Joseph Baker of Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard, Readfield and Moscow, Maine

Baker Mountain in Moscow.
Joseph Baker built his log cabin
here at its base - long before 
this section of the Kennebec River
was flooded and became Wyman Lake.    

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For years I was curious about Joseph Baker – the man who lived his last days in a cage.

I knew that when he lived in Readfield 1770-1783 he served his community, church and country as a responsible, energetic and ambitious man. I knew that in addition to helping establish Readfield (then part of Winthrop), he moved his family to Moscow, ME - the first to settle there. I knew the people of Moscow named a mountain after him. But that was about all I knew. 

In researching Joseph for my Readfield 1791 project I uncovered a story that deserves more telling than

In Readfield Joseph Baker built his home
on the shore of Chandler's Mill Pond
(Lake Maranacook) near the current
location of Readfield's town beach.

a short paragraph. He lived more than eight decades - a pioneer,  Revolutionary War Veteran, Methodist preacher,  adventurer, husband and father. He deserves to be remembered as more than “the man who died living in a cage”. I think you will agree after you read his story. 

Within these 34 pages you will also learn about life on Martha's Vineyard and the trip from there to the Kennebec River and on to Readfield; how the settlers cleared their land and constructed their cabins - with pictures of the interior of a typical cabin; the environment they endured to do so; other family members (the Smiths) who joined Joseph Baker and where they settled; the worst winter in the 18th century and the spring freshet that followed; the invasion of the army worms; Joseph Baker's son who was responsible for starting the Aroostook War; and much more!
 

Joseph Baker is an interesting read, comfortably written, with the scholarship evident.

Florence Drake, President, Readfield Historical Society

The monographs that Dale M. Potter-Clark is writing about the little known and unsung pioneers of Maine’s backcountry will help future scholars have a better understanding of what actually happened here in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Kent G. London, Board of Directors, Kennebec Historical Society and Vassalboro Historical Society

 

Dale’s research about Joseph Baker is an important addition to our knowledge about one of our earliest settlers in the upper Kennebec River Valley.
Marilyn Sterling Gondek, Board of Directors, Old Canada Road Historical Society, Bingham, ME

34 pages include pictures, illustrations, maps, references and endnotes. $12.50 plus tax + S+H. Order now using PayPal or mail a check payable to Dale Marie Clark (see right column FMI).

TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THE LEAD in READFIELD, MAINE 1908-1976

This is one of more than 200 pictures that appear in this book.

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To Those Who Followed the Lead in Readfield 1908 - 1976 is dedicated to the town officers, committee members,  select boards, and the teachers and educational staff who have given of themselves to Readfield and her people during that period of time. All their names and positions will be listed in the book.

 

There are 200 pictures included of families, individuals, buildings, businesses and more. This publication also includes births, deaths, marriages; resident taxpayers living in Readfield in 1930 and 1970; teachers, committee members and the names of those who served on the select board between 1908-1976.

145 pages. PRICE REDUCED! $30.00 + tax + S&H. See the right column for information on how to place an order.

 

The Sanborns of East Readfield ~ Life in Frog Valley and Beyond...

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In reading

The Sanborns of East Readfield

you will learn about their influence on local industry and their community; 
their personal lives and struggles; and how their influence had a large bearing on
the rise and fall of East Readfield village.

Peter Sanborn moved to East Readfield
in 1813. In the years that followed he and 
his sons built two businesses, and a
thriving village began to evolve. 

In 1813 a young man named Peter Sanborn moved to East Readfield from Kingston, New Hampshire. He was industrious, smart and ambitious. Within a few years Peter, and his sons Peter F. and Joseph A., changed the face of East Readfield. Under their leadership the wilderness surrounding Carleton Pond evolved from one of scattered primitive homes and businesses to a busy village with two stores, post office, school and lyceum in addition to the Sanborn's tannery and an oil cloth factory. Their influence was also significant in the growth and expansion of the historic Jesse Lee Methodist Meeting House. From reading this book you will learn about the Sanborn's lives and influence on the village of East Readfield and beyond, and about the rise and fall of what we now call "the Vanished Village".

 

Two excerpts from The Sanborns of East Readfield:

Monopolies sprung up throughout the United States after the Civil War and Readfield was not immune. In nearby Winthrop, Maine C.M. Bailey had also been making oilcloth, and that business was expanding exponentially. The Sanborn brothers were smart businessmen and undoubtedly were aware of Bailey’s business goals  - his factory eventually grew to be one of, if not the largest, oilcloth manufacturing plants in the United States. In the meantime Peter continued to face some personal challenges. His first wife died in 1864 leaving him alone and grief stricken until...

