USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Windham > Windham in the past > Part 20
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William C. Jordan came here from Windham Hill and hired Long's shop, where he worked for a short time. He then built the shop that stands near the Universalist Church, and is the only iron worker on Windham side of the river. The other smiths in town are Linwood Rogers and L. M. Morrill, at Wind- ham Center: Amos Mann, W. H. Rogers, and Royal Edwards at North Windham.
Elijah Varney was by trade a carriage maker and for several years manufactured different kinds of carriages at Windham Center. He had in his employ a number of workmen, but gave up this occupation to engage in the manufacture of long and short lumber.
In 1847, Edward T. Smith, who had been one of Mr. Var- ney's apprentices, located at Little Falls and commenced to manufacture carriages in William Bacon's old shop on Depot street. He remained there until burned out, when he purchased the shop built by M. P. Larry on Main Street, where he carried on business for nearly fifty years. He died July 6. 1909, aged 83 years.
The first carpenter and joiner in this town of whom we have any knowledge was Nathaniel Cogswell, one of the original grantees. We find an account of him in Chapter IV.
Another of the grantees, who is called "a chairmaker." was Nathaniel Evans. He settled on Home Lot No. 55, and tradition asserts that he was a joiner as well as a chairmaker. He was
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a native of Marblehead and died in Windham, in extreme old age.
Richard Dole was a joiner, but sometimes calls himself "a chairmaker," which, we suppose, means more particularly a cabinetmaker. However, for many years he was the principal carpenter and builder in town.
Samuel Dole, son of Richard, learned his father's trade and worked at the business until old age disqualified him for active life. He always lived in Windham and died there at the age of 79 years.
James Loveitt, known as Captain James, a native of Wind- ham, in early life learned the carpenter's trade and, throughout his long life of 84 years, made it his principal occupation, even in old age being noted for the excellence of his work.
Jonathan Stevens was a carpenter and millwright. His sons, William and Abner, were fine workmen, both as carpenters and joiners.
James Crague was a very ingenious woodworker, famous in his time for the manufacture of old-fashioned ploughs, ox-yokes, harrows, and other farming implements. He finally became totally blind and remained in that condition until his death, which took place Dec. 8, 1872.
Calvin Emery came from some part of Massachusetts. He was a millwright by trade and worked many years for the powder company at Gambo.
The late Thomas Bodge was a master builder and contractor. (See Bodge genealogy.)
His son, Elbridge S. Bodge, also a carpenter and joiner, worked at that trade many years for the Sebago Wood Board Company, at South Windham.
William Loveitt, son of Capt. James, and Charles B. Walker were both carpenters, joiners, and master mechanics, and were employed by the Oriental Powder Co. for many years.
William A. Larry and Perley E. Mitchell are carpenters and joiners. Mr. Larry has built several houses at South Windham and was employed, for many years, as master workman by the "Robinson Woolen Company." Mr. Mitchell is employed by the "Eastern Dynamite Co." at Newhall. Both these gentle- men are natives of this town, and reside at Little Falls.
About the year 1825, John Goodell came to this town from
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Kennebunk, Me. He was a potter by trade, and so far as we can learn, the only one who ever exereised that handicraft in Windham. He located first, near the intersection of the Horse Beef and River Roads, on the eastern side of the latter, where traces of his workshop and the cellar of his house are yet to be seen, the lot being now included in the farm of the late John Webb, Esq. He remained there a few years and then purchased the farm on which Isaiah Staples now lives. There he built a large barn-like structure, one end of which was fitted up as a workshop, while the other contained the huge kiln, where, at stated intervals, he burned his old-fashioned brown earthenware. In this shop he constantly labored until his death in 1850.
Shortly after the close of the Indian wars, when the inhabit- ants of Windham commenced to rebuild their dwellings,-which, as the old records tell us, they found "rotten down" on their return from the fort,-a brickyard was established on the farm now owned by Mr. Lars Klagenberg, then a part of the Mayberry cstate. This appears to have been a sort of neighborhood prop- erty, and tradition asserts that all the bricks used in this vicinity, previous to the Revolutionary War, were made in this yard. Traces of the old yard are still to be seen.
In 1788-9, John A. Knight came to Windham from Falmouth and settled in the easterly part of the town. Among other occu- pations he had a brickyard on his farm near Pleasant River, in the northeasterly part of the town. He was a "briek-layer" by trade and made the bricks used in his business. His farm is the same now owned by his grandson, Albert Knight.
