The Seasons of 
Dixmont, Maine
History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches. Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co. 1882. Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)

Dixmont  DESCRIPTION * THE BEGINNINGS * THE PIONEERS, & OTHERS * ERECTION OF THE TOWN * SOME RECORD OF GROWTH * SOME HISTORIC NOTES * OTHER BUSINESS NOTES * THE SOCIETIES * TOWN OFFICERS IN 1880 * SETTLEMENT NOTES

                                                               SETTLEMENT NOTES
     Mr. Elihu Alden, of Dixmont, was born May 2, 1802.  He is the first male child born in this town who lived, his brother Millbury, who died in infancy, being the first male child born in the town.  His father, Elihu Alden, was a native of Middleboro Massachusetts.  He married Lydia Mitchell, of Readfield, where Mr. Alden first settled on coming to Maine.  While in Readfield he engaged in trade and school teaching.  He came here about the year 1795, but this date is not certain, as both the family and town records have been destroyed.  Here he cleared up the farm where his son and grandson now live.  His neighbors on either side were ten miles away.  He used to entertain travelers at his home.  He was a man who took a prominent part in all the early affairs of the town.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812.  Mr. and Mrs. Alden had eight children, all of whom are deceased.  Their names were:  Lucy, Millbury, Elihu, Lydia, Almira, Rebecca, and two that died in infancy.  Mr. Alden died in 1830.  Elihu, Jr., as he formerly wrote his name, has always lived in Dixmont, and been engaged principally in farming.  He married Eliza Butman, daughter of Benjamin Butman, who came here in 1806, from Massachusetts. To this couple there were born six children, vis:  Augustus E., now in Washington Territory; Almira F., Annette M., John B., now on the old place; Frances, deceased; and one that died in infancy.  The old homestead formerly contained two hundred acres, but has been sold from till now Mr. Alden has fifty acres where he lives.  He is a man well known throughout this section.  
     Mr. David Porter, of Dixmont, was born here.  He is a son of David and Nancy Porter.  David Porter was a son of David Porter, a native of Boxford, Massachusetts.  He lived in Bridgeton, Maine, for a time, and here his son David, father of the subject of this sketch, was brought up.  He died here in Dixmont.  David and Nancy Porter (nee Nancy Stevens) had ten children, viz:  David; Alfred, deceased; Ruth, deceased; Sally, wife of Captain Isaac Hatch, of Isleboro, Maine; Susan T.; Cordelia, deceased; Amanda B., deceased; Christopher S., died in early life; Olive N., married Sewall H. Hasty, now living in Bangor; and Nancy, who died young.  Mr. Porter moved to Dixmont in 1804, and settled on the place where his son David now lives.  At that time there was not a tree felled on the place, and only a bush path to travel on horseback through this part of town.  Here he made his farm, married, and brought up his family.  He always followed farming for business.   Two of his brothers also settled in this neighborhood.  He lost his wife, and married Phoebe N. Stites, by whom he had one son, Charles S., whose family live in this neighborhood.  Mrs. Porter died in 1867.  Mrs. Porter (his first wife) died in 1838.  David Porter, Jr., the subject of this sketch, married Elizabeth W. Hatch, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Hatch, of Isleboro, Maine.  They have had three children:  Philena E., married to Benjamin D. Prilay, of Bangor; S. Evelyn, died young; Clifford C., now with his father, is a teacher.  Mr. Porter has about one hundred acres of land, part of the old homestead, his brother owning the remainder.  He has always been a farmer.  Mr. Charles S. Porter, of Dixmont, is a son of David and Phoebe (Stites) Porter, whose history appears in this work, and for the early history of the family, the reader is referred to the sketch of David Porter.  Charles S. was born April 11, 1848, here in Dixmont, on the old place.  He married Mary Anna Boyd, daughter of Leonard and Mary Boyd, of Monroe, Waldo county, Maine.  Mrs. Porter died July 26, 1876, leaving two children, Wallace S. and Louis R. Mr. Porter lives on a portion of the old homestead, and is a farmer.
