29 I i S K Qass. Book- ilSlH -V — AND— Early Settlers T" — OF— P ^ ^^^ \% 11 amc. 1877. EARLY SETTLERS -OF— HAHRISON, MAINE, -WITH AN- HISTOEICAL SKETCH OF THE SETTLEMENT, PROGRESS AND PRESENT CONDITION OF THE TOWN. By Rev. G. T. Ridlon. SKOWHEGAX : KILHV & WOODDURY, Printers. 1877. <}r 7' ^^\ TO THE EEADER. This liumble volume makes uo pretensious to be a history of the to\ni of Harrison from its settlement to the present time. It was not my purpose when compiling the geneal- ogies of the pioneer families of the town, to give any account of the settlement and growth of the to\^^l other than was closely associated with the history of families ; but many representatives of the families whose pedigrees I have made out, expressed a desire to see a sketch of the town history in the work when published. I must say that neither my time nor means would admit of an attempt to prepare a complete history of the town ; and, besides, such a work- should begin with the early history of Bridgton and Otisfield, towns from which Harrison was made. I will here say that I have gathered a considera- ble amount of material which woidd jirojierly come within the scope of the history of the towns before mentioned, and shall be glad to assist any competent person in prei)aring such a work. The material found in the genealogical de- partment of this work has been gathered from a Avide held. I have spent days in Ustening to the aged people, as they recounted events connected wdth the early settlement of the town, in which they enacted a part, or were witnesses of; and these I have noted down for jiermanent preser- vation. The records of the old families have been gath- ered from family registers, old bibles, wills, deeds, inven- tories, petitions, grave-stones and the town records. Much has been gathered from distant parts by correspondence. Great care and patience have been exercised to avoid mistakes in dates. Where discrepencies were known to exist, I have searched diligently for the "bottom facts." Those who have provided records must bear the res]>on- sibility of their correctness ; I have copied such verbatim. PREFACE NOTE. No doubt errors will be found and corrected in the future ; but it is believed the genealogies will be found nearly correct. Nearly all of the old pioneers have passed away, and would have left but little by which tlieir history conld have been known, but for the exertions of the author to note down such incidents as they were recount- ed, before tlieir memories were impaired. The meagre records of the town have nearly faded out by lajjse ot time, (those relating to its early history) and will soon be illegible ; the old tomb-stones are moss-grown and <'rumb- hiig; old documents have been destroyed by vermin or sold to the tin-pedler, and in a few more years nothing would have been found for the basis of a town history but faint and fragmentary traditions. The author has not been insjnrcd to his self-imposed undertaking by the l)ride of birthright, for he is only a townsman by adop- tion ; he has not driven his horse over the hills and through the deep snows when gathering the statistics for this M'ork, for pecuniary considerations, as all know who are acquainted with the expense of compiling and pub- lishing siu'h a work ; he has not i^rosecuted the task Avith tlie persistency and discrimination which it has demand- ed, with tlie expectation of receiving the thanks of the present towns-peoi)le, for so few appreciate a work of its (;lass sufticiently as to regard the time devoted to it but foolishly employed ; but the work has been carried for- ward under an impetus of inborn interest in the perma- nent preservation of the annals and records of towns and families. Wliile otliers have been sleeping, much now found in this little book was arranged and composed. The work is too limited in scoi)e to give place to any old documents ; it has been condensed as mu<;h as possibk' and be s])ecific. I sincerely hope that some competent histo- rian will consult the i)roprietors' records of Otistield, and other documentary evidence, and write a detailed and authentic history of the towns of Bridgton, Otistield and Harrison: for these towns are so intimately associated in historical interest that the history of one must be, in i)art, the historv of the other. There is this comforting thought PKEFACE NOTE. about my work, viz : That my undertaking lias been a commendable one ; that I have done all in my power, with my means, to make it reliable, and that it will, like wine, gi-ow lieher and be better api)reeiated in the future than at present. Those who know the least about the magnitude of my wt>rk, and the difficulties with which one of its class is attended, will have the least patience with any errors they may discover ; while those who have had experience in such work will properly a})i)reciate what I have accomplished. With the hope that the ma- terial incorporated in this book may prove of value to rtie families Avhose rtcoi'ds it ])rescrves, and to future writers as a reference, I commit it to the public. G. T. EIDLOy, Harrison, Maine. August 1, 1877. TABLE OF CONTENTS. HISTORICAL SKETCH 7 OUR PIONEER FAMILIES 20 ABBOTT FAMILY 04 BISBEE " 2.5 BENNETT " 05 BOLSTER " og BRAY " 28 BURNHAM " 31 BKACKETT " 34 CllAl'LIX " 37 CHADIIOURNE 38 ANUTHKR " 41 CAK^LEV " 43 tASWELL " 50 CUMMINGS " ■■ 54 DAWES " ■ 55 EMERSON " 57 FOSTER " 59 GAMMON " ■ 64 GILSON " ■■ 64 GRAY' " 67 HALL " 68 HOWARD " 70 HOBBS " ■ ■ ■ 72 HASKELL " 74 HARMON " 76 HARMON " , " 79 INGALLS " 82 ANOTHER " • ■ ••• ^^ JOHNSON " 83 KNEPXANT) " ■ ■ 86 KILBOURN " 90 LiVKIN " ■ ■ 91 LAMB " 93 LEWIS " 93 LOWELL " 95 NEWCOMB " ■■ 97 NEAL " 97 PACKARD " ■ ' 98 PITTS " 99 phinnt:y " 100 plaisted " 102 PEIROE " . 102 PERLEY " 104 RUSSELL " • 106 ROSS " 106 SCRIBNER " 107 ANOTHER " . , •.,... 109 STRICItLAND '. '. '. ". '. '. '.'.','.'.'. 110 STEWART " Ill SAMPSON " 114 SPRINGER " 117 STILES " 'in THOMS " 118 ANOTHER " 119 TRAFTON " 120 M^ALKER " ' ' 121 WATSON " "125 WOODSUM " 127 WHITEMORE ' 13n WITHAM " ' ' 131 WILLARD " '133 WHITNEY " . ' ■ 136 HISTORICAL SKETCH. The to\ni of Harrison, named in honor of the Hon. Harrison Gray Otis, of Boston, was taken from the towns of Bridgton and Otisflekl ; the former town was granted to soldiers who were in the Canada exjjedition of 1090, and confirmed to them in 1765. The town was originally called Pondicherry, and was afterwards named for Moody Bridges, Esq. Otisflekl was granted to Hon. James Otis, Nathaniel Gorham, and the other heirs of Capt. John Gorham, Jnne 14, 1777, for services against Canada, in 1770. In 1805, that part of Bridgton lying on the east side of Long Pond, containing abont 8500 acres, was taken off to form, in part, the new town of Harrison, and, united with that part of Otisflekl on the west side of Crooked Eiver, was incorporated into a town, March 8, 1805. When the flrst explorers, and early settlers, came into the township they found it a dense wilderness. There were no marks of the woodman's axe, or prints of the white man's foot ; no sound was heard to disturb the aw- ful silence of the primeval solitudes, save the music of the waterfall, and the scream of wild beasts ; and the only thing to guide them, or to help them on tl«?ir way, were the Indian trails. The flrst settlers who established themselves on the town lands, were men well adapted to the work of the pioneer; descended from the Puritan stock of the old colony of Plymouth, and born during the dark days of 8 IIAKlilSOX, MAINE. the Indian wars ; skilled in woodcraft, and a(;(iuainted with hardships and the use of the musket from childhood, they were calculated to endure the deprivations that are incident to the settlement of a new country. Several of the first settlers were born in the old fort at Gorham, when tlieir parents had taken shelter there to save themselves from the torch aud scalping-knife of the treacherous red men ; and were reared at a time when their parents could only cultivate their growing crops, or attend the worship of God under arms; when the mothers dare not leave the cradles of their sleeping in- fants for a moment, lest they should be snatched away and borne to the wigwam of the savage. Under constant apprehension of danger, and trained to watch every bush and brake with discriminating vigilance, these children, grew to be men and women of courage, fortitude and strong nerves, invested with strong constitutions, aud capable of great endurance. The woods everywhere abounded with game, and the waters with fish, so that the jnoneers could provide for the necessities of their families until their ground would yield a sufficient harvest to depend upon as the basis of supply; and for several years much of the liAiug was taken by the rifle and traj). Bears and wolves were con- stantly destrojang the growing corn, or stealing fi'om the sheep-fold, and the settlers were compelled to hunt these marauders as a means of extermination, as well as to furnish meat for their tables. There were times when the early settlers suffered ex- tremely from cold, exposure and hunger ; and a less courageous and determined i)eople would have deserted for more i)oi)ulous distiicts. The wives and mothers HISTORICAL sketch! 9 sliared in all the interests and hardships of their hus- bands ; they worked in the fields, went to mill, and made the cloth for their ovni and family's wear. Before mills were built, corn was pounded into samp, and boiled ^\ith milk for food. The first houses were built of logs, and chinked with moss ; the roof covered with bark ; the floors, if any, were usually of hewn logs, and the fire-places of stones, rudely made, and the chimney-tops made of sticks of wood. In these primitive dwellings the famil}- lived, worked and slept ; and by their rough hearth-stones many of our towns-people were reared, who have since enjoyed all the comforts of the well arranged modern homes. As soon as mills were in operation, and the clearings were sufficiently productive to provide comfortable family support, the log-house gave place to the frame, and weather-boarded dwelling ; and its rude furnishings to the more pretentious conveniences of prosperous times. But the settlers and their famiUes had to be industrious to provide for the immediate demands of every-day life ; the noise of the spinning-wheel and the loom from the inside, and that of the axe and flax-brake on the outside, were the sounds that awoke the children in those days, instead of the piano and organ of our days. The parents had but few books and but little leisure to read them ; and the children had few advantages for learning letters ; many of them learned to write on birch harl-. The first settler in town was John Caksley, from Gor- liam, a descendant of a Puritan family in old Plymouth Colony ; he oi)ened a clearing on the I'idge, near where Mr. George ('fmmings row lives, but on the opposite side of the road tliat leads to the old Baptist Meeting 10 * HAEEISON, MAINE. House. A brother of John, Nathan Caesley, and a brotlier-iii-law, jA]vrES Watson, came into town about tlie same time ; the formei' settled just below his brother John's clearing, and the latter, about one mile below the village, on the "Pond Eoad." It has been a matter of dis- pute, whether Nathan Caesley or James Watson built the first /rawe house in this town, but from the best evi- dences to be obtained, I conclude that Watson's was built first. The boards were sawed in Waterford, and Mr. Watson's place was very much nearer the mill, and more easily reached with a team than Mr. Carsley's ; besides some of the old peoj^le have informed me that they heard Mv. Watson say his house was the first erected. The Carsleys came into town and fell trees in . the au- tumn prcAious to their removal ; and after building some rude "Sugar Cami)s" they returned to Gorham. In the following March, 1793, they came into town with their wives and made maple sugar — and that was not all, for Nathan's wife, who had been drawn over the snow on a hand-sled by her husband from Otisfield, gave birth to a child during their sojourn here — the first child born in the town. They returned to Gorham, and remained there until their second child was born, 1790. It is believed that the brothers planted corn and erected substantial log-houses while their families were in Gorham ; and by some that they did not permanently locate until 1790-7 ; other of the old people claim, however, that John Caes- ley and wife never returned to Gorham after their first coming into this town, which statement is probably true, as he was married in 1790, and there are no records of l)irths of his children in Gorham ; hence I think they came into town in the spring of 1793, and became i)er- HISTORICAL SKETCH. 11 maneiit residents here. Other Gorham families followed soon after, aud families from Bridgtou, and Minot, set- tled ui town quite early. The town was surveyed and "lotted" by Benjamin Kimball, Jr., of Bridgton, (that part which was then in Bridgt-on) in 1793. There were fourteen lots granted to the early settlers, located on the easterly side of Long Pond, called '■'■merited lots,'''' in June, 1782 ; but these were not run out until 1793, when all that part of Bridgton lying north and east of Long Pond, was laid out by Mr. Kimball into ninety lots, of about ninety acres each, (old survey) and was called the ''Second Di\asion." Four of the poorest of these lots were set aside as blank lots ; and of the remaining eighty-six, one was drawn to the holder of each of the eighty-six different rights. For perform- ing this service, Mr. Kimball received fifty acres of land, which he selected at the outlet of Anonymous Pond — where the village is now situated. That part of Harrison that was taken from Otisfield, was surveyed and "lotted" by George Peircb, Esq., the Proprietors' Agent for the latter town, and a large part of the territory was then owned by that gentleman. The road that leads from the village to the south part of the town, by the Methodist Meeting House, is on the o- riginal line between Bridgton and Otisfield. Many of the old deeds show that the Perley family were heavy owners in that part of the town, which was taken from Bridgtou. The first settlers in the south part of the town were Capt. Benjamin Foster, and Maj. Jacob Emer- son. The first town meeting was held at the house of Note. — One Mutfat commenced a clearing near 'Harmon's Corner very early; he had a house near the brook, andljiiried a child there. 12 HARRISON, MAIKE. Xephtali Harmon, at "Harmon's Corners," near where tlie "Old Baptist Meeting' House" stands ; and near where said meeting was hehl — on the opposite side of the road — the Jirst town-house was built. [Mr. Hannon then lived at the road corner, on the side toward Capt. Charles Walker's.] At the first meeting- it was voted to hold futiu-e to^A^l meetings at the house of Xephtali Har- mon, till a more convenient place be appointed. Joel. SiJOiONS was Moderator ; Samuel Willard was chosen Clerk; Samuel Willard, Benjajvhn Foster and Stephen Stlles, were the first Selectmen ; I^athaniel BuRNHAM was made Treasurer, and Samuel Scrlbner^ Constable; SniEON Caswell, Edward Lowell, Eben- EZER Carsley, Xathan Carslet, and Rice Rowell, were chosen Highway Siu'veyors ; and John Woodsum Surveyor of Lumber ; Levi Perry, Daniel Stone, and Peter Gilson, were Fence Viewers ; J a:\ies Sa:vipson, Edward Lowell, and Benjajvhn Foster, were Ti th- ing-men ; Joel Sevoions, Jeremiah Turner, and Moses Chick, were Hog-reves; oSTephtali Harmon, Pound- keeper ; CusHiNG Daws, Stephens Ingalls, and Ed- ward Lo^T^LL, Field-drivers. The foregoing proves that those parties were in town as early as 1805 ; many were settled here before. Schools. The first summer schools were taught in barns, and the winter schools in private houses. Although schools were instituted in town early, the branches taught were few ; some of the children learned to write on birch bark. In 1806, the town was divided into six school districts ; and a few years later, it was voted in town meeting that "every school district shall build their own school house." The Jirst school house in town, was HISTOEICAL SKETCH. 13 on the "Scribner Hill," on the right hand side of tlieroad that leads from ''Harmon's Corners'' to said hill. The second school honse was bnilt near Jacob Emerson's, and called the "Emerson School Honse." Soon after the preceding-, the "Springer School Honse" was bnilt near where Heber Kemball now lives ; after this the village folks, and those in the interior of the town, nnited and bnilt the "Ponnd School Honse." The first six districts were divided and snb-di^dded as the population increased, nntil all were well accommodated, although the towni raised but one hundred dollars a year, nntil 1814, for the support of schools. Churches. The first religions meetings were held in barns, school houses, the town honse, and in dwelling houses. The first preacher in town was Elder Nicho- las Bray. Elder Cle^ment Phinney was the first E. W. Baptist preacher. Elder Samuel Lewis was an early preacher here. The Congregational Church was organized at the house of Oliver Peirge, in 1820 ; it consisted of eleven members. Eev. Joseph Searle was the first installed Pastor. The Calvin Baptist Church was organized at the honse of Samlt<:l Scribner, on "Scribner's Hill" in 1827, *(?) and its first regular preacher was Elder Jacob Bray, father of the present Elder Jacob Bray, of Bridgton. The F. W. Baptist Church was organized at the house of Shepherd Hawk, (where Newell Trafton now lives) in 1820. The first Meeting- house (now called the "Old Baptist Meeting Honse") was built at "Harmon's Corners" by the Baptists and Congre- gationalists, in 1827. The F. W. Baptist Meeting House, *William Harmon was Chosen Deacon of the Baptist Church in 1827 ; hence, I suppose, the Church was organized at that date. 14 HAEKISO^^, MAINE. ill the interior of the town, aiid the Coiigregationalist House at the ^^lblg•e, were built in 183C. Tlie Methodist Church was organized, and tlieir house of worship built, some years subsequently. The Christian Meeting House, in the south part of the town, was erected in 1870. Merchants. The first store was kept by Captain Foster, at the south part of the town ; it was situated on the right hand side of the road leading toward Edes' Falls, a few rods below the Benjamin Foster house. This store was the j)lace where many great stories were told, and where much ardent spirit was imbibed. The residents in the north and central parts of the town, went to l^orth Bridgton, and traded with "Old Merchant An- drews." Joel, Whitmore was the first trader at the vil- lage ; he was a brother of Mrs. Ja^ies Chadbourne. ]\Ir. Wliitmore kept goods in a small wooden building between the old brick store where Carter traded, and the Blake store. Levi Burnham and Oliver Peirce were also traders in town quite early. Isaac Bolster built and kept the first store at "Bolster's Mills," and George Peirce, the second. Manufacturers and ]\Iills. The first manufacto- ries were carried forward on a small scale. James Sa^ip- SON built the first mills at the \illage — a saw-mill and grist-mill. Samuel Tyler carried on wool-carding and cloth -dressing where Xe"\\"ELL Caswell's mill now stands; he and vSampson were the only residents at the village, "Flat," at that time. Old Mr. Edson carried on the man- ufacture of wnmght nails somewhere on the "Xeal Hill," above the village ; he sold nails to "Merchant Andrews" of North Bridgton. Colman Watson carried on coop- ering ill the \ illage, (juite early. The Gilsons owned a HISTOEICAL SKETCH. 