Merrill's Settlers and Descendants

Settlers and Descendants

Deacon Lemuel Cummings was, probably, the third person to make his home in the wilderness of Greene. He came from North Yarmouth, but was a native of Charlton, Mass., coming to Maine in 1775. Deacon Cummings was the first deacon of the Baptist church, and, when the society was without a pastor, he was the acknowledged leader in the religious services. His house was one of the first framed houses built in town. He settled in the same neighborhood with Captain Daggett. Two of his sons, Lemuel and Peter, were deacons. Rev. Silas S. Cummings, born May 22, 1814, graduated from Kent's Hill Seminary in 1839, and, in 1840, became a clergyman and joined the Maine Conference of the M. E. church, and, until he was commissioned chaplain of the Fourth R. I. Regiment, in January, 1863, preached in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. After serving as chaplain he was employed in the Christian Commission, and July 1, 1868, was appointed missionary agent of the Baldwin Place Home for Little Wanderers in Boston, and began a career of usefulness in connection with that institution which is not yet ended.

Thomas Taylor resided near the center for a time, but exchanged his real estate with Joseph Herrick, who moved from Boxford, Mass., to Lewiston in 1772, came to Greene in 1780; married Mercie Preston, of Wilmington, October, 1775; she died August 16, 1820, and he in September. She was a woman of strong intellect. Her sons inherited her mental force, and as a family were unequaled for scholarship and business capacity by any in town. Of the sons, General Jedediah settled in Hampden; Joseph in Harmony; Samuel emigrated to Cincinnati, O., and died in New Orleans. Nathaniel, Seth, and Henry settled in Greene. The daughter, Betsey, became the wife of Caleb Bates, of Greene. Eli and Samuel Herrick, twin brothers, came from Methuen, Mass., in 1780. Eli died in 1813. Samuel moved to Leeds, and died in 1844.

The Larrabee Family, from Yarmouth, settled between the center and west part of the town. Deacon John Larrabee, one of the first selectmen, filled the office several years, and was a joiner by trade. He had four sons and six daughters. Nathaniel married Penelope House, of Turner, lived several years in town, moved to Parkman, where he died, aged 83 years. John married Cynthia Mower, lived on the homestead, and died at 84. Josiah married Lurina Phillips. He died in Auburn aged 80. Ammi, the youngest, died at the age of 70. Sarah married Rev. Phineas Pillsbury; Phebe, Alpheus Drake, of Minot; Mary, Benjamin Parker, of Greene Corner; Hannah, William Parker, brother of Benjamin; Margaret, Thaddeus Sawyer; Deborah married Isaiah Coburn. Deacon John Larrabee died of the cold fever in 1816. He was eminent for piety. Stephen Larrabee, brother of Deacon John, had five sons and four daughters. Samuel, William, and Jeremiah married daughters of Samuel Mower. Samuel lived for several years on the homestead, moved to Leeds, and died aged 82. William settled first in New Portland, then moved to Wisconsin. Jeremiah settled in Parkman. One daughter married Joseph Herrick, Jr, and settled in Harmony. Rhoda married Deacon Daniel Briggs, of Minot; Polly married a Mr Waterman of Minot; Susanna lived in Leeds.

Benjamin Rackley came from Yarmouth when the Larrabees did, and settled on a farm adjoining Deacon Larrabee's, who was a brother to his wife. He had four sons, Benjamin, Samuel, Stephen, and one that died young. Benjamin's farm joined Deacon Larrabee's, being the one where William M. Longley now lives. He died at about 75. He married a daughter of Jairus Phillips. He was the father of B. Phillips Rackley, one of the best farmers, who lived near Greene Corner, wher the old stage driver, Thomas Longley, lived. Samuel lived on the home farm till his death, at 28. Stephen settled in Leeds, was several years in trade, and accumulated a good property. One of the daughters, Temperance, married William Mower; Mary married Zebedee Shaw; another married a Mr Deane, of Leeds; the other, Asa Barden. Abner Brown settled on the next lot to Benjamin Rackley. His sons were Samuel, married Elizabeth Mower; Benjamin, married a daughter of Jacob Stevens; Moses, Ambrose, and Abner.

William Coburn came from Dracut, Mass., about 1783, with his sons, Jesse, Eliphalet, Joshua, William, and Joel. Joshua subsequently moved to Parkman, and Joel to Lagrange. Eliphalet died aged 55, William not long after, and Deacon Jesse at 83. All were men of piety. Isaiah, oldest son of Jesse, lived on what was known as the Key farm, near Keene's Corner; Jesse, the second son, at Barkerville, Lewiston. Deacon Jesse Coburn was born in Dracut, Mass., in March, 1765; he came to Greene when 18 years old, and resided here until his death, December 18, 1847. He was for many years deacon of the Baptist church, and was much esteemed. His youngest son, Calvin S., was born in Greene, September 1, 1813, on the farm where he now lives, and has been an agriculturist. He married Mary Keay, of Wolfborough, N.H. Their son, Henry Harrison Coburn, was born in Greene, November 5, 1839, was educated at common schools and Maine State Seminary. He married Charlotte E. Robinson, and has children, Mary L., Benjamin A., and Reid R. Mr Coburn enlisted in the 2d D. C. Inf. Regt. (President's Guard), in May, 1862, and served three years. He is a Baptist, a deacon of the church, a Republican, a member of the G.A.R. and I.O.G.T., and is now serving his fifth year as selectman. He is a farmer, and the place were the Coburn's settled, which has since been known as Coburn Corner, and the farm on which William Coburn located, has never passed out of the name, and is now owned by the heirs of Simeon Coburn.

