Welcome to the Maine - Reference Books

A History of the Town of Union, Maine-John Langdon Sibley. This book tells the reader the history of Union, Maine from the first settlers to the time of the books first publication in 1851. A family register is included pertaining to residents before the year 1800, their families and descendants. (1851) reprint, 540 pp., original fullname plus subject index, paper, $38.00 #ZS307

History of the Baptists in Maine - Henry S. Burrage. This book examines the history of Baptists in Maine from their settlement in the early 1600's to the time of the books original publication, 1904. An appendix is included and contains useful charts on the following: the Maine Baptist Missionary Society, which gives the names of the headquarters, President and other officials from 1804- 1843; the Maine Baptist Convention, which gives the same information from 1824-1903; the Maine Baptist Education Society, 1819-1903; and a summary of convention preachers, churches, ordained ministers, baptisms and members, 1826- 1903, contributions received; and benevolent contributions of the Hancock Association from 1878 to 1903. (1904) reprint, 497 pp., illus., append., original fullname plus subject index, paper, $35.50, #B876

History of Woodstock, Maine - William B. Lapham. After the close of the French and Indian War (1763), a great rush was made to this unsettled wilderness, previously the territory of hostile Indians. Text provides a general history of the town. All sections are loaded with names. "Family Sketches" represent 125 families. The appendix includes extracts from the diary of Stephen Chase, 1801-1806, and the 1870 Woodstock census lists the names and ages of family members. (1882) reprint, 315 pp., append., illus., original surname index, paper, $26.50 #L063

The History of Wells and Kennebunk, Maine - Edward E. Bourne. A comprehensive history of the two towns down to 1820. Includes a wealth of biographical data woven into the main text and a variety of resident lists and military rosters with a chapter of biographical sketches. (1875) reprint, 820 pp., index, cloth $56.00 #ZB510

A History of Lewiston, Maine, With a Genealogical Register of Early Families (Revised) - By Janus G. Elder. Edited by David and Elizabeth (Keene) Young. This revised edition offers a foreword by Douglas I. Hodgkin of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and a new prologue from the authors. An new index of places and subjects has been added, following the existing everyname index. This work consists of two main parts: the first part is a reprint of a narrative history of Lewiston which was written by Janus G. Elder, and first published in 1882; the second part is a family register based on data collected by Elder, but never before published. Mr. and Mrs. Young have done a prodigious amount of work to prepare Elder's collection for publication in this volume, including verification or correction of facts. 1997, 496 pp., index, paper, $36.00 #ZE510

History of Saco and Biddeford, with Notices of Other Early Settlements, and of the Proprietory Governments in Maine, including the Provinces of New Somersetshire and Lygonia - George Folsom. About 1/2 genealogical and biographical material. (1830) reprint, 352 pp., index, cloth, $31.00 #ZF300

Historical Family and Cemetery Records of the "Pigwacket" Area, New Suncook (Lovell and Sweden), Maine - Wayne Clark Gilman, Phillip Richards and Ola-Mae Wheaton. Several eminent historians skillfully untangled the social, economic and genealogical threads that intertwine among the families who settled this area. (Many of these families were original settlers of the Plymouth Colony.) This book combines historical background, census records, cemetery inscriptions, lists of town officials and biographical material in one definitive work. In 1725 a terrible battle occurred between the white settlers and the Pequawket (Pigwacket) Indians. Both sides suffered heavy losses in what has become known as the Lovewell Pond Incident. This incident is fully described in the introduction, with a list of names of all of the white participants. Early settlers recognized the desirability of this area for raising livestock and harvesting timber for ship masts. The logs could be transported to shipbuilding centers in Portsmouth and Falmouth via the Saco River. By the 20th century, the natural beauty of the area inspired development of the tourist trade. Remarkably, descendants of many of the original settlers remain in the Pigwacket area to this day. Chapter I gives a brief history of the area and reveals the close relationships between the local families through all those years. The census records in Chapter II are in alphabetical order and are cross-indexed. The lists of town officials in Chapter III begins in 1800 and goes up to 1996. Chapter IV contains the Lovell cemetery inscriptions in alphabetical order, and Chapter V contains the Sweden cemetery inscriptions listed by row location, with an index. Chapter VI is a tribute to another local historian, Ms. Charlotte Hobbs. Maps and illustrations enhance the text. The reference section gives a complete list of resources. 1998, 230 pp., 8.5x11, illus., maps, cloth, $39.50 #ZG346

