Peru, inured to privation and toil. The next to arrive was Eliza-
234
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
beth, b. in Portland, m. John Hodgdon; both here in 1821. The next was George K., here in 1822. It is probable the other chil- dren followed soon. Abigail, b. 1806, m. Apr. 7, 1829, Ichabod Benson in Peru; Dorcas, b. 1814, m. Oct. 16, 1831, Goodin Ben- son ; Ai Smith, b. 1809, d. 1875; Peter, b. Jan. 17, 1812, d. Apr. 20, 1903 ; Edsil. Josiah Smith, when well advanced in years, was often seen walking to and fro with a broad axe on his shoulders, doing jobs of hewing timber in and out of town. Mrs. Leanna M. (Morrison) Knox, wife of Perley G. Knox, is the only descendant of Josiah Smith living in Peru, 1910. She is a lineal descendant of Elizabeth (Smith) Hodgdon, and a granddaughter of Josiah Hodgdon. Josiah Smith was chosen school agent for the western district, Mar. 1, 1814. There were 24 votes cast that year for governor, a gain of four votes since 1812.
George K. Smith, the oldest son, was first on town record Mar. 4, 1822, when David Hoit, J. H. Withington and the said Smith were chosen hog constables. He evidently had m. Sarah Maxim, a sister to the wife of Daniel Delano. Children :- Samuel, b. Dec. 31, 1822; Emily, b. June 24, 1826; Nathan M., b. Dec. 23, 1827; Daniel, b. Mar. 22, 1830; Geo. W., b. Aug. 13, 1832; John H., b. Feb. 2, 1835; James O., b. June 2, 1832 ; Abigail B., b. Feb. 2. 1840. This family removed to Farmington some time in the forties. Edsel Smith, m. Aug. 10, 1835, Annis, widow of Eli Knox, maiden name Maxim. Annis Maxim was a sister of the wife of Daniel Delano. This family left town in the forties. Chil- dren :- Comfort Smith, b. Aug. 27, 1835, m. Emery Record in Buckfield; Mary F., b. Aug. 1, 1837; Albion Knox, b. June 1, 1840; Elizabeth J., b. July 8, 1843.
Ai, b. 1809, d. 1875, m. Margaret McKec, b. Corinna, 1807. d. 1880. She m. (2nd) June 26, 1877, in Rumford, Thomas Rich- ards. Graves at East Peru cemetery. Children :- Josiah Smith, b. Peru, Nov. 29, 1832, m. twice had four children. He was com- mander of ship in navy, war of '61, res. South Arm, Mich .; Al- varado, b. Feb. 10, 1836, d. in Boston around 1900, m., had two children, a son graduated from Tufts Coll .; Roscoe, b. Nov. 13, 1837, m. Ellen A., dau. of Reuel Washburn of Livermore. Their son, Reuel, is a graduate of Bowdoin Coll. and of Harvard Law School; profession, law; res., Auburn, 106 Spring St., of both families. Eliza, b. June 1, 1839, is married ; res., Boston. Mary, b. May 6, 1811, d. Jan. 21, 1843; Mary B., b. May 26, 1844, d. 1866; Benj .. b. Nov. 1, 1847, enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. G,
ROSCOE SMITH, M. D., Residence Auburn, Me.
: 'A' YORK | PUBLIC LIBRARY
ACION, LENOX AND TIL DIA FOUNDATIONS.
235
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
1st Me. Cav., war of '61, d. Apr. 24, 1864, discharged for disabil- ity Nov. 25, 1863 ; grave and Gov. headstone at East Peru. Gil- bert Smith, m. Mary E., dau. of John Howard. Children :- Albert J., Jennie, d. ae. 12 years, and Nellie. Wife was divorced. Mr. Smith resides in Portland; occupation, house carpenter.