     Alpheus P. Rich, of Dixmont, is a son of Benjamin and Experience (Boden) Rich.  Benjamin Rich was a native of Gorham, Maine.  His father, Joel Rich, came to Jackson, in Waldo county, near here in 1798 and was one of the pioneers of the town.  Benjamin Rich was born in Gorham, Maine, in 1790.  He lived in Jackson until about twenty-five or thirty years of age, when he went to Monroe, an adjoining town, and lived there until 1837, when he came to Dixmont and lived on the place where Alpheus P. now lives.  Here he spent the remainder of his days.  He was a man who early experienced religion and took great interest in all religious matters, and was among the foremost in all exercises for its promotion.  He never allowed even obstacles to prevent regular attendance upon divine service.  He died in 1849.  Mrs. Rich died the year previous.  He married Mrs. Stowers, whose maiden name was Boden.  They had seven children, vis:  Samuel Stowers, now in Glenburn; Alpheus P., subject of this sketch; John B., now in Monticello, Minnesota; Nancy A., widow of George Woodbury, of Boston, now living in Pittsfield; Amos, who died in the army, a member of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Regiment, and was an excellent scholar and a teacher in Ohio; Lizzie C., wife of Andrew Croswell, of Farmington Falls, Maine; and Mary Ann, wife of Charles Bridges of Boston.  Alpheus P. Rich was born December 12, 1823, in Monroe, Waldo county.  He has always lived on the old place in Dixmont,. on which his father settled when Alpheus was about thirteen years old.  He married Mariam Ferguson, daughter of Nahum and Betsey Ferguson, of Unity.  This couple have four children:  Cora E., Isabella, Sadie G., and Perley B.  Mr. Rich was formerly a teacher during the winter, but has been engaged in farming all his life.  He has about ninety acres in the home farm and some thirty-five in another lot.  He lives one and a half miles south of the corner (Dixmont).
     Among the first settlers in Dixmont was Mr. Thomas York, who came here from Middletown, New Hampshire.  It was when very few settlers were here, but the exact date is not now known by his son David P.  He married Phoebe Ellis, who came here with him.  He settled on what is known as the South road in Dixmont.  He always after lived in this town.  Thomas and Phoebe York had ten children, viz:  Judith (deceased); Betsey married Charles Bickford, of Dixmont, and now lives here; Lucy (deceased), wife of James Garland; Hiram, now in Frankfort, Waldo county; David P., subject of this sketch; Lydia (deceased), wife of James H. Dill; John (deceased); Rufus (deceased); Rhoda, wife of Calvin Stevens, of Dixmont; Ephraim went into the army and was not heard from -- reported killed and then disputed.  Mr. York always followed farming.    He died about 1863.  Mrs. York died about 1856.  David P. York was born May 3, 1811.  He has always lived in this town, and has been engaged in farming principally.  About thirteen years since he engaged in trade at Dixmont Centre, where he now lives.  He keeps a stock of dry goods and groceries.  Mr. York married Sarah vinal, daughter of Captain Lot and Nancy Vinal.  They have two children:  Marcia, wife of Albert Mudgett, of Dixmont; and Waldo M. now in California.  Mr. York is now assistant postmaster in this town, keeping the office in his store rather than lose it.
     William Y. Tasker, of Dixmont, one of the oldest living settlers, and who came here in 1812 during the war with England, is a son of Ebenezer Tasker, a native of New Hampshire.  Ebenezer Tasker married Mary Pinkham and settled first in Ossipee, New Hampshire.  They had eight children, six of whom grew to manhood and womanhood.  Their names are Joseph, deceased; William L.; Judith, now Mrs. Zachariah Fletcher, of Hermon; Clarissa, deceased; Betsey, now Mrs. Jabez Fletcher, of Dixmont; Margaret, deceased.  Mr. Tasker settled on the farm now owned by Weston Jewett.  He cleared up the farm and lived on it about ten years, when he traded farms and moved to the district known as the Mountain District, where he spent the remainder of his life.  He was a Free-will Baptist preacher, and was widely known in this region.  He died about 1838.  Mrs. Tasker lived to be eighty-five years old.  William Y. Tasker, the second son, was born March 26, 1800, in Ossipee, New Hampshire.  He came here with his father when twelve years of age, and can distinctly remember the battle in Hampden, his father being in the fight.  He settled with his father on the old place, but afterward swapped farms with his brother and got the place where he has since lived.  He married for his first wife Lydia Dodge, daughter of Benjamin Dodge, of Monroe, Maine.  By her he had eleven children, seven of whom are now living -- Benjamin, now in Jackson, Maine; William, in Wisconsin; Abigail, deceased; Sally Ann, wife of Daniel Putnam, of Jackson, Maine; Deborah, wife of Ebenezer Fletcher, of Herman, Maine; Lydia, now Mrs. James Patee, of Belfast, Maine; Sultana, now Mrs. Alonzo Tasker, of Dixmont; Ephraim, of Jackson, Maine; Mary, deceased.  Mr. Tasker has always been a farmer and never engaged in public life to any extent.  He is now eight-two years old, and during the last fall he husked twenty-three bushels of corn in seven hours, which shows that he is a remarkably smart old man.