In 1812, Thomas Bodge, Sr., had a brick-yard on the banks of the little brook that crosses the town road near where Mr. John A. Cobb afterwards lived. This yard was on the northerly side of the road, and relies of the former occupancy are often brought to light by the plough.
Joseph Cook, sometime between 1840 and 1850, made bricks on the farm now owned by Mr. Dana A. Lowell, near Popeville.
We have been informed, that at one time, bricks were manu- factured quite extensively on the land of Ezekiel Varney ; also that Oliver Winslow had a brick-yard near the banks of Calley Wright Brook, in the Hanson neighborhood; and that a Mr. Sawyer had one near the residence of the late Heman Cobb.
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There may have been others, but those above-mentioned are all of which we have any positive knowledge in Windham.
About 1850, Joel Allen erected a large building, on the easterly side of the Gray Road, near the mouth of the road leading to the village of Gambo, in which he manufactured ploughs and had at one time, an iron foundry attached. ITis son, Cyrus K. Allen, was associated with him, and for several years they did a con- siderable business.
Mr. William F. Hall, an ingenious mechanic, had a shop on the Portland Road, near Windham Center, where he made ploughs and various other farming tools for a long term of years. He was noted for his fine workmanship, and his ploughs were long regarded by the farmers of Cumberland County as the best in use. Mr. Hall died July 10, 1911, after an active life of 90 years.
In addition to John A. Knight, the masons and brick-layers in Windham have been: Allen Hamblen, his two sons, George W. and Byron, Richard Sylvester, and Edwin Cobb, all of whom have left specimens of their handiwork in various parts of the town.
Formerly a large amount of men's clothing was made in this and the neighboring towns, for wholesale manufacturers in Bos- ton, New York and Chicago; Isaiah Pope and Co. being the first to establish the business here, about 1850. Others followed their example, and, in a short time, a considerable industry grew up, which furnished employment for many workmen of both sexes. This continued until after the Civil War. In addition to the Pope brothers, those in Windham engaged in the business were S. H. Staples & Co. at Windham Center, Augustus H. Little at the Hill, and Rogers & Varney, afterward Rogers & Goold, at North Windham.
CHIAPTER XII GROCERS AND GENERAL TRADERS. LAWYERS. PHYSICIANS. ASSOCIATIONS
Just who was the first grocer and general trader in Windham we have no means of knowing. A well-authenticated tradition asserts that the first settler, Capt. Thomas Chute, for several years, kept a small stock of groceries in his house, which he sold to his fellow settlers. If this tradition is true, Mr Chute must be regarded as the pioneer merchant of the town. It is probable that during the Revolutionary period there was a grocery store at ancient "Horse Beef." but it was, it is said, on Gorham side of the river. This, however, is purely traditional.
In 1769, Jonathan Loveitt, a native of Cape Elizabeth, came to Windham and located at Gambo. (See Loveitt genealogy.)
Probably the next grocer to locate here was Paul Little, a native of Newbury, Mass., from which place he came to Port- land, in 1761, and had a store on King (now India) Street. He traded there until the town was destroyed by Capt. Mowatt, in
Main Street, North Windham, Maine
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1775, after which he removed to Windham, and we find him a taxpayer here in 1776. He purchased a large tract of land, including the farm now owned by Mr. Benjamin Spear, and the house which he built is still standing, and occupied by Mr. Spear. Tradition says that Mr. Little built a store near his dwelling-house, but we are unable to locate the exact spot. We are also informed that he did a large amount of business as a grocer and general trader. He died in Windham, May 23, 1818, aged 78 years.
About 1792, Thomas Smith, son of the Rev. Peter T. Smith, had a store on the westerly side of the Main Road, nearly oppo- site the residence of the late Hannah E. Whittier. He, too, dealt in both dry goods and groceries and did a large business for those times. He continued in trade until his death, which took place Feb. 27. 1802. He is said to have been a very pleas- ant, warm-hearted man, and very popular with his townsmen. His death was the result of an accident, and his age was 32 years.
Shortly after the death of Mr. Smith, Jonathan Andrew (father of Gov. John A. Andrew) established himself in the grocery business at the corner of the road leading from the Main Road to Little Falls. There he remained several years, but he afterwards removed to the village and was the first trader in that place. His store stood nearly opposite what is known as the "Old Tavern." He remained here until about 1832, when he closed his business, and having amassed a considerable fortune, moved to Boxford, Mass., where he died, in 1849.