Roscoe Smith, an active and hardy youth, came upon the stage of action when wrestling was one of the sports on gala days. He participated freely in this line of developing the muscular powers and was soon acknowledged champion of the crowd. He was work- ing one hay season for a neighbor, who told him jocosely, if he did not do so and so he would take him down, and though his employer was much older and heavier, and a strong, vigorous man, he prompt- ly informed him he could not do it. They clinched, and the older man was the under man, but not convinced; he asked to try again. Our hero was willing, and landed him quicker than before. Get- ting on his feet he said: "I did not know you were so strong." At the age of 21 he was actuated by higher ideals, and resolved to acquire an education. He began the study of English grammar, the fall of 1859, in connection with arithmetic, having a rudimental knowledge of that branch. He applied himself assiduously and made good progress. That winter he taught a term of district school, with good success. He attended the fall term of high school in 1860 at West Peru, taught by Henry B. Walton. Doing farm work, spring and summer, at $12 per month, and teaching winters at about the same rate, he had to rely upon his own re- sources to climb the hill of science. He was making tolerable progress when the call to arms made him a conseript in govern- ment service, July 17, 1863, Co. I, 3d Me. Inf., till close of war, having been transferred to 17th Me. and to 1st Me., H. A. He is reported absent, wounded Sept. 11, 1865, when command was mustered out of service. Resuming his studies, he graduated from Harvard Medical College after his graduation from Bowdoin Med- ical School. He began practice first at Weld. In about two years he removed to Turner Vill. Here he had a very busy and suc- cessful practice a term of years, as long as he was able to ride, the relies of army disability becoming more pronounced. Dr. Smith was bound to succeed and very fortunate in his selection of a high-minded, accomplished Christian lady for his helpmete in life. Their son is a picture of Judge Washburn in his day.
Peter Smith, b. Freeport, 1812, d. at West Peru, Apr. 20, 1903, m. Dec. 27, 1831, Elvira Young, b. 1813, d. June 7, 1887 ; oecu-
236
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
pation, farmer and carpenter. He followed the latter trade wholly during the last period of life. He was a man of good habits, fru- gal and industrious. Children :- Hiram, b. July 4, 1834, m .; res., Concord, N. H .; two children, Edward and Charles. Simeon R., b. Ang. 15, 1836, m. in N. H .; Lowell B., b. Apr. 2, 1837, m. Sarah, dau. of Harvey Ripley; res., Canton Vill. ; children, Frank, Fred, Willis C., Chas., d., Clinton, foreman of tannery. Mon- tilion, b. Sept. 16, 1841, d. in N. H .; Jane C., b. Mar. 31, 1833, m. Eugene Jones; res., Pittston, Me. Wheeler, b. June 6, 1845, Must. Dec. 23, 1863, d. in army service June 27, 1864, Co. I, 29th Me. Jennette, b. Dec. 16, 1847, m. Pub., Sept. 23, 1869, Richard E. Farnum; Delphina, b. Dec. 14, 1849, m. Thomas Barrett in Lewiston; Willard, b. Dec. 29, 1851, d. in Mass .; Flora E., b. Mar. 14, 1859, m. Frank Myrick ; husband d. in Lewiston.
Scammon Starbird
Among the early settlers at Worthly pond was Dea. Scammon Starbird and family. Going back a generation to the family of Sea Capt. James and Wealthy (Douglass) Starbird, Capt. James d. Apr. 10, 1851, ae. 83. Children :- Scammon, b. Apr. 14, 1796, d. Dec. 2, 1860; Wealthy, m. a Mr. Elwell in Hallowell, d. there; James Starbird, Jr., m. Hannah Wood in Hartford, d. there; Washington, m. Jane Briggs in Sumner, and had son, Isaac, no rec- ord, also dan., Tamer, no record. Scammon, m. Dec. 28, 1818, Hannah, b. in Hartford, Aug. 30, 1801, dau. of Josiah Tilson, an early settler in Hartford. She was own sister to Robert Tilson, Sr., an early settler in Peru. The Starbird residence was the Hiram Oldham, 2nd, place. Mr. Starbird and wife were members, in good standing, of the Baptist church, both joining 1840. He was made Dea. Nov. 23, 1844, continuing till Dec. 15, 1849, when at his request another was chosen. Sumner Robinson was his successor. Mr. Starbird was a man of good sense, good habits, and good deportment. Children :- Watson R., b. Feb. 23, 1820, d. Apr. 11, 1893, in Eureka, Cal., m. Angeline Washburn in IIart- ford; both d. in California. John Tilson Starbird, d. July 6, 1821; James Starbird, b. Aug. 23, 1823, m. Jane Knox of Peru, dau. of James, a bro. of Eli Knox; James d. at Lawrence. Mass., Oct. 23, 1892.