...Joseph A. bravely left Readfield, Maine wondering how he would be received in the south – concerned if he might even be accosted by the fast growing Ku Klux Clan. The West of course presented its own threats with Indian attacks and weather conditions he was not accustomed to. He was gone for several weeks...

Contents include:

1) Peter Sanborn;  2) East Readfield tannery in the beginning; 3) Sanborn’s tannery 1818-1863; 4)The brothers' Sanborn; 5) Community Service, Religion and Education; 6) The times they are a changing (post Civil War); 7) Sanborn oilcloth factory 1835-1872; 8) A new lease on life arises (for Peter Sanborn); 9) Where from here (after East Readfield); 10) The vanishing village (East Readfield); 11) Epilogue (Augusta Water District); 12) Sanborn genealogy (in brief); 13) Appendixes (maps, pictures, etc.); 14) Endnotes and references.

24 pages includes many pictures, illustrations, maps and 4 pages of references and endnotes. $12.50 plus S+H. Order now using PayPal or mail a check payable to  Dale Marie Clark (see right column FMI).

Rev. Isaac Case, a Biography

Rev. Isaac Case
Baptist Missionary

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This biography includes maps, many pictures and a complete list of references. You will read about Rev. Isaac Case during his early years as well as his heritage. Learn about his service in the Revolutionary War, his calling to the Baptist religion and his movement towards becoming a missionary in Maine. Rev. Case  facilitated the establishment of more Baptist churches than anyone (in Maine and eastern Canada) - including in East Readfield. He personally conducted more than  1,000 baptisms throughout those areas as well. In spite of all those efforts, his extensive travels throughout this part of New England and Canada, and all the relationships he formed along the way, he chose Readfield as the home for his wife and  children.
In this biography you will learn about "his" church at East Readfield and influence on the Baptists in nearby Manchester and Winthrop. You will discover where he lived - including pictures of his log cabin and its location on the Case Road (now discontinued). You will learn about his son Elisha who was a powerful influence in Readfield as a surveyor, local politics and business partner of the Sanborn brother in the manufacturing of oilcloth. If you are interested in knowing more about the Case family, Readfield history, and / or the Baptist history in Central Maine you will not be disappointed.
14 pages; $10.00 plus S&H. You can order by mail or right now via PayPal or send a check to Dale Marie Clark. See the column to your right FMI about how to place your order.

Elder James Potter: He Preached in Readfield on His Way to Paris

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James Potter, of Topsham and Bowdoin (Potterstown), was converted from the Congregational faith to Baptist at age 48. He ended up a Baptist missionary who traveled throughout the central district of Maine starting in the late 1700's. Prior to that there were no Baptists or ministers in that order in Maine except in York County. One of the towns he preached in was Readfield – barely more than a settlement at the time. He later embraced Rev. Isaac Case as a colleague. Case was responsible for building the first church in Readfield in 1792 (see this web site for more about Case).   Elder James Potter’s name appears in town histories throughout central Maine and as far west as Oxford County. He preached in Readfield on his way to Paris - Maine that is.

7 pages include pictures, maps, references and endnotes. $5.00 plus tax + S+H. Order now using PayPal or mail a check payable to Dale Marie Clark (see right column FMI).

John Lane and Jere Page homesteads and mills on Beaver Brook in East Readfield

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John Lane 1761 - 1846

John Lane was born 12/18/1761 in Hampton, NH a son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Perkins) Lane.  He married Ruth Morrill 12/1/1784, whose parents were Micajah and Susannah (Clough) Morrill of South Hampton, NH. John, Ruth and their four oldest children came to Readfield from Gilmanton, NH about 1797. In August of that year John Lane, a tanner, purchased parts of lots #135 and #136 for $200 from Robert Page, Esq. Lane built his home near the crest of the hill between Beaver Brook and Hutchins (also known as Hutchinson) Road. He also built and operated a flax (also called linseed) oil mill on Beaver Brook between the (current Ellis and Hutchison) homes; and he constructed the first dam on the brook which created the Mill Pond.  