15 mill ou Crooked River, below "Bolster's Mills," at an early day ; the Bolsters bought out the GiLsous aud built uiiils above, in 1819 and 1820. Seth Caesley had mills at Harrison village, subsequent to Sampson, and manu- factured hat-blocks and wooden plows. David Morse built a small shingle mill on the outlet of Anonymous Pond, which he sold to Luther Carman, who changed it to a machine shop and manufactured power looms and general machinery ; this was in ISIO. He sold out to T. H. EiCKER in 1848. Mr. Richer manufactured shingle machines, horse powers, aud plows, until 1859, when he and his son Sherburn — who became a member of the hrm in 1855 — commenced the manufacture of wood-working machinery. They were burned out in 1859, but immedi- ately rebuilt, and have continued to extend their business until the present time — a business amounting to about eight thousand dollars a year. Their machinery goes to all parts of the United States, and British Dominions. The firm now consists of the father and two sons. Greenfield Blake aud Ichabod Washburn, com- menced the manufacture of wire here (in the village) as early as 1831, and that business has been carried on by different parties ever since ; and is now owned by Tol- MAN, Caswell and Walker, who have a large factory, !ind in prosperous times drive an extensive business. Transportation. A line of canal-boats commenced running between Harrison village and Portland in 1828, and continued until the Ogdensburg Rail Road, touched the foot of Sebago Lake. As the head of the canal route was at Harrison, large store-houses were built at the vil- lage, in which the supplies for many back towns were stored until the heavy teams, which brought in manu- 16 HARRISO^^, MAINE. factured lumber, wood and produce, could take them to their destination ; in consequence of these circumstances the village became quite a business mart, and presented a lively appearance. A large tavern was built to accom- modate the teamsters and travelling i)ublic ; and around its ample fire, many joyous and hilarious meetings wew held by the story-tellers. A steamboat named the ^^Faivn''^ was built by a stock company, and run down the chain of lakes to the "carry- ing-place" at Staudish Xeck, many years ago, but it was not properly constructed, and was taken oft' after a few years ; it was commanded by Capt. Christopher C. W. Sampson. There was no other steam navigation over these lakes until one Simonds commenced running a beautifnl little steaudioat named the " Oriental ;" this proved a success, but was burned at the village. Mean- while the " Sebago Lake Steamboaf Conq)any," was in- corporated, and two fine boats, the "/S'e?>^//yo," and '■'■Mo\mt Pleasant,''^ were launched upon the waters of the lakes ; these boats sup])lanted the canal boat transportation, and have carried a great amount of freigiit over their route. They are owned and run by Mr. Charles Gibbs of Bridg- ton, a gentleman Of great enterprise and public spirit. As the steamboats run only in summer, a great amount of freight is taken from South Paris station, on the Grand* Truidv Rail Road, by teams, ui muter. But the Avhite sails of the canal boat may still be seen, like the wings of some mighty bird, spread out u])on the waters of the Lakes ; they are now run to the foot of Sebago Lake, with wood and manufactured hnnber, and return with heavy freight. biPiJoVKMK.NTS The Jhinisoii ol' today, itresciit.'-- a HISTORICAL SKETCH. 17 very different appearance from that indicated in the open- ing of this sketch. The strong arms of the pioneers, moved by a determined will, have plied the strokes of the axe, until the primeval forest has given place to broad fertile farms; the rude, primitive dwellings have been taken down, and beautiful modern residences, stately, graceful, and ornamental, have taken their places ; the old-fashioned school houses have been abandoned — those I)laces where so many of our aged towns-people were deeply impressed^ both with book and hircli — and new and commodious ones erected ; the old town house — over the dismantling of which there was a severe contention — has been taken down, and a large and respectable one built at the village ; the old church-houses have been closed, and others of modern architecture and convenience are now raising their graceful spires among the elms and maples that grow around them ; population has gathered about the centers of trade ; the villages have risen from little hamlets, to manulacturing places of considerable import- ance ; the blessings of education have been multiplied ; new resources discovered, and all branches of industry carried forward, until the town has become one of the most enterprising, prosperous, and beautiful in Cumber- land County. For its romantic scenery and picturesque views it can hardly be excelled. Like Zion of old, Har- rison is " beautiful for situation ;" there is no monotony or tiresome sameness ; there are the rugged, towering hills, with their rock-ribbed and tree-covered sides ; and, nest- ling at their feet, the silver-surfaced lakelets which reflect like a polished mirror, in their miniature bays, the forest- shaded headlands and the bordering pastures ; there run the purling brooks, in serpentine course, like a thread of 18 HARRISOK, MAINE. .silver woven into the landscape's green fabric by the creative fingers, which all day long glisten in the sun- light, and sing through their i^ebbled harps to the traveler Avho, with rod and line wanders along their banks, to take the speckled trout that finds his home in their tree-shaded coves ; here are the larger bodies of water which have now changed their old names from that of ponds to the more popular one of lalies; upon their bosoms plow the noble steamboats, while their shrill and business-toned whij-itles echo and re-echo among the hills and valleys along the shores. Instead of gathering at the store and village green, to engage in neighborhood gossip, as on even ings of the j^ast, the villagers now crowd around the wharves to gaze upon the new arrivals — the city folk who during the hot weather flock to our cool hillsides for rest and recreation. Everything wears a neat and enter- prising appearance. The farmers have opened their com- fortable homes to their city neighbors, and find pleasure as well as profit in entertaining those who have been more closely associated with the great busy outside world. Since the beauties of the scenery, and the new facilities for travel have become known, Harrison has grown to be a very popular resort for the weary, more especially since the remarkable " Summit Spring " was discovered ; the water of this spring possesses the most valuable medici- nal properties, and is healing hundreds; this water is now sold in all parts of the country. While the lakes that intersperse the landscape afford pleasure to the city boarders when rowing or sailing over them, the smoothly graded and forest-arched carriage roads in\nte the drive. No more invigorating aii', no more healthy situation can be found in New England, than is found here ; and the HISTORICAL SKETCH. 19 moral character of the inhabitauts is a subject of remark. Industrious, enteri^risiug, and temperate — the town is not cursed with a drinking shop — the people recognize all those kindly obligations of neighbors, and the courtesies and conveutionaUties which are pleasant to strangers. Peace and prosperity are general. Those iu professional life have been successful ; the mechanic and artisan grow in independence, and the farmers are constantly im- proving iu wealth and culture, — and we shall attribute this prosperity to the character of those families who first Ijermanently settled here. They had good bodies and good brains ; they had strong wills and strong arms ; they had enterprise and executive ability ; they possessed coiu-age and self reliance — all kept fresh by a blood in- herited from a noble ancestry ; and they lived, many of them, to see what they found a wilderness, become a blos- soming garden. Xoble and loyal-hearted were the fath- ers and mothers, and their posterity do honor their par- entage and emulate their examples. The number of inhabitants ia Harrison, in 1870, was 1-219. Valuation iu 1S70, Polls, 307; Estates, $304,63.5. "The Harrison Farmer's Club" was organized manv years ago, and has held regular and successful town fiiirs ; it has proved a source of profit and improve- ment to farmers and manufacturers. President, John Dawes, Esq. ; Secretary, Alplionso Morton. "The Harrison Insurance Association," (insurance against Are) has been long sustained in town, and is a most excellent organization. , A Stock Company erected a Woolen Mill in town, some years ago, but it was burnt down after running a few years. Lawyers that have pra<'ticed"in town were— Washburn, Thomas, Eastman, Blake, Strout, Chaplin and BuUard. Phtsicians that have practiced in town were — Carter, Conant, Rodgers, Duunells, Weston, Kimball, Dunn, Pease and Cole. OUE PIONEER FAMILIES. Among our grand and towering tree-crowned hills, Whose feet are daily washed by cool refreshing rills; Among the granite rocks, through forests deep and strong. Around the silvery lakes, roaming their shores along; Came pioneer adventurers of pure Old Colony stock, As staunch as ever stood on Plymouth's landing-rock. Strong arms, and noble aims, these hardy men possessed; They were well born for men, not for dolls to be caressed. 'Twas homes they sought, and lands on which to live. For independence and honesty, where love could thrive. They sought it, found It, bought it with their hands — And kept it by temperance and industry's iron bands. The stately pine, the hemlock, elms and sturdy oaks. Like mast, fell fast before the woodman's giant strokes. Then sunshine and rain, upon the dormant soil came down, To wake the sleeping earth, and warm the virgin ground. Broadcast the seed was sown, and fields of golden grain Soon waved o'er hills, and gilded open plain. Around their log-house hearth, the children gathered fast To bless the home, and share the table's plain repast; To rise to man and woman's dignified estate; To nobler deeds of good ; their town to populate. Thou, sons and daughters of our grand old town, Your place was nobly won, your honor and renown. To country loyal, and to your birthright ever true; For stations high, and ranks of eminence you greu — OUR PIONEER FAMILIES. 21 Grew tall of body, strong of -intellect and heart, In sympathy, in charity, in love to act your part. An honest life was yours; you ever hated sloth; You always gave good measure, and wove '■^full-cloth ;'^ You breathed pure air, and never feared the cramp, While you drank milk-porridge and ate corn-samp. Your names, not all poetic, were signiticuut of good, And when orderly connected, make a lively brood. The Abbotts and Ch^iphnx are not our churchmen now; Some practice at the Bar, others practice with the plow. The Stanleys were a witty set in politics and law, "Jack" Johnson was the joker, and "Zeb" could u.se hisjV<(.-. "Gee" HarmoiLs a " UntKersaller," and "Sam" could tal/c by rule, "Uncle Bill" drove the ox-te hew; The Kneclands and Kilborns were never very few. Some Biirnhams caught the rogues, and others roguish grew, While the Fosters and the Einersons were ever in a stew. Some old Withams were like giants, corpulent and strong, Bat the Whitneyx were the toughest, their bodies lean and long. With the Howardu to hew Stonex, while Burnham made a hat, Sam Tt/lf-r, the wool-carder, run his business at the "Flat." While Strickland made bricks, "Marm BucknelV would switch The urchins in her school room, on the "Scribner Hill;" Benjamin Chadboume, a distant relative of James Chadboume, Esq., was a mason; .Tames a tailor, as was also liis father in (lOrham. Cohiian Watson carried on cdoiicrimr at the villa;are, early; while Mr. Edson, said to lui\ e learneil liis trade in i)ris and Killiorns were numerous. Sumner llurnbam was Shciilf and State Detective. There \;tre jiolitical fends l)etween the foster and Kmerson families, as also between Cai)t. Foster and Major Kmerson during their military career. George Kmerson o\vne(l a powerful lilack horse and when returning from town meet- ing drove liv the Fosters, and when passing a neighbor, said, "I'll let tlie Fosters know they must go behind while I keep old black." .Several'of the Withani family were very corpulent; some weighed about three hundred jiounds. The Wliitiieys are nearly all verj' tall and hardy men. Several Howards were stone-masons. Daniel Stone was early in town. One Burnham was a hatter at the village. Samuel Tyler carried on wool-carding and cloth-dressing near where Newell Caswell's mill now stands; the village has always been known as "Harrison Flat." Tohn Strickland made brick at, or near, the place where the village now staudd; a MissBucknell kept one of the lirst schools on Seribner's hill. OUR PIOXEER FA]\IILIES. 23 If Woodsum built a barn, Old Xtal could dig a ditch, And "Jim" play Oamrnon on the road to Bolster's Mill. The Perkys had their say, on each election-day; And the Plaitteds had tJieir Foggs as well as showers; While Elders Pitts and Bray, taught others how to pray. The Willards intermarried with the Powers. With Traftons for drovers, and Bisbees for rovers. And the Scribne^s once scribes, to serve Constables here. With Simmons Moderator, and Ingalls a field-driver, Perry, Turner, Chick and Loicell close the rear. •John Woodsum worked as framer and builder; Old Mr. Neal, an Irishman, was a ditcher by tratle. .James Xeal used to stop and see the Gammon girls when carrving corn to Bol- ster's Mills. Gammon lived nil (tilsdu's hill. The Perleys have been radical and noisy politicians. The Plaisteds and Foggs were neighbors and intermamed. The Powers familv came from Sanl'ord, and were related to the Harmons. Solomon Pitts and .Jacob Bray were early Baptist Ministers. T)ie Traftons have l)ecome we'aJthy, dealing in live stock ; the Bisbees have been a moving family. The surname Scribner, was derived from scrioenor, to write. Samuel Scribner was first Constable in to«Ti. •Joel Simmons was Moderator of the first town meeting, and Stephens Ingalls chosen field-driver. Levi Perry, Jeremiah Turner, Moses Chick and Edward Lowell, were chosen to fill ofllces at the first town meeting held in town— 1805. ABBOTT FAMILY. Hiram Abbott, son of Tbeophilus, of Xewfield, York County, came here about 1820, and settled in the "John- son Neighborhood," where Abijah Lewis subsequently lived, and where John Laldu now lives. He married Betsey Hazeltiue, and had issue as follows, all born in this town — Mr. Abbott moved into the northerly end of the town, and settled near where his son Samuel now lives, in later years, and died April 27, 1843, aged 51 years and G months. His widow is still living with her daughter in Waterford : 1. Oliver, born April 29, 1821 ; married Xaucy Edson, Nov. 20, 1843, and died Jan. 18, 184G. 2. Sa^iuel, born Aug. 10, 1823 ; married Eliza, daughter of Joshua Howard, Dec. 13, 1848, and settled where he now lives, at the head of "Anouaymous Pond." Mr. Abbott is a successful farmer, and has been a hard worker. He is a kind neighbor, and respected citizen. His amiable wife died in 1875. No chil- dren. 3. Mercy, born Feb. 17, 1826 ; married Joseph Kilgore of Waterford, and is now living in that town. 4. Zebulox J., born Aug. 17, 1820 ; married Caroline Anderson, and settled on "Temple Hill," in Water- ford. Mr. Abbott is a good farmer ; has two chil- dren. 5. Charles, born Sept. 30, 1831; married Sarah J., daughter of Ephraim Cook of Harrison, and set- tled on a farm in Watei'ford. He has since moved to a farm near his brother Sanniel's, in this town. His children were four in number. 0. Betsey, born Dec. 13, 1833 ; married Kimball Kil- gore, (brother of Joseph) and hves in Waterford, Maine. 7. Eliza J., l)orn Dec. 7, 1835 ; married Davis, of Lewiston, Maine, and resides in that city. BISBEE— BENXETT FAMILIES. 25 BISBEE FAMILY. They are descended from Thomas Besbedge, (Bisbee) of Scitiiate, Mass., through UHsha, John, Elisha, John, and Ebenezer Bisbee, who settled in Harrison. The family were connected with the Edsons by marriage. Ebenezer married in Maine. He was born in 1782. This family are said to have moved to Aroostook County, many years ago; they lived where Albert Burnliam now resides, on ''Burnham's Hill" Harrison. Children as fol- lows : 1. HuLDAH S., born Sept. 12, 1804. 2. Edmond W., born April 5, 1800 ; died May 22, 1827. 3. Louisa, born April 8, 1808. 4. Irene, born May 4, 1809. 5. Ebenezer, Jr., born Feb. 21, 1811. 6. Ira, born Feb. 9, 1813. 7. Martha, born Nov. 14, 1814. 8. William, born Nov. 2, 1816. 9. John, born Nov. 5, 1818. 10. Solomon B., born March 30, 1820. 11. Abigail B., born April 30, 1822. 12. Hannah S., born Sept. 20, 1825. The mothei''s name was Eunice. Many of this family, from the first ancestors, were blacksmiths. Several branches settled in Maine. A gen- ealogy of . the family has been published by I3r. Wm. B. Lapham, of Augusta, Maine. BENNETT FAMILY. They were here quite early, in the settlement of the town. Stanton Bennett came from "Coos," N. H., and settled near where the F. AV. Baptist Meeting House now stands, about where Stephen Nason lived in 1870. He was a great singer, and once competed with Elder Clem- ent Phinney with his vocal powers. His children, born here, were as follows : 26 HAEEISOX, MAIXE. 1. Sylvia Anin", bom May 9^ 1813 ; died young. 2. Betsey, boru April 15, 1815 j married Jonathan Brackett, Sept. 14, 1813. 3. Mari^-llla, born Feb. 2, 1818. 1. Jane, born Oct. 11, 1819. 5. Caeolixe E., boru June 14, 1821. (). Sylvia, bom Dec. 14, 1825 ; married James RouudSy of Poland, Jime 6, 1847. BOLSTEK FAMILY. Isaac Bolster, son of Isaac, was born in Paris, Maiucy May 22, 17r)9 ; married ]Marcli 9, 1794, Hannah Cushmau, of Hebron (she was born April 10, 1777, and died Jau. 25, 1865,) and settled in his native town. He died Jan. 8, 1835. Mr. Bolster, fi-om whom the present -sillage of '^Bolster's 3Iills" took its name, purchased property of the Gilsons on Crooked Eiver. and built a dam and saw- niil] in 1819, and a grist-mill in 1820. The business was carried on mainly by his sons. His son William (of whom more hereafter) built the " fulling-miir'' in 1820. The father was never a resident of Harrison. Children as follows : 1. Alvin Bolster, son of Isaac, was born in Paris, Dec. 7, 1795 ; married C^^lthia Wheeler, of liimi- ford, and died in that to\^^l Dec. 8, 1862: 2. Isaac Bolster, Jr., was bor,n in Paris, Feb. 22, 1797 ; married Polly Cushman, of Buckficld, and settled in Harrison, in 1821. He died in Xorway^ :March 9, 1863. He built the first store at Bolster's Mills village, and resided in town fifteen years. His children were born in Harrison ; tliey were as follows : i, Elenor E., b. April 23, 1820; m. to James Ben- nett, of Norway, and lives there now. ii. John A., b. June 28, 1822 ; m. Adams, of Andover, and resides in Xorway. He has been largely engaged in the live stock trade ; has BOLSTEE FAMILY. been in the State Leiiislatni-e ; is a man of (jonsidei'able pnblic spirit, and interests him- self in matters of i)onty. iii. Cynthia J., b. March 15, 1825 ; m. to Grover Crockett, of Xor^Yay, and lives there, iv. Oliver F., b. Sept. G, 1828 ; resides in Massa- chnsetts. V. Mary D., b. Jnly 29, 1832 ; in. Severence, of Minot. vi. Georgia E., b. Oct. 12, 1835 ; m. Thomas Plnm- mer, of TVaterford ; is dead. Gideon Bolster, son of Isaac, was born in Paris, April 28, 1799 ; married Charlotte Hall, of Paris, and died there Oct. 20, 1873. Otis C. Bolster, son of Isaac, born in Paris, Sept. 25, 1801 ; married, 1st, Dolly Kire, of Riimtord, and 2ndlv, Maria Virgin, of the latter town ; he died Xov. 20, 1871. William Bolster, son of Isaac, born in Paris, Jnne 23, 1801 ; married, 1st, Hannah Tnrner, of Otis- field, annriek stocky There are several families in Otislield" and Naples; also in Limerick and I,iniinj;toii. Query : — What connection was the above named Asael Foster to Asael Foster who came from Danvers, Mass., to Bridjjrton, Me, in 1772, and had sons, Joseph, Asael, Benjamin, Francii: and Moody'i beace:ett family. 35 ii. Polly W., b. Aug. 16, 1820 ; m. Seth Pike, of Xorway, May 23, 1811. iii. Nancy C, b. Xov. 19, 1822 : m. Alfred :N"oYes, ]^ov. 7, 1811. "^ ' iv. Walker, Jr., b. Nov. 21, 1821 ; m. Eliza Leacli, of Caseo ; 2u(lly, Jennie Hackett, of Salem, Me., and 3rdly, a widow Dresser.