Portland in the Past With Historical Notes of Old Falmouth - William Goold. In this book, first published in 1886, the author achieved his goal of preparing "a volume of reliable local history...which should be entertaining as well as instructive." Mr. Goold begins with Captain Christopher Levett, who settled a plantation in 1623 on an island near the coastal area that would later become the town of Portland, Maine. With 1623 as the beginning date, he spends the remaining 500-plus pages spinning a chronological history of Portland and the surrounding area through the middle of the 19th century. The author's ability to strike a good balance among the various types of history-social, political, religious and armed conflict-is one reason for the success of this volume. The discussion of numerous individuals who played a role in and influenced the development of the region, such as Governor Robert Gorges, John Winter, Arthur Macworth, Governor Shirley and Governor Andros to name a few, is another. Conflicts with the displaced Indian peoples were prevalent and came to a head during the First Indian (or Philip's) and Second Indian Wars of the late 17th century. These wars and their effects upon the populace and further settlement have received due attention, as have the later wars such as the French and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War, the War with Tripoli and the War of 1812. An everyname plus subject index is available to ease the reader's search for specific individuals, and over fifteen illustrations provide visual appeal. For the genealogical researcher, local historian or simply the interested reader, this extensive volume of history will be a valuable edition to the bookshelf. (1886) reprint, 527 pp., illus., index, paper, $39.50 #ZG556

Index to Portland Newspapers, 1785-1835 - William B. Jordan, Jr. Items selected for inclusion cover social, cultural, intellectual, economic, financial, maritime, and literary history; local political events of an unusual nature; prominent personalities; and the occasional obituary. About 30,000 entries. The sixteen newspapers indexed are: The Falmouth Gazette, Cumberland Gazette, Eastern Herald, Portland Gazette, Eastern Argus, Portland Advertiser, Daily Courier, Christian Mirror, Christian Pilot, Downing Gazette, Maine Farmer, Yankee Farmer, The Jeffersonian, Independent Statesman, The Yankee, and Family Reader. This work is alphabetically arranged by surname and topic. 1994, 396 pp., 8.5x11, paper, $56.00 #ZJO01

Westbrook, Maine, Cemeteries; Plus the Surrounding Towns of Cumberland, Falmouth, Gorham, Portland & Windham - Karen Sherman Ketover. Neatly organized by cemetery name, each list notes whether or not the cemetery could be found and the method of compilation used, whether stone by stone transcription or written record. In addition to transcribing names and dates from the stones, the author has included, when available, names of relatives of the deceased, inscriptions from memorial markers, cemetery histories, and notes about the condition of the cemetery or particular stones. If the inscriptions were impossible to read, the author at times supplemented the gaps with information from turn-of-the-century newspaper articles, obituaries, and town histories. 1996, 447 pp., maps, index, paper, $36.50 #ZK175

Fabius M. Ray's Story of Westbrook - Karen Sherman Ketover. This book is a compilation of manuscripts and printed articles written by the late Fabius M. Ray about the town of Westbrook, Maine. Prompted by numerous requests and the popularity of the original (aged and now fading) manuscripts, Ms. Ketover has re-typed and indexed Mr. Ray's valuable lifetime of work. The text includes information about the history of the old ironworks, the many churches in Westbrook, saw and grist mills, the Westbrook manufacturing company, Haskell silk mill, S. D. Warren Co., Dana Warp Mills, pewter manufacture, underground railroad, schools and canals. Also included is a fullname index for quick reference. 1998, 250 pp., fullname index, paper, $25.00 #ZK176