     John Prescott, of Dixmont, is a son of Samuel and Nancy (Buckmore) Prescott, of Northport, Waldo county, Maine.  His grandfather, Samuel Prescott, was a native of New Hampshire.  It was in Epping, New Hampshire, that Samuel, Jr., was born.  He moved to Dixmont in 1816, the cold year.  The subject of this sketch was then a lad, and remembers dropping potatoes barefooted in the snow in June.  Samuel Prescott had twelve children -- Thomas, deceased; Henry, deceased; Samuel, deceased; Joseph, deceased; John; Joshua, now in Newburg; Mary, deceased; Eliza, deceased; Nancy, deceased; Jane, deceased; Harriet L., wife of Jesse Mitchell; Nancy, now Mrs. Thompson, of Searsmont, Maine.  Mr. Prescott always owned a farm, but worked at mill business a good deal.  He was a millwright by trade, as was his father before him.  He died in Dixmont over twenty years since.  Mrs. Prescott has been dead about ten years.  John Prescott was born December 25, 1808,in Northport, Waldo county.  since becoming of age he has lived here.  Mr. Prescott married Sally Gray, daughter of Reuben Gray, of Dixmont.  They have had ten children -- Angeline, now Mrs. James Foster, of California; Susan, now Mrs. James Carter, of Etna; Eliza A., married George Carter, of Etna; Harriet L., deceased; Reuben, in California; John F., died in the army; Daniel, now a doctor in Plymouth; Emery, now in Fairfield, Maine; Caroline, Mrs. Edward Blanchard, of Boston; Henry M., living in Dixmont.  Mr. Prescott has always been a farmer.  He lives in the northeast part of the town.  He owns sixty-five acres of land in town.
     Ebenezer Thorndike, father of Ashley C. Thorndike, came from Gorham, Maine, in 1816.  He is a son of Ebenezer Thorndike, a native of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  Ebenezer Thorndike, Jr., married Betsey Clay.  Her parents were from New Hampshire.  They first settled on the place where Orrin Palmer now lives in 1820, where they lived ten years and cleared up most of the place, they then moved to the place where they now live, and cleared up the farm from the standing trees, making one of the best farms in town.  Here they raised a family of ten children, viz:  Persus C., wife of Charles Morse, of New York; Ebenezer, died young; Albert, deceased; Eliza (deceased) wife of Elias Sleeper, of South Thomaston, Maine; John C. merchant in Bangor; Sarah and Catharine, twins -- Sarah married John Newhall, of Bangor, and Catharine lives in South Thomaston, the wife of John A. Emery; Harvey M., deceased; Ashley C., of Dixmont; Edward R., of Lynn, Massachusetts.  Mr. Thorndike is now living with his son, Mrs. Thorndike having died in January, 1870.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and is now a pensioner.  Ashley C. Thorndike was born June 5, 1839, and has always lived here on the old homestead.  He married Mary F. Crocker, daughter of R. D. Crocker, of Dixmont.  They have five children, vis:  Romualdo P., Minnie Etta, Myrtie Ethel, John H., and baby not named.  Mr. Thorndike has served in the capacity of Selectman of his town.  The old homestead contains about ninety acres, but Mr. Thorndike owns 285 acres.  He has a very good set of farm buildings and is a prosperous farmer.
     Mr. John Morse, of Dixmont, is a son of Josiah Morse, who was born in Bradford, Massachusetts, about 1763.  He married Mehitabel Carlton, and moved to Gorham, Maine, and from there to Hampden.  He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving three years.  From Hampden he removed to Troy, and from Troy to Dixmont.  He was a clothier by trade, and died in Dixmont about 1823.  Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Morse had ten children, viz:  Harvey, Barnet, Charlotte, George, Eliza, Thomas, Abigail, John; one died in early life and one in infancy.  Only John and Abigail (Mrs. Work) are living.  John Morse was born January 18, 1805, in Troy.  He moved to Dixmont with his father at the age of twelve.  On becoming of age he settled on the place where he now lives in North Dixmont, where he has since lived.  He married Miss Belinda Durgin, December 7, 1831, whose folks came here from New Hampshire.  They have had four children, viz:  Frances E., wife of John Ross, of Dixmont; Christopher M., of Dixmont; Joseph, also in Dixmont; and John H., now in Colorado.  Mr. and Mrs. Morse live on a good farm of ninety-five acres, where they have passed so many years.  Mr. Morse has not engaged in public life, but always preferred to attend to his farm.
     Mr. Ezra G. Crocker, of Dixmont, was born January 8, 1816.  He is a son of Nathaniel Crocker, whose history may be found in the sketch of Job Crocker, elsewhere in this work.  His father owned the farm where Ezra now lives and here he was brought up, though born in Barry, Massachusetts.  He married Clarissa Hillman, daughter of Thomas Hillman, of Troy, Waldo county, Maine.  They have but one child, Emma L., wife of L. B. Harding, of Troy.  Mr. Crocker has always followed the business of farming.  He lives on the old homestead or a part of it, but owns other land to the amount of 50 acres in the west part of the town.
