Letter dated 1852 from Joann Mayo Hersey & Mother Constance (Mayo) Hersey at Pembroke, Maine, to Constance's Sister Joann H. (Mayo) Lurvey at Tremont, Maine

Reprinted, with permission, from the blog Heirlooms Reunited

Letter dated May 23, 1852 and postmarked May 24, from Joann Mayo Hersey and her mother Constance (Mayo) Hersey at Pembroke, Maine, to Constance's sister Joann H. (Mayo) Lurvey at Tremont, Southwest Harbor, Maine.

The letter consists of two pages of interest to family historians of the Hersey, Mayo, Lurvey and Lurchin families of Maine's Washington County and Hancock County.

Also of interest, in this new era of DNA testing of artifacts, is the postage stamp - possibly a brick wall buster!

A transcription of the letter appears at the end of this post.  If you notice errors or can fill in any blanks, please leave a comment or contact me directly.

People mentioned in the letter, in alphabetical order.

• Aunt Eliza; possibly the sister of John Henry Hersey
• Livona Ann
• Adelaide Veola Hersey; daughter of Zadoc Lewis Hersey and Catherine (Stoddard) Hersey; Adelaide was born in February 1852 and would marry Alden Bradford Kendrick in 1878.
• Catherine (Stoddard) Hersey (1820-1900); wife of Zadoc Lewis Hersey; they married April 21, 1844
• Constance Young (Mayo) Hersey (1806-1856); letter writer; mother of fellow letter writer Joann Mayo Hersey
• Grandma; has been well this winter but fell on the ice and hurt her arm; possibly Mercy (Dunbar) Hersey, wife of the older Zadoc, though online trees have her death as 1850
• Henry H. Hersey (1848-1902); son of Zadoc Lewis Hersey and Catherine (Stoddard) Hersey; age 5, behind in vocabulary and/or pronunciation
• Joann Mayo Hersey (1835-1912), letter writer and daughter of fellow letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey; future wife of Leonard Shaw Lurchin, whom she married in 1854.
• John Edwin Hersey (1850-1921), "Edwin", son of John Henry Hersey and letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey and brother of letter writer Joann Mayo Hersey; Edwin would marry Jennie E. Lurvey (1862-1913), daughter of Levi Lurvey and Lydia (Marshall) Lurvey
• John Henry Hersey (1810-1885), husband of letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey and father of letter writer Joann Mayo Hersey
• Reuben F. Hersey, son of Zadoc L. Hersey and brother of Zadoc Lewis Hersey; married Mary L. Crane; was living with his family and father at Galesburg, Illinois at time of 1850 Census.
• Salome Hersey; either the mother Salome (Hersey) Hersey or her daughter of that name; has had a lame leg since a fever the previous fall. The link is for the FindaGrave memorial for the mother, Salome (Hersey) Hersey (1808-1885)
• Zadoc L. Hersey (1779-abt 1854); he was unwell, according to a letter from his son Reuben, with whose family he was living in Galesburg, Illinois but Reuben indicated Zadoc wanted to return home.
• Zadoc Lewis Hersey (1815-1888); clerk at Foster's store, son of Zadoc Hersey and Mercy (Dunbar) Hersey
• "Mother Lurvey"; Abigail (Gilley) Lurvey (1789-1866), mother of Samuel Lurvey
• Jacob; possibly Jacob William Lurvey, brother of Samuel Lurvey, husband of Joanna H. (Mayo) Lurvey, or Jacob Shoppy Mayo, brother of Constance (Mayo) Hersey
• Joann H. (Mayo) Lurvey (1815-1907), letter recipient; sister of Constance (Mayo) Hersey
• Samuel Lurvey (1817-1893), husband of letter recipient Joann H. (Mayo) Lurvey
• Henry E. Mayo (1825-1905); brother of letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey and husband of Nancy F. (Smith) Atherton Mayo, whom he married in 1850
• Isaac Pepper Mayo (1773-1866); father of letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey
• Jacob; possibly Jacob Shoppy Mayo, brother of letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey - or Jacob William Lurvey, brother of Samuel Lurvey, husband of letter recipient Joanna H. (Mayo) Lurvey
• Nancy F. (Smith) Atherton Mayo (1830-1899), wife of Henry Mayo, brother of letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey; Constance wants to know what Father and Mother think of her
• Rosanna (Young) Mayo (1782-1865); mother of letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey
• Aunt Rebeckah; possibly Rebecca Pepper (Mayo) Robinson (1812-1892), sister of letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey and wife of Ezra D. Robinson

If you have information on any of the people mentioned above, please leave a comment or contact me directly.