Nathaniel D., b. Dec. 10, 1825, d. Dec. 10, 1853, in Lawrence, Mass., m. Mary B. Whittier of N. H .; Joan W., b. Sept. 6. 1828, d. at her home in Sumner, May 28, 1882. m. Josiah Hodgdon in
237
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
Peru; Hannah Margaret, b. July 23, 1835, d. Oct. 13, 1884, in Jay, m. Nathaniel Benjamin in Livermore; Mary J. Starbird, b, Jan. 18, 1840, m. Wm. W. Drake of South Parkman, Jan. 4, 1859; divorced; m. (2nd) Mar. 8, 1861, Peleg Oldham in Peru. Their children (see Oldham family). ļ
Alvah Small
Alvah Small, b. 1799, son of Wm. of Limington, d. at West Peru, Mar. 4, 1868. His wife, Hannah, b. 1800, d. May 8, 1870. An old account book shows this man was in trade from 1840 down a term of years. Children :- Amanda, b. around 1821, m. Nov., 1842, d. 1845, Levi Randall; Alpheus C. Small, b. May 11, 180, d. Aug. 26, 1892, of Bright's disease.
Alvah's brother, Lawson, b. Gray, m. Melinda York, b. Lim- ington, Me. The family came from Searsport to Pern in 1842, lived first on Ridge road, thence on Burgess hill, removed to Dix- field, Mexico, and last to Roxbury, where Mr. Small d. Wife, Melinda, d. in Peru, Nov. 11, 1900, ae. 90 years, 8 months. Chil- dren :- Mary A., b. July 6, 1832, m., 1852, Levi Randall ; George Henry, b. Jan. 8, 1835, m. Dora Greene, "widow," in Norway ; he d. Sarah J .. b. Apr. 5, 1837, m. (1st) Robert Sands. He d .; m. (2nd) Gardner B. Boynton, who served in Co. I, 29th Me., Pvt .; res. on Randall farm a few years; removed to N. H. Frances Abbie, b. July 2, 1839, m. Orlando F. Taylor in Canton ; Wm. H., b. July 13, 1842, m. Pub., Oct. 1, 1866, Mary C., dau. of Levi Randall. He was Pvt. Co. D, 16th Me., d. Aug. 24, 1872; Chris- topher M., b. July 31, 1846, m. Betsey, dan. of Neri Durgin of Mexico. Wife d. Nov. 26, 1909; res., West Peru a term of years. Wife was held in high esteem by all. She will be remembered for her ministrations and good cheer in sickness and affliction. She was popular and influential in the Grange. The above sons were all painters by occupation.
Lewis Dexter Small, the youngest son, m. Jennie, dau. of Clara York of Saco. The latter d., wife of Daniel Gammon. Chil- dren :- A dau., who d., and Chas. Albert. Dexter Small was a noted engineer on the R. R. from Canton to Mechanic Falls, F. O. J. Smith, Supt. He could get the greatest pull from the engines they used, of any man known. and attain the speed of a mile in a minute over an unsafe road, without a break, with rail fence for fuel as demonstrated.
238
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
Hannibal B. Smith
Record shows family of Hannibal B. and Mary Smith, and dau., Electu M., b. Feb. 14, 1839. He came some little time be- fore this from Mass., and purchased of Levi Ludden a tract of land bordering on Androscoggin river and north of Speer's stream. He was an energetic schemer, operating on a line not common in town. His object, evidently, was to enhance the price of a large land purchase by erecting a double tenement house and a monster barn, to attract men of wealth desiring to farm on a large scale. He built what is known as the Thomas J. Demerritt house and barn, sold to said Demerritt and his brother, James M., about 1848, and returned to Mass. Evidently the project was a financial success. In 1838, Hannibal Smith and Wm. Tucker were assur- eties on a bond for Daniel Hall to build a bridge across Speer's stream. In 1839 bond was released. In 1843, Smith was chosen one of the highway surveyors. The greatest number of ballots cast at Sept. election in the years named were as follows: 1830, 88 ballots; 1832, 92 ballots; 1838. 189 ballots; 1840, 183 ballots ; 1849, 187 ballots. There was a total number of 331 souls. All the voters did not go to the elections. When census was taken, 1821. there were in the Plan. 65 males, heads of families, each a legal voter.
Nathaniel Swift
Nathaniel and Polly Swift and six children were early settlers on Burgess Hill, not far from the Hopkins schoolhouse. Births of children range from 1811 to 1821, when census was taken. Lu- cinda was added Oct. 14, 1821, by same wife .. Pesuming she d., husband m. (2nd) June 3, 1830, Mary Washburn. Their son, Martin V., was b. Aug. 21, 1833. He lived a year or two in early forties in the family of Wm. Walker and went to Mass. It is said that his son, Harrison, b. 1818, was brought up by Farewell Walton, and perhaps with other children moved to Westbrook. Nathaniel m. (3d) Dec. 29, 1834, Betsey Phinney. No issue given. Record of his deatlı, July 1. 1841, comprises all we know of this family.