John Mower (born in 1758) with wife, Elizabeth Edwards (a relation of the celebrated Jonathan Edwards) came from Charlton, Mass., about 1786, and moved into a temporary shelter and commenced clearing the forest where his grandson, Wilbur F. Mower, now lives, and in a few years by industry and tact had quite a clearing. He was a man of strong constitution, and understood the art of planning his work. His wife was willing and able to assist in this pioneer life, and with all the characteristic qualities of her family, which her children no doubt inherited, she was a most valuable acquisition to the young settlement. Mr. Mower died aged 94 years and 10 months. They had seven sons and four daughters. The oldest son, John, known for 25 years as Master Mower, was educated at Hebron Academy and was one of the first school teachers born in town. He is remembered for his social and friendly habits and as a peacemaker. He was also a farmer. He married Mehitable Andrews (who died December 1, 1873), and died November 29, 1829, aged nearly 47 years. Jabez, the second son, went to Vermont in 1811 to settle on land given his father by John Mower, of Malden, Mass. He was 18 months in 1870, aged 83. The third son was Martin, who ultimately settled in Bangor, cleared a large farm, kept tavern for several years, and built a meeting-house and parsonage on his own land. Leonard, another son, born in 1794, was educated at Farmington Academy and was a farmer. He served as selectman, was drum-major, and trial justice for many years, and proved his ability. He married Lydia Robbins, who died at the age of 94. He died aged 82. Calvin, Oliver, and Josiah settled in Greene, as farmers. Josiah moved to Barkerville (Lewiston), and died in 1869. Oliver Mower was born February 19, 1802, and has been a farmer, school teacher, justice of the peace, selectman, and was an ensign in the militia. He married Harriet H. Robinson, who died aged 67. Their children were Lowell M., Wilbur F., Francis O., a graduate of Bates, now teaching in California; Seward P. (dec.); Julia, married V. H. Sprague; and Harriet, married George Rowell. Mr Mower has been a worthy citizen. He was one of the members at the reorganization of the Free Baptist church, its clerk for thirty years, and has been deacon. In 1872 he wrote an historical sketch of Greene for the Atlas of Androscoggin county, from which we have obtained much value. Lowell Mason Mower is a prominent member of the Free Baptist church and succeeded his father as church clerk, and has been chorister for 35 years. He married Mary Clark Small, of Limington, and has two sons, Walter Lindley and Charles Mason. Wilbur F. Mower was born in Greene, December 23, 1841. He was educated at common schools and Lewiston Falls Academy, and has been a school teacher and farmer. He served in the Civil War from July, 1862, until its close, as private, corporal, sergeant, color-bearer, orderly sergeant, and lieutenant in Company I, Sixteenth Maine. He was twice wounded and twice taken prisoner, and always showed the gallantry and courage of a true soldier. Mr Mower is a Republican, a Baptist, a member of the G.A.R., and Odd Fellow, is an industrious and worthy citizen, and stands high in the estimation of his townsmen. He married Esther A. Longley in 1878; their children are Seward F., George L., and L. Blaine. Calvin Mower, fifth son of John Mower, was a man of more than ordinary knowledge. He was a farmer by occupation, taught school and music, and was somewhat of a chemist. He was the father of Melville C. Mower, who with Sanford Mower and George Norris did the first work in Greene on the railroad. The daughter of John Mower, the pioneer, were Betsey (married Samuel Brown), Pamelia (married Ireson Parker), Jemima (married Samuel Ranlett, of Monmouth), now 94 years old, resides with L. M. Mower, and is the oldest person in town, retaining her faculties to a wonderful degree, Cynthia (married John Larrabee).

John C. Mower, son of John Mower, Jr, was born in Greene, April 19, 1820, and became a farmer. He married Julia A. Libby in 1842. Their children are Leonard C. (dec.), Wallace W., Emeline L. (dec.), Clara S. (dec.). Mr Mower is a member of the Baptist society, and a Republican. He was the first man in town to mulch fruit trees and introduce the system of scientific orcharding that has become such a source of revenue. In this department he is an artist as well as an artisan. As a citizen he stands in the front rank. Alfred P. Mower, brother of John C., was born in Greene, June 17, 1824, and is a farmer and orchardist. He married Elizabeth G. Smith. Their son, Alfred A., was born August 10, 1860, and is a farmer on the home farm with his father. They devote time and labor to the improvement of their orchards and raise fine fruit. Mr Mower is a Baptist and a Republican.

Frank N. Mower, son of Leonard and Lydia (Robbins) Mower, was born June 5, 1832. He is a mechanic and land surveyor. He has been selectman several years, town clerk and treasurer, and is a trial justice. He married Helen O. Shaw, January 11, 1857. Their daughter, Carrie Linwood, died April 1, 1881, aged 21 years and 4 months. Mr Mower attends the Baptist church, and politically believes "For forms of government let fools contest, What'er is best administered is best."

Everett L. Mower, the oldest merchant at the Depot, was born in Greene, April 14, 1838, and was the son of Leonard and Lydia (Robbins) Mower. Mr. Mower established himself in the grocery business at the Depot in 1861. He was postmaster from 1863 to 1886, and was again appointed in 1889. He was selectman in 1877 and 1878, and town treasurer in 1889. Mr Mower has always been an ardent Republican, and in religion he is a Baptist. He married February 1, 1863, Julia Alexander.

Jonathan Mower, elder brother of John, Sen., came from Charlton, Mass., with his brother, and settled on an adjoining farm. He had three sons and two daughters, and died in 1841, aged 83. William, his oldest son, lived in Farmington, Jay, and Temple, where he died at 82. Jonathan, Jr, settled in Turner, where his sons, Harrison and Albion K. P. settled and became enterprising farmers. He died in 1862. Peter S., the third son, settled in Jay.

Thomas Stevens and wife, Esther Tucker, moved from Charlton, Mass., in 1786, and settled in the west part of the town. He was an energetic and successful farmer. Mr Stevens, his wife, and a grandchild lost their lives by the burning of their house. His son John moved away; Aaron and Benjamin settled in town; Benjamin subsequently moved to Auburn. Thomas, grandson of Thomas, located at Fogg's Corner. Jacob, brother of Thomas, came from Charlton, married Martha Pettengill, of Lewiston, located on the farm near his brother. He was a man of endurance and activity, and accumulated a handsome property. He died in 1844. He had three sons: Jacob, who settled on a farm adjoining his father; John, who later moved to New Jersey, and Lora B.