(!) His chil- dren were as follows, viz : Ella and one that died. V. BoxANA, b. ; d. aged 16 years. vi. Harriet W., b. ; m. Tristrnm Noyes, Nov. 8, 1819 ; lives in town. \ii. Elbridge, b. ; m. Mary Hunt, of Avon, Me., and went to Minnesota in 1876. x\\\. Betsey, b. ; m. Oneal B. Mills, of Bethel ; now living in town. ix. Charles H., b. ; m. Lois Talbot, of Avon, Me., and lives in Vinalhaven. X. SOPHRONA, b. ; m. Eobert S. Lamb, of Harrison ; 2ndly, George Shead, of Norway. William Brackett, born in Westbrook, Me., Aug. 25, 1789; married Sarah Hobbs, Oct. 1, 1811. (She was born July 6, 1792 ;) settled near the road cor- ners, in the " Brackett Neighborhood"— where his son George now lives — and reared eleven children. Mr. Brackett died Feb. 7, 18G5, aged 76 years ; liis wife died July 31, 1856, aged ey (?). He lived for some years iu Harrison, l)iit ultimate- ly went to Mohinkus. Children as follows : 1. Jane W., b. Dec. 20, 1811. 2. Danville S., b. Nov. 6, 1843. 3. Harriet L., b. Julv 28, 1844. 4. Henry W., b. April 19, 1840. 5. JoSEPHENE E., b. Jan. 9, 1848. 6. HtniPHREY J., b. Oct. 30, 1849. 7. Adellia, S., b. Aug. 3, 1851. 8. Irene H., b. Oct. 13, 1854. 9. Samuel W., b. Feb. 10, 1857. 10. Jane H., b. March 7, 1800. xii. Dorcas, b. April 13, 1817 ; m. to Nathan Nut- ting-, of Otistield, brother of Lyman. xiii. Samuel W., b. March 17, 1817 ; m. a daughter of Solomon Bray, of Harrison, and for many years resided in town. He emigrated West a few years ago. Mr. Chadbourne was & great horse-breaker and driver; had a son Cyrus, now iu the West. ANOTHER FAMILY. Benjamin H. Chadbourne, son of James, of Sanford, was descended from Humphrey, the first ancestor, through John, who was sometime of Kittery, but who settled in Sanfoi\l. This Benjamin had brothers, Levij George and Xathaniel. He married Polly Powers, sister of Nathan Powers, and daughter of the Mr. Powers who married the widow of Samuel Harmon, of Sanford. He came to Harrison as early as 1807, and settled on the north-west side of the " Hobbs Hill," on land now owned by Stephen Whitney. The house was on the road that leads from the head of Anonymous Pond to the Baptist Meeting House, and the cellar may still be seen. Mr. Chadbourne was a 42 HAREISOK, MAIKE. mason by trade ; a man of gigantic powers, and has been known to cairy fico bushels of grain on his shonlders sev- eral miles. He made a journey from Baiiford to Harri- son on foot, when old, took a violent cold, and died Sept, •>, 1844. His children, eleven in lunnber, were as follows r i. Lowell P., b. Ang. 14, 1807 ; m. Darliskay danghter of Samnel Willard, of Harrison, (see Wiihird family) and died in 1844-48. His widow married to Daniel Scribner in 1848, Had one son. ii. Jameb M., b. Jnly 5, 1809 ; m. Rnth, daughter of Nicholas Bray, and went to Whitefield, X. H. He afterwards returned to Harrison, and thence to Amesbnry, Mass., where his descend- ants reside. No records of children. • iii. Hannah H., b. Nov. 18, 1811 ; m. to Jeremiah Monlton, of Sanford, and lived there. iv. Benja^hn H., 1). Oct. 4, 1813 ; m. Jane Chase, of Edgecomb, and settled at Lancaster, N. H., where he kept a store, and filled the ofltice of Deputy Sheriff. He afterwards went to Illi- nois, and during the war of the liebellion sym- pathized with the South. V. Thomas W., b. Nov. 23, 181G; m. Emma D. Ar- nold, March 10, 1858, and resided in Kockland or Boothbay. He was Policeman and High Sheriff in 1858 ; afterwards m. a second wife and removed to Boston, where he was engaged in business ^ith John Holman, his brother-in- law. vi. Nathan P., b. June 27, 1819; no other •infor- mation. vii. Mary W,, b. Sept. 28, 1821 ; died unmarried. viii. Deborah H., b. April 13, 1825; m. John Hol- man. ix. Sarah P., b. May 5, 1827 ; d. in the East. X. Alfred H., b. Ai)ril 7, 1830 ; went to St. Johns- bur>, Vermont, and learned the moulders^ trade, in the employ of the "Fairbanks' Scale CAESLEY FAMILY. 4,3 CompaiiT," and afterward^ served as clerk for a Steam-mill Company, there. He subsequent- ly went South, and espoused the Rebel cause, served in the Southern Army, and returning, went into business with his brother-in-law, John Holman. DoRATHY S., b. Aug. 8, 1802 ; no particulars. OAESLEY FAMILY. This family is descended trom an old French stock, who spelled their names '•^ Chasfelal''^ before coming to America. They are not connected with the Ca.slei/s^ of England, as proved by recent investigation, although the ancestors of the New England family, no doubt, had for several generations resided in England. Three brothers, Edward, John and William, moved from the town of Scituate to Barnstable, Cape Cod, in 1039 ; and from the first of these descended John and Ebenezer Carsley, who came to Gorham, Me., about 1700; their families were among the so-called "New Lights" in that town; a peo- ple that were very zealous, religiously, and are said to have departed from the " Standing Order," to evade pay- ment of the parish tax. John Carsley, born in Barn- stable, Mass., about 1710, married Mercy Freeman, April 5, 1701, and settled in Gorham, where he reared a large family, as follows : 1. Mary Carsley, b. in Gorham, Feb. 23, 1705 ; m. James Watson, (see Watson family) of sai5; m. James Whitney, of Harrison, and has issue — (see Whitney family.) 2. Sybillan, b. Aug. 25, 1828. 3. Infant daughter, b. Jan. 29, 1830. 4. David C, b. March 20, 1832. 5. Silas R., b. Feb. 20, 1836. 6. Samuel H., b. Aug. 3, 1837. By second wife, Clarl-j Silas and Horace. iii. Betsey, daughter of Xathan, I, b. Nov. 7, 1797 ; m. April 25, 1821, MorriU Hobbs, Jr., of this town, and afterwards to Alnion Packard ; she lived to a good old age. iv. Berthia, daughter of Xathan, I., b. Oct. 25, 1802; m. May 31, 1827, John Dawes, of this town, and is still living near the village — (see Dawes family.) 4. Benjamin Carsley, son of John, born in Gor- ham, Sept. 23, 1709 ; married and settled in this town, on the "Pond Road," where Capt. James Ross now lives. He was a carpenter and builder — a powerful man, who could drink " full bumpers of the ardent" without apparent eflect. He subsequently moved to Pownal, where he lived to au old age. He married two wives, whose names do not appear, and had issue, eight children, as follows : i. Harriet, b. in Gorham, Dec. 28, 1800 ; iiow an inmate of the "Old Ladies' Home," in Portland, ii. George, b. Nov. 8, 1802 ; a mute, iii. Freeman, b. March 18, 1805 ; m. Aug. 31, 1834, Martha H. Phinney, of Gorham, and had issue, iv. Mark, b. Aug, 7, 1807. V. Charles, b. Sept. 19, 1810. \\. Mary, b. Oct. 11, 1812. vii. Lorenzo, b. Feb. 5, 1814; m. Betsey Bishop^ and had issue as follows : 1. Ahhie J/., b. Sept. 48 HAREIS0:N^, MAINE. 1, 1843 ; 2. Henrietta, b. Nov. 20, 1844, (m. FreemaD Bean.) 3. Eunice M., b. Sept. 26^ 1859 ; died young, viii. Mercy, b. Aug. 7, 1816 ; m. in Portland, ix. Ai, b. in 1818. X. Eeuben, b. in 1820. 5. Berthia Carsley, daughter of John, was born in Gorham, Feb. f», 1772 ; died the same year. 6. Isaac Carsley, son of John, was born in Gorham^ Feb. 17, 1773 ; m. Jan. 18, 1797, Jennie Moshure, a hidy of French descent, and resided for a short time in this town. He was a carpenter and buikler j in okl age moved eastward — probably to Wilton — where he died, having had a family, named as fol- lows : i. James, b. in Gorham, Jan. 28, 1798 ; m. May 8^ 1822, Eliza Lincoln, and had issue, four chil- dren, (all born in Gorham) as follows: 1. Abigail P., b. Jan. 11, 1823 ; 2. WilMm L., b. March 4, 1825 ; 3. JRoyal L., b. Jan. 6, 1828 ; 4. Eliza, b. Aug. 8, 1831. ii. Louisa, b. in Gorham, May 13, 1801 ; m. Mr. Charles Davis, of Farmington, Me. iii. Jane, b. in Gorham, 1803 ; m. Sylvanus Davis, of Farmington, Me. iv. Isaac, Jr., b. in Gorham, in 1805 ; m. in Wilton, Maine — name of wife not known. 7. JosiAH Carsley, son of John, born in Gorham, Oct. 7, 1774, of whom no other information. 8. Dorcas Carsley, daughter of John, born in Gor- ham, Jan. 20, 1781 ; married. 9. Dea. Seth Carsley, son of John, born in Gorham, Me., July 18, 1782 ; married Jan. 22, 1809, Susanna, daughter of Moses Whitney, of Gorham, and set- tled in Harrison. He pur(;hased of Thomas Perley, of Boxford, Mass., in 1805, Lot No. 20, 1st liange, 2nd ])ivision, then a part of Ikidgton ; this land was con- veyed to "Seth Carsk\y of Gorham, laborer," for $400. The deed was witnessed by John and Israel Perley. Mr. CAESLEY FAMILY. 49 Carsley built his first house iu Bridgtou — or on that side of the road which teas a part of Bridgton — but subse- quently bought hind on the Otisfiehl side, and built the present house. He early united with the F. W. Bai)tist church, (one of its original members) was chosen a dea- con, and served in that office faithfully during the re- mainder of his life. He was a man of honesty and integ- rity, and was widely known and highly esteemed tbr his straightforward deportment, and sincere piety. His ac- quaintance with his denomination was extensive ; he had listened to the preaching of Benjamin Randall, Joseph White, Da^^d Marks and many other early ministers. He retained his faculties in old age, and at the time of his death, which occurred March 27, 1874, he was the oldest man in his town ; his wife predeceased him, Dec. 16, 1873 ; their children, seven iu number, were as fol- lows : i. Maria, b. Feb. 2, 1810 ; d. July 29, 1839— un- married, ii. Susanna, b. Dec. 18, 1811 ; m. June 13, 1833, to Stephen Blake, and died Oct. 9, 1848. iii. Edward P., b. March 25, 1815 ; Uved at home with his parents, and has never married, iv. Kathan, b. April 20, 1817 ; m. Elizabeth Whit ney, his cousin, in 1842, and settled in tliis town. He worked as carpenter and farmer, and had issue as follows : Emily A., b. July 16, 1843— dead ; George F., b. Nov. 20, 1845, and John U., b. Oct. 18, 1848— dead. V. John, b. July 16, 1820 ; m. Adaline, daughter of Timothy Blake, of Gorham, iu 1842, and d. at his father's house, July 19, 1847, leaving one child, Charles B., b. Oct. 1845 ; d. Jan. 23, 1846. vi. Mary A., b. Feb. 21, 1823 ; m. Stephen Blake, (who had m. her sister) and d. in Harrison, March 19, 1867. vii. Richard P., b." April 13, 1826 ; m. Oct 7, 1851, to Caroline M. Hayes, and resides at Newton, Mass. He is a carpenter by trade; has had 50 HARRISOK, MAINE. issue, two cliildren, viz: Edmond, who (L yomi^, and Harriet. 10. Eunice Caksley, daugLter of Jolin^ bom iu Gor- haiii, April 30, 1784 ; married. CASWELL FAMILY. Cas^vell, is Siiid to be a Erencli surname. Savage calls it " Castcell or Cassdl."^ They are distinct from a famil}' from Scotland who s]>ell their name Carswell. The first known ancestor of this family was Thomas Cas- well, of Taunton, Mass., one of the early settlers, of that town ; from him have descended numerous branches, now represented in several states. Alexis (Jaswell, Presirobably of JNIinot) — she was born Jan. 28, 1780— in 181l', and settled at "Caswell's Corners," in Harrison. He was a good farmer, and served in several town ofdces. Mr. Caswell died Eel). 4, 1874, aged 88 years ; his wife predeceased him, Sept. 30, 1808. Children as follows: i. Mapy a., b. IMay 4, 1812 ; m. to Enoch Haskell, of Harrison, .June 20, 1833. CASWELL FAMILY. 51 ii. Mauques D. P., h. Ang\ 29, 1814; in. Lucimla Cilley, of Gorlmm, Jun. 4, 1S43; settled ou liis father's lioniestead as farmer and blacksmith ; is the shortest man in town, save one, and has had issue, as follows : ,1. David E., b. June 7, 1844; m. Hattie, daughter of Daniel Haskell, of Harrison, in Oct., 1875, and lives at "Caswell's Corner." 2. Marques E., b. May 17, 184G; d. July 14, 1849. 3. Cynthia H., b. Dec. 14, 1847. 4. Millard I\I., b. May 12, 1850 ; m. Hattie, daugh- ter of Isaiah Webb, of Bridgton, in which town he works as a machinist. 5. Albert B., b. Feb. 13, 1855 ; unmarried. 6. Cornelia F., b. Feb. 26, 1857 ; nnmarried. 7. Clara M., b. May 12, 1859 ; unmarried. iii. Ebenezer S., b. March 15, 1815 ; m. Emily Lee Barron, of Albany, in 1840, and resided for several years in this town. He now lives at Bridgton, where he works as painter and car- penter. Children as follows : 1. Melissa J., b. Nov. 3, 1847 ; m. to Ansel Har- mon of Bridgton, Jnly 28, 1807, and d. Mav 8, 1873. 2. Ellen M., b. Dec, 1849 ; m. Albert C. Bangs, July 29, 1809. ^ ^ y 3. James F., b. July 7, 1852. 4. Edgar M., b. Aug. 9, 1854 ; m. Emma Hayden,(?) Sept. 7, 1875. 5. Attley M., b. April 1, 1857 ; unmarried. 6. Ida E., b. Jan. 22, 1859 ; unmarried. 7. Lillian, b. Aug-. 21, 1802 ; unmarried. iv. ARmNTA, b. Feb. 9, 1818 ; m. James Edwards, of Otisfleld, (?) in June, 1848. V. FiETTA, b. July 10, 1819 ; m. to Thomas Has- kell, of Harrison, in Jan., 1844. \i. EosiLLA, b. June 7, 1825 ; m. Henry Haskell, of Harrison, in Jan., 1850. vii. Abel A., b. Jan. 18, 1822; d. July 14, 1824. 52 HAERISOX, MAIN^E. viii. Alfred, b. Jan. 18, 1828; d. Aug. 1, 1831. Philip Caswell had thirty-ttvo grand-children. 2. Fanny Caswell, b. Dec. 2, 1788 ; m. Eobert Lamb, of Otisfleld, and is now living in this town. 3. Simeon Caswell, b. Feb. 1, 1790 ; m. Lydia Whit- ney, and settled on the Sweden road, about one mile above North Bridgton village. He and his wife were buried near their home ; they had issue, two daughters and a son, as follows : i. Rachel, ^ ii. Abigail, > I have no particulars. iii. Simeon. ) 4. Marques D. Caswell, born in Minot, Oct. 30, 1791 ; married Sally Nutting, of Otisfleld, iu 1818, and settled at " CasAvell's Corner," in Harrison, where he now lives a very active, well preserved man for one so old. His children, six in number, are as follows : i. Newell N., b. May 13, 1819; m. Elizabeth Gethercole, (of English parentage) Dec. 30, 1847, and resides at Harrison tillage. Mr. Caswell owns lumber and grain mills, is a good mechanic, and a very quiet and highly respected citizen. His children are as follows : 1. Emily E. b. March 24, 1849. 2. HoLLis, b. May 22, 1861. ii. Francis B., b. March 28, 1821 ; m. Eunice Rus- sell, and settled in Bridgton, where he kept a fancy goods and jewelry store, in company with his brother. He, Mr. Caswell, carried on carriage manufacturing, and has been Selectman. He m. 2udly, Abbie Scribner ; has son, FranMin. iii. Lyman, b. Sept. 29, 1824 ; m. Mary Hancock, and carrici-e are several other large families of Caswells in Maine, sup- jiost'd to 1)1- 1 leseeuded from brothers of Simeon, the flrstancestor of tliis family. 1 liave tlic names of several that were married in Turner, Maine. DAWES FAMILY. 55 1. Jonas, born June 9, 1798 ; marriecl Nancy Piper, July 2, 1829, and lived in Harrison, where his son George now lives. Mr. Cummings died about 1870. Chil- dren : i. ])OECAS A., b. May 10, 1830. ii. ZiBEAH B., b. Jan. 27, 1832 ; d. March 22, 1850. iii, Albert F., b. April 20, 1835 ; now living- on the Bolster's Mills ro;id. iv. Geobge H., b. Aug. 27, 1838 ; m. Sarah Fergu- son, and lives on the homestead place. Mr. Cummings is a progressive, public spirited man ; has served in the town offices. .2. Foster, born Aug. 23, 1800 5 married Lucy, dauglitei of Samuel Scribner, of Harrison, and lived in town. Mr. Cummings eventually went West where he was killed. He had four children, riz : N^athaniel, Albion, Caroline, and one daughter that married Samuel Miller. 3. ASENATH, born March 23, 1803 ; married Oct. 15, 1822, Seth Carsley, 2nd, and died many years ago. 4. Kabby, b. April, 1808 ; m. Peabody Kneeland. 5. Louisa, b. June 27, 1809 ; never married. C. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 21, 1811 ; married Sept. 27, 1832, to Samuel Gray of Harrison, and died Aug. 15, 1867. DAWES FAMILY. The family are presumed to be of English descent. Several families were early in Massachusetts. The Har- rison family came from Duxbury, Mass. Joseph Daaves and wife, Mary Gushing, settled in the town of jNIinot, about 1790, and probably went there with the families of Sampson, Paclmrd and Howard, as those came from Mas- sachusetts, to this town, through Minot. Mr. Dawes came to this town about 1802, and with his son, cleai'ed the farm where his grandson and great-grandson now live. Mr. Dawes had one son born in Duxbury, Mass. Plis 56 HARRISON, MAINE. first wife died July 22, 1789, aud he married 2ndly, , by whom he had two children. He died in this towu^ March 27, 1833. Children as follows : 1. Gushing Dawes, son of Joseph, born in Dnxbury^ Mass., Aug. 2y 1775 ; married Mary Packard, (she was born in Duxbury, Mass., Feb. 11, 1780) in Minot, Me., Nov. 27, 1800, and soon after came to this town. He settled witli his father on the fiirm where the family have ever since lived. Mr. Dawes died Sept. 13, 1853, aged 77 years. His widow died May 21, 1874^ aged 94 years. Tlieir children were as follows : i. Nancy, b. in Minot, Dec. 8, 1801 ; m. Bucknell Scribner, of Hariison, Oct. 11, 1821, and died Oct. 3, 1823, aged 21 years, ii. John, b. in Harrison, April 21, 1803 ; m. Bertliia, daughter of Nathan Carsley, (she was born Oct. 25, 1802) May 31, 1827, mid settled on his father's old farm, where he now lives. Mr. Da^A'es has always been a jniblic-spirited man, and has filled many positions of trust in his town; has been Se- lectman and Representative ; is Justice of the Peace, and Deacon of the F. W. Baptist Church. Mr. Dawes has issue as follows : 1. Samitel H., b. Sept. 18, 1828 ; m. Lucy A. Adams, of this town, Jan. 19, 1851, and now lives on the "Old Dawes Farm." He is an active busi- ness man, and has acquired competency. Mr. Dawes has built a magnificent residence on the hill, over- looking the village, and has done nuich to beautify the grounds about his house, making it a very attractive place. Children — Annie and Cora. 2. Nancy, b. Nov. 8, 1831 ; m. Galen J. Deguio, of Portland, Jan. 19, 1854. 3. Silas C, b. Sept. 15, 1840; m. Addie Frye, of Lewiston, Me., Nov. 24. 1863, and now lives in Toledo, Ohio. He is General Agent for the "Union Life Insurance Company," of Cincin- nati, Ohio. He has two sons. 2. Bela Dawes, born in Harrison, Jan. (J, 1793 ; mar- EMERSON FAMILY. 57 lied Eunice Walker, (see Walker family) Oct. 21, 1819, settled in Harrison, and had issue, of whom hereafter. Mr. Dawes died in 1870, aged 77 years. His children were as follows : i. Eliza, b. March 12, 1820 ; m. Benjamin Wheeler, May 1, 1819 — live« in thivS town, ii. Sophia, b. July 7, 1822; m. John Simpson, of Saco ; 2ndly, Frederick Le Barron, iii. Calvin, b. Feb. 5, 1820 ; m. Susanna Xewcomb, of Harrison, Jan. 4, 1853. iv. Okin, b. Jan. 18, 1828 ; d. Sept. 1, 1831. V. Levi, b. May 24, 1830 ; m. Angeline . xi. Alanson, b. June 23, 1833 ; m. Melissa Wheeler, (sister of Benjamin, before named) and settled in this town. He has had a small farm, and worked in the wire factory — now living at the village. Has children as follows: Leman, John, Xellle, Lillie and Addie. vii. Lois, b. July 28, 183G ; d. March 19, 1844. EMEESON FAMILY. Michael Emersox came from England, early in the 17th century and settled in Mass., where he reared a family from whom descended William Emerson and Theodore, brothers, who came from Methuen, ^lass., the former in 1772, the latter in 1779, and settled in Bridgton, Maine, and became the ancestors of the Emer- sons in that town and Harrison. William E:mersox was born in 1748, married Elizabeth Myrick, a Welsh lady, and died in 1827. " He was by nature," says Mar- shall Cram, "singularly fitted to aid in the settlement of a new country ; he had a strong constitution, great pow- ers of endurance, cheerful spirits and a kind heart." He had issue, six sons and seven daughters, of whom one settled here, viz : Note. — Tliis Dawes family is descended from tlie same ancestry as Congress- man Dawes, of Massachusetts. 58 HARRISON, MAIKE, 1. Ma.j. Jacob ET»rEKSON, b. in Bridgton, iu 177G ; mar- ried Mary, daughter of George Thorns, of Gorham ^ (see Thorns family) i>urchased of Enoch Perley^ Lot Xo. 12, iu Range 1, of the 20th Division of lots^ tlien (1797) iu Bridgton. He bought, 2udly, iu 1807,. Lot No. 12, iu Range 3, of the 2ud Division, of Thomas Perley. The deed was witnessed by Sarah Wood and Mary Perley, and acknowledged by Moody Spoft'ord, Jus- tice, Mr. Emerson purchased, 3rdly, of Thomas Perley,. of Boxford, Mass., Lot No. 13, iu Range 3 — ^the deed of conveyance witnessed by Sally Wood and Sally Warren,, and acknowledged by Stephen Peabody. Mr. Emerson erected a house on the first mentioned lot, aud lived there while clearing li\ud, some three years prior to his mar- riage. He sold this to Israel Harmon, who sold to George Hanscomb, who sold to Solomon Newbegin, who sold to Thomas Lakin, present o^vner. 3Iai. Emerson was collector in ISOG ; Selectman for about ten years, and Representative for 1823-25-27 and 1829. He was Ensign in the old militia, but on account of political views, was superseded by Benjamin Foster, who was promoted to Captain. But in the following autumn Emerson vras appointed Quartermaster, aud after- wards commissioned ]Major of the 2ud Regiment, of the 1st Brigade, 12th Dixision, Maine Infantry ; this commis- sion he resigned in 1810, when E. Mattoon was Adjutant General, lie joined the "Oriental Lodge"' of Freemasons at North Bridgton, in 1800, and received the degree of Master ^Mason. He was Justice of the Peace for many years, and served in many positions of trust, always sus- taining the confidence reposed in him, and proving him- self an able man of his school. He was naturally grave, and of few words, but kind hearted and honest. He was . detached for service in the war of 1812, but excused be- cause of sickness in his famil3\ JNIajor Foster, of Bridg- ton, killed a moose on the day of Mr. Emerson's birth, and he (Emerson) used to say "I remember well that mother had moose-meat for dinner the day I was born." He liveil respected and died deservedly lamented, Aug, FOSTER FAMILY. 