Loose Transcription

Pembroke, May the 23 1852
Dear Aunt
I now sit down to write a few lines to you to let you know that we are all well at present and hope you are the same. I received a letter from you in January and wrote back to you again but we have got no answer and I thought I would write again. I have no particular news to tell you. Pa [John Henry Hersey] is to work on the vessel now and when he is down there he is going to work on the ship for six months. Zedok [presumably Zadoc Lewis Hersey] is clerk in Foster's store. Catherine [Catherine (Stoddard) Hersey, wife of Zadoc Lewis Hersey] has got a baby born in February. She calls it Aderlade [Adelaide Veola Hersey]. She has three children now. Henry [Henry H. Hersey], is five years old and he can't talk so well as Edwin [John Edwin Hersey, "Edwin", son of letter writer Constance (Mayo) Hersey and brother of letter writer Joann Mayo Hersey]. He can say but a few words plain. Mr. Hersey [Zadoc L. Hersey (1779-abt 1854, the aforementioned Zadoc's father] has been very sick. They did not expect he would live for some time but he was better the last time Reuben [Reuben F. Hersey, son of the elder Zadoc, then at Galesburg, Illinois] wrote. He [presumably the father Zadoc] wants to see Zedok very much and he talks of moving there this fall.
Grandma [possibly Mercy (Dunbar) Hersey, wife of the older Zadoc, though online trees have her death as 1850] is well and has been well this winter. She fell down on the ice and hurt her arm and this winter Salome Hersey [presumably mother Salome (Hersey) Hersey (1808-1885) or her daughter of that name] has had a lame leg since a fever the previous fall. Aunt Eliza [possibly sister of John Henry Hersey] is not very well this summer. Mother has not weaned Edwin yet. I want you to write as soon as you conveniently can and tell us the news and if you have not any I want you to write. We had a letter from Aunt Rebeckah  [presumably Rebeckah Pepper (Mayo) Robinson] in January and the folks was all well there then. When you write, tell me if Livona Ann is married and where she is. I have no more to write now I believe. This is from your niece. Joann M. [Joann Mayo Hersey]

Dear sister [Joann H. (Mayo) Lurvey]

It is some time since I heard from you and we want to know how do so we write you again, hoping you will answer this soon. Through the Blessing of God we are all in good health and you are the same.  I do wish you could come and see me. I want you to Come and all the ___ rest. Tell Jacob [possibly either Jacob Shoppy Mayo or Jacob Lurvey] if he Comes to Calis [Calais] or Eastport to Call and see us, Three minutes if no more. Tell all the folks to write to us and we will answer them. Give my love to father and Mother [Isaac Pepper Mayo and Rosanna (Young) Mayo]. Tell them I want to see them and hope I shall once more. Our Children send their love to you and Granpa, Granma and all their uncles and Aunts. I want you to tell me how father and Mother likes Henry's wife [Henry Mayo and Nancy F. (Smith) Atherton Mayo] and how Henry's health is now and how all the folks do and what they will do this summer. Joann, don't forget me and not answer my questions. If you can't, tell your husband [Samuel Lurvey] to write. If he won't get some of the rest to. I do not know how to hear from you if you will not answer my letter. Tell me about Rebeckah [presumably Rebecca Pepper (Mayo) Robinson]and her family and all you can think of. Give my love to all enquiring friends & Your Mother Lurvey [Abigail (Gilley) Lurvey]. I want to see her so. I remain your affectionate Sister Constance Hersey [Constance Young (Mayo) Hersey]. Do write to me soon and not fail.

Again, if you have information to share, please leave a comment or contact me directly.

Washington County, Maine, in the 1820 Census

Washington County, Maine Cities and Towns in 1820 Census.

Reprinted, with permission, from the blog Heirlooms Reunited

Note: sheets 285-288 are missing; hopefully nothing crucial was on them.

