Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-01-02
ENOCH LINCOLN.
THE POET GOVERNOR OF MAINE,
his FORTUNATE LIFE AND MELANCHOLY
DEATH.
rrawaraH. Elwel, Esq

Enoch Lincoln came oil distinguished
lineage. He was ore Of a family OF
governors. His father, Levi Lincoln.
served in Jefferson's cabinet as attorney
general Of the United States, was lieu
tenant governor Of Massachusetts, in 1907
and 1908, and on the decease of Gov
ernor Sullivan, in December of the latter
year. he discharged the duties OF chief
magistrate from that time till the follow
ing Nav. His elder brother, Levi Lin
coin. Jr..-six years his senior-an en-
inent lawyer and statesman, was IN 1925
selected By both Of the political parties
in Massachusetts, as their candidate for
governor of the State. and was elected
with grea; unanimity by the people. In
1884 he was elected representative IN
Congress, serving three terms.
Enoch Lincoln. the subject of this
sketch, was born in Worcester, Massa-
chuse,ts. December IS, 1888. He was
the fourth son of Levi Lincoln. Enter
ing the sophomore class of Harvard COL
lege in 1906, he subsequently, received
the degree of Master of Arts from Bow
doin college. studied law with his broth
er Levi at Worcester, and was there ad-
ni,,ed 70 the bar in 1911. He began
practice in Salem, but soon returned 70
his native town, where he practiced with
considerable reputation, but in 1912 re-
moved to Fryeburg in Maine. Fryeburg
has had the distinction Of numbering
Daniel Webster among the preceptors OF
her famous academy ; she has given the
State many eminent men, among whom
may be mentioned the Fessendens and
John W. Dana, governor Of the State
from 1919 10 1850, but it may be aeeoun-
ted not the least among her claims TO
consideration that i, was amid her beau
tiful scenery that our poet governor con.
ceived and executed his poem Of The
Village" 1t Is her scenery that Is de-
scribed in this poem, and its pictures of
rural life are drawn from the pursuits
and occupations Of her people.
Asa young practitioner, just entering
upon his career a, the bar, Mr.. Lincoln,
now in his twenty-6fth year, would not
unlikely have much leisure upon his
hands. With his studious habits these
hours could not be idly spent, and ne
made the aboriginal inhabitants, still re-
naming in the neighborhOod, the subject
Of his researches. Il was his custom to
spend some weeks or months IN each
wear in rambling in the woods, and hold
ing converse with nature and her simple
children. His hatred Of oppression led
him 10 sympa,hize with the Indian IN
his fallen condition, and he spent much
time in collecting all those objects and
documents which might throw light up
on the manners, customs, habits and dis
positions of the ancient lords Of the soil.
His study bore testimony to his zeal IN
this direction, being ornamented with
the branching antIers Of the moose,
the caribou and the deer, with a map OF
the Cmbagog Lakes, drawn on birch
bark by one of the natives, over which
hung full length portal, of an Indian
chief. While residing at Fyeburg ne
delivered a poem az the centennial cele-
braiion of the fight at Lovewelrs Pond,
and he also made an imitation of Pc
nobscot song in welcome Of the French
whom he always considered TO have been
the trues, friends of the Indians.
But that while thus pursuing his favo
rite studies. and dallying with the muse
poetry, he did no, neglect his profession
al duties and opportunities, is manifest
ed by the fact that he soon gained
prominen, position at the bar. and that
after a residence in Fryeburg of only sew
en- wears be was chosen to succeed the
Hon. Albion X. Paris as representative
in Congress. 1t was a; this time, 1919,
that he removed from Fryeburg to the
neighboring shire town Of Paris, where
he extended his PROFESSIONAL practice and
reputation. Mr.. Lincoln subsequently
removed to Portland, though at what
precise date | have not been able to as
certain.
He served three terms in Congress
from 1919 TO 1926. have not had the
opportunity to trace his Congressional
career. but there can be no doubt that
the records of Congress would show that
he performed with ability his full share
of legislative labOrs. Certain 1t IS 'ha
his Congressional labors brought HIM In
to such prominence in his own State
that in 1926 be was chosen with grea
pnanimity to succeed so popular a gov
ernor as Albion X. Paris, and this be
IL At