     Charles M. Adams, of Dixmont, is a son of Joshua Adams, who was born in Wales, Maine, October 5, 1767.  Joshua Adams married Sarah Plummer, and by her had eleven children:  Benjamin (deceased), Mariam, wife of the late James Smith, of Monmouth, Maine; Sarah, now Mrs. Cyrus K. Foss, of Washington, District of Columbia; Jacob (deceased), David (deceased), and one who died in infancy.  Mr. Adams was always a farmer and spent the greater portion of his life in Wales, in this State, where he died August 25, 1849.charles M. Adams was born December 9, 1796, in Limington, through his father moved to Wales when he was an infant.  On coming of age he settled in this town, where he has since lived.  He engaged first here in the leather and shoe business, but afterwards kept a hotel for many years.  For the last ten years he has been engaged in farming.  he married Hannah McDonald, daughter of John McDonald, of Brunswick, Maine.  To this couple were born ten children, viz:  Eliza A., who died in infancy; Charles Henry, deceased; John Q., now in Plymouth; James M., deceased; Elmira B., wife of Dr. Porter, of Newport, Maine; Sarah, now with Mrs. Porter, unmarried; George E., now of Dixmont; Albert L., now in Portland; Hannah L., now Mrs. W. Whittemore, of Fairfield.  Mr. Adams was for many years Town Agent here.  He is now eighty-five years of age, and retains his faculties very well, and converses intelligently about affairs of sixty years ago.
     S. B. Bickford, of Dixmont, is a son of Thomas and Nancy Bickford (nee Nancy Pease).  His grandfather was a native of Parsonsfield, Maine.  five brothers came from Parsonsfield and settled in this part of Penobscot county.  Thomas settled in Newburg.  He was in the battle of Hampden, in 1812.  He had eleven children, vis:  Melinda, George, Van Rensselaer, Alva, Asa, all deceased; and Thomas, now in Bangor; Samuel B.; Nancy, widow of late Elder Elias Doble, of Etna; Sarah, widow of Cyrus Davis, of Danvers, Massachusetts; Julia, wife of Benjamin B. Thomas, of Hampden, and John, of Hermon.  Mr. Bickford was a farmer and always lived in Newburg.  He died suddenly in his field of heart disease, in 1830.  His wife survived him ten years.  Samuel B. Bickford was born May 3, 1811, in Newburg.  He lived in Jackson, Waldo county, about six years, and in 1843 moved to his present place in East Dixmont, where he has since resided.  He married Mary B. Thomas, who was born in Lincolnville, Maine, a daughter of James and Sally Thomas.  They have had five children, three of whom are living:  Sally E., now Mrs. W. D. Snow, of East Dixmont, living at home; Nancy M., now Mrs. L. W. Starbird, of Fargo, Dakota; and M. Florence, at home.  The deceased were:  Cornelius T., and Mary E.  Mrs. Bickford died October 22, 1880.  Mr. Bickford has a fine farm and a good set of farm buildings, and is a successful farmer.
     Elnathan White, of Dixmont, was born March 18, 1850.  His father, Elnathan White, Sr., was a native of Jackson, Waldo county, Maine.  He married Sarah Tasker, of Dixmont, a daughter of William Y. Tasker.  They had two children, William T., who makes his home with his brother, and Elnathan, the subject of this sketch.  Mr. White died the day Elnathan was born.  Mrs. White afterwards married Daniel Putnam, now of Jackson, Waldo county, Maine.  Elnathan after receiving a common school education, commenced life for himself and learned the stone-cutter's trade in South Thomaston.  Here he lived six years and during that time married Miss Maggie Craig, daughter of Deacon James S. Craig and Margaret L. Craig (nee Margaret Tasker), of Dixmont.  From Thomaston Mr. White moved to Dixmont and bought the farm where he now lives, in South Dixmont.  He has two children, Eva Gertrude and Harry E.  Mr. White has a good farm of two hundred and ten acres and a good set of farm buildings.  He has never engaged in public life.
     G. D. Wheeler is a son of Daniel Wheeler, who was in the Revolutionary War, and came to Dixmont in 1835.  His father married Mary Pollard, of Kennebec county, and died at ninety-six years of age.  G. D. Wheeler is now farming on the old place, and has made farming a success.  He married Lydia Crosford, of Dixmont, daughter of Nathaniel and Lydia Crosford, and has seven children, vis:  Luella, born October 1, 1839, died in 1841; Martha, born September 22, 1841, died September 25, 1865;  Henry Clay, born September 18, 1843, enlisted in Company F, Maine heavy Artillery, taken sick, and died May 27, 1867; Abbie Sophia, born September 30, 1846, now at home; Eva L., born December 13, 1850, died December 8, 1878; George C., born December 8, 1856, now living at home.  Ida M. Married Asa H. Twitchell, of Dixmont, and has one child, Howard Dustin, born August 20, 1878.