If you don't see a town you expect to see in the list of towns below, check to see if the town was incorporated later than 1820 and was known then by another name; or if the town changed its name after incorporation; or if it's now located in another County.

Click here to to return to the main page for the 1820 Census in Maine, which has links to the 9 Maine Counties then in existence and, from there, to the individual Towns of the County chosen.

Note: until the 1850 Census, enumerators listed names of heads of households only.

Click on the town name for more information, including links to the original documents and alphabetical lists of heads of households.

• Addison - 1820 Census tallies 519 inhabitants with about 86 households.
• Calais - 1820 Census tallies 418 inhabitants in approximately 64 households
• Cherryfield - 1820 Census tallies 240 inhabitants in about 40 households.
• Columbia - 1820 Census tallies 537 inhabitants in about 108 households; indexed incorrectly in places online as Columbia Falls, which was not established until 1863
• Dennysville (included Pembroke until 1832)  - 1820 Census tallies 557 inhabitants in about 99 households     
• Eastport - 1820 Census tallies 1937 inhabitants with about 362 households. 
• Harrington - 1820 Census tallies 723 inhabitants in about 120 households
• Houlton Plantation or Holton Plantation 
• Jonesboro - Jonesborough - 1820 Census tallies 675 inhabitants in about 129 households
• Lubec - 1820 Census tallies 1430 inhabitants in about 272 households
• Machias - 1820 Census tallies 2033 inhabitants in about 352 households
• New Limerick Plantation
• Perry - 1820 Census tallies 407 inhabitants with about 62 households.
• Robbinston - 1820 Census tallies 424 inhabitants with about 70 households.
• Steuben - 1820 Census tallies 780 inhabitants in about 138 households

• Plantation 3 (Charlotte area) - 1820 Census tallies 211 inhabitants in about 34 households
• Plantation 6  (Baring area) - 1820 Census tallies 61 inhabitants in about 13 households
• Plantation 7 (Alexander area) - 1820 Census tallies 74 residents in 11 households
• Plantation 9 (Trescott Township area)- 1820 Census tallies 264 inhabitants
• Plantation 10  (Edmunds Township area) -1820 Census lists 154 inhabitants
• Plantation 11 (Cutler area) - 1820 Census tallies 362 inhabitants in about 65 households
• Plantation 12 (Whiting area) - 1820 Census tallies 182 inhabitants in about 32 households
• Plantation 13 (Marion Township area) - 1820 Census lists 47 inhabitants
• Plantation 14 (Cathance Lake area) - 1820 Census tallies 29 inhabitants in 7 households
• Plantation 15 (Cooper area) - 1820 Census tallies 201 inhabitants
• Plantation 16 (Alexander area) - 1820 Census tallies 114 inhabitants
• Plantation 17 (Princeton area) - 1820 Census tallies 48 inhabitants
• Plantation 18 (Jacksonville area) - 1820 Census tallies 20 inhabitants in 4 households
• Plantation 20 (Crawford area) - 1820 Census tallies 50 inhabitants

• Township 19 (north of Columbia Falls, presumably all or part of T19 MD BPP) - 1820 Census tallies 34 inhabitants
• Township 23 (presumably in the Centerville Township area) - 1820 Census tallies 70 inhabitants

Washington County, Maine, in 1820; shown in green in the most easterly part of Maine

Washington County, Maine, today

1911 Program at Memorial Opera House, Eastport, Maine, by St. Joseph's Catholic Choir

Reprinted, with permission, from the blog Heirlooms Reunited:

1911 Program, with many names of participants

Memorial Opera House, Eastport

Thursday, February 2, 1911

Grand Production of the Operetta

A Nautical Knot or The Belle of Barnstapoole

Presented under the Auspices of

St. Joseph's Catholic Choir

Miss Annie V. MacNichol, Director

Ads on this page include:

B. F. Milliken & Son

A. W. Beckett, Confectioner, Water Street

Hinkley Shoe Store, water Street

Rumery Brothers, Clothing, Water Street

Rexall Drug Store, Havey & Wilson
S. B. Hume & Son, Central Wharf, Eastport
Rayo Nickel Lamp, sold by Godfrey & Loring
L. M. & O. B. Whalen, Whalen Block, Water Street, Eastport
W. C. Beale, 95 Water Street, Eastport, Maine

