Tuesday, February 21, 2023

1835 Letter from E. Richardson, Cashier at Bangor Commercial Bank, Bangor, Maine; to C. Dole, Cashier at Citizens Bank in Augusta, Maine; Richardson is Resigning to become Cashier at Bank of Portland, Maine

August 17, 1835 letter from Edward Richardson (1809-1876), Cashier at Bangor Commercial Bank in Bangor, Maine, to Carleton Dole (1798-1870), Cashier at Citizens Bank in Augusta, Maine

Richardson reports that he is resigning as Cashier at the Bangor Commercial Bank to become Cashier at the Bank of Portland. He informs Dole that William H. Foster will be the Cashier at Bangor Commercial Bank, and that every confidence can be placed in him.

Foster was perhaps William Hammond Foster (1809-1902), who was later involved in banking in Massachusetts and New York.
If you have information on Edward Richardson, Carleton Dole or William H. Foster, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

Monday, February 20, 2023

7 Photographs of the Family of George Marshall Slater (1861-1926) of Dexter, Maine

7 photographs of the family of George Marshall Slater (1861-1926) and Emily Augusta (Martin) Slater (1865-1935), New York State natives who married in New York, had their oldest child there, and then moved to Dexter, Maine, where they had four more children and lived out their lives.


Photographs:
  1. Photograph of George Marshall Slater (1861-1926). By the B. L. Call studio of Dexter, Maine.
  2. Photograph of George Marshall Slater (1861-1926), wife Emily Augusta (Martin) Slater (1865-1935) and their three older children. By the B. L. Call studio of Dexter, Maine, taken in 1890. The children are identified as George E. Slater; Rexford C. Slater and Mable I. Slater.  The children were George Edward Slater (1883-1973); Charles Rexford Slater (1886-1960); and Mabel Irene Slater (1888-1967).  Mabel would marry George H. Royal, who predeceased her; Charles Bray Simms, from whom she was divorced; and Harry Warren Young, who outlived her.
  3. identical photograph as above but with thinner stock and no imprint.
  4. Candid winter photograph of three people identified on the reverse as "Hazle; Wilford and Mable". They were the three youngest children: Mabel Irene Slater ((1888-1967), Hazel Slater (1892-1955) and Wilford E. Slater (1898-1951).  Mabel would marry 1) George H. Royal, who predeceased her; 2) Charles Bray Simms, from whom she was divorced; and 3) Harry Warren Young, who outlived her.  Hazel would marry William R. Spencer, who outlived her.
  5. , 6. and 7. - identical photographs, taken in 1890, of Mabel Irene Slater (1888-1967) at age 2 by the B. L. Call studio of Dexter, Maine.

If you have information on the Slater family of Dexter, Maine, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

1825 Shipbuilding Document, Steuben, Maine; Names of brothers Philo Lewis & Thompson Lewis; and Tunk Mill owners Mark Wilson & Moses Colson

January 3, 1825, Steuben, Maine; handwritten document where Philo Lewis and his brother Thompson Lewis are purchasing planks from Mark Wilson and Moses Colson, owners of the Tunk Mill.

A previous contemporary owner of this document wrote "Shipbuilding" in pencil; presumably the Lewis brothers were shipbuilders.
From brief online research: If you have corrections and/or additional information, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers

  • Philo Lewis - presumably Philo Lewis (abt 1785-1838); Postmaster of Steuben from 1823-1827; Connecticut native. Also, thanks to information provided by a reader, a smuggler during Pres. Jefferson's Embargo Act of 1807.
  • Moses Colson - presumably Moses Colson (1782-1860); Maine native, possibly Cherryfield, Maine

10 Documents, c1772-1852, pertaining to the Spinney & Pettegrow Families of York County, Maine, & Portsmouth, New Hampshire


10  documents, one since donated, pertaining to the Spinney and Pettegrow families of York County, Maine, with one document, the one shown above, from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, perhaps 1772.