Benjamin Alden, a descendant of John Alden, was one of the early settlers. He was a native of Connecticut, and having served in the Revolution, came to this town soon after its close. He located on lot 241, afterwards occupied by Lewis Gilbert, who married his daughter Eunice. Beside the land owned by him in Greene, he bought and cleared extensive tracts in Turner near Keen's Mills. To each of his four sons he gave a valuable farm. He was a blacksmith and followed the business in connection with his clearing and farming. He belonged to the Society of Friends, was in good standing among his fellow-townsmen, and served as selectman sixteen years; and when he died, at the age of 84, it was said that he never had an enemy.

Luther Robbins came from Hanover, Mass., about 1788, and settled first in the northeasterly part, and later at Greene Corner. He was a very industrious, ready, and accurate business man. He was selectman, town clerk, representative to the General Court of Massachusetts several years, and postmaster, holding each office many years and with fidelity and ability. He was proverbial for honesty and generosity. His sons were: Nathaniel, settled first in Winthrop, then Greene, next in Bangor, and then in the West, and possessed the valuable traits of the father; Charles, in early life a cabinet maker, lived in Winthrop, and afterwards in Greene, was an author and composer of several pieces of music; Luther, Jr. a very ingenious mechanic, was first deacon of the Free Baptist church in Greene, and spent most of his life in town, but died in Skowhegan; Reuben settled in Greene, was a good farmer, and the father of John M. Robbins, who has been very successful in business, is a shrewd and careful financier, and is prominent in banking circles in Lewiston, where he resides. He is president of Manufacturers National Bank; Martin was drowned in Sprague's mill-stream at the age of 14; Calvin, the youngest, established himself in trade in Bangor. The daughters were Nancy, Betsey, who married Dr Alfred Pierce, and Lydia, who married Leonard Mower, Esq.

Harrison Rose, son of Bradford and Mercy (Keene) Rose, was born in Greene in 1815. Bradford Rose was born in Taunton, Mass., and came to Greene in 1789. He located on lot 213, on the Androscoggin. His wife, daughter of John and Jerusha (Blake) Keene was also born in Taunton, and came when very young, in June, 1777, with her father's family, to Turner. The land journey was made in an ox-wagon, with a horse hitched behind. June 8, 1800, Bradford Rose and Mercy Keene were married. Their children were Jane, Alden, Rebecca, Mercy, Polly, John, Roxania, Emerson, and Harrison. Harrison Rose has been one of the representative farmers of Greene. He married Lottie F. Gould, and his residence, Maplewood Farm, is one of the pleasant homes of the town. He is a Democrat in politics, a Universalist in religion, was chairman of the board of selectmen for several years, and a member of the legislature in 1861. He was in early life interested in military matters, was captain in the militia, and served in the bloodless Aroostook war. Simeon Rose came from Taunton about 1790, and settled in the northwest part of the town, and had seven children. Simeon and Ginefill lived and died in Greene. Hazael lived in Leeds, and Humphrey moved to Turner. Alanson and Solomon, grandchildren of Simeon, Sen., subsequently occupied the farm where he settled.

John Allen, a native of Pembroke, Mass., born in 1760, emigrated to Turner about 1786, and was the first collector of the town. He had been a soldier in the Revolution. In 1790 he moved to Greene and settled on lot 207 on Clark's mountain. He died in 1834, aged 74. His mother was a cousin of President John Adams. His children were John and Jairus, who lived in Turner, Thomas in Freeman, Gaius went to Vermont, Isaac to Auburn, Ichabod died when 28, Sewall died when 19, Benjamin resided on the farm adjoining his father, and was born March 17, 1797, and died July 7 ,1884. He was selectman and assessor for many years, representative several years, and was captain in the militia. He married Mira Blake, of Turner. She died in 1872, aged 69. They had two sons and seven daughters. Sewall, the eldest, studied medicine, married Lovisa Additon; Benjamin E. lives on the homestead; Charlotte married Captain George T. Howe; Cynthia married Duane Mower; Lydia B.; Fannie married Dr Lewis Beal; Louisa A., married John M. Robbins, of Lewiston; Sabrina; Myra D. married David Libby. Benjamin Evans Allen was born in Greene, July 9, 1842; he married Lucinda R., daughter of Andrew J. Harris, in 1884. He is a Universalist and a Democrat, a member of the Grange, and tills the ancestral acres.

Elisha Keen about 1790 settled on a farm on the river. He had seven sons and six daughters. Elisha and Lincoln lived in Auburn, John at Keen's Corner, Samuel and Blake in Turner, Abiathar in Leeds. S. W. Mitchell married a daughter and occupied the old homestead.

William Sawyer came from Wells about 1791, arriving, as he informed Oliver Mower, at evening with his wife and money enough to buy a gallon of molasses and a pound of tea. The next morning, he purchased on credit of Jacob Stevens a bushel of corn and a piece of pork. The corn he took upon his shoulder and carried some six or eight miles to mill. With his bushel of meal, piece of pork, gallon of molasses, and pound of tea, he began housekeeping. From this modest beginning he became an independent farmer. His son, Captain Thaddeus Sawyer, who inherited his property, was a very intelligent man. Nathaniel L. Sawyer, son of Captain Thaddeus Sawyer, was born in Greene about 1815, and was graduated from Bowdoin in 1838. His natural abilities were of a very high order, and as a writer of prose and poetry he exhibited great originality, strength of thought, and vigor of style. He was admitted to the Kennebec bar, and practiced law a short time in Gardiner. He died of consumption in Greene in 1845. John E. Sawyer, son of Captain Sawyer, has been a farmer in Greene. It is through his efforts that we are enabled to give so full a history of the Calvinist Baptist church.

Zebedee Shaw came from Middleborough, Mass., about 1790, with his parents, and located on lot 176, cleared his farm and made his home. He was one of the early selectmen and held many town offices. He married Mary, daughter of Benjamin Rackley. Their son, Samuel, was born December 16, 1800, and died February 22, 1868. Samuel was a farmer and carpenter. His son, Roscoe V. Shaw, born March 27, 1831, married Emma Deane. Mr Shaw was a farmer on the home farm. He died May 26, 1881. Truman M. Shaw, son of Roscoe V. and Emma (Deane) Shaw, was born in Greene, November 14, 1866, and educated in Greene and Lewiston. He married September 27, 1887, Annie S. Additon; he is a Methodist and a Republican, and occupies and conducts the farm where his ancestors settled a century ago.