Charles M. Buxton

John H. McFaul, Attorney, 62 Water St., Eastport, Maine
Bradish Insurance Agency
Eastport Steam Laundry, Hanson & Martyn, Proprietors
New Grocery Store, Watson & Mitchell, Water Street, opposite Post Office
Frazier Photography, Washington Street, Eastport

Wilbor A. Shea, Fire Insurance, Water Street, Eastport, Maine
Eastport Fruit Store, A. Conti, Proprietor
Eastport Electric Light Company, 99 Water Street

 

Fred A. Holmes, Boots, Shoes and Clothing, 48 and 50 Water Street, Eastport, Maine
Mrs. E. C. Bradish, Millinery, 40 Water Street
S. H. Wood, Ladies' Suits, Coats, Skirts etc., Corner Water and Washington Sts
Mary MacNichol Kelley, Millinery, opposite Post Office

 

Eastport Dry Goods Company

Cast of Characters
Julia, the haughty Belle o Barnstapoole... Mrs. D. E. Kelley
Nancy, her friend, a gentle damsel... Miss Elizabeth Baker
Dora, Barnstapoole Girl... Miss Maud A. Kelley
Delia, Barnstapoole Girl... Miss Mary Carr
Daisy, Barnstapoole GIrl... Miss Teresa Whalen
Barnabas Lee, a wandering artist... D. Ambrose Frost
Joe Stout, the mate of the "Bounding Billow"... W. S. Alexander
Bill Salt, an ancient mariner, boatswain of the "Bounding Billow"... David C. MacNichol
Jack Brace, Sailor on board the "Bounding Billow"... Ralph W. Bradish
Ned Bluff, Sailor on board the "Bounding Billow"... Leonard G. Clark
Jim Spray, Sailor on board the "Bounding Billow"... Clifton Dow

Barnstapoole Girls, Artists and Sailors
TIME: Present SCENE: Barnstapoole Quay

ACT I - A Summer Afternoon ACT II - One year later
Hutchison, Agent for Kodak, Brownies and Supplies

Palmer Brothers, Drugs, Stationery, Chocolates, Water St, Eastport, Maine
Bibber's Dry Goods Store, F. A. Coburn, Proprietor
Exchange Hotel, Boynton Street, Eastport, Maine
E. S. Martin & Son Co., Groceries, Stoes, Tinware, 73 Water St
Cherry's new Wall Papers
Bradish Bakery, Jelly Rolls, Water St

Bucknam and Colwell, Ladies, Men's & Boys' Suits

Barnstapoole Girls

 
Alice Creary
Della Follis
Mrs. Teresa Fish
Mazie Gilligan
Annie Murphy
Tina Gilligan
Mary McGraw
Susie Kelley
Alice Gilligan
Mrs. D. C. MacNichol
Mrs. D. P. Goulding
Rose Rutherford
Margaret Thorpe
Hazel Lambert
Margaret Goulding
Martha Murphy
Alma Parker
Beatrice McDonald
Nellie McElwee
Helen Parker
Gladys Skidds

Hutchison's Drug Store for Stationery Needs

Sailors

Thomas Calder
Peter Deignan
Will A. Murphy
Shirley Llewellyn
Jack Neary
Harry Thorpe
J. Fred Hamilton
Daniel E. Kelley

Artists

Leo T. Creary
Eugene Cassidy
Fulvio Ciummei
John Murphy
George Sexton
Louis White
Bernard Rutherford
Daniel McPhee

 

Pike & Kilby Co., Teas and Coffees, Water St.
Brown's News Store, Cigars, Pipes, Tobacco, Opposite Post Office, Eastport, Maine
Roche's Optical Annex
Over J. R. Roche & Co.'s Store, 70 Water Street
J. A. Ferris & Son, High Grade Furniture

G. W. Capen Corp, Wall Papers
S. L. Wadsworth & Son, Agts for Kyanize

Argument

ACT I. Julia, the haughty belle of Barnstapoole, is as proud as she is beautiful. All the sailor lads are hopelessly in love with her, but she scorns them all. On the eve of the depature of the "Bounding Billow" for a year's voyage, Barnabas Lee, a wandering artist, comes to town and falls in love with Julia, who returns his affection. The sailor lads, driven to despair by their rival's success, plan to kidnap Barnabas, stow him aboard the "Bounding Billow" and carry him to sea. They are successful in their scheme and the townsfolk returning from seeing the ship sail, announce to Julia that Barnabas was on board her.