50 7, 18G5 ; be was buried on the liill a little way north of his residence. His issue was as follows : i. Mary, b. May 1, 1800; m. Sewall Berry, of Sweden, and is now a widow in Saco. ii. George, b. Sept. 17, 1807; resides on the home- stead witli a maiden sister. ISTever married, iii. Amos, b. May 5, 1809 ; was drowned in a brook in Carmel, Me., 1835, while in a fit. iv. Lydia, b. Dec. 21, 1810 ; d. June 1, 1820. V. EOBERT, b. :Nov. 5, 1812 ; d. Oct. 18, 1813. vi. Egbert, b. May 20, 1814 ; went to sea and was never afterwards heard from, vii. ]S^A^"CY, b. Oct. 10, 1810 ; resided at home with her brother George. i^Tever married. Died in 1870. \iii. William, b. Feb. 17, 1819; was a blacksmith, and died in Portland, Oct. 8, 1814. is. Silas, b. April 24, 1821 ; went to California in 1841. X, Carlos, b. Nov. 10, 1823 ; m. Orissa Bryant, of " Howe's Hill, " Paris ; removed to Illinois, thence to California, where he now lives. xi. LoviNA K., b. May 4, 1825 ; m. Elias Hanscomb, of Lyman, now resident of Biddeford. FOSTER FAMILY. The Fosters are of English derivation and came to Massachusetts about 1040. They were intermarried with the Peabodys and Perleys previous to the coming of those families to America, and while residents in Massachusetts; as well as since their settlement in Maine. AsAEL Foster came from Danvers, in the year 1772, Note. — I have complete records of the older generations of the Emerson fam- ily aud collateral branches, which belong more properly to the history of Bridgton, and will be kept iu anticipation of the pul jlished records of that toVn ; a work which I sincerely hope some competent haml will soon undertake, ami avert their destruction by tire, as were tlie Proprietors' Records of that town- ship. Author. 60 HARRISOX, MAINE. and first settled at a place iu Bridgton, since known as " Hensborongb" — Lot No. 4, Range 19. He bnilt the first frame house in Bridgton, and his ^^ile was the first mar- ried woman that settled in that town. Mr. Foster died in Feb., 1820, "from the kick of a horse," aged 71 years, having had issne, eleven children, named as follows : Joseph^ Asael, Benjamin^ FnoieiSj Moody, Lucy, Mary, Sarah, Joanna, Rebecca, and Mehitahle. 1. Benjamin Foster purchased land of Thomas Perley, theu in Bridgton, now in Harrison, bordering on Crooked Eiver, and near the land of Maj. Emerson. Here he had a rude camp and worked clearing land several years previous to his marriage ; he after- wards erected a frame house, and married Xancy Veasey, of Denmark. He planted twelve acres of corn on burnt land, the first year of his residence in Harrison. Some years after his marriage, and when the popidation of his town had increased, Mr. Foster built a small gTocery and "grogery,'' which was contiuued many years. The store was the place where many curious scenes were enacted. Being near the course of the river, the drivers resorted tliither, where they could n-et the inside to correspond with the outside. At oue time one of the lumber-drivers feigned sick, and one "Old Doctor Black" was called to Mr. Foster's to pre- scribe for him. While there the Doctor was invited to take some of the "ardent," which to refuse in those days, would have been considered a transgression of the rules of propriety ; consequently he shared in the "flow of the bowl," and was soon as merry as the merriest. Now the Doctor had a white-faced horse, and Capt. Foster had a white-faced steer ; and when the Doctor had become so intoxicated as not to discriminate, the drivers changed tlie saddle and bridle from the horse to the steer, and placed the Doctor upon liis back. The poor frightened creature was not acipiaiuted with such a harness, ami raisiug his tail high in the air, bellowed, and dashed down the yard, precipitating the "medicine man" head- long into the mud. FOSTER FAMILY. Gl Capt. Foster was once camping" in Bridgton, when an old horse, belonging to a neighbor, kept eating from his hay-stack. The owner was requested to take care of the horse, again and again, but took no heed. Coming in from the woods one evening the old horse was found eat- ing from the Captain's hay* Without any delay, Foster commanded one of the men to hold the horse, when, go- ing into the cam}) for a brand of tire, he made it fast to the horse's tail, and giving him a smart cut with a stick- sent him dashing down the road. The running of the horse through the wind, caused the fire to burn more brightly, frightening him more and more, and he never ceased his running until he reached his owner's barn, and stood trembling before the door. It may be ininecessary to say that the horse never returned to trouble Captain Foster's hay. I have now to relate the most curious and sad affair (perhaps) in the experience of Mr. Foster, and one which occurred in his early years.* He had been on an evening- visit to his "intended," and was returning', when he stumbled upon a huge bear. The bear made for him at once, and to escape, Foster made haste to climb a small tree — one which he supposed too small for the bear to hug. But he soon saw her bearship coming up after him. He climbed as high as he dared to, lest his weight should break the tree. The bear took his heel in her teeth, tear- ing away the slipper and tiesh, and losing her hold fell to the ground. Foster then supposed his danger past, but he was again disappointed. She had no sooner recovered her feet than she climbed the tree again, this time tear- ing the flesh away from his heels, clean to the bones, and both man and bear fell to the ground, the tree breaking. Mr. Foster was "top of the heap" when they struck the ground, and ran with all his might toward his home — the bear did not follow — and was so wild with fear that he did not feel the pain of his feet until going through *This adventure did not occur after his removal to the cast side of Lunc- Pond. Mr. Foster was reared near tlie line, between Briilutnn and Driunark, conse- quently had not far to go. I give the tradition as related by liis own family. 62 HARRISOX, MAINE. . a field of rye stubble, which, jiricking the mangled flesh, caused him severe distress. He was made a cripi)le for life, aud probably cousiilered his bride a costly prize. Capt. Foster died in Harrison, at the advanced age of 84 years, having issue, eight children, as folloAvs : i. Amos P., b. Oct 11, 1804 ; m. Annie Knight, of Otisfield, and settled in Harrison. He was a farmer by occupation, living wliere Samuel Pitts now lives, on the "Pond road." Mr. Fos- ter removed to Otisfield, some years since, where his wife died in 1809. They had issue as follows : 1. Benja^nhn, son of Amos, and grandson of Ben- jamin, m. Susan E. Clark, settled on his fath- er's homestead, and has two children — Rose and Clara. 2. Abigail, daugliter of Benjamin — died young. 3. Ann, daughter of Benjamin, now living with her father — unmarried. 4. Kate, daughter of Benjamin, m. to Dexter An- drews, of Otisfield — now living in Norway, ii. BENJA]vnN S., b. June 25, 1800 ; m. Esther Cush- man, Jan. 15, 1832, settled in Harrison, on the homestead place of his lather, and d. Ai)ril 14, 1807, having had issue, three children, as follows : 1. Cyrus K., b. Jan. 12, 1832 ; m. Mary E. Merrow, Nov. 12, 1800 ; settled in Harrison, on land of his father's, and had issue — Cora JE., b. July 17,1801; George F., b. Jan. 14, 1804; ^''eUie W., b. Aug. 28, 1805, and one infant^ — all dead. 2. Ezra T., b. May 11, 1834; m. Marilla Merrow, 1801 ; settled in Harrison, in same house with his brother Cyrus — no issue. 3. Charles W., b. Feb. 3, 1830 ; m. Frances A. Lib- bey, Feb. 8, 1859 ; settled on the liomestead pla(;e of his father ; removed to Bridgton, and is noAV preaching tlie gospel, and working as carpenter. He has issue, three children, as follows : FOSTER FAMILY, G3 :Snsie S., b. June 25, 1865 ; Charlie, b. Oct. 10, 186G, and MeUie L., b. July 20, 1868. iii. Abigail L., b. May 25, 1808 — no other infor- mation, iv. Thomas V., b. Dec. 17, 1810; ni. Mary Ann Pliinney, June 8, 1828, and 2ndly, Alwilda G. Foster,' (his cousin) Xov. 20, 1850. Mi-. Foster settled in Stoneham after a short residence in Harrison, and has speculated in hind and horses — luis Jiad issue, five chiklren, as follows : 1. Stephen, who ni. Eiuina Robinson— now dead. 2. Ejieline, m. Puriugton, of Lynn, Mass., — now dead, 3. Abigail, m. to Ebeu Leach, of Portland — living. 4. Adaline, m. to Augustus Barker. 5. Maetha, m. to Frank Rowell, of Harrison. V. Nancy, b. Aug 25, 1813 ; no more information. vi. Valentine Lowell, b. Aug. 7, 1815 ; m. 1st, Julia Scribuer, 2nd, Ellen Blake, and 3rd, Susan Newcomb. He resides in Harrison ; is a farmer by occupation, and has issue, six children, as follows : 1. Joseph, b. March 1, 1813 ; m. Hannah Edson, of Harrison, and resides in that town. 2. Albert, b. July 9, 1815 ; d. Jan. 11, 1817. 3. Mary, b. Dec. i2, 1817 ; m. — Hamblin. 4. Frank. 5. Ellen, and one other. vii. George, b. in 1817 ; m. Ann Osgood, of Bridge ton, now a land speculator, resides in Portland ^ Me., and has issue, four children, as follows : Clinton, Arthur, Rose and Emma. Wii. Joseph, son of Benjamin, and brother of George, as above, d. when a young man, at home. Note.— The Fosters of South Bridgton, and iu Eastern Maine, (Vassalboro') are descended from the same stock, through Asaet, Francis and Moody, who, as before mentioned, were brothers of Capt. Benjamin, of Harrison. The celebrat- ed "trapper and hunter," whose name is frequently seen iu Maine papers, con- nected with daring adventures in the backwoods, is a relative. 64 HAERISOI^, MAINE. GAMMON FAMILY. I have not ascertained where this family originated. They were in town very early, and it is thought the Naples families are connected. I shall give the names and dates as found in the records. John Gaivevion, and Mary, his wife, were probably here as early as 1800 ; they had children as follows : 1. Nathaniel H., b. Sept. 18, 1709. 2. Betsey, b. Dec. 21, 1800. 3. Sally, b. May 1, 1802. 4. Hasty, b. May 19, 1804. 5. Weman, b. Sept. 21, 1805. 6. JA3IIS0N, b. Oct. 5, 1807. 7. Hannah, b. March 22, 1809. 8. Newell, b. May 22, 1811. 9. Abigail, b. Nov. 19, 1812. 10. Mary Ann, b. May 2, 1814. 11. Olh'cE, b. June 9, 1810. 12. Joanna, b. Feb. 19, 1819. GILSON FAMILY. They came from Groton, ]Mass. The surname is Scotch. Burk regards the family as very ancient. Slmeon Gil- son, of Groton, had a large family, and several of his children settled in this town. 1. Levi Gilson, son of Simeon, was born about 1770; married Sybell Lakin (cousin of that Joseph who settled in Sebago, and became ancestor of the Lakins in this to^^^l) and came to Harrison in March, 1803. His first dwelling was in the north of the town, where Isaac Hall now lives. JNIr. Gilson married for his second wife, Philena, daughter of John Bucknell, and by her, as also his first wife, he had children. He and his brother Peter, and John and William Gammon, were set off in a Note. — John and \]'illiam Ganuuon lived on tlie road that leads to Bolster's MiUb. GILS0:N^ family. 65 school district Ity tliemselves in 1812. Mr. Gilsoii died iu 1830, and was laid by tlie side of his wife on '^Scrib- ner's Hill." Children T i. Levi Gilson, eldest son of Levi, 1, born in Gro- ton, Mass., Jan. 14, 1795 ; came to Harrison with his parents when eight years old, and mairied Sally Carter, sister of Otis Carter, and settled on "Gilson's Hill," where Major StcAvart now lives. He was a farmer, and had fivo children, as follows : 1. Charles, avIio m. Adaline Fogg ; went South and committed suicide. * 2. George, who m. and went South. ii. Sybell Gilson, secoiul child of Levi, 1, was b. in Groton, Mass., Dec, 29, 1790; m. Zenas Pool, of Greenwood, Me. iii. Jacob Gilson, third cliild of Levi, 1, was b. iu Groton, Mass., Feb. 25, 1799 ; m. Sally, daugh- ter of "Colonel Wood," of Groton, and settled in this town. Mr. Gilsou has been blind more than fifty years, and endured great suffering. He can- not distinguish between light and darkness, and yet he can find his way in any part of the town unassisted; 'he has also cultivated a small farm, and finds his fields and woods, guided by wires stret(;hed upon stakes from his door. In early life he embraced religion, and has ever sustained a devoted christian deportment. His wife d. iu 1876, leaving liim with one child, Syhell, on the town- farm. iv. EoxANNA Gilson, fourth child of Levi, 1, was b. in Groton, Mass., Oct. 28, 1800 ; m. William Pool, brother of Zenas, before mentioned, of Greenwood. V. Abel Gilson, fifth child of Levi, 1, was b. in this town, Sept. 2, 1803 ; m. "down east," and after a few years started for New Hampshire, and stopped a night with his sister, in Green- wood, and was never afterwards heard from. It is thought his wife knew his whereabouts as she left a few years 66 HARBISON, MAINE. subsequently, as suddenly as lie liad done — probably tx> join him, vi. Mary Gilson, sixth child of Levi, 1, was b. in town, Sept. 17, 1S04 ; ni. March 18, 1827, to Jeremiah Cummiugs, of Poland, vii. Jonathan Gilson, seventh child of Levi, 1, was b. Feb. 10, 1800, and m. Almira Harris, of Minot. viii, Lucy Gilson, eighth child of Levi, 1, was b, Sept. 25, 1807 ; d. young — unmarried, ix. ^Sanders Gilson, ninth child of Levi, ], wasb, Aug. 14, 1809. No other information. X.. Susanna Gilson, tenth child of Levi, 1, was b. Aug. 30, 1812. No other inforination. xi. ScRiBNEE Gilson, eleventh child of Levi, 1, was. b. Aug. 14, 1814. xii. Sarah Ann Gilson, twelfth child of Levi, 1^ was born Sept. 17, 1810. xiii. PARI03R Gilson, b. June 21, 1818. • xiv. Lucy Gilson, b. Aug. 1, 1820. 2. Timothy Gilson, whose wife's name was 8(dly, was> a brother of Levi, 1. He settled in this town, and remained here from 1803 to 1812 — jiossibly longer — but returned to Massachusetts and died tliere. His children, born here, were as follows : i. Celestia, b. March 10, 1805. ii. Alpheus, b, Feb. 7, 1807. iii. Edward, b. Sept. 0, 1800. iv. Sally, b. June 3, 1812 ; m. Clement Randall^ March 5, 1840. 3, Peter Gilson, a son of Simeon and brother of Levi and ThnotJty, before mentioned, settled in town contemi)orary witli his brothers, and built a saw- mill and grist-mill on Crooked River, below Avhere Bolster's ^lills were afterward built. He was a man of enterprise and juiblic si)irit and served in several town oflices. He returned to INIassachusetts, and became a wealthy man. His children, boin in this town, were as GRAY FAMILY. 67 follows: Jane, Rachelj John, Robert, Samnel, Uimice and Pattie. 4. Sevieon, ^ These three children of Simeon remained 6. BeSey, S "^ ^^"'""' ^''''■ GRAY FAMILY. Gray is an ancient Scottish snrname, and ancestors of the line fignred extensively in the 10th and 17th centuries in Great Britain ; they may be properly called an emi- nent historical fanuly, and have everywhere been distin- guished bj^ great firmness of character. James Gray, a shoe-maker by trade, came from Beverly, Mass., and set- tled on land in Bridgton, between the Center and "Hio." He moved thence to Bridgton village, near Benj. Walk- er's, and carried on his business of shoe-making. He sub- sequently came to this town and located on the "Pond Road," below James Watson's, where he cleared a farm, and worked at his trade ; his house was nearly opj^osite the brick house built by his son, now owned by Henry Kneeland. Mr. Gray nuirried twice ; 1st, Mary Stickney, and 2ndly, Polly Lewis — had issue by the first wife. He died in town. Children : 1. Ja]MES, married Hannah Thorn, and settled in Sebago, as a farmer, and is now a resident of that town — has issue. 2. Nathaniel, lives in Dauvers, Mass. 3. Mary, married Freeman Whitney, of Harrison. (See Whitney family.) 4. JosiAH, married Eunice Fuller, and lived at Dan vers, Mass., — now dead. 5. Eben, never married. Died in Harrison, May 3, 1875. 6. William, married Mary Newcomb, Sept. 19, 1830, and settled in this toAvu near the "Newcomb Brook''' — the farm now owned by Gideon Records. Mr. Gray emigrated to the State of Illinois, in the year 1870, and is now living there. He had issue, two sons. 68 HAREISOX, MAINE. 7. Irene, married Ebenezer lugalls, of Bridgton, and is living at Edward Gibbs'. 8. Hannah, married John Merrow, of EatoD, N. H., and is now living in Harrison. 9. Samuel, b. in Bridgton, March 9, 1807; married Elizabeth Ciimmings, of Harrison, (sister of Jo^jas) Sept. 27, 1832, (she was born Dec. 21, 1811, and died Aug. 15, 1867,) 2ndly, Fidelia Caswell, May 12, 1868, (see Caswell family) and by her had Lizzie P., b. Oct. 4, 1869. Mr. Gray followed farming for manj^ years, and built the brick house on the Pond Koad, where Heniy I\jieelaud now lives; he subsequently engaged largely in timber and lumber business, and moved to the village. He died Feb. 21, 1872, leading a widow and on- ly child. HALL FAMILY. Hall is an English surname, and those who bear it are very numerous in oSTew England. Isaac Hall, son of Ebenezer Hall, who was an early settler of Gorham, and who left that town in 1746, on ac- count of the Indian war, was born in said town. May 23, 1770 ; married Anna Whitney, of said town, May 19, 1791, and removed from (iorham to Harrison in Feb., 1812. He settled on the farju where Isaac Hall, Jr., now lives ; his family, at the time of settlement in this town, consisted of a wife and seven children. Mr. Hall died Feb. 8, 1831. His children were as follows : 1. ]\Iehitable Hall, born I*^ov. 6, 1793; married Ben- jamin Jordan, of Norway, in May, 1814, and died Aug. 2, 1851. 2. Mercy Hall, born Jan. 31, 1796; married Capt. Wentworth Stewart, or Stttart, settled in this town, and died Oct. 29, 1843. See Stuart Family. Note.— Albert Gray, Esq., now a prominent citizen of Harrison, belongs to another family. HALL FAMILY. 69 3. Mary Hall, born Oct. 16, 1798 ; iiiarried Solomon Stnart, and is now livino; in town. 4. Joseph W. Hall, born Jnne 29, 1801 ; married Sarab Jordan, of Norway, and settled in this town ; be snbseqnently moved to Lee, Me., tbence to Lewis- ton, tbence to St. Panl, Minn., wbere be now- re- sides. Cbildren : Albert ; Emeline^ married Natbaniel Getcbell, of Moumoutb ; Merrit J.; Esther J.., married rlosepb Crockett, of Lewiston; Harriet E.^ married Eev, Otis Andrews, of New Sbaron 5 Charles and Isaac, Uve witb tbeir parents — unmarried. 0. Betsey Hall, born Mareb 18, 1803 ; married Gard- ner Cbadbonrne, (see Cbadbonrne family) and set- tled in tbis town; afterwards moved to Lincoln, Me., wbere sbe died, some twenty tbree years ago. 6. Isaac Hall, Jr., born Oct. o, 1805 ; married, 1st, to Betsey Cobb, and 2ndly, Dorcas Titcomb, Oct. 9, 1838. He settled ni tbis town, on tbe bomestead of bis fatlier, wbere be bas since resided, an bon- est, respected townsman. Mr. Hall bad issne as follows : i. Adolphus C, b. Jnne 24, 1832 ; m. Fannie E. Grimsbaw, of Galena, Ills., — resides at Cen- tralia, Ills. ii. Rose A., b. Feb. 16, 1835 ; nnmarried. iii. Moses E., b. July 21, 1842 ; unmarried — at bome. 7. Haeriet Hall, born May 4, 1808; died Jan. 17, 1809. 8. Nancy Hall, born June 4, 1810 ; married Jouatbau Bucknell, of Harrison, and died July 9, 1855. 9. Hannah D. Hall, born in Harrison, Feb. 21, 1813 ; married Samuel Stuart, April 14, 1831 ; settled in Harrison, and died Dec. 23, 1868. 