Mr. Andrew was succeeded by Moses Little, a native of Windham, who commenced business in the Andrew store and traded there until his death, Sept. 14, 1843. Mr. Little was a general favorite with all classes, especially with young people.
He was succeeded by Albert Webb, who purchased the stock of goods of Mr. Little's administrator and continued the busi- ness for a few years. Being desirous of a larger field of opera- tion, he moved to Portland, where, for a long term of years he was a successful wholesale grocer. He died in Windham, Mar. 7, 1900.
The next grocer and general trader in Little Falls was Dea. William Bacon, a blacksmith by trade. Becoming tired of the anvil and leather apron, in the summer of 1845, he converted, his blacksmith shop into a store, purchased a stock of dry goods
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and groceries, and became at once a full-fledged merchant. Contrary to all expectations, he was successful, and in a year or two, built a store on the site of the Andrew store where he re- mained a short time, having as a partner, first, Alfred M. Bur- ton, and later, Albert Stevens, both of whom were wholesale dealers in Portland. In the mean time, Mr. Bacon's former blacksmith shop was destroyed by fire, and he moved his store to the lot on Depot Street, where he continued in business until old age disqualified him for active life.
In 1845. Jonathan Hanson, who had kept a grocery store at ancient Horse Beef, on Gorham side, moved into the brick store on the corner of Main and Depot Streets, where he did a safe and remunerative business for a long term of years. On retir- ing, he moved to Portland, where he died several years ago.
William Biekford eame to South Windham from Casco, Mar. 1. 1869. He purchased the Bacon property, removed the old store, and built on the same spot a large and commodious store in which he kept a full assortment of groceries, dry and faney goods. His son, William H. Bickford, was his partner, and still continues the business. Mr. William Bickford died April 25, 1893 ..
James A. Magnusson, a native of Sweden, has for several years kept a well-appointed grocery in the store where Jonathan Ilanson formerly traded.
Elias Strout kept a grocery store for a year or so on Main Street, but removed to Gorham side of the river, where he re- mained for a short time.
George W. Swett kept the first drug store in South Wind- ham. After several years in the business, he sold out to Dr. Charles W. Bailey and shortly afterwards moved to Portland, where he died Jan. 20, 1903. He was a veteran of the Civil War and lost a leg at the Battle of Cane River.
Dr. Bailey soon retired from business and was succeeded by Daniel M. Rand, a native of the village, who remained here a number of years. Wishing for a more extended field of trade, he sold out to Andy L. Hoyt, who came from Dover, Me., and who is now the only druggist in town.
F. W. Bryant had a store on Mechanie Street where he dealt in meats and provisions quite extensively. His son, Ralph Bryant, now carries on the business.
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The first merchant and general trader to locate at what is now the village of Windham Hill was Maj. Edward Anderson. (See Anderson genealogy.)
Another early trader at, or near the Hill, tradition says, was William Mayberry. He was known as "Marchant Bill." We have not been able to locate the site of his place of business. Several years ago one of his descendants reeited to me the fol- lowing eouplet relating to this man, said to have been composed by a customer to whom he refused credit for a glass of liquor :
"Marchant Bill lived under the hill,
Bought by the quart and sold by the gill."
The inference to be drawn from this is that his commercial operations were not conducted on a very extensive seale, and also that his stock in trade consisted largely of liquid refreshments.
Other early traders at the "Hill" were James Hawkes, Jr., Thomas Little. Samuel R. Hawkes, Samuel Hanson, and more recently, Charles H. Doughty, George W. Davis, and Samuel Garland.
At Windham Center, Alley Hawkes had a grocery and gen- eral store which he operated for a long term of years. His store stood on the southwesterly corner of the Gray and Portland roads. At the time of his death Mr. Hawkes was probably the
Street in Windham Center
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best known trader in town. He died Oct. 24, 1890, at the age of 81 years, and was succeeded by his son, Fred S. Hawkes, who with his son William C. Hawkes, still continues the business.
About 1849-50, several citizens living in the vicinity of Wind- ham Center formed a co-operative association, for the purpose of purchasing groceries and other goods direct from the manu- facturers and wholesale dealers, thus saving the retailers' profits. These gentlemen, who were quite enthusiastic over the new scheme, bought a lot, on which they erected a building. It stood on the spot now occupied by the establishment of Fred S. Hawkes, and was fitted up and stocked with the usual articles kept for sale in country stores. Mr. Charles Jones was em- ployed as general manager, and for a short time everything went along prosperously; but after a year or two, the venture proved unsuccessful, and the association dissolved. The build- ing was sold to Mr. Stephen H. Staples, who used it as a tailor shop and general store. Mr. Staples continued to operate this store until failing health compelled him to retire, and he died Oct. 14, 1888.