The documents are listed below, followed by a guess as to the identity of those mentioned.  If you have corrections or additional information, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

  1. [shown above] Portsmouth, New Hampshire, February 22, 1772 [not sure of year].  John Raynes and Israel Kaen [Kean ?] promise to pay Joseph Pettigrow 3 pounds lawfull money for value...  Perhaps Joseph Pettegrow (1742-1822)
  2. November 7, 1798 handwritten document: codfish sold to Stephen Pettegrow,  Jr.
  3. 1819-1822 handwritten document: Capt. Caleb Spinney to C. Greene; mentions Mr. Morton and Benjamin Adams; seems to be an account of court cases.  Perhaps Capt. Caleb Spinney (b. 1755). Perhaps Capt. Benjamin Adams (abt 1763-1842)
  4. July - October 1820 handwritten document: Nicholas Spinney, invoice from Nehemiah Green.  Perhaps Nicholas Spinney (1783-1845); perhaps Nehemiah Green (1766-1824)
  5. August 2, 1824 handwritten document; Nicholas Spinney, invoice for mending from James B?- Bartlett? Bouths? Bouthes?  Perhaps Nicholas Spinney (1783-1845)
  6. Eliot, Maine, November 30, 1839 [not sure of year, could be 1829]: Nicholas Spinney, invoice for sash and glazing from Stephen Paul.  Perhaps Nicholas Spinney (1783-1845)
  7. November 18, 1842, Kittery, Maine: handwritten document: received of ? Spinney for Dresser, Sixteen Dollars in full, Warren Dockum. Perhaps Warren Dockum (1812-1890)
  8. Eliot, Maine, April 12, 1843; Nicholas Spinney, invoice from Nathaniel Paul for building a cart plus iron, nails, boards, etc.  Perhaps Nicholas Spinney (1783-1845); perhaps Nathaniel Paul (1787-1865)
  9. Kittery, Maine,  May 28, 1849 handwritten document: Nicholas Spinney, Esq. bought at auction, horse rake; plough; sled.  Received payment, Isaiah Hanscom, Administrator and Auctioneer. Perhaps Nicholas Spinney (abt 1789-1866); perhaps Capt. Isaiah Hanscom (1815-1880)
  10. 1852 handwritten document: W. Skinner [or possibly Spinney]; invoice from William Seaward for pasturing cows. Possibly William Seaward (abt 1772-after 1860)

Saturday, February 18, 2023

3 early 1800s Letters pertaining to the Hathorn family of Midcoast Maine


Three early 1800s letters pertaining to the Hathorn family of Midcoast Maine:

If you have information to share on the Hathorn and Chamberlain families, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers. 

Friday, February 10, 2023

Papers of John Keller Ames (1834-1901), Lumberman of Machias, Maine

 


Invoices and letters associated with John Keller Ames (1834-1901), lumberman of Machias, Maine, whose Christmas card is shown above.  


If you have information on John Keller Ames or any of the people/firms mentioned  below, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