10. Silas E. Hall, bom in Harrison, Oct. 2, 1816; married Estber A. Pike, of Norway, in May, 1844 ; settled in tbis town, and afterwards moved to Nor- way, wbere sbe now resides. 70 HAERISOX, MAINE. HOWAED FAMILY. The Howards, of this town, were from Bridgewater, Mass., and are descended from an English branch, of an ancient and distingnished Scottish ancestry. Some doubt exists whether the Harrison Howards are descende, 1821, and settled in Harrison. He served in the war of 1812. He worked as stone-mason and farmer, and died about 1830, leaving a widow (wlio subsequently, Sept. 9, 1832, married David AVoodsum) and tiro children, viz : i. Eliza, b. Oct. 29, 1821 ; m. Sanuiel Abbott, (see Abbott family) and died in 1875. *His widow moved to Harrison and married a Packard. HOWAED FAMILY. ii. Joshua, b. April 1, 182G ; m. Cluiiiotte, daugh- ter of Eplirahn Cook, of Harrison, and settled in his native town as a farmer. lie tauected and worthy citizen, and prosperous farmer. His children, so far as known, were as follows : i. Hon. Melville E., who is a Rail Road official, residing in Cincinnati, Ohio, also a lawyer, ii. Richard M., a physician, in East Boston, Mass. iii. Pascal, a physician, in Boston, Mass., — dead. ANOTHEE FAMILY. Spofford Ingalls, son of Asa and Patience Ingalls, was born in Bridgton, July 7, 1770 ; married Lydia, , (who died March 150, 1847) and had children as follows : He afterwards came to Harrison, mar- ried Sophronia Witliam, June 25, 1818, and located near where the old Witham house now stands, in the east part of the town, i. Davis L., b. Nov. 13, 1823. ii. Sarah J., b. April 12, 1825. iii. Theodore, b. Aug. 20, 1827, now living on the stage-road, about one-half mile from Harrison village — a farmer. iv. Aaron H., b. Eeb. 21, 1829 ; lives at So. Bridg- ton. JOHNSON FAIVIILY. 83 V. Lucy M., b. May 28, 1833 ; d. Aug. 14, 1834. vi. Charles H., b. May 7, 1830. vii. Egbert M., b. Sept 24, 1838. Mr. IngalLs had a daughter Sophronia by his second wife. He married, ordly, Tamson Witham, a sister of his second wife. He lived to be old. (See Witham family.) JOHNSON FAMILY. The Harrison Johnsons are descended from John John- son, who lived near "Fort Hill" in Gorham ; he married Eleanor Trickey, then of Westbrook, and had issue, seven children, viz: — David, Zebulon, John, Susan, Rebeccay Eunice and Mary, of whom more hereafter. 1- David Johnson, married Harriet Gilky, (sister of Josex)h Gilky who married his sister Mary) and settled in Harrison, with another brother, on the Zebulon Johnson place (so called) but aftewards moved to other i^arts. 2. John Johnson, better known as Jack, was born in Gorham, Me., Feb. Sth, 1792 ; married Mehitable, daughter of George and Lydia Thoms, of Gor- ham, (she was born Dec. 7, 1792) and sister of the late Col. Thoms, of Hariison, April 1(3, 1823, and settled on the hill, near the pine grove, above Major Emerson's. He purchased of Daniel Moody, in 1823, fifty atues of land that said Moody purchased of John Davis (or Lewis — the name on the old deed is indistinct) being the east- erly part of Lot No. 10, IJange 2 ; also fifteen acres that Moody had of "Emerson and Kilbourn," being the wester- ly end of Lot 9, in Range 1. There were buildings on this land when Johnson purchased — an old "double house" — situated a few rods back of the present Note. — In the winters of 1806 and 7 there were twenty-seven scholars attend- ing school in tlistrict No. 1, Bridgton, bearing the name of Ingalls — all of one generation — brothers, sisters and cousins. See Cram's Address. 84 HARRISOX, MALN^E. house, and uear the old orchard. There was also a house (perhai)s a log-house) iu what is uow Jobu Johnson's pas- ture, the foundation of which is quite distinct; who li red there I know not — some say Sanborn, who subsequently lived on land now in Mr. Thorns' pasture. Mr. Johnson was a good farmer, and like most corjmlent men, very eccentric and merry. He delighted in sports, and will not be soon forgotten by the younger generations, to whom he related his curious anecdotes. In his latter years his mind became somewhat impaired. He died in his own house, when under the care of his eldest son who succeeded to the estate, having had issue. Jive children, as follows : i. Susan, daughter of John, 2nd, was b. in Harri- son, Sept. 23rd, 1823— dead. ii. Berthia J., daughter of John, 2nd, was b. in Harrison, Xov. 6, 1825 — dead, iii. John, Jr., was b. in Harrison, Dec. 23, 1827 ; m. Lovica, daughter of LeAvis Rogers, of Casco, Feb. 21tli, 1850, and resides upon the home- stead i)lace of his father. Mr. Johnson carries on a large and productive farm, and is much interested in raising improved stock. He preserves as family relics a silver brooch and two pairs of silver sleeve buttons, (they are very antique and curiously engraved) that were formerly the property of his grandfather, also, nine very small silver si)oons, six of which are marked G. T. L., {George and Lydia Thoms) and three marked L. T., (Lydia Thoms) all of which once belonged to his grandparents on the maternal side. He has been several years deacon of the "Christian Church" in his town — has had issue, tico children, as follows : 1. Xellie M., daughter of John, 3rd, was b. in Harrison, July 31, 1858 — unmarried. 2. G, Irving, sou of John, 3rd, was b. in Harrison, July 21, 1865. iv. David, son of John 2nd, was b. in Harrison, Oct. 2*.>, 1820; some twenty-two years ago JOHNSON FAMILY. 85 went to California, where lie owns an extensive ranche. v. Susan J., daughter of John, 2nd, was b. in Har- rison, April 10, 1832 ; m. to Joseph B. Hatha- way, and is resident in California. 3. Zebulon Johnson, a son of John, was born in Gor- ham about July 1, 1787 ; married Nancy, daughter of George and Lydia Thorns, of Gorham, (a sister of his brother John's wife) Sept. 5, 1822, and set- tled upon land bordering on Long Pond, and where he now lives, (the oldest man in town — I think) under the care of his children. He was quite an extensive, hard working farmer, a man of "iron" constitution and indom- itable energy. He once ''treed" a bear-cub near his home and while a neighbor kept the old one away with a hand- spike, he climbed the tree and knocked the cub on the liead ; he said that the cub would cry "marm" as plain as a child, when he struck him with the club. Mr. Jolmson (whose wife died Sept. 15th, 1873, aged 74 years,) had issue, eiglit children, as follows : i. Mary, daughter of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Har- rison, June 28, 1822 — dead, ii. Egbert, son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harri- son, July 17, 1823 ; m. Martha Farnhani and has long been in Boston, Mass. ; he is a super- intendent of the South Boston horse rail-road. He has exerted a strong jiolitical influence in his district, and was chosen State Senator, by a large majority, a few years since. He married 2ndly, Amanda Simonds. He has had issue, three children, viz : Martha F., Cora B. and Jennie M. iii. Lydia E., daughter of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harrison, Sept. 25, 1825 — living at home, iv. Cyrus C, son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harri- son, March 13, 1828 ; married Almira Sylves- ter, of Bridgton ; settled in his native town, near his birthplace, is a farmer and market- man, and engaged quite extensively in trading- stock — has no issue. 86 HARRISOX, MAINE. V. Francis M., son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harrison, Feb. 15, 1830 ; married Helen Clark and settled in Eastern Maine. xi. Mary E,, danghter of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harrison, July 24, 1832 ; d. Aug. 18, 1832. vii. William R., son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harrison, June 24, 1834 ; in. Frances Edwards, settled on the Lomestead of bis father, and has been largely engaged in trading horses, and marketing, until within a few years, when his health has been precarious. He has no chil- dren. viii. John M. B., youngest son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harrison, May 21, 1837 ; he early left home and has been in business in Boston sev- eral years — is unmarried. 4. Susan Johnson, was born in Gorham, married to Timothy Ayer, of N^a]>les, Oct. 14, 1830. Mr. Ayer's first wife was a Merrill, of Buxton, York Co., and sister to Pattie Merrill, who married to Thomas Eidlon, Sr., of Hollis, in said county ; also sister of the mother of Eev. William W. Bryant, late of Kennebunk- port, and also sister of the mother of Eobert Wentworth, Esq., late of Buxton. 5. Mary Johnson, was born in Gorham, Maine ; mar- ried to Joseph Gilky, of Harrison, and had issue. 6. Rebecca Johnson, was born in Gorham ; married to Lewis Hanscomb, of Harrison. 7. Eunice Johnson, was born in Gorham ; married to Samuel Harmon, of Harrison — yes, she was twice married to him — and had issue. KNEELAND FAMILY. Kneel AND is an Irish surnanu^, and the family are numerously represented in Great Britain at the present day. The ancestors of the New England families, Philip KNEELAKD FAMILY. and Edward, came from Topstield, Essex Co., Mass., (the latter towu was named for the one iu England) where many of the name were afterwards born. The brothers came here for religious liberty. Aa.bon Kneeland, son of Philip, was born in Topsfield,iu the year IT-iO, married Hannah Eamsdell — of Scottish descent — and settled in Harrison, Cumberland Co., Me., in 180S. He was brother of David Kneeland who settled in Bridgton, and who subsequently moved to Otisfteld, where his sous, Asa and Epliraim also lived. Mr. Kneeland located on the farm now owned by James Whitney, near that formerly owned l)y Thomas Cnmmiugs, who had been an old neighbor of Kueeland's. He died Oct. 4, 1833, aged 84 ; his widow died June 10, 1814, aged 88 ; their children, all born iu Mass., were as follows : 1. Daniel Kneeland, born Oct. 23, 1771, lived in Ips- wich, Mass., had a daugliter married Joseph An- drews, of Harrison. Died May 23, 1801. 2. Aaron Kneeland, born June 27, 1770; married Lucy Hobbs, of Topslield, Mass., and lived there. Died Dec. 0, 1854. 3. Mary Kneeland, born March 24, 1778 ; married George Hobbs, brother to Lucy, before mentioned. Died July 1, 1800. 4. John Kneeland, born Xov. 28, 1780 ; married Rhoda Hobbs, of Topsfleld — resided there, and died June 23, 1855. 5. Moses Kneeland, born Nov. 10, 1782 ; married Priscilla Peabody (relative of the London banker) and settled in tlie field back of the present farm- house of Mr. jSTeedham. He died March 17, 1838, aged 50 years. Mr. Kneeland had a large family, and many of his descendants are now living in Harrison and adjoining towns, but I have no rec- ords. 6. Ezra Kneeland, born Oct. 0, 1784 ; married Polly and settled in this town. He subsequently went to the eastward, thence to Albany, where he died May 30, 1808, aged 83 years. Some of his 88 HARRISON, MAINE. children and descendants are now living in the ad- joining towns, but I have no records. 7. Nehemiah Kneeland, born i^'eb. 24, 1787 ; died in infancy. 8. Nehem:iah Kneeland, born May 5, 1781) ; married Polly Goodhue, and lived ten years in this town. He went to Lincoln and lived there eight years ; thence with his family and all his effects, drawn by an ox-team, he went into the woods where Topsfield now is, and commenced a farm. "With his sons he built lumber-mills, and secured an incorporation, named for his birth-place in Mass., and of his ancestors in England. He lived to see his children — five sons and two daugh- ters — married and settled about him, and his town a pop- ulous and flourishing communit}'. He died June 28, 1867, aged 79 years. 9. Asa Ivneeland, born Jan. 20, 1791 ; married Sally Kneeland, (a second cousin) and lived several years in Harrison. He afterwards moved East and died there. No further infoimation. 10. Simeon Kneeland, born Feb. 25, 1793 ; married Hannah, daughter of Elijah Richardson, of Water- ford, and settled in this town, where Perry Russell now lives. He lived in several places ; died Jan. 1, 1873 ; his widow died Sept. 23, 1870 ; their chil- dren, as follows : i. Daniel, b. July 27, 1820; m. Mary E., daughter of John Kneeland, (his uncle) and had Xfary, O.syooil, Esther, Osborn^ Harriet, Emily, Aman-' da, Charles H., and Freeman. ii. Charlotte, b. Oct. 21, 1821 ; m. Charles An- gler, and 2ndly, George H. Hamblin, of Water- ford, where she lives, iii. Esther R., b. Jan. 29, 1823 ; m. Otis Bean, and lives iu Worcester, Mass. iv. Oliver P., b. Sept., 1821; dead, v. Oliver P., b. Aug. 11, 1825 ; m. Francis Bar- ker, of Stoneham, settled in Waterford, and KJ^EELAXD FAMILY. 89 has issue, Zenas, Mia — and by 2ii(l wife, Caro- line Ricliardson, of Denmark, Sidney 0., Cora and Lillian. vi. Elizabeth E., b. Sept. 23, 1829 ; m. J. Wales Brown, of Worcester, Mass. vii. Thomas F., b. Feb. 1, 1831 ; m. Jane S. Hamb- lin, daughter of Joshua, of Lovell, and had issue, Herbert 0., Albert 8. and Delano B. viii. Haskell P., b. Oct. 14, 1832; m. Marietta Seavy, of Harrison, and lived several years in his native town — now in Bridgton, and has one daughtei', Mertie. ix. George H., b. July 10, 1835; m. Jane Brown, Aug. 20, 1803; lived with the parents, and now in this town. Issue, George E. X. Greenfield B., b. July 30, 1838 ; m. Mary Whitney, of Worcester — has Harry and Fred- erick O. xi. Charles W., b. Aug. 20, 1811 ; m. Eliza Gris- well, of Conn., in 1871, and lives at Bridgton. Issue, Lillie J. and Florence L. 11. David P. Kneeland, b. May 21, 1798 ; m. Mercy, daughtei- of James Watson, of JBarrison, Jan. 21, 1817, and settled in town. Mr. Kneeland has lived on several farms here, and is now living with his son-in-law, Asa Whitney, on the Pond Koad, and is the only surviving child of his father. Children as follows : i. Almon, b. June 23, 1817 ; m. Dorcas Sands, (her mother was Sarah Ridlon, of Limerick) and lives at the village — keeps the "Elm House." Children as follows : Amelia Jf., b. June 10, 1842, m. Sherburn Ricker ; David P., b. Aug. 21, 1840, m. , and has issue — Orlando J.., b. Feb. 8, 1849, and Evans, b. Jan. 9, 1851. ii. Seth, b. Jan. 24, 1820 ; m. Mary Jane, daughter of Simeon Whitney, March 28, 1853, settled near where his grandfather settled, and has issue, Silas and Walter. 90 HAERISON, MAINE. KILBOUM FAMILY. Capt. William Kilbourn, supposed to be a son of Jolm, one of the early settlers of Bridgton, was settled at the south part of the town quite early — ^lived between Henry Bnck's and where Thomas Lakin now lives ; the house has long since been demolished, bnt there are some ai)i)Ie-trees near, and the cellar remains. Capt. Kilbourn subsequently moved to Bridgton, and lived to a good old age. He married twice; the first wife was Ehzabeth Senter, and the second Haimah Martin, of Bridgton ; she died in 1875. Capt. Kilbourn's children, born in this tov/n, were as follows : 1. Helena, born April 8, 1805; died unmarried. 2. Enos L., born Jan. 30, 1808 ; married Rhoda Shaw, of Standish, and afterwards committed suicide. 3. Thomas D,, born June 18, 1810 ; married a Rich- ardson, and is now living in Sweden. 4. Jacob V., born Aug. 4, 1812 ; married Esther H., daughter of Rev. Joseph Phiuney, of Harrison, Nov. 13, 1845. 5. William T., born Dec. 20, 1814 ; died Nov. 22, 1818. 6. Jesse G., born May 8, 1817. 7. William T., born May 17, 1819 ; married a daugh- ter of Benjamin Walker, of Bridgton, and is in business in Portland, Me. 8. Samuel F., born June 3, 1821 ; married Mary, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Stroiit, of Casco, set- tled in Bridgton, and has issue, three children. 9. Eliza A., born Feb. 25, 1824 ; married Theophilus Towne, and resided in Lawrence, Mass. 10. Deborah S., born April 21, 1826 ; died March 25, 1829. 11. Benjamin F. born April 20, 1828; died Aug. 15, 1828. 12. Deborah S., born July 25, 1829 ; died Aug. 20, 1829. Note.— This family is said to be related to the Farnsworth family of Bridgton. A genealogy of the family may be Ibund in the rooms of the Historic Genealog- ical Society, noston, Mass. LAKIN FAMILY. 91 LAKIN FAMILY. Joseph Lakin came from Grotoii, Mass., and settled in Sebag'o. Several of his family settled in this town and their descendants are nnmeronsly rei)resented here at the present time. Mr. Lakin married twice — his first wife was Polly Simonds, the second a widow Cole, whose hus- band had been frozen to death. His children were as follows : 1. Jonathan Lakin, born in Massachusetts, married Jane Loring-, settled in Harrison and became an independent farmer. Mr. Lakin served in several town oflices, lived respected, and reached the age of 92 years, dying in 1872. He had issue as fol- lows : i. John, b. July 15, 180G ; m. Charlotte, daughter of Daniel Witham, (see Witham family) set- tled in the south part of the town as a iWrmer, and had issue as follows : 1. Ambrose, b. in 1839 ; m. , now at Harrison village. 2. Randall, b. Sept. 2, 1841. 3. George A., b. July 27, 1846. 4. Annie M., b. Sept. 30, 1847. 5. Emily, b. . ii. Loring, b. Jan. 24, 1808 ; m. Sophia H. Adams, of Sebago, July 10, 1843, and settled near his birth-place, his father's homestead, as a farmer. Mr. Lakin hved with Judge Fitche, in Port- land, when young-. No children. iii. Thomas P., b. April 12, 1814; m. Lsabel M. Ridlon, daughter of William Eidlon, of Sebago; settled in the south part of the town as a farmer, and has issue, as follows : 1. Aliveeda, b. April 4, 1848; m. John Wentworth, black-smith, and has issue. 2. Ezekiel, b. Feb. 10, 1850 ; unmarried. 3. JosiAH S., b. xUig. 28, 1852 ; unmarried. 92 HAERISOX, MAINE. 4. James, b. Dec. 28, 1855 ; unmarried. 5. Clara, b, May 11, 1858 ; unmarried. C. Annie, b. Aug. 18, 18G1 ; unmarried. 7. George, b. June 26, 1807. 8. Bradford, b. in 1873. iv, George W., b. Marcli 29, 181G ; m. Statira Clark, settled in the West, and became quite distin- guished. He had issue, as follows : Fannie, Mildred and Charles. V. EzEKiEL, b. April 27, 1820 ; d. unmarried, 1840. vi. Charles H., b. Dec. 10, 1824; m. Virene Mer- row, of Harrison, and settled on the homestead I)lace ; he subsequently, however, moved to a farm some distance south, near the "Willough- by Scribner Place," but is now living two miles from the village. No children. \\\. Jane, b. Feb. 3, 1810 ; m. Capt. James Eoss, of •Harrison, and had issue. (See Ross family.) viii. Jerusha, b. March 25, 1812 — a maiden lady. ix. Elizabeth A., b. April 18, 1818 ; married. X. Susan, b. ; a maiden lady. 2. Parker Lakin, born in Sebago ; married a daugh- ter of Dean Irish, of Bridgtou, and had issue, as follows : Louisa, Mary, George, Frederick and Edward. 3. George, born in Sebago ; married Philena , and settled on the Brackett Woodsum place, at the head of Anonymous Pond, as mason, carpenter and farmer. He has a son, Willie, and two children whose names do not appear. 4. Frederick, born in Sebago ; married Emily H. Buruham, (see Burnham family) and emigrated West. He has jirospered in his farming opera- tions. No issue. 5. Jerusha, daughter of Joseph Lakin, of Sebago, mar- ried Henry Hobbs, of Harrison. (See Hobbs fam- ily.) LEWIS FAMILY. 