In the meantime, Nancy - a gentle damsel - is loved by Joe Stout. Joe is as bashful as he is honest, and fearing a repulse he induces Bill Salt to propose to Nance in his name. Bill promises to perform the task, but unfortunately he meets Julia first, and thinking her the object of Joe's affections, delivers the bashful suitor's message to her.

Julia is a great believer in the old saying "One in hand is better far than two in the bushes are". She tells Bill to bid his friend try his luck a year hence. Bill, delighted at his supposed success, seeks Joe and informs him of the result, only to learn of the sad mistake he has made. The whistle sounds from the ship "All Aboard", and poor Jim is obliged to sail without seeing his sweetheart Nance.

Julia tells Nance of Joe's love for her and Nance is heartbroken. The Barnstapoole girls, having quarreled with the sailors, pretend indifference at their departure.

ACT II. takes place one year hence. The townsfolk are waiting on the quay for the return of the "Bounding Billow". The Barnstapoole girls meeting a party of artists down from town for the day, take a malicious pleasure in going to welcome back the "Bounding Billow" accompanied by the artists. The sailors who during their long absence from home had quite recovered from their love for Julia, are much chagrined to find that the Barnstapoole girls are apparently quite indifferent to their return. Even Julia will not speak to them.

Bill Salt has the unpleasant duty of explaining his mistake to Julia and offering himself in Joe's place. Julia at first spurns him indignantly, but afterward accepts him. The happy return of Barnabas Lee releases Bill Salt from the noose he had cast about his own neck. Joe soon finds Nance and explains the situation to her. The artists return to town and the sailors and girls become reconciled. The scene ends with the promise of many happy weddings in the near future.

 

E. F. Hefron, Dealer in Ranges, Furnaces, 51 Water St
William G. Low, Groceries, Provisions, Water St, Eastport, Me.
R. A. Burr, Jewelry & Watch Repairing, Water St, Eastport
A. W. Bishop, Grocer
Byron N. Andrews, Druggist
Bibber & Flagg, Carpets, Rugs, Linoleums, Etc., off Water St, Eastport, Me.
Broad Cove Farm, Pure Milk and Cream

Capen's Drug Store, 88 Water St, Eastport, Maine

Members of the Orchestra

Miss Edith Gardner, 1st Violin
A. Conti, Cello
Fred Russell, 2nd Violin
Abe Lodge, Clarinet
Fred W. MacGregor, Flute
Simeon A. Frost, 1st Cornet
W. H. MacNichol, Trombone
Fred Leighton, 2nd Cornet
Arthur LeSuer, Drum
Miss Corinne Jewers, Pianist
Miss Annie V. MacNichol, Conductor

Executive Staff

Manager, Leo T. Creary
Stage Manager, W. S. Alexander
Stage Effects and Properties, J. A. Muldoon

Dr. W. R. Bibber, Dentist, Water Street, Eastport, Maine
I. G. McLarren, Attorney, Office in Sharland Block, Eastport, Me.
W. F. Cleveland, M. D., Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon, office and residence at Jackson House, Washington St.
F. C. Jewett, D. D.S., Office in Whalen Block, Corner Boynton and Water Sts., Eastport
Leo D. Lamond, Attorney, Martin Block, Water Street, Eastport, Me.
L. H. Newcomb, Attorney, Office over Atwood's Market, 75 Water St., Eastport, Maine
C. O. Gardner, Livery Stable, Water St. (North End), Telephone 37-2
Elisha W. Pike, Law, Real Estate, Leavitt Block, Water St., Eastport

 

C. Doherty, Provisions and Groceries, 14 Adams St., Eastport
Goulding's Restaurant, Meals at All Hours, Opp Post Office, Water St., Eastport
John E. Healy, tires
Frank Murphy, Custom Tailor, Furniture Avenue
American Hand Laundry, William Tooze, Proprietor, Opp Public Library, Water St., Eastport
Reliable Machine and Die Works, General Machinists, Eastport
J. A. Greenlaw, Clothing, 60 Water Street
Mrs. Emma Fahey, Millinery and Novelties, High Street, Eastport

 

Gove's Cash Stores, Justin Gove, Proprietor, stores in Perry, Eastport, Calais
Frontier National Bank, Eastport, Maine, W. S. Hume, President; George H. Hayes, Cashier

Eastport Savings Bank, Eastport, Maine; L. M. Whalen, President; Charles E. Capen, Vice President; C. I. Morton, Treasurer

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British Encroachments in Passamaquoddy - c1790

Reprinted, with permission, from the blog Heirlooms Reunited.