Hill, Pike & Co., Calais, Maine

Isaac Pennell Longfellow (1845-1808) of Machias, Maine

Invoices, Letters, in alphabetical order:
  • Adriance, Platt & Co. of Portland, Maine (Poughkeepsie, New York), Manufacturers of Mowers, Reapers, Binders - invoice of July 24, 1896
  • Adriance, Platt & Co. of Portland, Maine (Poughkeepsie, New York), Manufacturers of Mowers, Reapers, Binders - invoice of July 27, 1896
  • Bearce, Murphy & Co. of Portland, Maine, Notions, Clocks, Jewelry, Spectacles, Eye Glasses -  invoice of June 15, 1888 
  • A. H. Berry Shoe Company, Manufacturers and Jobbers, of Portland, Maine - invoice of September 14, 1892
  • John Bird Company, Wholesale Grocers, of Rockland, Maine - invoice of July 6, 1896
  • W. L. Blake & Co. of Portland, Maine - Fine Engine Va;ve & Cylinder Oils and Portland Lubricating Greases - invoice of March 16, 1891
  • Cobb, Wight & Co., Wholesale and Retail Grocers and Ship Chandlers, Rockland, Maine - invoice of September 29, 1891
  • Emerson & Stevens Manufacturing Company, Oakland, Maine - Scythes and Axes - invoice of September 9, 1892
  • C. R. Gardner of Pembroke, Maine, Manufacturer of Brick, Dealer in Mowing Machines & Farming Implements - letter of July 15, 1889
  • Hill, Pike & Co. of Calais, Maine, Molasses, Tea, Jobbers of Flour - invoice of March 26, 1896
  • M. A. Jewell & Company of Portland, Maine, Teas, Tobacco, Cigars, Molasses, Vinegar, Pickles - invoice of July 31, 1886
  • J. L. Keith & Son of Old Town, Maine, Custom Boots and Shoes - invoice of April 9, 1888
  • J. L. Keith & Son of Old Town, Maine, Custom Boots and Shoes - invoice of April 12, 1888
  • I. P. Longfellow of Machias, Maine, Broken Egg, Stove and Mixed Coals - invoice of August 4, 1882
  • Loring, Short & Harmon of Portland, Maine, Books, Stationery & Paper Hangings - invoice of May 27, 1881
  • McLellan, Mosher & Co. of Portland, Maine, Blank Book Manufacturers, Stationers, Lithographers, Law Booksellers - invoice of June 10, 1889
  • Monson Refrigerator Co. of Monson, Maine, Arctic Slate Lined Butter Boxes - invoice of September 9, 1887
  • Portland Rubber Company of Portland, Maine, Rubber Goods of Every Description - invoice of March 30, 1896
  • John F. Rand of Portland, Maine, Hosiery, Gloves, Corsets, Underwear & Notions - invoice of September 15, 1893
  • John F. Rand of Portland, Maine, Hosiery, Gloves, Corsets, Underwear & Notions - invoice of October 24, 1893
  • Byron Stevens of Brunswick, Maine, Bookseller & Stationer - invoice of March 20, 1889
  • Widber & Bacon of Portland, Maine, Building Lumber, Doors, Sashes and Blinds, Black Walnut, Cherry, White Wood, Mahogany, Ash, Etc., Brownville and Monson Slate - invoice of October 24, 1881
  • William Anson Wood Mower & Reaper Co. of Portland, Maine, Mowers, Reapers, Self and Hand Dump Hay Rakes, Harvester and Twine Binder - letter of January 23, 1884
  • William Anson Wood Mower & Reaper Co. of Portland, Maine, Mowers, Reapers, Self and Hand Dump Hay Rakes, Harvester and Twine Binder - invoice of July 9, 1886
  • F. C. Young of Winterport, Maine, Harnesses, Trunks, Bags and Robes - invoice of August 12, 1889

1889 Letter from Calvin Rubin Gardner (abt 1834-1909) of Pembroke, Maine, to John Keller Ames (1834-1901) of Machias, Maine; re: Bricks

(Reprinted, with permission, from the Border Historical Society blog)

July 15, 1889 letter from Calvin Rubin Gardner (abt 1834-1909) to lumberman John Keller Ames (1834-1901) in Machias, Maine, regarding Gardner's delivery of bricks to Ames.

According to the letterhead, Gardner was a manufacturer of bricks, a dealer in mowing machines and farming implements and the proprietor of the Gardner House lodging establishment.  

This auction site features a postcard of the Gardner House, although the house depicted may have been a private home.

Gardner mentions delivering bricks to Ames via the Schooner Osias. I wasn't able to find information about a schooner named Osias (Ozias or Osiris ?). Interestingly, there were several people named Ozias in the area. Hopefully a reader will weigh in.
Perhaps the current-day Brickyard Road (map below) was named for Gardner's brickyard, which, if so, was presumably located along it, perhaps close to a wharf.  