The Harris brothers, John, Silas, Moses, and Barron, came to Greene prior to 1795. They were sons of Lawrence J. Harris. [See history of Lewiston.] John had three sons: John; Joseph, who was a seafaring man, and married Cynthia Record; Jedediah, who went West. Silas had five sons: Nathaniel, a popular school teacher, a farmer, and merchant; he died in Greene; Silas, William, Aretas, and Josiah. Moses Little Harris, born December 25, 1772, was a man of great business ability. In connection with farming, he had a tannery, manufactured harnesses, and kept goods for sale, acquired wealth, and died December 1, 1820. He was captain of the militia. He married Rachel Hooper, who died March 18, 1869, aged 95 years. They had four sons: David H., Moses, Henry S. (he married a daughter of David Thompson; their three daughters were fine school teachers), Andrew J.

Captain Andrew Jackson Harris, son of Moses L. and Rachel (Hooper) Harris, was born in Greene, January 22, 1815. He was educated at Greene and Lewiston, and resides on the extensive homestead farm. He married, December 18, 1840, Lucy Ann Greenwood, a member of the celebrated family to which belonged Rev. Dr Greenwood, once the pastor and noted preacher of King's Chapel, Boston. Mr Harris is of the famous Judge Story line. Their children are Lucinda R. (married Benjamin Evans Allen), Rev. Moses H. Greenwood (a farmer), and Andrew Jackson (a carpenter and shoemaker). Captain Harris has been selectman of Greene, and captain of militia for many years. He attends the Universalist church, is Democratic in his political views, a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Patrons of Husbandry.

Rev. Moses H. Harris, A.M., D.D., was born in Greene, May 14, 1845. He fitted for college at Edward Little Institute, Auburn, and engaged in merchandising in Lewiston with success. He was an original member of the Bates Street Universalist church of Lewiston, and was baptized by immersion in the Androscoggin river - the first of this faith in Lewiston to receive the rite in this form. He then prepared himself for the ministry, graduating with honors in 1870 at St Lawrence University, Canton, N.Y., and July 3, 1870, became pastor of the First Universalist church of Brattleboro, Vt. He organized churches in various places in Vermont and New Hampshire, for eight years was secretary of the state convention, and his successful labors wrought a marvelous change for good in the church work of the state. During his pastorate, which ended in 1879, he received 337 members. He became pastor of the first Universalist church of Worcester, Mass., October 5, 1879. Here he built up one of the largest congregations and Sunday schools of his denomination, cleared off a church debt of $28,000, and, in 1884, as an off-shoot of his society, formed the Second (All Souls) church, with a church edifice built and paid for. In 1888 he received the degree of A.M. from a New York college. In 1890 he received a unanimous call to the Church of the Redeemer in Chicago, Ill., and commenced his labors there May 4, 1890. In June, 1891, St Lawrence University conferred upon him the degree of D.D. Dr Harris was trustee and director of the Universalist Publishing House, Boston, from 1871 to 1881; member of the executive board of Massachusetts Universalist State Convention eight years; trustee of Dean Academy (Franklin, Mass.) eight years; and was on the Board of Visitors of Tufts Divinity School. He is a prominent Free Mason and an Odd Fellow. He married in 1871 Zelia E., daughter of Ambrose Wilson, of Canton, N.Y.; she is a graduate of the College of Letters and Sciences and of a French college in Montreal. Few men of his years can show such results from their labors. He stands very high in his denomination.

Daniel Wilkins came from Dracut, Mass., abut 1792, and located in the Harris neighborhood. He deserved his prosperity as he was an industrious and frugal farmer. He had three sons, David, Daniel (who married a daughter of Seth Herrick), and Enos, who succeeded to the homestead (Scott and Frank Wilkins are the present owners); his daughter married Eliphalet Coburn. David Wilkins settled on lot 143, and was a successful farmer, having his father's characteristics. He was called to his country's defense in 1812, to which he heartily responded, and was stationed at Bath. His daughter, Araxine, married, February 28, 1867, Marshall Sawyer, son of Isaac and Eleanor (Wescott) Sawyer of Gorham. Mr Isaac Sawyer, born March 22, 1794, was a soldier in 1812, and stationed in Portland. Marshall Sawyer was born at Gorham, February 22, 1818. He was educated at Foxcroft and Charleston academies, and became a teacher. He came to Greene in 1869, and now owns and resides on the David Wilkins farm. His children are Alice M., a teacher and book-keeper; Edward P., entry clerk for Milliken & Co., Portland; Annie M., Lyndon W., John M., and Mary E. Mr Sawyer is a member of the Congregational church of Garland, and is a Republican in politics.

John Moulton, the first of the family in Greene, located on lot 102. The Moultons are of Norman origin, and the name was originally de Multon. As early as 1635 several of the family emigrated from England to America. John Moulton tilled the land where he settled in Greene, and was an industrious farmer, and died at the age of 86. His son Joel, born September 27, 1809, followed the vocation of his father, married Elizabeth Given, born in 1810, who died aged 80; Joel Moulton was 63 years old at the time of his death. Their son, John W. Moulton, was born in Greene, January 12, 1849, and has always resided in town. He married Mary C. Hill; they have a daughter, Clara Ella Moulton. Mr Moulton is an agriculturist, a Republican, a Free Baptist, and a good and useful citizen.