93 LAMB FAMILY. Robert Lamb, married a daughter of Simeon Cas- well (see Caswell Family) aud settled iu Harrison. I am not informed relative to the ancestry of this family ; hare requested records but they do not appear. The widow of Mr. Lamb is now living- with her son, Porter- field Lamb, who has represented his town in the Legis- lature of the State, and is a very worthy townsman. He has several children living in town. Mr. Lamb is. cousin to the Lamb brothers who lived in the south part of the town. LEWIS FAMILY. This family is descended from an old Welsh stock. The name in Wales is spelt Lleivis. Many branches have scattered through Scotland, England and the Isle of Man, as well as through the United States and British Provinces. The Lewis tamily of this town was directly descended from William Lewis, who came from Wales, to Boston, Mass., in 1630, through Isaac, whose son Isaac had a sou Aft/yV'/', "^'ho settled iu Buxton, York County, Maine. The latter had a large family, among whom were Thomas^ who lived sometime near Bonny Eagle Village, in Hollis, and afterwards settled in Clinton, Me., where he died leading a numerous descent ; Ebenezer, wiio (as also Thomas) was a preacher, and lived in Clinton, where his descendants now live ; Samuel, a preacher who some- time lived in Harrison, on the Pond Road, nearly oppo- site of Asa Whitney's present house, where he cultivated a farm, and Ahijah, who married Betsey Eldridge, of Buxton, Feb. 24, 1785, and settled at the south part of the town. Mr. Lewis had a large family, some of whom lived in this town. 1. Abijah Lewis, son of Abijah last named, married a Boston, of Hiram — descended from an ancient family iu York, Me. — and settled at the south part of the town, in what was afterwards known as 94 HARRISON, MAINE. the "Lewis Neighborhood." Mr. Lewis was a good sing- er, and h^ng a member of the F. W. B. church. He was a quiet, honest man, and good townsman. He and wife have not been long dead ; his chiklreu were as follows : i, Edward, who died after serving in the late war. ii. George, who is now living in Biddeford — has issue, iii. Henry, who m. Elizabeth Jordan, and is uow living in Biddeford — has children, iv. Royal, who has a family ; lives in Bridgton. V. Clara, who married in Bridgton or Harrison, vi. Maria, who m. to Thomas H. Jordan, and lives in Lewiston. vii. Harriet, a maiden lady, living with Marshall Cram, in Brunswick. viii. Mary, who m. Littlefield, in Bridgton. ix. Jennie, now with Harriet at Mr. Cram's. 2. Edward Lewis, son of Abijah, 2nd, and brother of Abijali, 3rd, married a Boston (sister to wife of ^ Abijah) of Hiram, and settled in the "Lewis Neigh- ° borijood," as a farmer. He and wife have long been dead ; they had several children, viz : i. Edward, Jr., m. a daughter of Amasa Sylves- ter, of Bridgton, and lived in the "Lewis Neighborhood." Several children. ii. HosEA, m. Julia B. Jordon, daughter of Thomas, of Naples, April 6, 1851. He lived in Harrison some years, and moved thence to Biddeford, where he now lives. His wife died in 1870. Several children. Samuel Lewis, who lived on the "Pond Road," married Phebe, daughter of Gen. Irish, of Gorham, and moved from Harrison to Si)ringtleld. He had a son AlmoUj who married Lucy Harmon, May 4, 1828, and William T., who married Abigail Newcomb, Nov. 15, 1824. LOWELL FAMILY. 95 Marriages in Harrison : — William Cox and Mary Lewis, Jnue 17, 1817. Levi Watsou and Hannah Lewis, April 21, 1825. Al.ial Scribner and Polly Lewis, Dec. 22, 1828. Abraham Gray and Mary Le\ris, June 27, 1841. Perez Bryant and Nancy Lewis, Aug. 16, 1846. Maria, wife of Charles Lewis, died here March 24, 1847. LOWELL FAMILY. The Lowells of Harrison are descended from John Lowell, who married Mary Chatman, and lived in West- brook, Me. The name was originally '■'•LowleP John, as above, lived awhile in Harrison, but died in the fanu- ly of his son James, in Windham. 1. Edward Lowell, eldest son of John, came to this town very early, and his name is found associated with the first settlers, in town business. Mr. Low- ell married Martha Lamb, of Otisfield, (sister to Porterfield Lamb's father) and located near "Caswell's Corner," in the north-east part of the town. He was in town at its incorporation, and probably several years previously — was in several i)Ositions of responsibility. He died in 18 — , and was buried near his home. His children were as follows : i. John, b. in Harrison, in 1801 ; m. Eliza Brack- ett, of Harrison, Jan. 27, 1824, settled in Ma- son, and had issue — Ahhy^ Ira, Greenfield, Charles, EUhu and others, seven in all. ]Mr. Lowell is dead, ii. Edward, b. in Harrison, in 18 — ; m. Sally Edes, of Otisfield, Jan. 27, 1829 ; lived in the latter town, and had/owr children, iii. Simon, b. in Harrison, in 18 — ; m. Ann Robin- son ; lived near "Caswell's Corner ;" was a farmer ; weighed over 200 lbs., and fell dead with heart-disease, while watering his horse, in 1871 ; his widow now Mving. Their children were as follows : 96 hareiso:n^, MAmE. 1. Nelson, b. Jan. 24, 1827. 2. Emery E., b. Feb. 4, 1829. 3. Mary M., b. Oct. 15, 1831. 4. EosANNA, 1). April 16, 1837. 5. Frances E., b. Oct. 30, 1839. 6. Elizabeth D., b. July 20, 1842. iv. George, b. in 18 — ; m. Lncinda Inman, went eastward, and reared a family — now dead. V. Martha Ann, m. John Brackett, of Harrison, Jan. 13, 1828 — now living. vi. James, m. Eliza Lambert, of Otisfield, settled near "Caswell's Corner," and carried on a farm. He married, 2ndly, Elizabeth (Lowell) McKen- ney, his own cousin, and falling dead with heart-disease, in 1870, left her a widow. Mr. Lowell was a very large, corpulent man, weigh- ing about 250 lbs. His children, all by his first wife, were : 1. LuciNDA, m. Albert Caswell. 2. Hermon, m. Rebecca Elden, and lives on the homestead. 3. Hannah. 4. Willie. vii, Marshaj.l, lived in Kennebunk, viii. Hannah, m. Joseph Brackett, of Harrison, ix. Catharine, never married. 2. Simon Lowell, son of John, married Sarah Mead, of Bridgton, and lived in that town two years; thence moved to Harrison, where he resided three years ; thence moved to Brunswick, where he lived 21 years ; thence to Springfield, where he resided six years, and died at the age of 02 years. Mrs. Lowell died at the age of 57 ; they had nine children, namely : i. Charles, m, Susan Lewis, of Springfiehl, and had issue, Lovina, Simon, Sarah, Charles, George, William, Elizaheth, Susan, Samuel and Augusta. NEWGOMB— NEAL FAMILIES. 97 ii. Thomas M., m. Judith Harmoa, of SpriugfieW ; settled in Carroll, was a miller and farmer, ami had issue, Jane^ Simon, Elizabeth and Thomas. iii. Sophia, died when au iufant. iv. Jambs, died when an infant. V. Susan, m. William Douglas, of Lee. vi. Simon, died young. vii. Jane, m. William Lothrop, of Carroll, Me. viii. John M., m. Mary Jackson, of Lee ; is a farm- er, and has issue, Ellen, John, Mary, Clara, Jane, Edward H., Elizabeth, and others. ix. Elizabeth, m. Cyrus McKenney, and 2ndly, James Lowell, of Harrison, her cousin. 3. James Lowell, son of John, 1st, married Mercy Hawkes, lives in Windham, and has three children. 4. Alexander Lowell, son of John, 1st, a roving- character, died in Springfield, Me. 5. William Loavell, son of John, 1st ; married. 6. Jane Lo^vell, daughter of t^ohn, 1st ; married Eben- ezer Small. 7. Mary Lowell, daughter of John, 1st ; never married. NEWOOMB FAMILY. The ancestors of this family were early settled in Bux- ton and Gorham. John Newcomb was the ancestor di- rect of the Harrison families. The name is frequently spelt Newcomen on old records. They were not in town early. As a complete Genealogical History has been i)ub- lished of this numerous people, I shall not give particu- lars. NEAL FAMILY. The Neals are all of Irish extraction. Where the family came from that settled in this town I do not know ; 98 HARRISON, MAINE. tliey were here very early, and their names are among the first on the records of births. John Neal lived on the top of the "Dawes Hill," above tlie village ; the buildings were on the north side of the road, in the small field now owned by Marshall Thorns, but nearly every indication of a residence has disap- peared. The barn was purchased by Philip Caswell and moved to where Edward K. Whitney now resides. Mrs. Xeal Avas called "Elizabeth Neal, Jr.," on the records. Xo descendant of the family is living in town, and but few statistics can be given. Mr. Xeal was noted foi' his "Irish wit," and many singidar stories relating to his ec- centricities are still told. He had children as follows : 1. Jaimes, Jr., b. in Harrison, Dec. 2G, 1803. 2. Eunice Carsley, b. in Harrison, April 30, 1806. 3. Mary, b. in Harrison, March 15, 1808. PAOKAKD FAMILIES. The Packards were originally from Bridgewater, Mass., but many families settled early in Maine. The records are so meagre, and nearly all connected having moved awaj^, I have failed to bring together any connected ped- igree of the several -families that lived in this toAvn, or to prove the relationship between them. I give what I have found. 1. Jonathan Packard, born in Bridgewater, Mass.; probabl}- settled in Minot. He married Susan (Algier) Howard, and subsequently moved into this town, where he died Aug. 30, 1825, aged 76 years ; his wife predeceased him July 18, 1821. Mr. Packard is said to have lived in a log-house, between Dea. Charles Walker's and the old Howard place. 2. Mary Packard, supposed to be of another family, was the wife of Cushing Dawes ; she was a sister of the father of Henry Packard, the only one of the name now living in town. Some say the lath- er of Mrs. Dawes once lived in town. PITTS FAMILY. 99 Almon Packard, married Betsey, widow of Morrill Hobbs, of this town, Feb. 26,^1832; they had a soil, George W.^ born Jan. 8, 1833. Elizabeth Packard, daughter of Jonathan, (?) married Isaac Watson, Oct. 7, 1822. PITTS FAMILY. John Pitts came from Waterboro' and settled on the north-west side of the "Hobbs Hill." He was probably connected vnt\\ the Hobbs family before coming- into town, as both came about the same time and from the same neighborhood, in their old town. Mr. Pitts was born in 1730, and died in town in the year 1827, aged 91 years. His wife was thought to be a witch. Their children, as far as known, were as follows : 1. SAiMtTEL Pitts, who married Lydia , lived for some time on the hill near where Stephen Whitney now lives. He had five children, born in town, named as follows : i. Polly, b. Jan. 15, 1801 ; m. to Seth Carsley, 2nd, and went West with the family. (See Carsley famil5^) ii. Joseph, b. March 10, 1801. iii. Daniel, b. July 1, 1809 ; m. Rachel Whitney, and now lives in Naples, iv. Lydia, b, Dec. 5, 1811; m. Stilman Leavitt, Feb. 13, 1832. V. Samuel, b. Feb. 17, 1818 ; m. Corlista Stuart, Nov. 9, 1847, and lives in town. Mr. Pitts has four children, viz : George, Silas, Bert and Lizzie. 2. Moses Pitts, a son of John, sometime lived on the "Hobbs Hill," near his brother's. He subsequent- NOTE.— There were evidently two old men named Packard in this town at an early day. Walter Harmon remembers one as old, when he was a boy. Some members of the same stock, in tliis State, are distinguished scholars. 100 HARRISON, MAINE. ly moved back to Waterboro' ; was a Calvinist preacher, and had several chiklren, named as fol- lows : i. SiMiEON, who m. Alice Pinkham, and lived in Waterboro', Hollis, Scarborough and Naples. He had issue, Hittie, Francis, Alice and Ida. ii. Luke, who d. when a young man. iii. Benjamin, who was a policeman in Portland, iv. Nathaniel, who settled on a farm in Waterboro'. PHINNEY FAMILY. They were puritans from Plymouth Colony. Capt. John Phinney was the first settler in Gorham, Me., and the father of Col. Edmund Phinney, of Revolutionary fame. Edmund Phinney, son of Col. Edmund, married in Gorham, and afterwards moved into Harrison; his house was some distance back from the road, on the lot adjoining Deacon Carsley's, since owned by Haskell Kneeland. The Phinney house is demolished. Mr. Phin- ney died Jan. 18, 1S28, aged 07 ; his widow, Sarah, Feb. 15, 1833, aged 72 years — were hurried in the F. W. B. ground. His sons that lived here were as follows : 1. Rev. Clement Phinney, who married Joanna Wal- lace, was a noted Evangelist of the F. W. Baptist denomination — the first preacher of that order in town. He built the house now owned by Henry Buck, near the Methodist meeting-house, and reared a large family ; he died at his daughter's in Portland, when quite advanced in years. Children : i. Stephen, m. and lived in Raymond, Me. ii. Decker, have no particulars. iii. Mary A., m. Thomas Foster, of Harrison, June 8, 1828— long since deceased, iv. Eliza, m. Rice Rowell, Note.— TluTc wove families in Otisfleld bearing the name of Pitts, supposed to have bt'fii clistanlly connected; also iu Fairfleld, Somerset Co., Maine. They were originally from Ma.ss. PHINNEY FAMILY. 101 V. Martha, m. Plummer, of Raymond. vi. Hannah, m. MacAllister, of Portland, mer- chant. vii. Almira, m. Sims. viii. Sarah, m. Leach, of Casco. ix. Abigail, no acconnt. 2. Rev. Joseph Phinney, was born in Gorham ; mar- ried Sally WTiituey, of his native town, and settled in this town. He preached several years ; was very nnlike his brother — eccentric, rough and loud- spoken — who was gentle, and a great singer. He be- came somewhat deranged in latter years, and died about 1870. I think his widow is still living ; their children were as follows : i. Esther, b. July 10, 1813 ; m. Jacob Kilbourn, of Waterford, Nov. 13, 1845, and had issue, ii. Jane B., b. Dec. 9, 1816 ; m. Amos Libby, (the carpenter) and had issue. Died Nov. 10, 1872. iii. Nancy G., b. March 24, 1819; m. Oliver P. Haskell, of Windham, May 25, 1841. iv. Sarah H., b. Oct. 16, 1821 ; d. unmarried— probably. V. Andrew R., b. June 22, 1824 ; d. unmarried in 1848. 3. Thomas Phinney, born in Gorham, Me., May 5, 1799 ; married Sally Woodward, of Gorham, Me., and settled in this town, near "Hall's Corner," on the road that leads to "Stuart's Corner." He was a prominent and influential citizen, a man of eminent piety and honesty of character ; served as Selectman, and in several responsible capacities in his town. He had issue as follows : i. WiNSLOW H., b. May 7, 1824; d. July 31, 1848. ii. Emily C, b. Jan. 7, 1825; d. Jan. 31, 1828. iii. Emily C, b. July 6, 1828 ; d. Jan. 18, 1836. iv. Samuel W., b. Dec. 15, 1831 ; m. Mary and settled on the homestead of his ftither, but has lived in Bridgton several years. He has issue, several children. 102 HARRISOX, MAINE. V. Mart H., b. March 14, 1837 ; m. Perry Russell, and lived in town — d. in 1875. 4. Edmund Phinney, Jr., brother of Elders Clement and Joseph, married Eliza Woodward, of Gor- ham, Me., and was once a resident in town, near the John Stanley place, but I can learn no partic- ulars concerning him or his family. • PLAISTED FAMILY. Joseph Plaistbd was probably descended from the old family that settled in York, York County, some of whom figured in the Indian troubles. He married Eunice, daughter of George Thoms, of Gorham, (sister of Col. Amos Thoms, late of this to^\^l, ) and settled on the hill, in the south part of the town, since known as the "Plais- ted Hill." Children as follows : 1. Harriet C, b. Oct. 12, 1823 ; m. Jonathan Fogg, son of Moses, of Harrison, Dec. 8, 1844. 2. Eliza, b. Oct. 22, 1825 ; m. Edward Hall, of Naples, sou of Joseph, and lives at Edes' Falls. 3. Sumner S., b. March 10, 1831 ; now in Boston, Mass. PEIROE FAMILY. They are descended from an old family from Groton, and WatertoAvn, Mass. George Peirce, Esq., was the Proprietors' Agent for Otistield, and settled at "Peirce'-s Falls," now known as "Edes' Falls, as early as 1708. (!) He was a man of business parts and a good penman. His son, Oliver Peirce, settled in Harrison, where All)ert Gray now lives, and was for many years a iirom- inent man in town. He was born in 1702, came to Otis- tield when a small boy, married Sukey Haskell, of Gor- ham, and settled on one of the "twin lots," where Albert PEIRCE FAMILY. 103 Gray now lives. Mr. Peirce acquired a large fund of in- formation by intercourse with learned men, and became a practical and useful man. He was a Land Surveyor, Justice of the Peace, Representative when the Legisla- ture convened iu Boston, and acted a prominent part in all matters of polity. He represented his town in the State Legislature when it sat at Portland, and afterwards at Augusta. He was a Master Mason and Knight Temp- lar. Mr. Peirce died Jan. 5, 1849, aged 81 years. His wife died Aug. 26, 1849, aged 74 years. Mr. Peirce had a brother Levi, who was drowned at Edes' Falls ; a sister Molly who married Willoughby Scribner, of Harrison ; and a sister who married Benjamin Patch. Mr. Peirce had issue, as follows : 1. Mary, born Sept. 10, 1797 ; married Shepherd Hawkes, of Minot; settled iu Harrison, where Newell Trafton now lives, aud is now a widow in Oshkosh, Wis. 2. George, Esq., born July 2, 1799 ; married Caroline, a daughter of "Old Doctor Farusworth," of Bridg ton, and settled in this town. He was Adjutan and Brigade Quartermaster in the old Militia ; Jus- tice of the Peace over forty years. Coroner five years. Governor's Councilman in 1827-8, Representative in 1801 and Senator iu 1805-0. He was Land Surveyor, and was employed as agent for the firm of "Haven & Treadwell," of Portsmouth, N. H., as lumberman on the Kennebec, aud Penobscot ri\'ers for thirty-six years, and during that time had charge of all matters pertaining to the township of Dummer, iu N. ^I. He was engaged in lumbering oi>- eratious on Crooked River, in Waterford, transporting his . manufactures to Portland, by canal-boats ; he also car- ried on lumbering business iu Gorham, Me., in 1828-9. Mr. Peirce is now a resident of Harrison village, living in a fine house, erected by him in 1834 — a man widely known, highly respected as a gentleman, christian and citizen. No children. 3. Deborah, bom Aug. 8, 1801 ; married Henry Robie, of Harrison, and died many years ago. 104 HARBISON, MAINE. 4. Haskell, bom Sept. 28, 1803 ; married Beula, daughter of Dr, Burnell, and lived in town. He was Colonel in the Militia, Representative in 1837-8, and subsequently became insane. He died leaving' two children: — Maria, who died young^ and Oynis H., now a jeweler in Boston, Mass. 5. Oliver, born May 2, 1810 — died young. 6. Benjamin F.. bom May 10, 1813 ; married Abby, daughter of Nathaniel Burnham (see Buridiam family) and had issue, Frederick B., born April 1, 1841 ; Hester A., born Jan. 11, 1843, married Greeley, in California ; and Robert 0., born Jan. 5, 1845. 7. Thomas T., born Sept. 5, 1817 ; married Lydia Jane Pratt, of Portland, and for many years lived in town. He emigTated to Lynd, Lion Co., Minn., many years ago, and perished by cold when fol- lowing a line of traps, dimng the winter of 1875. His children as follows : Henry L., born Nov, 4, 1842 ; Par- ker I., born Nov. 17, 1844, and George, born Feb. 5, 1846. PEKLEY FAMILY. Samuel Perley, came from Groton, Mass., and settled in Harrison, at an early day — settled on the east si very early to New England, Mr. I'erley married Abigail Lewis, and had a large family, of whom liereafter ; he died Sept. 10, 1828, aged 61 years ; his wife died in 1848, aged 74 years ; they were buried near his lesidence. Children : Note. — John Peiire, the anoostor of this family, a weaver, came fi-om Nor- folk, Norfolk Co., Englaurl, to Watcrtown, Mass., ill 1637. His son, Anthony, had Joseph , wYio had .hist'p.'i , who U;\i\ Oeorge, who was father of Qeorfje, who heads the Otislield mill Harrison I'aiiiilies. There are numeroua. (lesceudants living in New England. This family have spelled the name Peirce — the c before the i— instead of Fierce. They have been eminently represented andwell allied in marriage in each generation. PERLEY FAMILY. 105 1. Samuel Perley, Jr., born in 1799 ; died unmarried, Sept. 22, 1823, aged 24 years. 2. David L. Perley, born Oct. 24, 1S07 ; married Sephronia, danghter of Enoch Spurr, of Otisfield, in 1835 ; settled on the homstead farm, and had children as follows : — William 8., born Oct. 30, 1830 ; Kattie F, born Aug. 21, 1838, maiTied Luther Blake, of Harrison ; Osboni, born in 1842 ; died young ; and Ellen A., born May 10, 1848, and died young. 3. Isaac Perley, born March 1, 1810 ; married Cath- erine Fowler — daughter of David, and sister of John, the well-known stage-driver — settled on the east side of " Scribner Hill," near his brother's, as a farmer, and had Maranrla, born July 9, 1841, and died young; and David F., born July 1, 1844 ; married Annie, daughter of David Scribner, and lives at home. 4. Luther L. Perley, born June 28, 1813 ; marrieil Sarah A. Potter, of Ipswich, Mas8.,*in 1851, and lived on the opposite side of the road near his brother Isaac. He married 2ndly, Maria C. Vin- ing, in 1850; children: Osborn P., born July 15, 1852, now in Mass. ; and Emma M., born in 1857, who married Asa F. Howe, of Rowley, Mass. Mr. Perley died in 1859, aged 45 years. 5. William Perley, born June 0, 1810 ; married Lois, daughter of William Brackett, of Harrison, Dec. 22, 1842, and liv^ed on the stage-road, near " Brackett's Corner " ; subsequently sold to Lem- uel Davis, and moved to Bridgton Centre ; his children were : — Oeorge P., born Sept. 7, 1844, and Charles 0., born Xov. 4, 1848 ; these sons are now in the hardware trade at Bridgton Centre village. 6. Abigail Perley, daughter of Samuel, born Oct. 20, 1790 ; married 1st, Elijah Potter, (brother of Dea. and Capt. Potter) of Bridgton ; aiid 2udly, Mar- ques D. Caswell, of Harrison. 