     Ira Gardner, the subject of this sketch, is a son of Anson Gardner, one of the earliest settlers of the county, who located in Plymouth when the township was but a wilderness. He was a mason by trade, and did much in developing the county, clearing up the farm now occupied by Joseph Eaton, living on the place some time; then emigrating to this township, and settling on the place where he lived until his death. He was engaged in building the first mill in Plymouth. He was a member of the Methodist church. He married Anna Stephens, of Dixmont, daughter of Samuel Stephens. By this union he had ten children, viz: Ira, Sarah J. Huldah, Benjamin J., Elmira J., Jonathan A., William S., Martha A., Ellen, Augustus S., six of whom are now living. Ira Gardner was born in Plymouth, February 6, 1816, where he received a common school education. In early life he was engaged with his father on the farm until twenty-one years old. After the age of twenty-one, he started out in life for himself without assistance, and by industry and close application to business has secured to himself a pleasant home. He was in the mercantile business four years at Dixmont. He has been Representative to the Legislature, and Selectman a number of years, and Deputy Sheriff. Mr. Gardner is a staunch Republican, standing firm with his party. He has been a faithful representative of his party, and is highly respected by his townsmen and all who have dealings with him. He has always been an honest, temperate, upright hard-working man, and in his declining years is surrounded with an independence which he deserves and enjoys. He is a member of the Sons of Temperance. He married Mary J. Leighton, daughter of David and Lydia Leighton, of Mount Vernon, and had by this union one child: Charles O., born November 12, 1845, died December 20, 1872.
     Cyrus Dolloff, the subject of this sketch, was born at Mt. Vernon, Kennebec county, May 5, 1824. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Dolloff, of that place. He settled in Dixmont in 1875, on the place now occupied by him. He received a common school education. He has been engaged in farming and quarrying. In politics he is a Republican. Starting out in life without any assistance, Mr. Dolloff has been a hard-working, honest, upright man, and has made his business successful. He is now surrounded with an independence which he and his family enjoy. He married Joanna Smith, of Monroe, and has had five children -- Charles Tenney, born November 26, 1849, died October 7, 1873; Mary E., born July 26, 1851, married Dr. Charles J. Milliken, of Cherryfield, Washington county, Maine; Lydia C., born April 29, 1853, married Jacob Bussey, and is now living in East Boston; Ezra N., born August 15, 1855, at Dixmont; Caroline A., born December 21, 1857, living at home, is a graduate of the Normal School in Castine, has been a successful teacher in graded and common schools. Mr. Dolloff’s first wife died August 27, 1859, and he married Sarah J Wildes, daughter of Thomas and Marguerite Wildes, of York county. By this union three children were born -- Anna M., born October 28, 1863, is a graduate of the High School of Boston, and is now living at home; William W., born April 8, 1865, and Burton B, born June 1, 1867 are living at home.
     Ezra M. Dolloff, the son of Cyrus Dolloff, of Dixmont, was born at Monroe, August 15, 1855. He received a common school education, and was occupied with his father until he was until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Concord, New Hampshire, to learn the stone-cutting trade. After learning the trade he followed it for a business of four years, after which he settled in Dixmont, where he has been engaged in mercantile business since that time. Starting out in life without any assistance, by hard work and close attention to business he has built up a good trade, and is well liked by all who have dealings with him. He keeps a line of dry goods, hardware, notions, boots and shoes, drugs, groceries, etc. He has been postmaster about three years. In politics Mr. Dolloff is a Republican. He was married August 18, 1877, to Carrie B. Durham, daughter of Toford and Caroline Durham, of Monroe. By this union one child was born, Evelyn H., born August 21, 1878.
     William Harris, Jr., came to this county in 1833 with his father, William Harris, and settled in Dixmont. They emigrated from Clinton, Kennebec county. He was born April 8, 1801. By trade he is a tailor. He was in the Aroostook war. In politics he is a Democrat; in spiritual belief Universalist; was Postmaster in North Dixmont about fifteen years; married Lucinda Ryan, by whom he has had thirteen children: William, Harris, Mary, Ellen A., Rachael, Stephen E., George M., James, K. P., Elizabeth, Dorcas Ann, Virginia, Charles T., and Ada, nine of whom are living. William Harris, the subject of this sketch, was born in Clinton, Kennebec county, Maine, October 25, 1833. In early years he went to Boston to learn the machinist trade of Henry Sibley; worked four years with Grover & Baker’s Sewing Machine Company; enlisted the 13th of August, 1862, in Company D, Third Massachusetts Cavalry, under Captain Fred Polk. He enlisted as private; was raised to rank of First Lieutenant; served three years; was in twenty nine general engagements; never was wounded; had two horses shot from under him; was absent from regiment but two days on account of sickness. Since the war he has been engaged in carrying mail for four years to Newport, farming and shipping hay, handling one thousand tons per year, and is successful in his avocation. Starting out in life without assistance, but by industry and close application to business he as accumulated a competence. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been Selectman four years, Town Agent four years, and now holds said office. He takes an active part in political affairs, as Justice of the Peace and County Commissioner. He married Marguerite Simpson, daughter of William and Mary Simpson, of Brunswick, Maine. By this union two children were born: William S., born June 4, 1879; Mary E., born December 7, 1880.