The Stetsons are descendants of Cornet Robert Stetson. [See sketch of Professor W. W. Stetson.] Batcheler Stetson, of Hanover, Mass., emigrated to New Gloucester, and in 1791 moved to Greene, and settled on the place now owned and occupied by Reuben Stetson. He married Margaret Nash, of New Gloucester. Their children were Hannah, Deborah, Turner, Caleb. Batcheler Stetson served through the Revolutionary War, and in the battle of Bennington received a charge of powder in his face. He died in 1825. Turner Stetson, born in 1788, died in 1847. He married Thankful Lombard, who was born in 1795 and died in 1848. He was a farmer, and lieutenant in the militia. His son Reuben Stetson, born March 25, 1813, followed the sea, was mate for six years, and is the only survivor of the crew that took the Stevens exploring party to Mexico and Central America. Subsequently he conducted his farm. He married Christiana, daughter of David Thompson, a very amiable lady. He is a Republican and a Universalist. Their children were: Rev. Herbert Lee Stetson, D.D., born in Greene, October 16, 1847. When 16 he attended Edward Little Institute, Auburn, and later Monmouth Academy. His course of study was interrupted by seasons spent in teaching. In 1868 he entered Colby University. He removed to Illinois in 1871, was ordained at Griggsville, September 16, and was in charge of the Baptist church for three years. He added many to the church, and through his instrumentality a meeting-house costing $15,000 was build. From 1874 until 1878 he attended Morgan Park Theological Seminary, and was graduated as B.D. He was then called to the Baptist church of Logansport, Ind., and remained 10 years. He was an editor of the Indiana Baptist five years, and for three years was on the board of trustees of Indiana University. In 1886 Dr Stetson was awarded the degree of A.M., and in 1888 the degree of D.D. by Franklin College. He was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1887, and subsequently was one of the executive committee of Des Moines College and teacher of the scriptures. His services led to his unanimous election as president of the college in March, 1889, which were accepted. The endorsements of this especial fitness for the position were many. General T. J. Morgan, president of the State Normal School, Providence, R.I., said: "I believe Mr Stetson has many and peculiar qualifications for the position - good sense, energy, scholarship, executive force, teaching power, and that which underlies all else, high personal character." The students recognize in him a true friend and counselor, and his untiring labors for their interest are highly appreciated. Prof. W. R. Harper, of Yale, who had been closely associated with him several years, wrote: "Elect Rev. H. L. Stetson president, and give him full swing. Should this be done and provision made for the expenses of the next three years, the institution of Des Moines within five years would stand in the front rank of western institutions." William Wallace (see Auburn). Clement Skolfield, born June 10, 1853, has been a teacher and a lawyer in Illinois, and conducted a wholesale business in Indiana. Since 1884 he has resided on the home farm. James Henry, born May 27, 1855, died May 2, 1884. He was a farmer and a very successful teacher, greatly esteemed and beloved.

Benjamin Parker came from Freeport about 1800. Of his sons, Benjamin was an active business man, and according to Oliver Mower was the originator of the business of Greene Corner. He erected the house and barn at the Corner, now owned by Adelbert I. Clark, more than 80 years ago; he also kept tavern, a store, carried on blacksmithing, etc., and went West about about 1813. Ireson settled in town. Edward died in the War of 1812. Ingerson, it is thought, died at sea. William married Hannah, daughter of Deacon John Larrabee. The farm on which he settled lies on the river, and it is unsurpassed for ease of culture and productiveness. He had seven sons and four daughters. He held office in the militia, and died September 15, 1856. Ingerson, the oldest, had a large and valuable place adjoining the homestead. Anslem C. was in trade and died in 1850. Ammi L. graduated at Bowdoin College in 1838, was a contractor, died in Auburn in 1883. William S. married Mary A. Jack; he was killed in the gale of July, 1870, while gathering hay. Alfred and Albion wend to California, where they passed many years. The daughters were Almira, who married John Townsend; Jane married Jones Bradbury; Mary married Lincoln Jack; and Lois, John Staples. Ingerson Parker, oldest son of William and Hannah (Larrabee) Parker, was born October 8, 1808, in Greene, and was educated in his native town. He was a farmer and school-teacher, served as selectman, and one of the school committee for many years. He married first Pamelia Parker, second, Ann W. Whitman. He died February 6, 1881. Earl Byron Parker, son of Ingerson and Pamelia P. Parker, was born in Greene, March 4, 1839. He was educated in Greene, Lewiston, and Auburn, and Hebron and Peru academies, and has taught 30 terms of school. He is a farmer and a lawyer, studied with Calvin Record in Auburn, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1866. He is a Baptist and a Republican. He and his brother, Horace Scott Parker, born in 1843, occupy the homestead of their father; another brother, Benjamin, died in 1867.

John Parker, son of William, and grandson of Benjamin, was born in Greene, June 17, 1820, and has always lived on the place owned by his father, which he occupied and conducted with his brother William S. until his death by falling of the barn in 1870. This barn was 100x40 feet, and when built was the largest in the county. John Parker is a farmer and makes specialties of good hay and fine stock. He is a Baptist and Republican. He married, in 1850, Mary S. Thompson, of Topsham. They have had these children: Corris A., John S., Clinton T., John H., Almira J., Minnie R., Isaac N., Myrtle M.

Capt. Jacob Royal Parker, son of Benjamin, Sen., was born in Freeport, January 18, 1798, and died November 1, 1874. He was an enterprising, frugal, and prosperous farmer. He moved from the river road and for several years was an inn-keeper at Greene Corner, where he was a popular landlord. He married Lois Robinson, born March 2, 1807, died August 11, 1889. Captain Parker was captain of militia in the War of 1812. His sons were Anslem and Charles, who settled in the West; Horatio died in the West; and Almeron Bodge Parker, who occupies the homestead, and is an agriculturist. He married November 8, 1859, Eliza Ann Howe. Their children are Ralph A. Parker, A.B., teacher; Jacob L., clerk; Horatio P., and Edith S. Mr Parker is a member of the Baptist church, and a Republican in his politics. Jacob R. Parker's daughters were: Harriet, married Dr H. K. Wiggin; Ann M. (Mrs. John Merrill); Alice (Mrs A. B. Crosby); Mary and Lois, who married successively Henry Curtis, of Auburn; Henrietta (Mrs Charles Osgood).

James Lamb came in 1800 with three children, and his son, Major Merrick Lamb, was born in Greene that year. James Lamb subsequently moved to Leeds. Major Lamb was the only tanner in town. His sons were Thomas F. and Alonzo W.

Samuel Chadbourn came from Wells about 1800, and was particularly useful as a carpenter and joiner. Jacob K., his son, settled in Greene, was the father of John, who reared a large family of sons, who were men of good habits, and inherited the mechanical skill of their great-grandfather.