108 HAERISON, MAINE. 7. Rhoda Perley, daughter of Samuel, boru in 1805 ; married Fuller A. Smith, of Bridgtou, July 22, 1847. EUSSELL FAMILY. RusSELLE is a French surname, early brought into Eng- land, where the family has long been disiinguished ; many very eminent cadets, as parliamentarians, authors and sol- diers, having cast a halo over the whole family. There were several representatives of the family-name who came early to New England. I am not acquainted with the ancestry of John Russell, who, viith wife Hannah, were early residents of this town. Names of their chil- dren, as found on the town records, as follows : 1. Nancy, born Nov. 30, 1810. 2. Alphonso, born Dec. 29, 1812 ; married a sister of Rev. Mr. Eaton, (descended from an old family in Salisbury, Mass.) who once preached in town, and settled here as a farmer. He now lives in Otis- field. Several children, among whom are, Sarah and Emma. 3. Calvin, born Feb. 25, 1815 ; married Huldah, daugh- ter of Henry Hobbs, of Harrison, and settled in the south part of the town, on the farm now owned by Mr. Strout. His widow is now living in the village with her daughter Emma. Mr. Russell died some years ago. 4. Sally, born Sept. 9, 1818. EOSS FAMILY. Ross is a freuch surname, (i.e., was first adopted in France,) but was known in Roxburghshire, Scotland, as Note.— There were other daughters of Samuel Perley that died young, and unmarried. SCRIBNEE FAMILY. 107 early as A. D. 1100 ; since then they have been widely scattered through Scotlaud and England. I trace this family only to Shapleigh. Jonathan Ross, son of Jonathan, came from the latter town and settled in this town very early — on the Edes' Falls road, where the " old Eoss house " now stands. Mr. Eoss married Polly Goodwin ; he and his Avife died at the age of 84, and were burried in the F. W. B. burying ground. Children : 1. Joanna, married Benjamin Holden, of Sweden. 2. Jonathan, died unmarried. 3. Capt. J ajies, born Oct., 1806, married Jane, daughter of Jonathan Lakin, of Harrison, and 2ndly, Mary A. Smith. Mr. Eoss hvesou the Pond Eoad, near the old Johnson homestead. Children : • i. Adelia, married Thomas Baker, of Waterford. ii. Francis M., married to Henry Packard, of Harrison, iii. Orin, died when a boy. iv. Etta, married to Alphonso Morton, of Harrison. 4. Betsey, married Jonathan Shaw, of Standish ; and 2ndly, Henry Pendexter, of Bridgton. 5. Saiviuel G., married Phebe Clemmons, and died on the homestead. 6. Joseph P., married Elvira Snow, of Cornish, or Hiram, and had issue : Orin and Abby. Lives in Harrison. 7. Sally P., married Joel Mason, of Standish, April 18, 1843, and lives in Eaymond. SOKIBNEE FAMILY. Several persons bearing the name were in New Eng- land as early as 1040. The surname is from the Latin word scribere, to write, and was originally spelled Scrive- nor in its Englicised orthography. The Otisfield and Harrison Scribners were all of one line, and came from Waterborough, Me., as early (some of them) as 1707. Edward Scribner, 1st, came from the latter town and 108 HARRISOX, MAINE. settled in Otisfield, where he lived to be 105 years old. He was father of several sous that settled iu Otisfield, and of one who settled in Harrison. I.Samuel Screbner, who settled on what has since been called "Scribner's Hill," was a nephew of the first Edward, of Otisfield. He married Hannah , and had eight children, as follows : i. Sally, b. Feb. 7, 1708 ; m. William Harmon, of Harrison, July 5, 1818. (See Willard family.) ii. BucKNELL, b. xipril 11, 1799; m. Nancy Dawes, of Harrison, (see Dawes family) Oct. 11, 1826. He moved to Lewiston and reared a family — a daughter, Sarah B.-, d. in Harrison, April 25, 1814. iii. Mary, b. Nov. 25, 1800 ; m. James Chadbourue,* of Harrison, (see Chadbourue family) March 26, 1818 ; lived in Waterford, and had issue. iv. Lucy B., b., Nov. 23, 1802 ; m. Foster Cum- mings, of Harrison. V. Edward, b. Feb. 11, 1800 ; d. March 1, 1806. * vi. Samuel, b. Feb. 11, 1806 ; twin to Edward ; m. Betsey Spurr, of Otisfield, Sept. 22, 1830 ; set- tled in Le^viston, and had a family, as follows : 1. Cyrus Edward, b. Jan. 24, 1831. 2. Ann Longley, b. April 3, 1833; d. April 19, 1844. 3. Margaret, d. Dec. 27, 1847, aged 3 years. vii. Maria B., b. Jan. 8, 1810 ; m. John Caldwell, of Paris, June 3, 1829. viii. David, born Jan. 18, 1820 ; died in Harrison. 2. Col. Ebenezer H. Scribner, was born in Water- boro' about the year 1775; came to Harrison, then Otisfield, and settled on the west side of " Scribuer's Hill," subsequently so-called, about 1797-8. He married Phebe Kimball, daughter of the old land surveyor of Bridgton. He moved to Waterford, thence to Raymond, thence to Portland, and finally emigrated to the West, where he died. He had a son : SCRIBNEE FAIVIILY. 109 Benjamin Kimball, born in Harrison, June 3, 1811. Note. — I find that Udward Scrlhier, Sr., who settled in Otisfiekl, had sons, Edicard, Jr., Joseph, John, Willongh- by and Simon. Daniel Scrihner, a suijposed relative, mar- ried Sarah Goodale, and came to Otislield in 1799. Ed- icard, Jr., married Sarah Moody. Joneph married Dockum. Simon married Abigail Gerrish. The late Deacon Elijah Scribner, was a son of Daniel, and married Dorathy Pii^er ; Cyrus, their son, was born Aug. 12, 1824 ; married Hannah Prince, Ang. 12, 186G. Edtvard, Jr., before mentioned, had sons Clement, Daniel and Joseph ; the two first are now living in town, Capt. Daniel Scrib- ner, of another family, was in Otisfiekl as early as 1802 ; he had three sons, viz : Joseph, who lived in Otisfield and Gilead ; Daniel, married Hannah Sampson and went eastward ; Nathaniel married Mary Smith, of Otisfield ; his daughters are, 1st, the wife of Elder Joseph Wight, of Harrison; 2nd, widow Susan Cobb, of Otisfield. Reu- ben, son of Nathaniel, is a single man, living in Otisfield. John Scribner, son of Edward, Sr., settled with his cousin Samuel on the "Scribner Hill," but afterwards went west of Crooked River. The late Deacon Elijah Scribner was born in Waterboro', Jan. 11, 1800 ; came to Otisfield when only five years old, and died Oct. 13, 1876. ANOTHEK FAMILY. WiLLOuaHBY Scribner, son of Edward, Sr. ; mar- ried Molly, a daughter of George Peirce, Esq., of Otis- field, and settled on the farm since called the "Lamb Place." He died Feb. 27, 1824, aged 51 years ; his widow died May 20, 1838, aged 67 years ; they were buried near Major Emmerson's, on the "hiU." Children : 1. Capt. Peirce, born Sept. 11, 1797 ; married Mary Springer, daughter of Jonathan, of Harrison, Feb. 110 HARRISOX, MAINE. 10, 1824, and died Oct. 8, 1831. His widow died April 29, 1870, aged 70 years, Deborah^ daughter of Peirce Scribuer, died iu Harrisou, June 10, 1850. 2. Alvah, boru in 1805 ; married .lane Phinney of Har- risou, June 10, 1827, and died Dec. 19, 1862 ; his wife predeceased him Oct. 13, 1814, aged 41 years. 3. Deborah, born in 1809 ; died March 12, 1826. ANOTHER FAMILY. Edward Scribner, of Waterborough, Me., married Molly, a daughter of Joseph and Deborah (Went worth) Kicker, and died in March, 1804, ha\ing issue as follows : 1. David, born 1795 ; married, in 1822, Althea Haviland ; she died in Feb. 1843, and he married, 2ndly, a widow Whitmore. Children as follows. i. Charles, b. in 1823. ii. Mary, b. in 1825. iii. Albert, b. in 1827. iv. Sarah, b. in 1829. V. Francis, b. in 1831. vi. James, b. in 1833. vii. OcTAVA, b. in 1835. viii. David, b. in 1837. And two daughters by a second wife. 2. Rebecca, born in 1796 ; died unmarried. 3. Deborah, born in 1799 ; married Newell Nutting, of Otisfield. 4. Sarah, born in 1801 ; married Benjamin Sanborn, of Webster. 5. Mary, born in 1804. STRICKLAND FAMILY. Few families can boast of an ancestry more distin- guished than the Stricklauds', an ancient house now rep- resented in England by Walter Strickland, Esq., of STEWART FAMILY. Ill Syzenjh Rail, which has been the family-seat for several ceutiiries. I have not been abk^ to find where the Harri- son family came from. John Strickland, and his wife, Eachel, were among the first settlers in town ; they lived near the present residence of Heber Kimball, and had family as follows : 1. Otis Strickland, born in Harrison, Aug. 17, 1799. 2. Salome, born Jan. 10, 1802 ; died Sept. 3, 1804. 3. Benjamin, born July 1, 1803 ; died Sept. 21, 1804. 4. Daniel Dudley, born Feb. 10, 1806. 5. Martin, born iS^ov. 4, 1808. 6. Hannah, born June 20, 1811. Mr. Strickland sold his house to Jonathan Springer. He made brick at the village — had second wife, Hannah. This family left town when the children were young, as there are no records of a marriage of any member. STEWART FAMILY. The Stewarts are descended from an ancient and dis- tinguished historical Scottish family, through an ancestry that had settled in Ulster, Ireland ; and the early Maine families were among the Scotch-Irish immigrants thatcame over in 1718-20. Our Harrison families are immediately descended from Capt. Wentworth Stewart, who with his wife Susanna (Lombard) came from Truro, Mass., to Gor- liam. He was Representative to the General Court of Mass. in 1773-4 5 was an oflicer iu the Revolution, and died of small-pox, April 17, 1776, at Sewall's Point, near Boston. His children were ten in number. 1. Wentworth Stewart, came from Gorham to this town, and married Mercy Hall, April 25, 1814. He settled in the north-east part of the town, as a farmer ; was a man of considerable force of char- ■ acter ; served as Justice of the Peace, and iu other town-ofiices. He had a family as follows : i. Moses, born Nov. 13, 1816 ; died in 1840, un- married. 112 HAEEISON, MAINE. ii. Benjamin S., b. Oct. 28, 1818 ; died Sept. 20, 1820. iii. Charles E., b. Oct. 9, 1821 ; m. Lydia, daugh- ter of William Twouibly, of Harrison, and lives in town. Mr. Stewart is an auctioneer and pedler; has a daughter named Lelia 21. iv. Maria, b. June 5, 1824 ; m. Francis Chute of Otisfleld. V. Charlotte, b. April 11, 1828; m. Thomas Grace, of Casco. vi. Laura J., b. July 16, ] 835 ; m. Henry Kilgore, of Waterford. 2. Joseph Stewart, was born in Gorham -, married Nancy Lombard, of that town; settled near his brother Solomon's in Harrison ; was a farmer and wheel-wright, and had issue as follows : i. Fannie, who m. Merrill Skillings, Dec. 2, 1824. ii. Samuel, who m. Hannah Hall, of Harrison, April 17, 1832, and had issue as follows : 1. Albert H., b. Jan. 4, 1833. 2. Angeline, b. March 1(5, 1835 ; m. Cyrus Chaplin of Naples. 3. Wentworth, b. March 31, 1837 ; m. Zilphia Caswell, of Harrison, and 2ndly, Kate Has- kell, of Harrison. 4. Samltel p., b. Aug. 14, 1842; m. Mehitable Waterhouse, of Harrison, iii. Joshua, b. March 14, 1811 ; m. Caroline, daugh- ter of Asa Hicks ; 2ndly, Lydia Bullen. He had issue as follows : 1. Francis E., b. May 9, 1836. 2. Abby M., b. Nov. 27, 1837. 3. Tallot G., b. June 9, 1840. 4. Menthia C, b. Aug. 18, 1842. Greenfield,), .„„ , r\^^ on iqi~ WHITEFIELD, } *^^^' ^^ ^^^^ ^^' ^^^^^ iv. Abigail, b. May 3, 1813 ; died unmarried. V. George E,, m. Mary Ann Sargent, of Otisfield. vi. Esther, m. Isaac Bonny, of Otisfield, March 18, 1838. 5. 6. STEWART FAMILY. 113 vii. ACHSA, m. John D. Burbaiik, of Gorham, N.H., March 15, 1852. \iii. EmLY, m. William Chute, Nov. 21, 1844. ix. Francis, m. Abby Bulleii, of Norway, Me. X. CoRLiSTA, m. Samuel Pitts, of Naples, Nov. 9, 3847. xi. Amos, m. 1st, Masou, 2udly, Larabee, and has issue (f ) xii. Lydia G., m. William Brigham, Oct. 15, 1849. xiii. Joanna, m. Washinj^tou Chaplin, of Naples. 3. Solomon Stewart, b. in Gorham ; m. Mercy Hall, June 19, 1817 ; settled in the ''Ste^yart Neighbor- hood," on land adjoining* that of his brother Joseph's as farmer, and had issue, seven children, of whom hereafter. When Mr. Stewart was building his house, in this town, he brought some glass from Gorham, tied up in a handkerchief — making his journey on foot — and when within six feet of the door of the house in which the glass was to have been set, he stumbled, fell, and broke every pane of glass. One may imagine his feelings at such a misfortune — a loss not easily repaired. Children : i. Mary Ann, m. John Lombard, of Gorham, or Otislield. ii. Major P., m. Octava, daughter of James Wes- ton, of Harrison, settled in town, and has issue, Rebecca^ James W.^ and Dana. iii. Isaac H., m. Elizabeth Hall, of Chelsea, Mass., and had issue, Robert and Ella. iv. Hannah, m. Sumner Hancock, of Otisfield ; 2ndly, Nathan Decker, of Casco. V. Joseph Phinney, died young, vi. JosEPH,2d., died young. vii. Wyatt, T.. m. Lucy Andrews, of Harrison, and has issue, two children, namely, Solomon and Edith. Mr. Stewart lives on the homestead ol his father. 4. JosiAH Stewart, born in Gorham ; married Miriam Eich, of Harrison, (a Gorham family) April 24, 1825, and settled on the farm formerly owned and 114 HAERISON, MAINE. occupied by Capt. Wentworth Stewart, his brother, near " Hall's Corner," in this town. He died in 1870, having had issue as follows : i. Amanda M., b. April 20, 1826. ii. Benjamin, b. Xov. 27, 1827 ; m. Ellen, daughter of William Haskell, of Harrison, and resides on the homestead of his father. iii. Clementine, b. Nov. 22, 1829 ; m. 1st, Hayes ; 2ndly, Samuel Edgerly, and lives in town. iv. John W., b. July 7, 1831 ; d. in the army — un- married. V. JosiAH A., b. March 23, 1833. \i. Moses, unmarried — went West. vii. Charles, m. Katie Brackett, daughter of Joseph Brackett, of Harrison. viii. Clara, m. Payson Stanley. ix. Eveline, m. Libby, of Paris. X. LucRETiA, m. Dunn, of Poland. xi. Melvina, m. , of Buxton. 5. Hannah Stewart, b(>rn in Gorham ; sister of the four brothers before mentioned, married Jonathan Saunders, of Norway, Feb, 20, 1828. 6. Susie Stewart, born in Gorham ; sister of the pre- ceding, married Francis Mayberry, of Casco. 7. Achsa Stewart, born in Gorham ; sister of the pre- cedijig, married liichard Fogg, of this town. SAMPSON FAMILY. The Sampsons are of English descent, and the New England ancestor came in the " Mayflower " with the Pilgrims. Jaivies Sampson came from Duxbridge, Mass., to Leeds, Me., and afterwards removed to Harrison, about the year 180(), coming into town on horse-back. He married Jemima Stetson, in Turner, Jan. 12, 1780 ; piir- ehased land and erected a log-house where the village now is — the Jirst house erected there — near where SAMPSOX FAJMILY. 115 Samuel Hardin's house now stands. Mr. Sampson built mills on the stream that now drives the wire-factorj-, and carried on blacksmithing- at the same time. He was a genuine pioneer, and did much to encourage settlement in town ; he died at the age of 89 years ; his wife at the age of 72 ; thej' were buried in Otislield. Mr. Sampson had issue 7iine children, as follows: 1. jAiviES Sampson, married 1st, Ruth Stiles, and 2ndly, Betsey Prince, and settled in Parkman, Me., where he carried on farming, and eventually Avent Repre- sentative to the State Legislature. He had several children, two of whom were J math an and Aaron. 2. Reuben Sampson, married Mary Smith, of this town, and settled in Worcester, Mass., where he worked as a wheelwright and farmer. He died several years ago, leaving seven children, viz : Isaac, Aaron, Eunice, Deborah, Julia, Harriet, and 2Iary. 3. Deborah Sampson, married Isaac Watson, of Water- ford, Me., and had issue. 4. Hannah Sampson, married Daniel Scribner, of Otis- field, Me., and had issue. 5. Jemema Sampson, married Aaron Huntress, of Lin- coln, Me., and had issue. 6. Olive Sampson, married Thomas Mains, of Otisfield, Me., and had issue. 7. Alice Sampson, married William Twombly, of Har- rison, (Bolster's Mills) and had issue. 8. AsENATH Sampson, died when young. 9. Ahira Sampson, born March 4, 1793 ; married Pol- ly Stiles, of Bridgton, and settled where AYalker & Monroe's store now stands, at Harrison Aillage. He carried on black-smithing and milling; was a man of great physical powers, and withal, very eccentric. He had a peculiar habit of repeating the last word in every sentence when talking, "he did, he did," and would never ride in a carriage when he could go on foot. He once dragged Samuel Harmon through the fire on his forge, and then threw him into the road. Mr. Sami)son fell, while at work in his mill, near Waterford, in 1809, 116 HAERISOX, MAINE. striking his head upou a ledge ; soon after he became un- conscious, and died the third day after, at the age of 77 years. His wife predeceased him at the age of 63. They had seven chiklreu, as follows : i. A SENATE, b. Oct. 8, 1813, — a wealthy maideu- lady, now living in Worcester, Mass. ii. Ruth, b. in 1815 ; d. young. iii. Susan, b. Aug, 25, 1818 ; never married. iv. Capt. Christopher C. W., b. June 22, 1819 ; m. Mary Ann Brown, of Waterford, and set- tled in this town, and now resides here. He was captain of the tirst steamboat — the "Fawn" — that navigated Sebago Lake. He was for many years engaged in canal-boating between Harrison and Portland, and carried on the lumber business with others. He was several years one of the Selectmen of the town, and has always been an active, public-spirited man. Generous-hearted and full of pity, he always held out an open hand to the needy. He had ten of family as follows : 1. Sophia A., b. Sept. 10, 1811 ; m. Charles D. Whitemore, of Worcester, Mass., in 1863, and d. in this town Dec. 8. 1869, leaving issue. 2. Mary A., b. Dec. 5, 1842 ; m. Capt. William H. Valentine, of Worcester, and has issue. 3. Charles L., b. Jan. 5, 1815 ; unmarried. 4. Christopher H., b. Feb. 8, 1847 ; died an inftmt. 5. Asenath E., b. Nov. 5, 1849 ; unmarried. (). S. Nellie, b. July 19, 1851 ; died an infant. 7. George B., b. March 3, 1853 ; m. Mary J. King, of New Hampshire ; lives in Worcester, Mass., and has issue. 8. Abbie C, b. June 21, 1858. 9. Alice J., b. June 23, 1860. Note.— Some of the Sampson family think that Micah Sampson, the grand- father of our townsman, Thomas K. Sampson, was a cousin to James, the an- cestor of this family. One Michael Sampson marrieil IJetsey House, in Turner, June 11, 1791. Query, may not Micah and Michaelhuve been the same person ? It is said that Aliira, of Harrison, used to call John Sampson, of Portland, Micah's son, "cousin leftenant," SPRIXGEEr— STILES FAMILIES. 11^ 10. Frank H., b. Aug. 12, 1862. V. Maria, d. uiiinanied at the age of 40. vi. Emeline, m, Daniel Welts, of Mercer, Me. \ii. Charles L., died when young. SPEINGER FAMILY. Jonathan Springer, bought the farm where Heber Kimball now lives, of John Strickland — the house was built by James Sampson, Jr. — and died in town, Feb. 16, 1845, aged 77 years, I have not learned particulars rel- ative to this family ; the records show that Betsey, daugh- ter of Jonathan, died in town when young, and Mary married Capt. Peirce Scribner, of this town. STILES FAMILY. The ancestors of this family were Enoch Stiles and Noah Stiles, who came from Andover, Mass., and set- tled in Bridgton, in 1771 ; they were twins. Enoch died in Bridgton, in 1831, aged 87 years ; hence the brothers were born in 1745. Noah Stiles sold his farm in Bridgton in 1800, and moved into that part of Otisfield that is now in Harrison ; his farm was on No. 12, in Range 8, in the north end of the town. His son Stephen settled on lot No. 11, adjoining his father's land. Noah Stiles had five children, three sons and two daughters, in 1794. Records of births will be found in Bridgton. Descendants are now living on the homestead farm, in Harrison, viz : — Millet Stiles, who married a Wentworth, of Hiram. I think he was a son of Jonathan., who married Sally Noble, March 1, 1833. See Cramps Historical Address, delivered at the dedication of Bridgton Town House. 118 HAERISOX, MAII^E. THOMS FAMILY. The Thorns family are descendants of Thomas Thoms, through his sons Charles and George. I am not informed where Thomas and his wife Mary (they died in Gorham, Me., Thomas in 1700 and Mary in 1786,) came from, but think they were from okl Plymouth Colony, Massachu- setts. George Thoms, born in 1745, married Lydia Brown, and had issue, nine children, all born in Gorham pre\ious to 1800. Mr. Thoms died in 1821. Chihlren : 1. Betsey, born in 1779 (?) ; married Joseph Brown, of Windham, and settled in that town. 2. Ezra, born in 1782 (?) ; married and settled in Har- rison, Avhere he commenced a farm, and soon after died in Gorham. 