 

From the Massachusetts Centinel, issue of 20 March 1790, an article about British encroachments in the disputed border around Passamaquoddy Bay in Maine and New Brunswick.

Transcription - corrections and clarifications requested:

BRITISH ENCROACHMENTS
Circumstantially related by a Correspondent

There are three rivers that empty themselves into the Bay of Passamaquady [now called Passamaquoddy], the easternmost always called by the native Indians and French St. Croix, and the middle one Schooduck.  Before the commencement of the late war, Gov. BARNARD sent Mr. Mitchell, a Surveyor, and several others to explore the Bay of Passamaquady, and to examine the natives, to find out which was the true river St. Croix; they accordingly did, and reported it to be the easternmost river, and returned plans of their survey as such.  At the forming of the Treaty of Peace, the Commissioners had Mitchell's maps, and in fixing the boundary between that part of Nova-Scotia now called New Brunswick, and this Commonwealth, they considered it to be the river laid down by him.  - After the Peace, the subjects of the British King took possession of all the lands, between the St. Croix and Schooduck rivers, (which tract is nearly as large as the State of New-Hampshire) and now hold possession of the same, under a pretence that the Schooduck is the true river St. Croix; they also claim all the islands in the Bay of Passamaquady, although many of them lay several miles to the westward of the river that they call the boundary; and have in a number of instances exercised, by force, jurisdiction over the subjects of this Commonwealth, living on those Islands. - The British Sheriff from St. Andrews, with an armed force, took a Mr. TUTTLE (formerly a Lieutenant in the American army) from his house on Moor Island [likely Moose Island], and conveyed him to St. Andrews gaol, where he was confined a considerable time; their Court have repeatedly fined the inhabitants of these Islands for refusing to obey when summoned as jurymen, and they have taken several of their vessels laying close under those Islands, and carried them to St. John's [Saint John], where they detained them a considerable time before the owners could obtain their release.  In the late instance, Capt. Dunn their High-Sheriff for Charlottee [Charlotte] County, with David Owen, Esq., one of their principal Magistrates, and four men, armed with muskets, pistols, &c. in a hostile and violent manner, went on Frederick Island, (above five miles west of what they call the river St. Croix, and attempted to break open Mr. DELESDERNIER'S house to search for property they said belonged to a British subject.  Mr. Delesdernier opposing them, armed with an ax, prevented their succeeding on the house; but they finding a cow on the Island forcibly carried her off with them.   Mr. Delesdernier not having any assistance, could not prevent it.  Mr. Delesdernier is the collector of the Customs for the United States, and keeps his office in the house they endeavored to break open. - It is presumed, that Lord DORCHESTER, Governour General of the British Colonies in America, would not countenance such proceedings - but it is to be wished that measures may be speedily taken to prevent such insults in future.

The most intense of these "encroachments" would occur on July 14, 1814 when a British fleet under the command of Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, captured Fort Sullivan on Moose Island [also known as Eastport, Maine] and renamed it Fort Sherbrooke after Sir John Coape Sherbrooke, then Lieutenant Governour of Nova Scotia.

Because the British had felt since the American Revolution that the islands of Passamaquoddy Bay were in their jurisdiction, they did not leave Moose Island at the end of the War of 1812 in 1815.  After a few more years of negotiation, an agreement was reached on November 24, 1817 between the British representative Thomas Barclay, and the American, John Holmes, apportioning all of the islands in Passamaquoddy Bay to the British, except for Frederick, Dudley and Moose Islands, though the agreement still had to go through channels.  The British left Moose Island in June 1818.   