Thomas Longley (son of Jonathan Longley, born in Waterford, September 7, 1767), was born in November, 1784, and came to Greene about 1804. He was a fine-looking man, courteous and pleasing in his manners. He drove the first stage from Portland to Augusta, and was the first mail contractor on the "back route" from Portland to Augusta. He conducted staging for more than 20 years, was an inn-keeper over 30 years, and a very popular man. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. He married Esther Parker, of Freeport. She possessed rare qualifications for a landlady, and as a dairy woman she excelled. She made a cheese weighing 380 pounds, which she presented to Governor Fairfield. Mr Longley died November 5, 1859; his wife's death occurred in 1864. Their children were: Benjamin, who founded Longley's express, lived many years in Portland, then went to New Orleans; Samuel, a good farmer and citizen, a resident of Greene; William M.; Josiah P., a merchant in Lewiston; Cordis, a fine machinist, worked on the first ironclad monitors; Nancy, who married A. K. P. Mower, of Greene; Mary married Peter Morisey, of Lewiston.

William M. Longley was born in Greene, June 9, 1820, and attended school there and at Monmouth Academy during the principalship of the celebrated Dr True. He resided in Portland a few years and was clerk in the office of the Eastern Express Company. Since his return to Greene he has been an agriculturist and an orchardist, and in 1859 he erected the best dwelling-house in town, which he occupies. In 1864 he was chosen one of a committee of two to recruit for the balance of the town's quota of soldiers, and was instrumental in filling the various quotas of the war. Republican in politics, he represented Greene in the legislature of 1869, and has served as selectman and as chairman of the board. He is a Baptist in his religious views. He married Emeline R. Sawyer; their son, William Willis Longley, was born March, 1851, and died June, 1859.

William E. Longley, son of Samuel and Delight B. Longley, and grandson of Thomas, was born July 25, 1838. He is a farmer, a Free Baptist in his religious affiliations, a member of the G.A.R., and served his country three years as a soldier. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows. William E. and his wife, Augusta M. Longley, have two children, Burton L. and Ada M.

John Thomson, a native of Wales, who came to Plymouth, Mass., in the "good ship Ann," in May, 1622, was the first of the family in America. Joseph Tompson, born in Falmouth, in 1756, and afterwards a resident of Lewiston, was a lieutenant in the Revolution. His son, David Thompson, was born in Lewiston in 1785, married Lydia Stackpole, and settled in Greene. Their children were Nehemiah, Jane S. (Mrs Harris), Hannah W. (Mrs Furbish), Mary W., Christiana (Mrs Reuben Stetson), Rachel D. (Mrs Little), James H., Elizabeth S. (Mrs Fillmore), Phebe M. (Mrs Farrar), James H. Mr Thompson died December 29, 1874. James H. Thompson was born in Greene, November 12, 1822, and was there educated and has always been a resident of the town. He married, in 1858, Bethiah J. Buker. Their children were Arabella M. (Mrs Davis Sanborn), and Nellie J. (Mrs Milan Sanborn). Mr Thompson is a farmer, on the west shore of Lake Sabattus, a Universalist, a Republican, and belongs to the Masonic brotherhood. He went to California in 1850, where he remained until 1855, and was successful.

Capt. John B. Hooper, and brother, David, lived on the farm formerly occupied by their father, Captain David Hooper, of Freeport, who came to Greene about 1807. He was a man of great physical power; led a sea-faring life, and was more than ordinarily obliging as a neighbor, and gentlemanly and honorable in his intercourse with his fellow-men. They carried on carriage-making and repairing. George W., a son of David, was born in 1849 and died in 1883. He possessed very original ideas and great inventive skill, took much interest in the raising of bees, and imported some from Italy. The Hooper force-pump, now in such extensive use, was his invention, the only one of many experiments that came to completion. Hooper pond perpetuates the name of the family.

The Weymouth family was formerly in some strength here. Daniel Weymouth was quite prominent in affairs during the war of 1861-5. He lived where Silas H. Harris resides, on the shore of Lake Sabattus. His son, John W., resides on the Pacific coast. Joel Weymouth, son of Thomas, who lives in the east part of the town, and his son, Jethro, are the representatives of the family in town.

The Hill Family, of Greene, is descended from Joseph Hill, Esq., of Wells. In August, 1705, the Indians attacked his house, shot and wounded him severely, then struck Mrs Hill on the head with a tomahawk and scalped her, and left them for dead. They recovered, however. Mr Hill died in 1743, and Mrs Hill in 1737. Their grave-stones are in a good state of preservation in the First Parish cemetery at Wells. Mrs Hill's death was caused by the falling of the lid of a chest which struck her on the head, forcing the silver piece, which she wore as a protection over the wound, into her brain. This historic pair had Nathaniel, born in 1708; from him descended Nathaniel Hill, born in Wells in 1769, who moved to Greene in 1808 with his son Tristram, born June 26, 1806. Mr Hill settled on lot 104. He was a mill-wright, shoemaker, and farmer, a very useful man in the community, and served as constable for many years. He died in 1847, aged 78. Tristram Hill married Christina Sprague, who died October 7, 1887, aged 70. Mr Hill was a school teacher and farmer, a justice of the peace for many years, selectman several times, represented Greene in the legislature, was a member of the school committee, and for several years was a wool merchant. He died December 2, 1877. Byron G. Hill, son of Tristram and Christina (Sprague) Hill was born in Greene, October 26, 1840, where he has since resided, with the exception of three years' service in the army. He was educated at Greene and at Maine State Seminary, Lewiston. In 1865, he married Octavia H. Lowell. Their children are: Arthur C., Walter S., Clarence B., Annie M., Lester S., Dora M. Mr Hill has been of the superintending school committee for many years; is a Baptist in his religious views, and clerk of the church, a zealous Republican, and a member of the G.A.R. He occupies and conducts the Hill farm, which form its elevated position commands a fine and extensive view. W. Scott Hill, brother of Byron G., is a prominent and successful physician of Augusta.

