The Portland daily press., 1895-07-24

Jones about ITO Eleven sons and four
daughters blessed this marriage, of whom
William, father of Leander, was born
April IA, 1773. William Valentine mar
ried Abagail Spring, of Northboro, Mass,
and in 1903 removed to Westbrook, then
included in the old town of Falmouth.
William Valentine began in Westbrook as
a manufacturer of nails, at the same time
carrying on a grocery trade in the store
later occupied by L W. Edwards. He
was selectman of Westbrook for several
years, and an original trustee of the
Saccarappa Grammar School Association.
In 1915 William Valentine gave up all
other business for farming. He died in
1916, his wife in 1861. They had eleven
children, Albert, Leander Eand Caroline.
The latter married Moses B. Walker, of
Poland, Me-
Leander Valentine was educated in the
common Ischools of Westbl ook, and at
Westbrook Seminary, where he attended
two terms. As'soon as he became of age
Mr.. Valentine began teaching school, an
occupation which he followed nineteen
years, mostly in the schools of Westbrook.
Mr.. Valentine was engaged in the
grocery business for number of years,
first with 7. B. Edwards gas partner, and
later with the firms of Valentine, Hardy
& Co., and Valentine & Pennell.
In politics he began as one of those old,
anti-slavery Democrats, whose accession
contributed so much to the Republican
party. Mr.. Valentine left the old party
after the repeal of the Missouri Compro-
mise, and thereafter was an active and
influential Republican. He has held
various offices of public trust. For twelve
years he was a member of the school COM
mittee, and for two years selectman of
Westbrook. In 1s47-S he represented his
town in the Legislature, and in 1849 was
one of the State Senators from Cumber-
land county. In 1S50-52 he was men,
Der of Governor John Hubbard's Execu-
tive Council.
In May, 1861, Mr.. Valentine was ap-
pointed an official in the Portland Gus
tom House, and remained there until
September, 1S77,-six years as weigher
and gauger, one year as assistant apprais-
er and nine years as appraiser. At the
end of these sixteen years of service he
resigned on account of failing health.
In 1891 the old town of Westbrook be-
came city, and a mayor was substituted
for the board of selectmen. It was fitting
that the Republicans should turn to Mr..
Valentine as one of their Oldest and most
trusty leaders. Westbrook was very close
politically at that time; but Mr. Valen-
the was elected by a vote of 663, to $50
cast for George W. Leighton, DEM Mr..
Valentine served one year as mayor.
Since that date he has not taken any ac-
tive interest in politics.
Mr. Valentine was president of the
Westbrook Trust Co. from the time of its
organization
August 28th, 1S42, Mr.. Valentine mar
ried Margaret S. Coolbroth, daughter of
Joseph W. and Alice Coolbor5h. They
had one child, Marcia Adriana, who died
in infancy. In his religious view Mr.
Valentine was a Universalist.
Mr.. Valentine was man of very en-
gaging social qualities possessing wide
general information. Being good seon-
yersationalist every one enjoyed bis scom-
pany and delightedTto hear him talk. He
never lost confidence in mankind sand al
ways looked on the bright side of life. He
was man whom every one reposed the
utmost confidence and in his. long life
he never did anything to shake that
truth.