Walter Merryman was kidnapped in an Irish port in 1700 and brought to Boston, Massachusetts, where he was indentured to a shipbuilder in Portland, Maine. He married Elizabeth Potter and settled in Harpswell, Maine. Descendants and relatives lived in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho and elsewhere. Includes Alexander, Curtiss, Hamilton, McManus, Stover, Webber and related families.
John Gyles captivity narrative provides a stunning display of Abenaki culture and lifestyle, as it was in the 1690’s. John was 10 years old when he was taken captive in the attack on Pemaquid (Bristol Maine) and his narrative provides an accounting of his harrowing treatment by his Indian captors, as well as the three years exile with his French owners at Jemseg New Bruswick. His faith in Christ remains central in the well-being of his mind throughout his ordeal.
Judge John Rowlett Woodside was born in 1814 in Calloway County, Kentucky. After moving to Missouri and then to Oregon County, he began teaching but shifted to law following an injury. Admitted to practice, he became State attorney and served in the State Legislature during the secession ordinance. He later recruited for the Confederacy before being captured. Elected as district judge in 1872, he served for fourteen years and was known for his dedication. He passed away on February 28, 1887, leaving a lasting legacy in Oregon County.