     Benjamin J. Gardner, the subject of this sketch, was born June 19, 1822, in Dixmont. He is a son of Ansel Gardner. He received a common school education and was engaged on a farm with his father, taking care of his father and mother until their death; is now living on the old homestead. Mr. Gardner has always been a hard working, honest, upright citizen of the township of Dixmont, and well respected by his townsmen; has made farming a success. In politics he is a Republican, standing firm with the party. Mr. Gardner is a self-made man. He married Mary J. Tale, daughter of Josiah and Mary Tole, of Searsport. The family was one of the early settlers of Searsport. By this union were born four children: Bradford P., born June 19, 1851, married Lillian G. Hughs, now living in Etna; Ida A., born February 8, 1853, married George A. Varney, of Newburgh, now living at Minneapolis; William J., born May 22, 1858, now living in Minneapolis; Sydney I., born April 10, 1860, married Carrie Ferguson, daughter of Charles Ferguson, of Etna, now living in Etna. Mr. Gardner was a member of the Dixmont Light Infantry.
     Albert D. Crocker, son of Robert D., was born the 4th of June, 1842, in Dixmont, and has been engaged with his father on the farm until the present time. He was one of the first of the brave boys who, when the battle-cry sounded through our land, left home, parents, friends, to lay down his life, if need be, in defense of his country and home. He enlisted in Company F, Fourth Maine Volunteers, under Captain A. D. Bean; served four years; the last year was a private in cavalry, Company F, under Captain G. A. Stanley; was in the Battles of Gettysburg, Bull Run, battle of the Wilderness, Fair Oak, etc. In the last year of his service he was engaged in Florida and Alabama. He is Republican in politics. He was married to Abbie B. Wright, daughter of J. H and Dorothy Wright, of Jackson. By this union one children was born, Betha L., December 12, 1873.
     George Gould came to this township with his father, Samuel Gould, in 1822, and settled on the place now owned by John Gray, clearing up the farm from its rough state. He has held nearly all of the town offices in the town of Elliott, York county (now known as Gould’s Point). He was a Congressman, and a hard-working, sturdy man of great strength. He married Leonicy Emory, daughter of Noah and Susanna Gould, of Elliott. To them thirteen children were born, vis: Theodosia, Robert, Lydia, Joseph, Elisha, Hannah, John S., Susan, Elbridge G., Gillman, Susan E., and George Lyman. Three of them survive -- Elisha, now living at the Corner; Lyman, now in Texas, President of Henderson College, and one of the finest teachers of the country; and George L. Gould, born in Elliott, October 25, 1813, came to this township when a boy. He recieved a common and academic education, and for a number of years taught school winters and worked on the farm summers, making a success of both occupations. He is now surrounded with an independence of which he is worthy. He served the township as Superintending School Committee, and held other minor offices. He married Catharine R. Sweetser, of Newburg, Penobscot county, and has two children -- Lyman E., born July 21, 1844, now living in Pennsylvania; and Hellena E., born December 6, 1846, married Joshua Twitchell, Jr., now living in Jackson, Waldo county.
     Lyman E. Gould, son of George Gould, was a private in the late war. He was taken sick with army fever in Augur Hospital, Virginia, but by good care and nursing was brought through it. He married Caroline Tyler February 9, 1869, daughter of Allison Tyler, of Searsport. He was Representative of the town in 1850.
     James F. Emery, the subject of this sketch, was born in Maxfield, Penobscot county, December 25, 1824. He is a son of Robert and Susan Emory, who emigrated from Limerick, Maine, and settled in Maxfield in 1821, when the county was a wilderness, taking up a farm and clearing it from its rude state, suffering the privations to which the early settlers were subject. His occupation was farming and milling. He was a member of the Free-will Baptist Church, and was deacon of the church several years. He was a man who lived upright before God and dealt justly with his fellow men, and died at the age of fifty-six. He married Susan Furlong, of Limerick, by whom he had eight children, viz: Julia Ann, Nancy, James, Isaiah, Joseph, Harriet E., Hannah Y., Susan Ann. Four of them are living. James F. received a common school education, and has made his occupation of farming a success. Mr. Emery was of the men who left home, friends, and family to lay down life, if need be, in defense of his country; and was a private in Company D, Fourteenth Maine Volunteers, under Captain Sawyer. He served seven months, and was discharged for disability. Mr. Emery has always been a hard-working, honest, upright man, dealing justly with all men. He married Lucy F. Porter, daughter of Tyler Porter, of Dixmont. By this union four children were born -- Emma F., born September 19th 1849, and is the wife of Allen E. Foster, of Newburgh; Jabez K. H., born February 4, 1857, died August 10, 1863; Melvin P., born June 1, 1854, died August 26, 1855. Harris P., born January 26, 1859, married Bertie E. Nason, of Dixmont, December 5, 1879, now living on the farm with his father.