Though some townspeople refused to take the oath of allegiance and left, some just to the nearby mainland, where the British did not harrass them, most of those who stayed reportedly did not notice much difference between American and British rule in the areas of trade and daily life.  Arguably, the influx of the British contributed to the cultural and social life.

While at Fort Sullivan/Sherbrooke, the British built a powder house that still stands, though in desperate need of restoration, a project that the Border Historical Society has ongoing.  

Eastport, on Moose Island, and the islands of Passamaquoddy Bay: Moose Island is very close to the Perry, Maine, shore; the other two islands are now known as Treat Island and Dudley Island.  Treat Island is managed by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and is open to visitors.

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1878 Letter to Edward Edes Shead in Eastport, Maine, from Watchmaker Francis Kemlo of Boston, Massachusetts

Letter dated March 10, 1878, from watchmaker Francis Kemlo (about 1817-1892) in Boston, Massachusetts, to Edward Edes Shead (1835-1908), a merchant at Eastport, Maine.  Transcription at the end of this post.

Shead published Eastport and Passamaquoddy, a history of Eastport, Maine, with author William Henry Kilby (1820-1898).

Francis Kemlo was writing, apparently at Shead's request, with his personal recollections of the Willard family, master clockmakers and inventors of Massachusetts.  It would be interesting to know the reason for Shead's interest.  

• Did he own a Willard clock?
• Was he interested in the history of Willard Clocks and perhaps planning to write an article?
• Was he related to the Willard family?
• Was he planning to sell Willard timepieces in his drug store?

Visit the website of the Willard House and Clock Museum at North Grafton, Massachusetts - closed at this time because of the pandemic.

Transcription - please weigh in with clarifications and missing elements

Sunday

Boston March 10th 1878

Mr. E. E. Shead

Dear Sir:

The Willards was born in Grafton this State 40 miles W.S.W. from Boston. Their father's business I do not know. Simon & Aaron was brothers. I don't know if there was any other Children, think there was. Never heard Simon or A say where they learned the trade; think they was mostly self taught learning from such few books as they could get in their days. Simon was the oldest by a few years and the leader and genius of the family. The timepiece called the Willard patent was his invention. He also made light [harness ?] machinery for ____ lights and many other things that required clock works. Aaron also made such things, I think.

They was both good sterling workmen. I only knew Aaron by sight, having while an apprentice to Simon Jr. been into his Shop and workshops for hire. Aaron's shop was on the line that divided Boston & Roxbury on a large lot of land which he owned. He lived in the large house ___ [over ?] his Shop other buildings & Shops Connected with it run up a land ways from Washington St. It was near where Genl. Washington stayed when he visited this City. I know two of his Sons, Aaron Jr. & Henry.  A Jr. followed the same trade. He made clock cases for his Father and others. A. Jr. is dead. H. "Still lives. A lived to be quite aged, died before Simon. He lived to be over 90 . He died ____ like most inventors & ___. A. left some property. Their Clocks was all good & was the most known. S. W. Jr. My Master was the best known of any one in his line.

in this City Ships Chronometers. Clock & watch repairing was his trade. he learned his trade of an old firm in New York. I commenced with him in two years after he opened his Shop No. 9., Congress St. this City. He is now dead. He left a son, one daughter & Wife. The Son is the only one except myself that learned the trade of him. They Sold out 4 years ago. The Son is now engaged in Colorado gold mines. The Willard Clocks Stand No. 1 all over this Country.

The only one of A's family that I know of is Henry who keeps bachelors hall a few miles from this City. His only Companion L. W. Jr. Wife's brother. He is completely ___ [off ?].

I hope this will please you.

I am respectfully yours

F. Kemlo  

P. S. Their Clocks were all made in their own Shops. Some years later there was a firm of ___  by the name of May that imported Clock pinions in the rough, but I believe in their early days everything was made from the rough cast and made here. 

F. K.

My Father was from Aberdeen Scotland. My mother was born in the town of Waltham this State.  I spent 6 years in the West Indies. The rest of my life passed here, ____ [excuse ?] me for saying too much.

"Adieu"

If you have information to share on Edward Edes Shead or Francis Kemlo, please leave a comment.

Mystery Photos: Buildings presumably in Perry or Robbinston, Maine; possibly related to the Golding or Pottle Families

Three photographs of buildings in, presumably, the Perry, Maine, or Robbinston, Maine, area, and likely connected with the Golding/Goulding or Pottle families.