Jere Page began his life in Readfield where he was born in 1787 – the fourth of seven siblings - of  Robert Page, Esq. and his wife Abigail (Brown) Page. Jere married Margaret “Peggy” Johnson in 1808 and it was about that time he built his home next door to John Lane - also on Beaver Brook. In 1822 John Lane sold land to Robert and Jere Page and on the north side of the highway. The deed mentioned the Page's sawmill which was already in operation. 

Excerpts from John Lane and Jere Page:
"...John Lane’s wife died in January 16, 1839. This surely caused him to reflect on what to do about his own future and how to arrange for the fate of his homestead. All of his sons had left Maine – except the oldest one, Joshua. He had married in 1825 to Elizabeth - a neighbor girl whose father was the Baptist preacher Isaac Case...Elizabeth’s brother Elisha Case partnered with the Sanborn brothers when they established an oil cloth factory in East Readfield village in the 1840s..."
NOTE that publications about Rev. Isaac Case and The Sanborn Brothers that also available.

"...Jere Page’s civic duties included State of Maine Representative 1826-1827. Perhaps the connections he made in that capacity are what led to him towards making a life changing decision..."

 

In reading the story of John Lane and Jere Page you will also learn about two early Readfield (Winthrop) settlers - brothers Simon and Robert  Page and of their accomplishments and land holdings. The Lane family is explored and some details of that family are woven into the story. Some information about flax oil mills and antique saw mill operations is also included as well as pictures, references, maps and other illustrations.

CONTENTS:
1) The John Lane homestead and oil mill a. John Lane and family b. Joshua Lane and family 
2) The Lane homestead carried on a. David & Betsey (Adle) Brown b. Samuel S. & Julia (Robinson)Greeley (of Mt. Vernon)
3) The Page family and some of their activities a. Samuel and Mary (Clark) Page b. Col. Simon Page
c. Samuel Page "Page's Tavern" d. Robert Page, Esq. e. Jeremiah "Jere" Page homestead and mill
f. Subsequent owners of Jere Page homestead 
4) Endnotes and references

12 pages $7.50 + tax + S&H Payment can be made via Pay Pal or check payable to Dale Potter Clark. See right column for more ordering information.

Samuel Smith homestead circa 1815: On the Road from the Corners to Winthrop Mills

Samuel Smith homestead circa 1815 

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Samuel Smith was the grandson of Mathias Smith, one of the earliest settlers in Readfield. He married a neighbor named Sally Davis. She was a daughter of Ben Davis who was a successful orchardist and farmer on Sturtevant Hill Road. This essay includes newly unearthed familial information as well as house pictures, maps and references.

Some excerpts from this publication...

...Samuel and Sally were married in Readfield Nov 11, 1815. He purchased the southern half of lot #67 – 80 acres – from William and Mary Gray on August 26, 1816.  In the deed part of the description says the land was located "on the road from the corners to Winthrop Mills." His purchase included a total of 80 acres – 50 on the west side and 30 on the east side of the road. Samuel chose a spot on the east side of the road to build his home...

...It was very common for the elderly parents to live the rest of their days on the family homestead, with the child who took over the farm. That was not the case in this situation. Samuel went to live in Joseph Hutchinson’s Inn at Readfield Depot...

...The 1850 census gives the strong impression that Samuel and Sally Davis had parted ways ...

Seven pages $7.50 + tax + S&H. Payment can be made via Pay Pal or check payable to Dale Marie Clark. FMI and / or to place an order see the right column.

Reflections of Readfield: The Story of Our Town

Readfield Historical Society has copies of Reflections of Readfield: The Story of Our Town available for a donation plus $5.00 S&H. We are pleased to assist with the distribution of these treasures! The book was published in 1975 by the Readfield Bicentennial Commission in celebration of the National Bicentennial. Though there have been many researchers who have interest in and have documented pieces about Readfield's past this is the only publication that has ever been made relative to the "history" of Readfield. Included are many, many pictures and tidbits about old families, businesses, homes and more. This is a must for your library if you have ever lived in or loved Readfield! 57pages. 

To make a donation, in addition to ordering this book, see the menu in the right column. When in the "PayPal Shopping Cart" you will be able to increase your donation in $5.00 increments as you wish. To order by check / U.S. Postal please make out two checks: 1) $5.00 S&H to Dale Potter Clark; 2) Readfield Historical Society (RHS) donation made out to Readfield Historical Society. RHS is a 501 C(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Acknowledgement will be sent to you by RHS for tax purposes. We Thank You for supporting this worthy organization and for helping to preserve Readfield's history!