If you have information to share on Calvin Rubin Gardner, John Keller Ames or the Schooner Osias (sp?), please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

Monday, January 23, 2023

1877 ByLaws of the Masonic Mutual Relief Association of Dexter, Maine

ByLaws of the Masonic Mutual Relief Association of Dexter, Maine; organized July 9, 1877.  

Small booklet, approximately 5" by 3-1/2", with eight numbered pages; printed by R. O. Robbins, Printer, of Dexter, Maine.

Officers:

If you have information to share on any of these men, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

For more information, read One Hundred Years of Masonry, History of Penobscot Lodge No. 39, Dexter, Maine, made available online by the University of Maine.

Centennial Celebration Program for St. Albans, Maine, 1813-1913

Centennial Celebration Program for St. Albans, Maine, 1813-1913.  Booklet, approximately 7-3/4" by nearly 5". with four interior pages.  Printed by Mathews Printing of Pittsfield, Maine.

The booklet contains:
  • Program of the Day - 2 pages
  • Program of the Evening
  • Town Officers in 1913
  • Members on the Centennial Committees

Many St. Albans residents, and people from other towns, most of whom presumably had a connection to St. Albans, are mentioned. Maine governor William T. Haines gave an address in the morning.

If you recognize a name and have information to share, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.





Saturday, January 14, 2023

1865 Report of the Superintending School Committee of Pittston, Maine

Report of the Superintending School Committee of the Town of Pittston, for the year ending March 6, 1865, Pittston, Maine.  

The back cover served as the address side; this copy was originally mailed to Mr. George Cox, Jr., of New Castle, Maine.  Perhaps George Cox, Jr. (1845-1917), son of Capt. George Cox (1812-1896)


The report contains the reports of the agents of eighteen districts in Pittston, as well as commentary on the teachers, sometimes complimentary, sometimes devastating, and outcomes for each district.  

The report mentions conflict between teachers and students, conflicts between teachers and parents and conflicts between residents that spill over onto the operation of the school. It's an interesting read.

Committee members were:


If you notice errors or have information to share on any of the people mentioned, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

District No. 1 - Thomas Coss, Agent - perhaps Thomas Coss (1814-1908)
Teachers: 
  • Miss Bickford of Dresden; first part of Summer term
  • Mary E. Glidden of Pittston; conclusion of Summer term - perhaps Mary E. Glidden (1832-unk) or Mary Ellen Glidden (1848-1922), who was shown on the 1870 Census of Pittston as a Schoolteacher
  • Lizzie Fuller of Pittston; Winter term - possibly the Elizabeth L. Fuller (1845-1917), who was shown on the 1870 Census of Pittston as a School Teacher; she married George Ferdinand Jewett

District North No. 1 - Isaac Bickford, Agent - perhaps Isaac Bickford (1822-1886)
Teachers:

District No. 2 - William Blanchard, Agent - perhaps William Blanchard (1822-1880)
Teachers:

District No. 3 - James Foy, Agent - perhaps James Foye (1823-1894)
Teachers:

District No. 4 - Caleb Stevens, Agent - perhaps Gen. Caleb Stevens (abt 1815-1869)
Teachers:

District North No. 4 - F. G. Sherman, Agent - perhaps Fuller Gove Sherman (1823-1917)
  • Amanda H. Marson; Summer Grammar School - possibly Amanda Harriet Marson (abt 1839-1901); married Augustine Upton
  • A. M. Thompson of Brunswick; Summer and Winter Primary School
  • Miss Bright of Bath; first two weeks of Winter Grammar School
  • Miss Octavia Hunt of Chelsea; rest of Winter Grammar School - possibly Octavia A. Hunt (1836-1922); married Henry Edwin Merriam

District No. 5 - Robert Barber, Agent - perhaps Robert Barber (1833-1922)
Teachers:
  • Celia C. Gould of Pittston; Summer term - possibly Celia C. Gould (1842-1911), who was shown on the 1870 Census of Pittston as a School Teacher
  • Miss King of Whitefield; Winter term