Sketches of the History of the Town of Camden, Maine - John L. Locke. This work, first published in 1859, was originally started as a column in a local newspaper. Eventually it was decided by all parties involved that it would be most advantageous to broaden the scope of the work and put it into a more permanent book form. Sources employed include the public libraries and State Archives of Maine and Massachusetts; private collections of books, papers and documents; and, most importantly, the societal and town records of Camden. In addition, Locke derived a considerable amount of information from the older generations of Camden and surrounding areas. Using this eclectic fountain of knowledge, he was able to produce an authoritative study of the town of Camden, ME. The sketches begin with the earliest accounts of the colonial history of Maine. Locke discusses the discoveries made by well-known explorers like George Weymouth, Martin Pring and Capt. John Smith. Locke's exposition follows with a description of the formidable environs the first settlers encountered, and tells of the relationship the newcomers developed with the local Indians. During the War of Independence the streets of Camden were replete with ardent rebel supporters, and because of this they became subject to the marauding raids of the British-allied bandits and privateers. The War of 1812 paralleled the Revolution in this respect. It seems Camden, being a coastal town, was always quite susceptible to assault from the sea. These wars, however, were not the end of Camden. It lived on to become a center for paper production and established a prospering trade in salt. Affluent citizens started secret societies, like the International Order of Odd Fellows; as well as historical organizations and debate clubs. But along with its new-found wealth this thriving community also suffered great social upheaval and the threat of plague. The town was stricken with consternation, awaiting a cholera epidemic which, at the time, was sweeping the rest of nation; "obnoxious laws" were enacted that inevitably effected a rift between the rich and the poor; temperance campaigns also served to divide the town even further. The final chapters of the book go on to discuss the development of the churches and religious societies of Camden. Also, there is a concise yet colorful depiction of the town in "A View of Camden as It Is-1859." Some sections of genealogical interest include "Biographical Sketches" and "Business Register." There is also a brand-new fullname index to aid in genealogical research. This volume is sure to satisfy Maine aficionados. (1859) reprint, 276 pp., append., illus., new fullname index, paper, $24.00 #ZL515

Collections of the Maine Historical Society. Vol. IV - Maine Historical Society. Included within are: a paper on the early settlements on Sandy River; a letter from General Washington to General Knox with remarks on American manufactures; two articles on the language of the Abnaquies or eastern Indians; the full text of three Indian treaties, dated 1735, 1749 and 1752; an early essay onKittery written in 1751; an article on the ancient settlement of Sheepscott; a memoir of Rev. Paul Coffin written by his grandson Cyrus Woodman and the full text of eight of his journals, which document his extensive travels throughout New England in the late 1700s. (1856) reprint, 433 pp., illus., new index, paper, $32.00 #ZM035

History of Waldoboro, Maine - Samuel L. Miller. The town of Waldoboro, situated on an inlet about halfway along the Maine coastline, has a history dating back to the 1600s, at which time the territory it now occupies was known as the Muscongus Patent. In 1731, Samuel Waldo of Boston (also known as General Waldo) acquired title to the whole region. In 1773, the Massachusetts legislature passed an act incorporating the settlement of Broad Bay into the town of Waldoborough, which later became known simply as Waldoboro. The town began by establishing highways, and within a few years a school. The book describes the approach of the Revolutionary War and lists several dozen soldiers from Waldoboro who served in the conflict, telling of some fatal confrontations in the town. In 1785 the Medomak River was bridged for the first time, and in 1790 the first census revealed a town population of 1206. The book gives a list of all heads of families in this enumeration. Growth of the population was curbed by the practice of "warning out" in which newcomers were prevented from gaining a residence lest they claim assistance from the town in case of poverty. By 1800 there was a customs-house, mail service and several grist-mills. The succeeding chapters trace the history of the town forward through about 1910, including a lengthy chapter on the Civil War period, which lists several pages of soldiers from Waldoboro. The last few chapters detail topics such as shipbuilding in Waldoboro (including a table of ships built in Waldoboro, including builders and tonnages from 1829 to 1904), the German Meeting House, churches and lodges, and biographical sketches of about forty citizens of the town. The book ends with a list of about 250 town officers, some addenda and an index of subjects and names. (1910) reprint, 306 pp., illus., everyname plus subject index, paper, $24.00 #ZM360