3. Mary, born Dec. 20, 1783 ; married Jacob Emerson, of Harrison, and died Sept. 30, 1859. 4. William, born in 1785 ; married SaUy Plaisted, and 2ndly, her sister Hannah ; lived on the homestead in Gorham. 5. Amos, born Aug. 11, 1789 ; married Abigail F. Hig- gins, of Gorham, and settled in this town. He was conmiissioiied a Colonel of the Militia ; served as Town Clerk, Selectman, and went to the Legis- lature as Representative. He was one of the most inde- pendent farmers in toNvii, cultivating extensive lands, and keeping a large stock of cattle, and employing sev- eral men. He died March 21, 1870, aged 81 years. His widow survives as one of tlie most aged inhabitants of the town. Mr. Thoms had issue. Jive children, as follows : i. Ezra, b. May 10, 1810 ; d. Sept. 9, 1833. ii. Marshall, b. I'eb. 1(5, 1813 ; married Rachel B., Daughter of Daniel Haskell, and settled on the homestead. His wife died June 1, 1840 5 and he married 2ndly, Dorcas, daughter of Myrick Paine, of Standish. Mr. Thoms carried on extensive farming operations in comjiany with his brother, until 1874, when he sold and moved to the vil- lage, where he now lives, and cultivates a small field. THOMS FAMILY. 119 He has two daiigliters, viz : Abhie Frances^ born Sept. 11, 1849 ; married Henry H. Palsifer, and lives in Wayne, Me,; and Caroline^ born ; unmarried, and at liome. iii. Lydia, b. July 9, 1810 ; d. Dec. 13, 1840 ; un- married, iv. Alanson M., b. Jan. 10, 1821, and emigrated West, where be now lives — unmarried. V. Samuel, b. Feb. 20, 1822; married Eosilla, daughter of William Cook, of Casco, and lives on the homestead farm. Mr. Thoms has ever manifested a public sjiirit, and has served as Selectman in his town. He bought his brother's part ot the farm a few years ago, and is now the most extensive farmer and stock-raiser in town ; he has also engaged largely in the lumbering business for several winters, and has always been an honest, active citizen. IS^o issue, vi. Elmira, H., b. Dec. 1, 1828 ; d. April 4, 1840. 6. Mehitable Thoms, born in Gorham, Me., Dec. 7, 1792 ; married John Johnson, of Harrison, April 11, 1823. 7. Eunice Thoms, born in Gorham, Me., in 1794 ;(?) married Joseph Plaisted, of Gorham, and lived in town. 8. Lydia Thoms, born in Gorham, Me., in 1790 ; (?) mar ried , of Gorham ; lived in Harrisou. 9. Nancy Thoms, born in Gorham, Me., in 1798; (?) married Zebulon Johnson, of Harrison, Sept. 5, 1822, (see Johnson family) and died only a short time ago. ANOTHER FAMILY. James Thoms, son of Charles and Anna Gray, of Gor- ham, and a cousin of Col. Amos Thoms, before mentioned, moved into this town as early as 1800, and located a lit tie below the F. W. Baptist meeting-house, where his grand-son now lives. Mr. Thoms married Abigail Libby, of Gorham, and had issue, three children. Mr. Thoms 120 HARRISON, MAIKB. died several years ago ; his widow is uow living in town^ aged 84. Issue as follows : 1. Charles Thoms, born in Gorham ; married Fannie Brown, of Raymond, settled on his father's home- stead, and carried on farming and butchering ; he lost one leg and died at the age of 47 years, leav- ing issue as follows, ^iz : Abbie F., born Sept. 11, 1849 ; married Henry Robbins ; James, born Feb. 22, 1855, and Jaicij, born May 18, 1860. 2. Sarah Thoms, born in Harrison; married MacDonald, and lives in Windham. 3. Ellison Thoms, born in Harrison ; married Melvina, daughter of William Bucknell, and lives on a farm near William Chadbourne's on the Bolster's Mills road. He is a very hard-worker and a good farmer. Has one child, viz : Mary H., born Nov., 1809. TRAFTON FAMILY. Joshua Trafton, of English descent, born in 1785, came from York, Me., where the name still prevails, and settled on the farm since owned by William Wentworth, the blacksmith ; his house stood a little way below the present house of George Newcomb, but on the same side of the road. After living some years at the latter place, he sold and moved to the " Pond Road," where the old house uow stands, and i-emained there till his death, which occurred in 1869. His first wife, (she was Joanna Ross) died in 1851, aged 61 years, and he married, 2ndly, Berlinda Packard, who now survives. His children were as follows : 1. Otis Trafton, born Dec. 20, 1807 ; married Eliza of Waterford; settled near his father as farmer and live-stock dealer ; acquired wealth, and has issue as follows : i. Henry O., b. Dec. 17, 1835. ii. John E., b. March 28, 1838. WALKER FAMILY. 121 iii. Elizabeth M., b. Sept. 16, 1810 ; died Sept. 16, 1815. iv. Algenon H., b. May 17, 1812 ; died Sept. 30, 1815. V. Abby M., b. July 3, 1811 ; married to George Neweoinb, aud lives iu Harrison, vi. Frances M., b. Dec. 22, 1817. vii. James, married a daughter of Smith Chaplin, of i!^aples. 2. Polly Trafton, married John Patch. Aug. 13, 1815. 3. Ruth Trafton, married Charles Kimball, July 1, 1838. 4. Abby B. Trafton, marriiid Lemuel Libby, Oct. 27, 1817. o. Joseph Trafton, lived in town and acquired con- siderable property by trading in live stock. He lived where his son now lives, on the Shepherd Hawkes place. He died several years ago, leaving two sons, viz : Newell, who married a daughter of Dr. Dunuell's, and lives on the home-place, aud a younger brother, who, I believe is now a practic- ing physician in some other j)lace. WALKER FAMILY. A Scottish surname. The family have scattered into nearly every land. They are inter-married with the An- dreivs aud 0)iebys families, and quarter their arms with them in England. The Harrison family are descended fi"om Charles Walker, who was born Aug. 15, 1759, probably in Berwick or Kittery, and settled in Westbrook or Falmouth. He married Eunice Berry, (she was born Sept. 25, 1761) Dec. 26, 1782, and had a family of six children, some of them born in Westbrook. Mr. Walker came to Harrison about 1815, aud settled on the " Walk- er Hill " between the village aud " Harmon's Corner." He died (his wife predeceased him July 29, 1833) June 20, 1813, and was buried iu this town. Issue : 122 HAERISON, MAINE. 1. Samuel Walker, boru Oct. 8, 1783; married Han- nah Hicks, of Westbrook, in 1808, and had issue, of whom hereafter. He settled on a farm near " Pride's Bridge," subsequently owned by " Zae Brackett," and selling, came to this to^vn about 1815-17, and purchased land of H. Gray Otis, where C Lincoln Walker now lives ; here he established a permanent home. He died Sept. 27, 18G7 ; his wife, in 1850. i. Charles, eldest son of Samuel, 1st, born Aug. 4, 1809 ; married Mary H. Hanson, of Hairi- son, Nov. 21, 1833, and settled on the home- stead of his father ; he had issue, /oMr children, and died Feb. 10, 1800. Children : 1. Charles Lincoln, b. Aug. 3, 1835 ; married, 1st, Lydia, daughter of Sawyer, of Madison, Me., and 2ndly, Sarah, daughter of Walter P. Harmon, of Harrison, who died in 1870, leav- ing Mree children, viz: Sidney P. ^ FranTi W. and Walter W. — the two last twins. 2. Emily H., b, Sept. 3, 1837 ; m. Horace Adams, and lives in Lynn, Mass. 3. Albert W., b. Oct. 14, 1840 ; m. Addie Adams, of New York, and resides at Worcester, Mass. — two children, Alice and Albert. 4. Caroline P., b. Oct. 14, 1843 ; and m. Freeman Dunn, of Harrison, ii. William, son of Samuel, 1st, born in Falmouth, July 25, 1811 ; m. Berlinda Pjdson, of Harri- son, Aug. 13, 1835 ; settled in Harrison, and had issue, /bwr children, as follows: 1. Lucy E., m. Isaiah Spiller, of Casco, or Kaymond. 2. Adeline, m. Jason Kimball, of Gilead, Me. 3. Franklin, lives in Waterville — unmarried. 4. William, m. Eunice, daughter of Benjamin Wheeler, of Harrison — resides here, iii. George, son of Samuel, 1st, b. in Falmouth, Sept. 7, 1813 ; m. Lydia xVnn Libbj', Oct. 25, 1840; settled in Harrison, and has worked WALKER FAMILY. 123 much on the canal between this town and Portland. He had issue, six children, as fol- lows: 1. George W., b. March 12, 1842 — dead. 2. Julia A., m. Virgil Keniston, of Harrison ; now dead. 3. Albert, b. March 25, 1846; married Ellen Woodbury, of Bridgton, and has issue. 4. Samuel, b. April 9, 1848 ; married Ellen Knee- land, of Harrison ; lives here. 5. Elliot L., b. March 22, 1850 ; m. Brown, of Hiram, and has issue. 6. ZiBAH, unmarried. iv. Samuel, son of Samuel, 1st, b. in Westbrook, June 10, 1815 ; married Charlotte Twitchell, of Bethel, and settled in Harrison. Mr. Walk- er served as Town Treasurer, and in other offices. He lost one of his legs — was a shoe-maker by trade; had issue eight children, and died in 1867 ; he was buried at the Aillage. Children : 1. Algenon S. b. April 12, 1841 ; died unmarried. 2. Osgood B., b. Dec. 14, 1842; married Addie Lamb. 3. Emeline S., b. Sept. 12, 1844 ; now in Portland. 4. Frances C, b. Dec. 29, 1846. 5. John D., b. March 31, 1849 ; d. Jan. 6, 1851. 6. Clara, li\ing in Amesbury, Mass. ; unmavried. 7. John E., is married and hving in Portland. 8. Emma J., married Thomas Mason, of Bridgton. V. Franklin, son of Samuel, 1st, b. in Harrison, Nov. 20, 1817 ; married Frances Bailey, (she was b. Sept. 20, 1825) daughter of James ; set- tled in town, and carries on the wire business with Tolman and Caswell. Mr. Walker is a good singer, and an honest, kind-hearted man — a highly respected citizen, and neighbor. He has a fine residence and gar- den in the village. Children as follows : 1. F. Gene, b. June, 1848 ; unmarried. 124 HAERISOX, MAINE. 2. Horace, b. Oct. 14, 1851 ; married Jennie Scribner, of Otisfleld, and lives in the village, where he keeps a store. vi. Mary, daughter of Samuel, 1st, b, in Harrison, July 19, 1821 ; married Simon Seavj', and lives in the village, a widow, vii. Zebah, daughter of Samuel, 1st, b. in Harrison, May 16, 1825 — a maiden lady in Waterville. 2. Miriam Walker, born in Westbrook, Oct., 7, 1785 ; died young. 3. Charles Walker, (Deacon) born in Westbrook, Oct. 1, 1787 ; married Sally liarbour, of Westbrook, (she was descended from a Scotch-Irish family that settled in York, Me., and intermarried with the family of Bean, one of whom, having escaped from In- dian captivity, acted as interpreter at l^'almouth Fort) and had issue, six children, of whom hereafter. He settled in Westbrook, but subsequently came to this town and settled were Granville Fernald now liv^es. Mr. Walker was one of ihe deacons of the F. W. Baptist church, and maguitied that ofUce, associated with Deacons Carsley and Bray. He was commissioned Captain of the Militia ; served as Town Clerk ; chairman of Selectmen and Jus- tice of the Peace, for many years ; always sustaining fully the contidence reposed in him. Deacon Walker was one of the " sweet singers of Israel," and the sacred songs that he sung in the house of God — usually stand- ing in the cougiegation — will not be forgotten by those who heard him ; he could "sing with the spirit and the understanding also." He lived highly respected, and died Aug. 19, 1859, deservedly lamented. Mrs. Walker sur- vives, and lives with Mr. Fernald, on the Deacon Walker farm. The children, as follows : i. Ednah, b. Nov. 9, 1810 ; m. Elias Howard, of Harrison, Oct. 15, 1832, and he having died, (drowned at North Bridgton) Oct. 20, 1834, she m. 2nd]y, to Jonathan Whitney, May 8, 1839, and is living on her first husband's fam- ily-homestead — the " Howard farm." WATSOIf FAIVIILT. 125 ii. Louis, b. Ang. 18, 1812 ; d. March 7, 1830. iii. Henhy, b. Sept. 5, 1811 ; m. Oliva Kropp, (of German descent) and lives in the West. No children, iv, Susan, b. Feb. 17, 1816 ; ni. to John Buniham, of Harrison, and settled in New York State, where she now liAes. V. Charles Barbour, b. Jnne 17, 1820 ; m. Abby J. May berry, of Casco, Nov. 29, 1841, and had issue, three children. Mr. Walker emigrated to the West many years ago, and died there, Jan. 2, 1872. He was a gxeat singer and teacher of music, vi. Elizabeth, b. April 11, 1828; m. Granville Fernald, and lives on the home farm. 4. John Walker, b. in Westbrook, Sept. 3, 1791 : d. Nov. 24, 1791. 5. Eunice Walker, b. in Westbrook, May 4, 1793 ; m. Bela Dawes, Oct. 21, 1819, and hved in this town. 6. Eliza Walker, born in Westbrook, June 28, 1798 ; married Joshua Howard, of this town, (see How- ard family) in 1821, and 2ndly, David Woodsnm, of Harrison, Sept. 9, 1832; she is now living at Joshua Howard's. WATSON FAMILY. A family of Scotch origin. Eliphalet Watson came from Plymouth Colony, Mass., and settled very early in Gorham ; married Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. John Phinney, and had ten children born to him. For history of the early generations, see " History of Gorham." 1. James Watson, son of Eliphalet, was born in Gor- ham Fort, Aug. 3, 17G1; married Mary Davis; 2ndly, Sarah, daughter of John Carsley, of Gor- ham ; and 3dly, Molly, sister of the second wife. Mr. Watson was a Eevolutiouary soldier, and one of the first settlers in Harrison. His homestead was on the 126 HARRISOX, MAINE. Pond road, about one mile below the village, where Frank Kneelaud now (1877) lives; the house was prob- al)ly the first framed building in town. Mr. Watson had issue as follows : i. Mercy, daughter of James, b. in Gorham ; m. David P. Kneeland, Jan. 21, 1817 ; resides at Harrison. ii. Mary F., b. in Harrison, July 11, 1794 ; married Gee Hammon. iii. Isaac, b. June 27, 1796 ; m. Betsey, daughter of Jonathan and Susanna Packard, Oct. 7, 1823, and settled in Harrison, as a stone-ma- son, living at the village. He had issue seven children, and died Sept. 10, 1862, aged 66 years ; his wife was born Sept. 17, 1799. Children : 1. iNx ANT, b. July 5, 1823. 2. Catherine, b. June 28, 1824. 3. Susan P., b. March 28, 1825 ; m. Heber Kimball, Sept. 14, 1845. Lives in Harrison. 4. Charles H., b. Oct. 1, 1827 : m. Ann Reed, of Lowell, Mass., resides in Cape Elizabeth, and has four children. 5. Alpheus p., b. Sept. 27, 1829 ; d. July 2, 1832. 6. Albert N., b. June 10, 1833 ; m. Ann Goodwin, of Somersworth; lives in Portland, and has three children. 7. Mary L,, b. April 11, 1836 ; m. Charles Hutchin- son, and lives in Wells, Me. iv. Levi, son of James, b. in Harrison, Nov. 1, 1801 ; m. Hannah, daughter of Elder Samuel Lewis, April 21, 1825, and moved to the East, where he died many years ago. He had chil- dren. V. Sally, daughter of James, b. in Harrison, July 6, 1803 ; m. Ebenezer Cooksou. \i. Robert, son of James, b. in Harrison, July 6, 1806, and died in town — unmarried. WOOD SUM FAMILY. 127 CoLMAN Watson, was many years a resident in the Aillage, in this towu, and worked at the coopers' trade. He was a nephew of James Watson. He was twice mar- ried ; the second wife was Paulina Tuttle, married June 13, 1847. Mr. Watson died April 2, 1849 ; he had a daughter who married a Billings, of Gorham. WOODSUM FAMILY. The Woodsums are of English dcvscent ; they came early to Berwick, and scattered thence into several towns in York county, and into Eastern Maine. John Wood- sum, born in Berwick, came to Harrison between 1797 and 1800, and settled where Charles Hardin now lives. He was a builder, and framed some of the first houses in town; was chosen the Jirst Surveyor of lumber in town. Mr. Woodsum was married to Rebecca Kimball before coming here ; had issue, ten children, and died in 1820, aged 49 years ; his widow lived to be aged. Children : 1. Polly Woodsum, born in Berwick, in 1797 ; married Libeus Caswell, of Harrison, Oct. 24, 1820. 2. David Woodsuhi, born in Harrison, Oct. 14, 1801 ; married Eliza (Walker) Howard (see Howard fam- ily) of Harrison, and settled where he now lives, at the head of Anonymous Pond, in the " Wood- sum Neighborhood." Mr. Woodsum has been a good farmer, anstoii ; 2nd, Mrs. Kendall, mother of the celel)rated bugle player, "Ned Kendall," and 3rd, a Mrs. Dennett, of Browntield. He lived in Limington, Standish, and Buxton, and subsequently, in 1810, came to Harrison, and settled on the Joseph Phinney farm. He had ten children by his first wife. He died in Biownrteld, May, 1857, aged 81 years. Children : i. Daniel, b. in Limington, Jan. 22, 1793; m. Jan. 19, 1815, to Susan, daughter of Nephtali Har- mon, 2nd, of Harrison, and died March 21, 1873, aged 80 years. He was a farmer, in town ; had one daughter, Sally, b. March 1, 1816. ii. Mary, ra. William Decker, of Casco. ill. Freeman, b. in Standish, March 9, 1800; m. Feb. 18, 1821, Mary S. Gray, (see Gray lamily) 136 HAREISON, MAINE. of this town. A farmer. Died March 24^ 1873, and was buried on the same day, anil at the same funeral with his brother Daniel, before mentioned. Children, eiglit in number, as follows: 1. Stephen T., born May 15, 1821; married May 4, 1845,Catherine Brown of AVaterford, and set- tled in town as farmer and veterinary sur- geon. His children, nine in number as follows: i. Mary, b. April 10, 184G, died an infant. ii. [RENE I., b. June 10, 1847; died June 23, 1865. iii. Ann E., b. July 11, 1849; unmarried. iv. Frances D., b, Feb. 19, 1851; married to Dan- iel Woodsum. V. Charles S., b. May 6, 1853; unmarried. vi. William H., b. May 12, 1853; unmarried. vii. Stephen H., b. Aug. 24 1857; unmarried. viii. Fred A., b. Xov. 20, 1859; unmarried. ix. Kate E., b. Oct. 20, 1861; unmarried. 2. James G'., b. Dec. 20, 1822; married Jan. 3, 1846, Betsey H., daughter of Setli Carsley 2d, (see Carsley family (and settled in town as farmer. Children three in number, as follows: i. Charles F., b. Oct. 13, 1846; married. ii. Horace R., b. Oct. 3, 1847; unmarried. iii. Eleazer P., b. Feb. 15, 1852; unmarried. 3. Edward K., b. Sep. 0, 1824; married Oct. 20, 1848, to Arvilla Caswell, (see Caswell family) and settled in town as farmer. Mr. Whitney is one of our most successful and progressive .agriculturalists. He has engaged largely in stock-raising and tVuit growing, and takes an active position in all ag- ricultural, educational, iK)litical and religious movements; he is well informed on general topics, and is an honora- ble and highly respected citizen. Children, /o^a- in num- ber, as follows : i. Edward, b. Aug. 19, 1851; unmarried, ii. Harrison, b. OvA. 15, 1858; unmarried, iii. Fairfield, b. Feb. 20, 1862 ; unmarried. WHITNEY FAMILY. 137 iv. Mary F., b. April 28, 1866 ; unmarried. 4. George F., b. June 12, 1826 ; ui. ]S^ov. 16, 1818, to Mary A. Bailey, of Harrisou, and is now living- on the farm where his great-grand-father first settled, in this town. Children, three in number, as follows : i. George F., b. Sept. 24, 1850 ; m. and resides in town. ii. Frank H., b. May 30, 1852 ; ni. and resides in town. iii. Mary E., b. Aug. 15, 1855. 5. Eleazer K., born May 13, 1828 ; married Jan. 6, 1867, Mrs. OUve Green (daughter of Stephen Tibbetts, of Harrison) and worked at the vil- lage as shoe-maker. He now lives on the Pond Koad. Onlv child, Earnest F.^ born Julv 17, 1867. 6. William L., born June 12, 1832 ; married July 3, 1854, to Maria Simpson, of Cambridge] )ort, Mass., where he now resides. Children as fol- lows ; Lizzie U., born Aug. 2, 1866, and one that died in infancy. 7. Mary E., born Jan. 25, 1836; married Oct. 10, 1866, John H. Caswell, of Bridgtou. 8. Irene I., b. in Springfield, July 29, 1838 ; died May 6, 1846. iv. Eunice, daughter of Enoch, b.in Gorham, INIay 30, 1807 , married March 4, 1824, Simon New- comb, of Buxton, and had issue. Died Aug. 29, 1856. V. Eleazer, b. in Gorham, about 1809, died at sea in 1829 ; unmarried. vi. William, b. in Harrison (date unknown) 5 mar- ried Agnes Smith, of Lee, where he lived till his death. He had three sons and one daugh- ter. vii.2 John, son of Enoch, b. in Harrison, and died young. 138 HAEEISON, MAmE. viii. Eli, son of Enocli, was Ihing only a few years ago, in this state, but I have no data. 2. Moses Whitney, was a son of Moses, of Harrison. 3. EiCHARD Whitney, was a son of Moses, of Harrison. 4. Samuel Whitney, was a son of Moses, of Harrison. 5. Molly Whitney, daugliter of Moses, of Harrison ; married to Lemuel Rounds, and emigrated to Ohio, about 1800. 6. Betsey Whitney^, daughter of Moses, of Harrison, married to Jonas Gates, and emigrated to Il^ew York State. 7. LucY" Whitney, daughter of Moses, of Harrison, married John Greenlaw, of Brownfield. 8. Susanna Whitney, daughter of Moses, of Harrison, married Seth Carsley, 1st, (see Carsley family) of this town. 9. Sally Whitney, daughter of Moses, married Eev. Joseph Phinney, (see Phinney family) of Harrison.