Henry Smith
A separate race of Smiths lived on the bank of Stony brook in a log house, near where the Alfred Walker house now stands, in the thirties, and down to 1841 or 1842. Henry Smith and wife
239
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
were the heads of the family. Children :- Lewis; Amos, b. 1821, enrolled, ae. 40, in Co. D, 13th Me., Sept., 1861, "married"; res., Franklin; discharged for disability, 1863. He m. (1st) in 1841, Martha Morse of Norway. Wife d. 1864, ae. 40 years, 9 months. M. (2nd) Olive Dorr, a sister to Cyrus Dorr, in Franklin. Their res. was in Welchville, Me., a term of years, where this wife d. He m. (3d) Maria Cushman, widow of Jesse Cushman. He d. years ago, and widow went to Carthage. John Smith, Frank Smith, Diantha was demented, Polly Smith, m. Nov. 22, 1840, Alvan Davis in Franklin. Henry, the parent, did not live with wife and family the last few years of their residence in town. His home was with his sister, Judith, wife of Maj. Brackett, and his dau., Polly. Lewis and the rest of the family left town about 1842 and returned to Falmouth. Achsah Smith, a sister to Ju- dith, was employed in family of Hezekiah Walker a term of years, and became second wife of John Gilcrease, of 1812-14 war. They both d. on the Francis Waite farm and were interred in the cem- etery there. A government marker is erected at his grave. Ju- dith and Achsah Smith were in town before 1821, the only Smiths here then.
Stillman Brothers
Stillman Bros., Hiram E. and Wilson, were natives of New Brunswick. Hiram E. served in war of '61, enrolled in 1st Me. and subsequently in Co. C, 7th Me. Vet. Vols. He rendered hon- orable and efficient service. He sustained injury in line of duty and is pensioned. He came to Peru, and from 1870 worked two years on farm for James Lunt in his declining years and till close of life. He had got past labor, was over 86 years old, yet he kept watch of his hired man to see how farm work progressed. He had raised a colt that was wild and headstrong, and not broke to carriage. One day he observed that Hiram had hitched up the colt and was furrowing corn. That pleased Mr. Lunt. He thought Hiram a very capable man to make the colt go so nice, the first time hitched. Soon he planned to ride after his famous colt. He directed his man to run out of the carriage house the old two- wheel chaise, which from long use had become loose in joints, and when in motion given to waltzing in the upper story. Mr. Lunt took a seat in the carriage and ordered the colt hitched to the shafts. Hiram said he would put on the bridle with blinders. Mr. Lunt said "I have seen you cultivating without blinders ;
. 240
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
put on the open bridle." The order was obeyed, and before ser- vant could leave the colt's head the colt caught a glimpse of the flopping shay top and started with man hanging to nose, head and neck of colt.
Colt would go to the North Pole, Or anywhere, there to stay, A long way off on land or sea, Away from the pesky one-horse shay ! Down the road went horse and rider ; Where race would end, none could say ; Mr. Lunt seemed much delighted ; It was to him a gala day.
It was a race fearful indeed ! Guided not by rod or rein ; Driver grasping throttle valve, Horse a-pulling with nose and mane. The air was full of legs flying, Horseman's grip was strong and hard, All the way, hopping and dancing, Down to Deshon's old mill yard. *
There the horse paused just one minute, With the grip still on his nose, So the rider asked his horseman What he would next propose. Then the horseman got on board That automobile one-horse shay ; . Took reins in hand-Whew, how they flew ! To Canton town that gala day.
Hiram E. Stillman, b. Nappan, N. S., Feb. 3, 1845, was the son of Samuel Stillman and Mary Casey, both of N. S. He m. Dec. 18, 1866, Olive Maria, dau. of Daniel Conant. Children :- Hattie M., b. Sept. 20, 1874 ; Olive Edna, b. Feb. 28, 1877; Wilson Stillman, b. around 1850, m. (1st) Rhoda A. Lewis. They had three children b. in N. B .- Edith, Thomas and Kenneth W. Wife d. in N. B. Wilson and children came to Peru. Kenneth W., b. Jan. 19. 1879, d. Oct. 28, 1895, of gunshot wound by pulling gun by muzzle. Thomas Stillman. m. Sept. 11, 1897, Ernestine
*1/4 mile.
241
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
M., dau. of Elwin C. Knox. Their son, Gerald T., b. Apr 19, 1903. Family removed to Cal., 1908. Edith Stillman, m. Chas. Allen, his third wife; res., Livermore Falls. Children :- Leon M., b. July 18, 1897; Mary Louise, b. May 18, 1908.