Ties of Common Blood: A History of Maine's Northeast Boundary Dispute with Great Britain, 1783-1842 - Geraldine Tidd Scott. The definitive history of the boundary dispute as experienced by the citizens and officials at the local, state, and provincial levels, both British and American. Based on journals, documents, speeches, letter books, and collections of correspondence of participants on both sides of the controversy to chronicle the dispute from its origins to the establishment of an agreed- upon boundary with the Treaty of Washington in 1842. Appendices list settlers in the disputed territory and neighboring Aroostook County towns, Canadian timber harvesters, the land agent's civil posse, militia rolls, land claims from Aroostook, etc. 1991, 445 pp., maps, illus., bibl., index, paper, $35.50 #ZS159

Early Families of Standish, Maine - Albert J. Sears. An alphabetically-arranged male-line genealogical study of the early families of Standish up to about 1810 (and occasionally into the mid-1800s), with a brief sketch of each family. An attempt was made to include the place in which a settler lived before residing in Standish, and if he did not live in Standish permanently, to what location he moved. A proprietor's map of Pearsontown (Standish) and a cross-index of names are included. 1991, 366 pp., map, buried name index, $25.00 #ZS107

Ancient Dominions of Maine - Rufus King Sewall. This comprehensive work is an aggressive study of the history of the early age of Maine. The area of discussion concentrates on three distinct periods. In the words of the author, "History has a natural division into three views. The first relates to discovery; the second treats of settlement and occupancy of the country; and the third embraces an account of the accidents, disturbances, and disasters incident to the establishment of the homes of a new race." More specifically this work encompasses "the earliest facts..." through "other incidents of history, together with the religious developments of society within the Ancient Sagadahoc, Sheepscot and Pemaquid precincts and dependencies." Sewall adroitly covers exploration of native remains, French and English discovery and settlement of Maine, and Indian conflict, and ultimately closes with a succinct synopsis of the ante-revolutionary and revolutionary periods. Within these pages there is a veritable treasure of genealogical information, ranging from brief biographical sketches to descriptions of town settlement and incorporation, local government and commerce. This task Sewall carries out with great expertise in a format which is easily read and understood. A new fullname index has been added to aid in the research of family history. (1859) reprint, 376 pp., illus., new fullname index, paper, $29.00 #ZS179

History of the Town of Leeds, Androscoggin County, Maine, From Its Settlement, June 10, 1780 - J. C. Stinchfield, with new material added by David C. Young. Over three-quarters of this book is devoted to genealogical records of the early settlers of Leeds, Maine. The main section contains biographical and genealogical information regarding more than forty of the town's leading families. Additional noteworthy chapters include the records of Marriage Intentions from 1801-1901 and the Genealogy section containing Leeds men who were living at the time the book was published (c.1901) and listing their children, parentage and paternal and maternal grandparents. The text's narrative history covers: the founding of the town, its location and natural features; aborigines; churches; schools; "Professional Men"; some "First Things"; a list of town officers spanning 1801-1901; and military records for the American Revolution, War of 1812 and Civil War. Appendix I contains the historical and genealogical information of six additional families, three of which were headed by African-American Revolutionary War soldiers. Appendix II consists of two lists of early settlers. The first is a "Schedule of Settlers on Townships on Pegyscot [Pejepscot] Patent: Littleboro' [Leeds]" between 1781 and 1794, from the original at the Maine Historical Society. The second list of Leeds settlers dates from around 1800 and is copied from Pejepscot Claim papers in the Androscoggin Historical Society. A lot map for the town of Leeds, drawn by the surveyor for the Pejepscot Land Company in the early 1800s, enhances this edition. The new master index will give the researcher easy access to the treasures within this book. This everyname index includes women's maiden and married names, and also contains subjects and towns. Illustrated with 45 portraits and town views. (c1901) reprint, 498 pp., illus., appends., new index, paper, $35.50 #ZS735