District No. 7 [no 6 apparently] - Hiram Ware, Agent - perhaps Hiram Ware (abt 1825-1892)
Teachers:
No Summer Term
  • Dora Gray of Pittston; Winter term - perhaps Dora Carlton Gray (1845-unk); married David Stone

District No. 9 [no 8 apparently] - Jonathan Reed, Agent - perhaps Jonathan Reed (1816-1887)
Teachers:
  • Louisa E. Boynton of Augusta; Summer term - perhaps Louisa E. Boynton (1845-unk)
  • Clara Knight of Pittston; Winter term - perhaps Clara Knight (1842-1869); married George K. Hewitt

District No. 10 - Daniel A. Thompson, Agent - perhaps Daniel A. Thompson (1840-1925)
Teacher:

District West No. 10 - Henry Thompson, Agent - perhaps Henry A. Thompson (1842-1911)
Teachers:

District No. 11 - Alfred Stilphin, Agent - perhaps Alfred Stilphin (abt 1803-1888)
Teachers:

District No. 12 - William Chaney, Agent - perhaps William N. Chaney (1811-1879)
Teachers:

District North No. 12 - Moses Hunt, Agent - perhaps Moses Hunt (abt 1805-1874)
Teachers:

District No. 13 - Samuel S. Rairdan, Agent - perhaps Samuel S. Rairden (1828-1878)
Teacher:
  • Lizzie M. Thompson of Pittston; Summer and Winter terms - possibly Elizabeth M. Thompson (1844-1912); married George Edward Goodwin

District No. 14 - S. G. Bailey, Agent - perhaps Samuel G. Bailey (1797-1876)
Teachers:

District No. 15 - George W. Rollins, Agent - perhaps George W. Rollins (1805-1868)
Teachers:

District No. 16 - Ambrose Williams, Agent - perhaps Ambrose Williams (1835-1907)

Again, if you have information to share on any of the people mentioned, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

Click on any image to enlarge it.










Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Early 1900s Postcard of Dexter, Maine; showing the home of Grace Dunham

Early 1900s postcard from Grace Dunham at Dexter, Maine, to Miss Edna Brackett at Newport, Maine.  The postcard depicts the "Long Bridge" at Dexter,  with Grace's home, a handsome farmstead, marked with an X.

The postcard dates to before 1919, when Edna married William Howard Smith, assuming Edna was Edna Sybil Brackett (1892-1920).

The body of water is Lake Wassookeag, with Route 23 crossing a particularly narrow portion.
Grace was presumably Grace Mae Dunham (1893-1923), daughter of William F. Dunham and Mabel (Peavey) Dunham and older sister of Anna Dunham (1902-unk), who would marry Herman George Thiel and become an pharmacist in Florida. 

Coincidentally, several years ago I found Grace's obituary in a scrapbook of Skowhegan and Dexter area items and posted it then in this blog, excerpted below.


Miss Grace Dunham
The remains of the late Grace Dunham arrived Tuesday evening from Hialeah, Fla, where she passed away Nov. 17, 1923, after a brief illness.  The remains were accompanied by Miss Anna Dunham, a sister of the deceased.  Miss Dunham was the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dunham of this town.

The remains were taken to Mount Pleasant cemetery, where Rev. William Garner, pastor of the Universalist church and Miss Mildred Thomas spoke words of comfort to the relatives and friends. There was a profusion of beautiful floral tributes, showing the high esteem in which the deceased was held by her many friends who extend their sympathy to the family.

The bearers were Walter Dudley, Duane Mower, Linwood Mower, Ralph Mitchell, Fred Dore and Dennis Weeks.

Edna Brackett of Newport, Maine, was likely Edna Sybil Brackett (1892-1920), daughter of Charleston Gilman Brackett and Elizabeth (Patten) Brackett and wife of William Howard Smith, with whom Edna had a son, Elmer Vincent Smith.

Sadly, both Grace and Edna died young, Edna presumably as a result of childbirth.  If you have information on the Dunham, Peavey, Brackett, Patten and Smith families of Maine, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.