The late Andrew J. Morrill had a grocery and general store about one mile from Windham Center, at the village known as "Morrill's Corner." His store is still standing on the corner of the Gray and Portland roads, and is owned and occupied by Foster Bros. & Co. Mr. Morrill was a very popular man in town and had many warm personal friends. He died in the prime of life and was succeeded by Charles Hasty, who, after remaining here a few years, went to Lewiston, Me., where he now resides.
In the early part of the last century Ichabod Baker operated a grocery store at the little hamlet that still bears his name, in the easterly part of the town. He appears to have had quite an extensive trade for many years. His two sons, Seward M. and Isaiah H. Baker, succeeded him and did a large and success- ful business. Both are now dead, and their property has passed to other hands. The brothers Baker were very popular men in town. Seward M. was at one time Sheriff of Cumberland County.
Isaiah Pope & Company, in connection with their manufae- turing interests, had a grocery store at the village of Popeville. This store, which stood on the westerly side of the road, near
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the bridge, was, with other buildings, totally destroyed by fire a few years ago.
At North Windham many traders have located at different times. Columbus Hunt and John Collins were among the early merchants there. Charles and J. Reed Rogers came later. Several years ago Henry H. Boody had a large store there and, at that time, was the principal trader in that part of Windham. L. S. Freeman and W. H. Cram & Son are among the recent merchants, who are not now in business there.
*Thomas S. Nason and Howard H. Boody are the present merchants at North Windham.
Mrs. Lizzie Pride Boody earries a line of millinery and fancy goods.
LAWYERS
Several lawyers have, at different times, located in Windham. The first one of whom we have any record was Joseph Pope. Ile was born in the town of Spencer, Worcester County, Mass .; graduated at Dartmouth College in the class of 1798; and read law with Pliny Merrick of Brookfield. He was admitted to the Cumberland bar in 1804 and opened an office for the practice of law at Windham Hill, in 1803. He delivered an oration before the citizens of Windham, July 4, 1804. In 1805, he re- moved to Portland, where he remained until 1813. He then returned to Windham, where he resided until 1815; then went again to Portland and was living there in 1839.
Hezekiah Frost was another lawyer in early times. (See Frost genealogy.)
Thomas Amory Deblois was the next lawyer to locate in this town. He was a native of Boston; graduated at Harvard Col- lege in the class of 1813; came to Maine and studied his profes- sion with Col. S. A. Bradley, of Fryeburg, and Gen. Samuel Fes- senden of New Gloucester. He eommeneed the practice of law in Windham in 1816. He removed to Portland in 1819 and spent the remainder of his life there. For many years he en- joyed the highest reputation as a counsellor and had a large Praetiee.
* Since the above was written, Warren Freeman has opened a general store at No. Windham.
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John Eveleth was born in New Gloucester and graduated at Bowdoin College in 1814. He read law with Samuel Fessen- den. He came to Windham and commenced the practice of law, Dec. 7. 1819, and spent the remainder of his life here. He was a wise and judicious counsellor, an honest man, and greatly respected. He died Sept. 17, 1859.
David Porter Baker, son of Gen. Elias Baker, was born in Windham, March 15, 1822. He read law with the firm of Wells & Sweat of Portland. After finishing his studies, he opened an office in his native town at the village of North Windham, where he remained until his death, May 23, 1860. Mr. Baker was a man of fine intellectual abilities, a ready and eloquent speaker, and a safe counsellor. He was greatly interested in our common schools and served several terms on the superintending school committee. His health, never good, finally gave way under the strain of his manifold labors, and he died of consumption at the early age of 38 years-a loss to the town.
Peter Rowe Hall was the son of Gen. Daniel Hall and was born in Windham, Oct. 23, 1826. He began life as a school teacher, in which profession he was eminently successful. He afterward studied law and succeeded Mr. Eveleth at Windham IIill. He practiced his profession there six or seven years. Being chosen county treasurer, he removed to Portland, where he died July 28, 1869, aged 42 years.