Notice the star in the gable of the house above; perhaps someone remembers that star or has a similar photograph, identified.

The photograph below shows a group of students and their teacher, Florence Young; the identification on the reverse was written in the familiar hand of Rachael "Virginia" (Golding) Pottle. 

Whether or not the correct Florence Young, there was a Florence Lillian Young who gave her occupation as school teacher when she married Anson Chandler Damon (abt 1874-1938) at Brockton, Massachusetts, [or Calais, Maine - there are records for each]  on 30 November 1905. This Florence was born, according to a late birth record,  at Baring, Maine, on 18 December 1874, the daughter of John Nelson Young and Adelaide Sophia (Gardner) Young.  

Florence and Anson lived in Massachusetts, where Anson died in 1938 in South Braintree.  After his death, Florence moved to Calais, Maine, where she was enumerated in the 1940 Census in the household of Ralph Bridges and Inez (Young) Bridges, Florence's younger sister.

Note: Florence's husband, Anson Chandler Damon, was the nephew of Anson Chandler Damon (1842-1925) who went west and made a life among the Apaches and had two "Code-Talker" grandsons.

Below, a photograph of what appears to be a family reunion, presumably connected to the Pottle, Golding or Boyden families, and presumably in the area of Perry, Maine, or Robbinston, Maine.  Nothing written on the reverse.

Finally, two copies of the same photograph of a beautiful barn, presumably in Perry or Robbinston, Maine.

If you have information on any of these photographs or on teacher Florence Young, please leave a comment.

Cabinet Photograph of Siblings Charles Adam Pottle (1885-1954) and Stella M. Pottle (1883-1950) of Perry, Maine

Cabinet photograph of siblings Charles Adam Pottle (1885-1954) and Stella M. Pottle (1883-1950) of Perry, Maine.  They were the children of Adam P. Pottle (1850-1927) and Ida Elizabeth (Boyden) Pottle (1855-1938).

The siblings had an older sister, Mabel M. Pottle (1876-1965), who married Harry L. Carson in 1937. 

If you have information to share on the Pottle, Boyden, and/or Carson families, please leave a comment.

1899 Commencement of Boynton High School at Eastport, Maine

1899 Commencement of Boynton High School at Eastport, Maine, held at the Memorial Opera House on the evening of Thursday, June 22, 1899.

Program

March

Amy Marie Lewis - Salutatory - "Seed time and Harvest".  Amy Marie Lewis (1879-1965) would marry William Rufus Farris on January 3, 1900 at Eastport, Maine. 

George Edward Fountain - "The Influence of Literature". Possibly the George E. Fountain (1881-1901) who, sadly, died in 1901, son of George E. Fountain and Marietta (McDonald) Fountain

Helen Prince Wadsworth - "A Glimpse of the Past".  Helen Prince Wadsworth (1880-1968) would marry John Wesley Raye in 1905.

Coleman Philip Bishop - "The Spirit of Change". Perhaps the Coleman Philip Bishop (abt 1881-1919) who would marry Mabelle G. Doughty in 1901.

Music

Alice Elizabeth Milliken - "The Maid of Orleans".  Alice Elizabeth Milliken (1880-1925), who became a teacher.

William Henry Raye - Oration - "The White Man's Burden".  William Henry Raye (1882-1976), who would marry classmate Clara Field Capen in 1904

Marcia M. Kilby - "An Uncrowned Queen".  Marcia M. Kilby (1880-1958) would marry Dr. Frank C. Jewett in 1905.

Asa C. Green - "Our Solar King".  Perhaps the Asa Green who would work in an Eastport clothing store.

Music

Clara Field Capen - "A Glimpse of the Future".  Clara Field Capen (1881-1961) would marry classmate William Henry Raye in 1904.

Marion Snow Hunt - "An English Knight".  Marion Snow Hunt (abt 1880-1942) became a bookkeeper

William Parnell Murphy - "The Era of Napoleon".   William Parnell Augustus Murphy (1880-1937), who became an actor

Nellie Louise Dennison - Valedictory.  Nellie L. Dennison, who became a teacher and telephone company worker

Presentation of Diplomas

Music

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, please leave a comment.