Hon. Elijah Barrell. - The history of East Bridgewater, Mass., says that William Barrell died in 1806, aged 91 years, and that Joshua Barrell was a soldier of the Revolution, and in 1778 was an ensign. The family says that Joshua was a son of William, who died aged 92 in Massachusetts, married Olive Bass in 1769, had nine children, and in 1801 came to Turner, where he died in 1828, aged 82; that he was a blacksmith and not allowed to enter the army, but was kept at work on guns. Elijah Barrell was the sixth of Joshua's children, and was born October 28, 1783. He lived in Bridgewater and Salem, Mass., Augusta, Wiscasset, Bath, Paris, and Greene, was educated at Hebron Academy, became a carpenter, school-teacher, merchant, and farmer. He came to Greene about 1814, as a teacher, and, after a time, formed with Anslem Cary, the long-continued and successful mercantile firm of Barrell & Cary. He represented Greene several terms in the legislature, as a Whig, was in the state senate, held the various town offices, and a commission as justice for many years, and was trustee of Waterville College from 1825 to 1826. He was a Republican after 1854; for many years he was deacon of the Baptist church, and a Free Mason. He died November 19, 1866. He married Adaline S. Kimball in 1822. Among their children were Adaline E. (Mrs William Folsom), Emily S. (Mrs Nathan D. Stanwood), Ann J. (dec.), Frances I. (married Rev. C. M. Emery), Nellie R. (married (1) Captain L. Lemont, (2) Virgil H. Sprague), Lillias W. (Mrs Charles A Bradbury).

Charles Augustus Bradbury, son of Joseph F. and Lydia R. Bradbury, was born in Auburn, June 15, 1842. His father was a farmer in Auburn, Lewiston, Greene, and Wales, and was son of Samuel Bradbury, an early settler of Minot, who was born December 4, 1777, and died September 16, 1843. Joseph F. Bradbury was born February 11, 1816, and died June 29, 1889; his wife, born September 15, 1815, died March 5, 1845. Mr Bradbury has been a farmer, and was a member of Company G, Twenty-third Maine, enlisting September 1, 1862. He married Lillias W. Barrell December 6, 1867. They have one daughter, Alice J., a teacher. Mr Bradbury is a member of the G.A.R., a Baptist, and a Democrat, and has a large number of friends, and a very pleasant home on a well-tilled and productive farm.

Alfred Pierce, M.D., was a son of Benjamin Pierce, who emigrated from England and made his home in Westmoreland, N.H., prior to 1776. He was one of the signers of the "Association Test," and one of the "embattled farmers" of the Revolution. He figured in civil as well as military affairs, was frequently moderator, and served as selectman. Dr Pierce was born in Westmoreland, N.H., November 12, 1790. His wife was Betsey Robbins, of Hanover, Mass. He came to Greene in 1817, and established himself as a medical man at Greene Corner. As a physician he was successful, and as a surgeon he took high rank. He always manifested a lively interest in educational affairs, was a member of the first board of superintending school committee, and for many years one of the trustees of Monmouth Academy. He was one of the leading men in town matters, served as town clerk, chairman of the board of selectmen, justice of the peace, and first representative to the Maine legislature. He was a member of the governor's council in 1839. For many years he was postmaster. In politics he was a Democrat of the Jacksonian school; in religion a Universalist, and was a leading man in the society. He possessed a pleasing address, was interesting in conversation, warmly attached to his friends, and peculiarly amiable in all his family relations. He died April 20, 1860. Mrs Pierce died October 19, 1878. Their children were Albion and Alfred. Dr Albion Pierce was born in Greene, December 14, 1832. He was educated at common schools and at Monmouth, Hartland, and Gould's academies; attended the medical department at Bowdoin and Harvard, was graduated from Harvard in 1860, and there received his degree of M.D. Dr Pierce succeeded his father as physician. He has served fourteen years as town clerk, and has held the office of town treasurer. Like his father, he is a Democrat and prominent in the Universalist society, and he possesses many of his father's characteristics. Dr Pierce married, December 25, 1880, Charlotte I. Bailey. Alfred Pierce is a farmer on the homestead.

Caleb Gilbert, born May 9, 1780, son of Elijah Gilbert, who probably came from Plymouth County, Mass., about 1783 to Turner, married Diana Curtis. Of his children were Lewis, born April 15, 1801, and died aged nearly 84 years. He married Eunice, daughter of Benjamin Alden, the early settler of Greene, who was sixth in descent from John Alden, the first of the Pilgrim band to step on Plymouth Rock, and the last male survivor of those who came in the Mayflower, whose romantic love story was so beautifully told by Longfellow. Mrs Gilbert died at the age of 66. Lewis Gilbert removed from Turner to Greene, where he combined house carpentering and farming. Ziba Alden Gilbert, son of Lewis and Eunice (Alden) Gilbert, was born in Greene, November 4, 1832, and was educated at the schools in Greene and at Monmouth Academy. In 1860 he married Clara Bradford. They have two children, Clarence Irving and Jennie Louise. Mr Gilbert is a Universalist, a Republican, by vocation a farmer, and has been prominently connected with agricultural interests of the state. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, secretary of the State Board of Agriculture, a trustee of Maine State College, president of Maine Pomological Society, and has been editor of the Maine Farmer from November, 1883. He is a positive man of great activity and pronounced convictions, and a writer of more than ordinary ability, wielding a keen and trenchant pen, and giving logical reasons in a pertinent way. His work in the preparation of the annual reports of the agricultural and pomological societies show great labor and care, and thorough familiarity with the subjects and their details.

Silas Richardson was an early settler from Dracut. He was a shoemaker, a farmer, and an honest man. His son, Joseph M., succeeded to the homestead and possessed a love of horticulture and pomology. His experiments did much to call the attention of the people to improved orcharding. Mr Oliver Mower says: "Perhaps no man in town (except the Messrs Gilbert) knew so well how to give a tree symmetry of form and increase its productiveness with least expense as he."

Hannibal Farwell, Esq., came from Vassalboro about 1817, settled at first in the north part of the town, and subsequently lived on the farm formerly owned by William Mower. He was the father of Alanson B. Farwell, who was a lawyer and prominent man in Augusta.

