| Penobsot's Biographies, Continued |
| Mark Devereux ( 1851 - 1937 ) In the town of West Penobscot, opposite Morse's Cove, where the waters of the Penobscot River empty into the bay, is the present home of Russell Devereux, the grandson of Mark Devereux. It conceivably is the oldest house in Penobscot. If not the oldest, it certainly is one of the oldest. The deed dates back to 1785, and as Russell states, his ancestors lived in the house prior to this date. the house was built by Mark Devereux's grandfather, Ralph Devereux,II who lived and died there. He is buried in the tiny family cemetery on the premises. Mark Devereux, Born in 1851, the son of Ruben Devereux, also lived in this abode all of his long and active life, except for a brief two year period. When his brother Augustus was elected sherriff of Hancock County, Mark became his Chief deputy, and lived in Ellsworth throughout most of 1874 and 1875. Following this duty, he then chose to return to his farm on the Penobscot River. Tilling the soil was his chief aim. In 1884 he married Laura Clark of Castine, and became the proud parents of three sons, Ruben, Joseph and Frank. Mark also found time to serve Penobscot as Selectman for several years. Mark's son Ruben, devoted much of his life to public service, serving some time as a State of Maine Legislator. He was also active in presiding over Penobscot town meetings as moderator. Joseph, became the captain of a yacht owned by a wealthy New Yorker, and Frank, along with his wife Lowena, operated Devereux's Ices, a lobster pound and an ice cream parlor for many years. Since this business was near the Castine boundry line, it also became the North Castine Post Office. In the rear of Devereux's Ices, Frank cleared a field and developed it into a baseball dimond. Many a delightful Sunday has been spent by a huge crowd watching the favorite pastime of this era. After living four score and six years, Mark died in 1937, ironically the very year in which Oscar Shepard, reporter for the Bangor Daily News, wrote a most interesting and lengthly artice concerning the Devereux family history. His wife, Laura, survived him by only four years. They both are buried in the family cemetery. William S. Bridges (1861 - 1941 ) Better known to most people as just plain "Will" Bridges, he too is deserving of a place in the history of Penobscot, mainly because of his long period of public service as a selectmen. Elected to office initally as a third selectmen in 1900, along with Walter Creamer and Mark Devereux, he soon advanced to first selectmen in 1906. Obviously he won the respect and admiration of the towns people since they re-elected him to the same office, and on a consecutive basis, throughout the next 30 years. Known for his self-developed skills, natural insite, and unquestionable integrity, he was very successful in the management of town affairs. These talents coupled with a gentle and patient personality and a contagious sense of humor that made everyone simply feel good, were the key to his longevity as first selectmen. He served the longest span of years any one person has ever served in this position. He also will be fondly remembered for his trademark, a curvaceous coustache which always partially covered an ever present cigar. His affections for his horse "Diamond" was obvious, and he was honest to admit that his only religion was the "Golden Rule". In spite of his popularity, little is known about Will Bridges since he has no living decendants. However, Bertha Bowden, Etta Leach Gregor and Irene McNelly Perkins have provided some interesting facts. Will was born in Penobscot in 1861, one of three sons born to George Bridges and Nancy Harrison. He was brought up on his fathers farm located just off the Peirces Pond road that eventually leads to the base of Mount Togas. When he became of age, an adventurous spirit led him to the State of Massachusetts where he was employed as a Horse-car trolly driver. Two years later he returned to his fathers farm and never left Penobscot again, at least for any length of time. Will subsequently married Nellie Dunbar, but unfortunately this marriage was short-lived sine Nellie died of consumption in 1894 at the young age of 31. One son, however, was the product of this marriage, Archer Bridges, better known as Arch. Although listed in the town register of 1906 as a book keeper, Arch will be better remembered as a butcher. He not only slaughtered animals but also operated a meat wagon in the 1920's and 1930's. He died in 1939. Will later married Jennie, to whom he was wed for a long span of years. There was no children born of this marriage. On October 20, 1931, Penobscot gave will Bridges a wounderful party on his 70th birthday. It was held in the town hall and was well attended by people who wanted to say " thanks " to Will for a job well done. And so after a good long life of 80 years, William S. Bridges, Farmer and Politician, passed on to a greater reward in 1941. He is buried in the family cemetery located adjacent to the original home site. Jennie, his wife, was buried beside him eight years later in 1949. |
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