Wilson Stillman m. (2nd) Apr. 25, 1885, Emma Turner, widow of Amos Turner. Their only child, Mabel Alice, d. Mar. 8, 1893, ae. 8 years. Mr. Stillman followed trade of blacksmith at Peru Cent. several years. He built the set of buildings there now owned by I. C. Kidder. He d. there, Apr. 1, 1905. Mrs. Emma Stillman d. at Dennis A. Harriman's, Rumford, Apr. 21, 1909. Following early parental teaching, this woman was a firm believer in Christian religion. Like her father, she was strong in Universal faith. She found pleasure in church service through life. Her own denomination was preferable when at hand, yet she would not withhold attendance on denominational grounds. She found experimental religion profitable in this life, and we trust the one thing needful at the journey's end. Amos Turner, her first husband, met with a change of heart before his death, doubtless through her influence. Congenial spirits will find their affinities in the next world.
Marriage of children :- Hattie M. Stillinan m. Nov. 26, 1892, Stephen A. Getchell in Peru. They settled on the Oldham farm at the head of Worthly pond, where children were born. He sold there to E. M. Howard and removed to his present home residence, formerly the E. P. Gibbs farm on River road. Their children :--- Erwin A., b. Sept. 16, 1894, attending his second term at Hebron Academy; Stella, b. Nov. 26, 1898; Clyde Edward, b. Sept. 27, 1902. Mr. Getchell is a busy worker, a hustler. Olive Edna Stillman m. July 4, 1897. Thomas J. Rolls. No issue. Have adopted dau., Lerene May, b. Aug. 16, 1905; res., East Peru, form- erly the Geo. H. Davis stand and outlands. Mr. Rolls is a man of enterprise and good deportment, a prominent member of Peru Grange, No. 109. Filled several offices, including Master.
Thurstons
Caleb and Hannalı (Dudley) Thurston of Exeter, N. H., had seven children : the two oldest were Caleb and John, who came to Monmouth as early as 1792 and established a mill at North Mon- month. They sold their plant and returned to Exeter. Two younger brothers, Dudley and Trueworthy. became permanent res- idents of Monmouth. Dudley m. Betsey Thurston of Nottingham
2+2
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU.
and removed to Monmouth in 1802. Their children, five.
Trueworthy, fourth child of Caleb and Hannah (Dudley) Thurston, of Exeter, N. H., was born June 1, 1778, m. Nov. 26, 1801, Priscilla Royal, b. Monmouthi, Oct. 13, 1779, settled in Monmouth in 1802, and in 1819 removed to Peru, where he died July 20, 1849. Wife d. Oct. 16, 1865. Their children, eight, with the exception of the last, were born in Monmouth :- Levi Moody, b. Dec. 2, 1802, d. Jan. 15, 1831; Clarinda, b. Sept. 18, 1805, m. Feb. 23, 1840, Wm. Paul of Peru ; Daniel Adams. b. July 16, 1808. m. Dec. 6, 1832, Olive Bray of Poland. He removed to Poland, Me., d. there 1888. In 1847 he drove an ox-team from Hannibal, Mo .. to Oregon, being gone two years. His wife d. Apr. 10, 1875. Three children. He was accompanied by his brother, Samuel R., b. Apr. 17, 1816, who m. July 28, 1814, Eliza- beth McClinch, b. Dec. 22, 1816. dan. of John and Sarah Mc- Clinch of Fayette, Me. Reviewing the life of Samuel Royal Thurston. at the age of three years he began his career in a log house with his parents and older brothers and sister on Burgess Hill. so-called, in Peru. He was with his father on the farm till seventeen years of age, when an injury changed his plans for life. He fitted for college at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary. Readfield, Me., entered Dartmouth College in the freshman class, and in 1840 left there and entered Bowdoin as a sophmore. and graduated m. 1843. He read law with Hon. Robert P. Dunlap of Bruns- wick. Me., and practiced there till 1845, when he went to Burling- ton, then the territory of Iowa, and practiced law and edited the Gazette, a leading Democratic paper. The climate did not agree with him, and Mar. 24, 1847, having bought a team of five yokes of oxen, two cows and a horse. took his wife and child, three months old. in a wagon, and with goad in hand drove that team twenty-four hundred miles, arriving in Oregon City, in the valley of the Wil- lamette river, Oregon, Sept. 13, 1847. At this time the U. S. mail was received but once a year. and two merchant ships came once a year from Boston, and the vessels of the Hudson Bay Co. were the only means by which letters could be sent or passage had.
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.