John Lewis Howe, son of Lewis W. and Sarah (Parker) Howe, was born August 13, 1834. His father came from Leeds and was a son of Stephen and grandson of Ichabod Howe, a pioneer of Winthrop. Lewis W. Howe was a farmer on the northern slope of Clark mountain. Mr Howe was born in Leeds in 1799 and died in 1858. John Lewis Howe was educated at the Edward Little Institute. In 1872 he married Mary Sparrow. He has served as selectman of Greene, and owns and carries on the homestead farm. He keeps 20 cows, markets butter and cheese in Lewiston and Boston, and has an orchard of 200 fine fruit trees. He has marked mechanical powers. Among his inventions are a ditcher, with elevator to carry the dirt to the sides of the ditch, that can be gauged to remove any depth desired, a hay-lifter, patented July 22, 1884, very simple and rapid in execution, a churn, butter-worker and salter combined, an article considered of unusual merit, and a butter-printer that moulds and prints 20 balls at once. The hay-lifter is in extensive use and its sales are rapidly increasing; experts pronounce the other articles not only great successes in their lines, but founded on true mechanical principles. As an evidence of Mr Howe's pluck and ability, we would mention that when the authorities refused to build a road laid out in his vicinity, he constructed it for three-fourths of a mile, through dense woods, along a side hill filled with boulders, at his own expense, at a cost of $1,200.

Francis Edward Howe, a grandson of Stephen Howe, of Leeds, and son of Cyprian and Mary (Graffam) Howe, formerly of Leeds, later of Greene, was born February 6, 1842, in Leeds, where he was educated. Mr Howe married, January, 1869, Eleanor C. Pettengill. Their children were Lenora I. (married Fred Additon), Orrietta L. (dec.), Lizzie J., and Ralph P. Mr Howe is a Methodist and a Republican, and is engaged in farming, and for a quarter of a century has conducted this business on the place where he now resides. He has 200 acres of land and 17 cows, and gives especial attention to the production of a fine quality of butter and cheese.

Moses C. Howe, brother of Frances E., was born in Leeds, January 2, 1856. He was educated in Leeds and Greene, and combines farming with his trade of a carpenter, and is an industrious and useful citizen. In 1886 he married Effie L. Norton. Their children are Theo N., Mary E., and M. Gertrude. Mr Howe is a Republican politically, and a Methodist in his religious views.

Charles W. Washburn was born in Windsor. His father, Cyrus Washburn, was born in Minot in 1796, and died in 1880, and was the son of Isaac Washburn, originally from Bridgewater, Mass., whose ancestors were among the proprietors of that town. His mother, Lois, daughter of Daniel French, was born in Turner in 1801. Charles M., married Louisa, a daughter of Hart Briggs, Jr, of Turner. Their children are Susan L. (Mrs Otis Deane of Leeds), Charles A., and Stella A. (Mrs Fred T. Hill). Mr Washburn is a farmer, and a Republican in politics, has been one of the selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor for 18 years, and represented Greene in the legislature in 1880. Charles Addison Washburn, A.B., was born in Greene, May 23, 1861. He is a teacher, acquired his education in Greene, Lewiston, Nichols Latin School, and Bates College, and was assistant at the Edward Little High School, Auburn, when he resigned in 1891 to become sub-principal of Cony High School in Augusta. In 1886 he married Olive W. Parsons. His religious views are in accord with the Unitarians; he is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic order.

Adelbert Ingalls Clark, a grandson of Amos Clark, of Newburyport (who was drafted to serve on Plum Island in the War of 1812), and a son of Amos Clark, Jr, and Olive H. Clark, was born in Greene, July 21, 1838. His father, a native of Newburyport, was educated there, and was a carpenter and a machinist. He subsequently settled in Greene, where he was a valued citizen. He was a corporal in the Aroostook War. He died in 1876. Adelbert I. Clark was educated in Greene, is a farmer and Republican. He is a veteran of the Civil War and served three years, enlisting February 17, 1862, in Company G, Thirteenth Maine. He was transferred to Company H, Thirtieth Maine, December 26, 1864, and mustered out February 17, 1865, at Winchester, Va. He served under General B. F. Butler, and General N. P. Banks in the Department of the Gulf, and under General Phil Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley.

Lorenzo Dow Manson, grandson of Samuel Manson, who was a native of Gorham, born in 1775, moved to Limington early in life, and died aged 94 years. The Manson family were pioneer settlers of Limington. Joseph Manson, son of Samuel, was born in Limerick, in 1804, and died at the age of 87 years. He married Martha R. Sedgley, and in 1836 removed to Greene, where, in 1839, their son, Lorenzo D. Manson, was born. Mr Manson was educated at Greene and Kent's Hill, is a farmer, Free Baptist, Mason, and a Republican. In 1865 he married Emily S. Adams. Children: M. Cathie (dec.) and Ethel B.

Samuel W. Adams, a grandson of Nathaniel Adams, and son of Ivory and Joanna L. (Watts) Adams, was born in Greene, November 24, 1846, and is one of the agriculturists of his native town, making a specialty of dairying. He married in 1867, Mary Mitchell. Their children are: Stephen M., Hannah, and Lucy. Mr Adams is a Republican in politics and Universalist in religious belief. He enlisted in the U.S. service, April 16, 1864, in the First Maine Heavy Artillery, and was stationed at Portland and Boston, and is a member of Custer Post, G.A.R., Lewiston.

Eli Hodgkins, grandson of Benjamin, of Harpswell, and son of John M. and Almira (Hodgdon) Hodgkins, was born in Greene, December 14, 1847. His father came to Greene from Brunswick about 1836, and located in the west part of the town. Mr Hodgkins was a prominent member of the Free Baptist church. He died June 23, 1863. Mrs Hodgkins died February 23, 1890. Eli Hodgkins was representative from Greene to the legislature in 1887; has been chairman of the board of selectmen for three years; trustee of Androscoggin Agricultural Society for 12 years; master of Androscoggin Grange, P. of H.; overseer of the County Grange, and for several years superintendent of the Free Baptist Sabbath school. He is a farmer and mechanic, a Republican, and member of the Free Baptist church, and a good citizen. He married, September 3, 1884, Nettie H., daughter of Calvin Robbins, of Buckfield. They have a daughter, Ida Belle Hodgkins. Calvin Robbins was the son of Joseph Robbins, who came from Hanover, Mass., and settled in Minot about 1788 or 1789, and was a brother of Luther Robbins of Greene.