     Robert D. Crocker came to this town with his father, Nathaniel Crocker, of Cape Cod, in 1820, and settled on the place now occupied by Ezra G. Crocker, where they cleared the farm and built a home. In early life his occupation was that of saddler and harness-maker, but after his settlement here he followed farming. He was a prominent man and held the offices of Sheriff, Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor continually for thirty years. He died at Albany, New York, aged ninety-six years. His wife was Lydia Noddard, of Massachusetts, by whom he had ten children: Harrison G. O.; Robert D.; Job; Ezra G.; Lydia; Sophia; Nathaniel; Samuel G; Abigail; Mary A.; all but two of whom are living. Daniel died at the age of eighty-two, and Lydia died aged ninety-three. Robert D. Crocker was born in Barry, Worcester county, August 7, 1812. He received a common school education as provided at that early day. When seventeen years of age he commenced work in the stage-stable, where he worked nine years, afterward driving the stage sixteen years, carrying the mail to Bangor before any boats came up the river. He was afterwards engaged as agent by V. D. Pinkham, of Augusta, on the stage line. Nearly two years after settling in Dixmont he kept the Elmer House. Since that time he has followed farming. He has been a hard-working man; starting out in life without a dollar, by his own unaided labor he has accumulated a competence. In public affairs he has been prominent, having served the town seventeen yars as Selectman, Overseer of the Poor, and as Representative in the State Legislature, in 1861. He married Orind L. Livingston, of Mount Vernon, Kennebec County, daughter of Daniel and Lydia Leighton, who were among the early pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Crocker were born five children: Henry D., Lewis N., Albert D., Mary Frances and E. Carrie.
     Stephen Bickford, the son of George W. Bickford, of Newburgh, was born December 10, 1833. In early life he was engaged in farming, until he became of age when he worked in the mills on the Penobscot River two yers, after which he settled in Dixmont, where he now lives. Mr. Bickford had but little assistance on starting in life, but by hard labor is now in comfortable circumstances. He was married October 9, 1855, to Aurora B. Freeman, daughter of Thomas and Mehitable Freeman. By this union were born three children: Edwin F., Asa J., and Freddie. Edwin is the only one of the sons now living.
     John Buckman was a son of John Buckman, Sr., who emigrated from New Hampshire in 1805, and settled on the place now occupied by J. E. and F. Buckman. They came here when the country was a wilderness, purchasing their farm of three hundred acres of Dr. Dix. They suffered the privations of early settlers in clearing and improving a farm, often going miles on foot through the forest to procure the necessaries of life. Mr. Buckman was present at the battle of Hampden. He died on the place now occupied by the family. John Buckman, Jr., was a successful farmer, and an honest man. He married Sarah Holbrook, by whom he had six children: Rebecca, Frederick, Fidelia, Eliza A., Franklin, and John E. Frederick Buckman was born May 15, 1827. He obtained an education and occupied himself with farming and teaching common schools and writing schools. He married Nancy Woodman, of Plymouth, Maine, December 25, 1858. She is the daughter of Joseph and Nancy Woodman. To Mr. and Mrs. Buckman were born four children: Idella (deceased), Mary E., Carrie E., and Walter F., the three last mentioned living at home.
     John E. Buckman, a son of John Buckman, Sr., was born in Dixmont, January 28, 1837, where he has always resided. He married for his first wife Thirza Tosier, of Plymouth, who died in April, 1872. He was again married, September 10, 1874, and has two children: Dora May, born September 3, 1876, and Nora J., born March 30, 1877. He, with his brother Frederick, cared for their parents during life, and now occupy the old homestead.
     Josiah Howe emigrated from Brookfield, Massachusetts, in 1802, and became one of the first settlers of the township. He acted well his part in the early development of the county, and was a very public-spirited man. He is a cousin of Elias Howe, the inventor of the Howe sewing machine. Mr. Howe was a Justice of the Peace for many years, and also held the office of Selectman, etc.; was a deacon in the Free-will Baptist Church. He married Sally Ayer, by whom he had ten children: Dexter, Otic C., Samuel, Sally, Betsy P., Anna R., William, Matilda C., Julia A., and Lucy C. Of this large family but one -- Julia -- is now living. She married Calvin B. Morse, of Woodland, Aroostook county. Otis C. Howe, son of Josiah Howe, was born in Brookfield, Massachusetts, February 22, 1799, and came to Dixmont in 1802. He was a hard-working man, and became an independent farmer. He was a deacon of the Free-will Baptist Church, and respected by all who knew him; always liberal in church and missionary enterprises, and ever ready to help the poor. Phoebe Coffin, daughter of John F. Coffin, became his wife, April 26, 1831. They raised a family of six children. Crosby O. Howe is a son of Otis C. Howe, and was born in Dixmont, December 10, 1838, where he received an education. He early engaged in peddling tinware for Edward Ellison, of Bangor, and in seven years accumulated $4,000. He then went to Vineland, New Jersey, where he engaged in the real estate business, in which he was successful. After this he became agent for the estate of Frank Siddle, and while thus engaged bought the right of the State of Ohio for the sale of the Anderson spring bed, which brought him in about $100,000. He manufactured his wares at Hudson, Ohio, and was thus engaged four years, when he returned to his native place and purchased the old homestead. Here he cared for the comfort of his parents in their declining years, and besides farming has been engaged in buying and selling stock for the Brighton market. He has been successful in this business, shipping some two thousand head of stock weekly. Mr. Howe married Eliza A. Folsom, daughter of Josiah S. and Miriam Folsom, of Sangerville, Piscataquis county, March 2, 1869. To them have been born four children: John F., Wynn O., Annie M., and Delia A.