A Genealogical History of Freeman, Maine, 1796-1938, In Three Volumes - George A. Thompson and F. Janet Thompson. Without ever moving from its original survey site, the town of Freeman has been in two states and five counties. As a result, historians of many different New England regions will be interested in this set, which is more than just a town history. In addition to the sections addressing a variety of historical topics, there is a large genealogical register containing information on nearly every family that has lived in Freeman during the time period covered. 1996, 1353 pp., 3 vols., 8.5x11, index, paper, $165.50 #ZT360

The Centennial History of Waterville -Rev. Edwin Carey Whittemore. Waterville, in Kennebec County in south-central Maine, was incorporated by an act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1802, prior to which its history falls under that of the town of Winslow, which was incorporated in 1771, with the earliest settlement estimated to have taken place in the 1760s. This book is primarily about the first hundred years of Waterville's history, and about the centennial celebrations in 1902, where you will read about displays such as a 5,250-pound, 11-acre piece of paper. The hundred year history of Waterville includes chapters about the military history (including an eight-page roll of honor), churches, and public schools, Colby College and Coburn Classical Institute, secret fraternal orders, social life, agriculture, manufacturing, banking, the Waterville Woman's Association, the Free Library, the press, businesses and institutions, the medical profession, the bar (legal profession), the teachers, and famous documents in the town history. The book is illustrated with photographs of people, buildings and other things pertinent to the town history. There is an everyname and subject index. (1902) reprint, 592 pp., 2 vols., illus., everyname plus subject index, paper, $45.00 #ZW337

Stackpole's History of Winthrop, Maine, with Genealogical Notes - David C. Young and Elizabeth Keene Young. This second edition covers all of the 253 early families in the 1790 Census for Winthrop. The early settlers were primarily of English or French/German Huguenot descent who came from MA and NH by way of Pownalborough, ME. About seventy-five percent of the original book was devoted to detailed genealogies of these early settlers, to which this edition adds 135 pages of new material. The other twenty-five percent of the book is devoted to a narrative history of the town (from Stackpole's original book). 1994, 993 pp., 2 vols., illus., maps, bibl., index, paper $65.50 #ZY590

Abstracts of Death Notices (1833-1852) and Miscellaneous News Items from the Maine Farmer (1833-1924) - David C. Young and Benjamin Lewis Keene. An excellent companion to Marriage Notices from the Maine Farmer. The authors are to be commended for completing this project, which was originally started in the 1940s by the National Youth Administration, but was abandoned when funds were no longer available. This collection of abstracts, including birth, death and other miscellaneous news items, will be useful to both professional and amateur genealogists, not only for the information the abstracts contain, but also for the clues they give to finding further information. For ease of use, the abstracts are arranged alphabetically by surname. This volume contains several valuable research tools in addition to the abstracts. First, a very informative section that contains letters written by children. These letters often reveal important details of family history, such as, "Daddy went to California to work in the gold mines. I have a sister named Sally, she is eight years old. I had a little brother named Tommy but he died." The next part, Communications and Editorial Correspondence, contains interesting letters and comments from the newspaper's readers. Another section includes selected news articles, chosen for their historical or genealogical value. An index of names of the dozens of ships which were featured in many news stories is included. Finally, the other newspapers which contributed information to the Farmer (and the cities in which they were published) are listed alphabetically for quick reference. 1997, 471 pp., index, paper, $34.00 #ZY582

Vital Records from Maine Newspapers, 1785-1820 - David C. Young and Elizabeth Keene Young. Most of the records abstracted in this book include marriages, deaths, notices of runaways, estate notices, and some of the unusual and sensational headlines of the day. The abstracts are condensed with abbreviations because of the sheer volume of information. For reference purposes, each entry contains a citation which identifies the publication and issue date. A handy Maine newspaper bibliography provides the town in which each newspaper was published and the library locations in which the papers or microfilm can be found for further research. A bibliography of more than sixty references and a list of research libraries are also provided. 1993, 797 pp., 2 vols., paper $56.50 #ZY585