Col. John Clifford Cobb, son of Jonathan and Mary (Stuart) Cobb, was born in Westbrook, Mar. 3, 1837. He studied law and settled in Windham, where he opened an office at the "Hill" and remained there for a number of years. When the Civil War came, he enlisted in Co. D, 15th Me. Regt., and was chosen lieutenant of the company. Later he was promoted to be a colonel. After his discharge, he returned to Windham where he remained a short time. He then located in Portland and died there, April 2, 1910, after a successful life as an attorney and counsellor-at-law.
Thomas L. Smith, in his history of the town, gives the names of Barker Curtis and Asa Mitchell as lawyers. Of these men we know nothing whatever. He also mentions Thaddeus S. Chase, Freeland A. Staples, T. S. Brigham and John O. Win- ship, as practicing lawyers here. With the exception of Mr. Chase, none of these remained but a short time. Mr. Chase had
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an office at North Windham and died there, Jan. 28, 1876, aged 44 years. At the present time there is no lawyer located in town.
PHYSICIANS
The first physician to settle in this town was Dr. Caleb Rea (or Rhea). (See Rea genealogy.)
Dr. James Paine was the second physician to settle in this town. He came from Limerick, Me., in 1797, within a year after the death of Dr. Rea ; settled at Little Falls, and remained here in practice until 1818. His health having failed he re- moved to Portland, where he died Feb. 22, 1822, aged 63 years. Dr. Paine built a house on the hill near the depot at South Windham, which he afterwards sold to Jonathan Andrew, who occupied it until he removed to Boxford, Mass. In this house his son, John A. Andrew, afterwards Governor of Massachusetts, was born May 31. 1818.
The other physicians who have located at Little Falls have been : S. W. Baker, Eli Edgecomb, James M. Buzzell, Isaiah Hedge, Silas E. Sylvester, Roscoe G. Millikin, Frank Carter, F. A. Harris, John Swan, and N. M. Marshall.
At Windham Hill Dr. John Waterman resided for many years. He moved to Gorham and died there June 11, 1865. He was long the principal physician in Windham.
Other physicians at the "Hill" were Drs. J. A. Parsons, Charles G. Parsons, Seth C. Hunkins, Lewis W. Houghton, T. S. Weston, James P. Webb, George L. Kilgore, Bertrand F. Dunn, and Isaac D. Harper.
At North Windham Dr. Reuben B. Jordan, a native of Ray- mond, Me., who graduated at the Medical School of Maine in 1870, practised until his death.
Dr. Charles F. Parker is now the only physician in North Windham.
PUBLIC HOUSES
For several years after Windham was first settled, there was no public house kept within its limits. Travelers were few in that day; and, if any came, they were cordially welcomed and entertained by some one of the settlers. It is said that our first
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settler, Capt. Thomas Chute, for many years kept an open house for all eomers, which is probably true.
But, as the population increased, and roads were built to communicate with other towns, several publie houses were opened in different parts of the town.
Where the first one was located, we do not know; but in 1832 Andrew Libby opened a publie house, (or as it was then called. a tavern) at Little Falls, where he remained a few years. He then sold to William Silla, who, in turn, leased the premises to Eben Hieks. The latter shortly retired, and Mr. Silla again became the landlord.
In 1840, the late Thomas Bodge refitted the house and re- mained in possession until 1848, when he retired, and Mr. Silla again took possession.
The old hostelry is still standing on the corner of Main and Depot Streets. It has been used as a tenement house for many years, but is yet known as the "Old Tavern."
Another one of these old taverns was at North Windham, and was kept by Edmund Boody for many years. This stood on the road leading from Portland to Bridgton. It was quite noted in its day, and, for many years did a flourishing business. It had several landlords after Mr. Boody retired, among whom may be mentioned John York and a Mr. Stanley. The old house was taken down several years ago, and its site is now occupied by the large store of Howard Boody.
Sometime previous to 1839. James Greenough kept a publie house at Windham Center, in the building now owned and oc- cupied by Fred S. Hawkes. This house was built by Samuel Hanson, who died here, Mar. 31. 1813.
Mr. Greenough did not stay here long, and William H. Smith became the landlord and remained many years. He was noted for his genial manners and was exceedingly popular with his patrons; he afterwards went to the neighboring town of Ray- mond, where he kept the celebrated Longley tavern.
At Windham ITill, a publie house was established early in the history of the town, but at what time or who the proprietor was we do not know. We have been informed that George W. Davis was one of the early landlords; and that after him came Mr. Jason Webb, who is yet remembered by many citizens of this and the neighboring towns, as the genial landlord of the old hostelry.
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