     Greenleaf Smith emigrated to Dixmont in 1840, and settled on the place now occupied by him. In his early life he engaged in lumbering on the Penobscot River, but for many years has been engaged in farming, at which he has been successful. He married Caroline H. Tyler, daughter of Rowland and Sally Tyler, who were among the pioneers of the county. Mr. Tyler was at the battle of Hampden, where he was taken prisoner. He was a prominent man in his town and served as Selectman for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born four children -- Charles F., born May 4, 1839, was one of the first to lay down his life in defense of his country in the war of the Rebellion; he enlisted in the Ninth Maine Volunteers, Company H, and died at Hilton Head, South Carolina, March 3, 1862; Llewellyn D., born February 8, 1841, was a private in the same company, and served three years, and now lives in Bangor; Walter G., born February 17, 1843, was a private in the Eleventh Maine Volunteers, Company K, and was wounded at the battle of Bermuda Hundred, and in the last battles of the war, and is now living in Monroe, Maine; Laura L., born February 5, 1848, died May 30, 1866; Irwin, died in infancy.
     Benjamin Piper is the son of Daniel and Anna Piper. He remained at home until he reached his majority, after which he as a successful teacher for some years. He has for many years been engaged in farming, in which he has accumulated considerable property. He married Julia Bickford, daughter of Ebenezer and Susan Bickford, of Newburg, September 17, 1829. To them have been born seven children -- Parsons, Susan B., Daniel, Julia A., and Warren C. The latter left home and friends to fight his country’s battles. He was a private in company K, Second Maine Heavy Artillery, and died in hospital, at Washington, of disease. The remaining children were Evelyn, and Benjamin, Jr., the latter of whom died in Dixmont in 1877.
     Albert Mitchell is the son of John and Betsey Mitchell, of Troy, Waldo county, who were among the early settlers of that county. Albert Mitchell came to Dixmont in 1876. He lived at home until his father died. He afterwards worked with Jonas M. Treffin, at carpentering for some fifteen years, in Massachusetts, when he returned to Maine. Since his return he has been represented his district in the Legislature, and has been Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor. He married Mary E. Ferguson, by whom he had four children -- F. A., Hattie E., Maud O., and Samuel H.
Charles W. Prescott was born May 11, 1829, in Troy, Waldo county. He is the son of Charles Prescott, of that county. In 1855 he settled on the place now owned and occupied by him. For the past seven years he has been engaged in buying hay for the Boston market, handling about twelve hundred tons per year; and has also bought and shipped stock for the Brighton market. He married Anna Barker, of Troy, and has had four children -- Stephen B., Mary E., Herbert J., and Charles S. Mr. Prescott has accumulated a good property, and is a highly esteemed man in the community, where he now holds the office of Selectman, and is Chariman of the Board. His father was an early settler in Troy.
     Peregrine White was born in Jackson, Waldo county, Maine, and is a son of Abiather and Abby White, who emigrated from Massachusetts. He left home when about eighteen years of age, and engaged with his brother in blacksmithing at Dixmont, where he remained some five years. He invented a machine for making the backing for picture frames, which proved a valuable invention. Neglecting to patent his machine, others have improved it, and now it is extensively used. Mr. White has been Town Treasurer and Constable, and has represented his district in the State Legislature. He married Hannah G. Picker, daughter of I. G. Picker, of Jackson, and has had a family of ten children -- Frank A., William H., Lizzie B., Chandler V., Eben D., Laura A., Charles G., Harry E., Daisy May, and Philip A.
     Benjamin Bussey is a son of Otis I. Bussey, who emigrated to Newburgh, and became one of the pioneers of the township. Mr. Bussey engaged in teaching at an early period of his life, and became very successful in that profession. He received a good education and was a fine penman. He was Town Clerk for many years. Eliza Wheeler, of Hampden, became his wife, and bore him three children -- Daniel I., Benjamin, and Lydia. Benjamin, the second son, received a common school education, and in his early life engaged in farming. In 1852 he went to California and engaged in mining for two years, at which he was successful. He returned to Newburg in 1857, and settled in Dixmont, where he engaged in the mercantile business two years, since which time he has worked at farming. He has held various town offices. In 1858, August 29, he was married to Elizabeth A. Brown, daughter of J. M. and Julietta Brown, of Newburg, and has had three children -- Agnes E., born May 18, 1859, and was killed by an accident in 1876; Louis J., born March 16, 1863, and George B., born December 17, 1866, both of whom live at home.

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