Franklin County ME

The ancestry of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine

The ancestry and posterity of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine

The ancestry and posterity of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine traces from John Dow and Johan Coop of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. The first descendant in America, Henry Dow, came from England to America in 1637 with his wife, four children, and a maid. He first settled at Watertown, Massachusetts before relocating to Hampton, New Hampshire. He wrote his surname variously as Dow, Dow and Doue. One of the first Dow to settle in Avon, was Joshua, son of John and Betsey (Strout) Dow, who moved from Portland to Avon soon after his brother and sister, and settled before 1828 near Mt. Blue and Mt. Blue Pond.

Surnames: Briggs, Bryon, Crockett, Davenport, Dickey, Doue, Dow, Dowe, Dresser, Dunham, Esty, Hall, Harnden, Harradon, Hinkley, Kinney, Kittredge, Ladd, McLaughlin, Mitchell, Orberton, Pettingell, Richardson, Ross, Sampson, Sedgeley, Stinchfield, Vining, Walton, Webber, and Worthley.

Biography of Captain Z. C. Norton

Captain Z. C. Norton, born in Farmington, Maine, on December 29, 1808, was a notable pioneer in Oregon’s early history. He began his maritime career at fourteen, eventually commanding his vessel. In 1848, he ventured to the Pacific coast, navigating the perilous Columbia River bar. Captain Norton played a significant role in the coasting trade, supported destitute immigrants, and was a community figure in early Portland. He passed away on February 13, 1879, leaving a legacy of philanthropy and integrity.

Biography of Shepard Keene Linscott

Shepard Keene Linscott, born on March 6, 1887, in Chesterville, Maine, embodied American manhood through his pioneering spirit and community contributions. After leaving home at sixteen, he became a farmer in Indiana, later marrying Myra Simmons and serving in the Civil War. He excelled in business as the president of S. K. Linscott Bank in Kansas and played a crucial role in agricultural advancements. A dedicated family man and gentleman, his legacy of love and integrity left an indelible mark on his descendants and community.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Franklin Thwing

Charles Franklin Thwing, born in New Sharon, Maine, on November 9, 1853, served as an influential university president and ordained minister. He graduated from Harvard and Andover Theological Seminary, later earning multiple honorary degrees. Thwing was pastor at North Ave. Church in Cambridge and Plymouth Church in Minneapolis before presiding over Western Reserve University and Adelbert College. An accomplished author and editor, his works include titles on education and college life, and he contributed significantly to educational discourse through public speaking and writing.

Biography of Albert A. Newman

Albert A. Newman, originally from Maine, has been a significant figure in Kansas since 1868, primarily in Arkansas City, where he played a pivotal role in its development. Arriving in 1870, he established a prosperous dry goods enterprise, later becoming the president of Newman Dry Goods Company, recognized as the largest department store in the region. He also contributed to local banking and utilities, founding several corporations. As a dedicated community leader and two-term mayor, Newman’s influence extended across business, industry, and civic engagement, shaping the economic landscape of Southern Kansas.

Biography of Ebenezer Griffin Brown

Ebenezer Griffin Brown, known as Judge Brown, was a prominent pioneer of Riverside, California, and a founding member of the Southern California Colony Association. He advocated for the purchase of Riverside lands and, after returning from Iowa, successfully established the colony in 1870. Settling on 104 acres, he transformed his homestead, “The Anchorage,” into a thriving retreat with expansive orange groves and accommodations for guests. Born in 1821 in Maine, Brown had diverse business ventures before his 1871 move to California. He was a respected community leader and devoted family man.

Biography of Leroy S. Dyar

Leroy S. Dyar, born in Maine in 1833 to agricultural parents, ventured to the Pacific coast in 1858. Initially mining, he later transitioned to farming and teaching in Oregon, before entering mercantile business in Salem. Appointed Postmaster in 1864, Dyar became an Indian agent at the Klamath Reservation, skillfully managing tensions with rebellious Native Americans. His life included active community involvement in Ontario, where he planted the first orchard and supported local education and churches. Dyar was married twice, with one son from his first marriage and a daughter from his second.

Biography of Orin J. Nevins

Orin J. Nevins, born December 28, 1842, in Farmington, Maine, was a prominent figure in the lumber industry, particularly in Holyoke and Turners Falls. After serving in the Civil War, he became general manager of the Comstock Mill and later worked with the Connecticut Valley Lumber Company. Retiring in 1914, he also ventured into real estate. A descendant of a lineage boasting no criminals or millionaires, he married Laura J. Merrill in 1866, raising a family that includes three children.

Amaseconti Tribe

The Amaseconti, a subdivision of the Abnaki tribe, lived primarily in Franklin County, Maine, especially around Farmington Falls and New Sharon. They participated in the early conflicts against English settlers and were signatories of the 1713 treaty in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Although some Amaseconti remained in their homelands until about 1797, the last family relocated to St. Francis in lower Canada, where they retained their identity until 1809.

Biographical Sketch of John F. Adams

John F. Adams, born in 1835 in Maine, is the founder of Adams, Oregon, and a significant figure in Umatilla County. After moving to Oregon at age twenty-two, he initially taught school for five years before entering the sheep business. In 1865, he relocated his flocks to Umatilla County, where he expanded into cattle and fine horses. An advocate for local welfare, Adams has significantly contributed to the region’s prosperity. Married to Susan F. Fry in 1878, they have four children.