3 Adell Road ~ Readfield Depot, Maine ~ 10/6/2015 OUT OF PRINT

Dale Marie Clark and Evelyn Adell Potter

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A memoire with historical facts about the house at 3 Adell Road, Readfield Depot, Maine and of the Adell family who lived there throughout the 20th Century. Also includes some history about Readfield Depot. Written in 2013 by Dale Marie Clark, with input by Evelyn Adell Potter and dedicated to the memory of Thomas Warren Adell. It  includes some surprises uncovered through research  and more than 60 pictures. 28 pages includes references for those who wish to explore further. $7.50 + S&H Place your order and make payment via PayPal or mail a check payable to  Dale Marie Clark (see right column FMI).

Dry Beans in the Snow and other Reflections

by Evelyn Adell Potter

This book, first published in 1992, is in its second printing. Dry Beans in the Snow and other Reflections is a collection of stories Potter wrote years ago for the Livermore Falls Advertiser. Potter's recollections span her childhood in Readfield Depot during the Depression and WWII, where she was born and grew up in the same homes with her parents, and paternal great grandparents and grandparents. The book also includes stories from throughout her years of married life with husband Henry and about their children and grandchildren. Potter was born, and has always lived, in the small central Maine town of Readfield. She attended Kents Hill School and was Secretary to the Headmaster for many years and also on staff at Readfield Town Office for many years. She has had articles published in several magazines and newspapers. Her hobbies, besides writing, include dancing and time with her family and many friends. Mrs. Potter is also an active member of the Readfield Historical Society and is recognized as the Readfield, Maine historian. She currently serves on the Readfield Cemetery Committee, Union Meeting House Advisory Board and is an active member of the Readfield History Walkers.

To Those Who Led The Way: Readfield Vital Records 1768 - 1913

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This book includes vital records of Readfield births, deaths and marriages organized so the reader can easily access the information they need. Perhaps the most helpful feature - especially for the family researcher - is the alphabetical listing of marriages by both bride and groom. Clark has done family research for 40+ years so recognized the challenge of finding the maiden names of women after they married. With this book identifying leads, or making educated guesses per the first or middle names of their children, is over. Many of Readfield's colonial settlers listed their families with the Readfield town clerk and included other morsels of information as well. These are all included. There is also a complete listing of veterans from all wars from The Revolution through Vietnam. This listing includes burial places - many who were not residents of Readfield at the time of enlistment but were buried here.

READFIELD, ME VR'S TABLE OF CONTENTS (235 pages)

I. Tribute to those who led the way
II. Dedications
III. Early Readfield taxpayers

IV. Section IBirths and Deaths 1768 – 1892
Births 1892 – 1900
Deaths 1892 – 1913
Marriages (by man) 1791 – 1819
Marriages (by woman) 1791 – 1819
Marriages (by man) 1808 – 1838
Marriages (by woman) 1808 - 1838
Marriages (by man) 1838 – 1900
Marriages (by woman) 1838 – 1900

V. Section II
Readfield, Maine Veterans Revolutionary War to
Vietnam War

Anthony Potter of Ipswich, MA 1627 ~ 1690

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Anthony Potter of Ipswich is the progenitor of our Potter family in Readfield. The first of our line to come to Maine was Anthony's great-great grandson, Solomon Potter, who was born in Ipswich July 29, 1749 and died May 25, 1800, in Whitefield, Lincoln County, Maine. From there subsequent generations moved on to Washington County; Aroostook County and at last - with a few other stops along the way - to Readfield, Kennebec County, Maine. This 17pg. essay - with pictures - focuses on the Potter family beginnings when they arrived in the "New World" in the 1630's. Also included, with guidance from the Ipswich Town Historian at the Ipswich Historical Society, are maps and pictures of the places in Ipswich where Anthony lived, worked and worshipped. I hope I have presented it in a way that makes it enjoyable and whets your appetite to learn more - perhaps you will even want to pay your own visit to Ipswich, MA. There are always questions unanswered and - no doubt - in the future there will be new information to ponder for as we all know "family histories never end." But for today - please do enjoy reading what we do know and dig in deep to feel your Potter roots!
Please note:
Proceeds after expenses will be deposited to our Potter Family Reunion account.

Dale Potter-Clark
May 2013