Thursday, January 5, 2023

1826 School or Church School Document from Thomaston, Maine - Names of 37 Scholars

1826 school or church school document from Thomaston, Maine, with the names of 37 scholars.

[Thanks to Maine Genealogical Society members for helping me tease out the meaning of this document.]
If you have information to share on any of the scholars listed, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers. I'll amend the post to show your contribution.

Some of the scholars were apparently siblings or cousins.  I've included some information on possible identities, but many of the surnames are common to the area, with given names repeating many times.

 If you have information on any of these scholars, please leave a comment for the benefit of other family researchers.  

Alphabetical list of Scholars - sorry about the white background in spots

Mary Brantonpossibly Mary Jane Branton (1812-1839); married John Wallace Haskell
Margaret Butlerpossibly Margaret B. Butler (1815-1892); would marry Capt. Mark Perry
Maria Butlerpossibly Alberta Maria Butler (1809-1881); married Capt. Job Perry and Jesse K. Dean
Melly Butlerpossibly Amelia Butler (1811-1899); married Capt. Henry H. Fales and Elkanah S. Smith
Sophia Butlerpossibly Sophia Butler (1819-1902); married Capt. Hiram Worcester
William Butlerpossibly William Butler II (1817-1900); married Eliza P. Butler
Hannah Harden
Sarah Holmespossibly Sarah A. Holmes (1814/5-1892); married Francis Harrington
Katharine Holmes
Hannah Holmespossibly Hannah S. Holmes (1818-1877); married William C. Ramsey
Eliza Holmespossibly Eliza Croner Holmes (1820-1908); married Cyrenius Crockett
Amelia Holmespossibly Amelia Doyle Holmes (1819-1894); married Sylvester H. Fuller and Henry True Luce
Achsah Ingrahampossibly Achsah Ingraham (1820-1909); married Joseph Kalloch
Ann L. Ingrahampossibly Ann Lindsey Ingraham (1819-1836), daughter of Deacon Henry Ingraham; 
Betsey Ingraham
Elizabeth Ingrahampossibly Elilzabeth Ingraham (1813-1861)
Margaret Ingraham
Mary Ann Ingrahampossibly Mary Ann Ingraham (1817-1892); married Orris Robbins Butler
Mary Jane Ingraham
Orinda Ingrahampresumably Orinda F. Ingraham (1815-1881); married Harrison Farrand
Susan Ingraham
Sally Miller
Eliza Partridgepossibly Eliza Partridge (1815-1850); married Dr. William Stevens Wiley
James Partridge, Jr.presumably James Partridge (1816-1903); married Adeline Glidden Harrington; 
Mary Partridgepossibly Mary Jane Partridge (1822-1908); married Nathaniel Adams Burpee; 
Sevey W. PartridgeRev. Seavey William Partridge (1812-1860); married Hester Ann Chapone Hinkley; 
Lucinda Penney
Hannah Robbins
Lucy Simontonpossibly Lucy Simonton (1818-1853); would marry Samuel B. Partridge and Elijah Mayhew Averell
Rebekah Spearpossibly Rebekah Spear (1820-1906); married Andrew Grant Luce
William Spearpossibly William Henry Spear (1816-unk)
Hannah Spoffordpossibly Hannah Simonton Spofford (1815-1842)
Lucinda Spoffordpossibly Lucinda Spofford (1816-1887); married Hezekiah Prince Coombs
Maria Spoffordpossibly Maria Spofford (1813-1879); married Elkanah Spear
Sophia Spoffordpossibly Sophia Spofford (1819-1899)
Katharine Ulmerpossibly Catherine B. Ulmer (1815-1880); married Adriel Cox Fales
Mary Ulmerpossibly Mary B. Ulmer (1813-1829), daughter of Martin Ulmer and Susan (Stodder) Ulmer

Note:  In 1826, Thomaston contained what is now most of Rockland, Maine, and South Thomaston, Maine.