Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-01-19
William Henry Talbot.

| The death of William Henry Talbot OF
Audover, Maine, on the 18th of Decem-
Der, removes another old resident of this
county. He was born in East Machias,
Sept. goth, 1918, and lived 80 years,
months, and 90 days. He was one of the
few men who were born in Massa-
chuSettS and lived in Maine without NOV
ing. He very rarely travelled outside
the boundary of his native state, never
going further away than Boston. These
Journeys were so short and few, it could
almost be said of him his entire life was
passed within this state.
He was the oldest child of John Coffin
and Mary Foster Talbot. He had four
brothers and three sisters, all but two
of whom survive him. His brother
Stephen was drowned while student;
the other brother, John c., died two
years ago. We often speak of the rigor-
Gus climate of Maine, but this family
can attest by such long lives spent in it
that it is not destructive to human life.
He was married in 1916 to Martha
Laurens Poor, youngest daughter of DR..
Silvanus Poor, and in 1S4S moved to
Andover, where he has lived continuous
ly since. He first bought the farm just
east of the village, which was then COW
cred with stumps, which he cleared of
and otherwise improved. In 1868 he
bought the Silvanus Akers place across
the river, living on it till few years
ago, when his son bought the farm just
south of it and moved the building there.
Seven children were born to him, all
of whom are now living; John F., and
Martha A., Mrs. c. E. Cushman), being
in Andover, Emma f. and George A. in
Kansas City, Mo-, VIM. H., Jr., in
Spokane, Wash, Mary p. in Boston, and
Peter in Seattle, Wash.
In August 1864, his wife died suddenly
leaving these seven children, the oldest
l6 years of age, the youngest 2, to his
care-a task he took up without COM
plant, and bravely faced life's work
alone. How sad such a life must have
been, none can realize who have not had
such an experience. Being naturally a
quiet man, this loss made him still more
reserved, and he sought for few friends.
Without seeking friendship, he never
theless had the confidence and sympathy
of all his townspeople, more so perhaps
than any other man. He was justice
of the peace for many years, and his adj
vice was often sought by many of his
neighbors. He served his townspeople
in many public ways, being for many
years their postmaster, surveyor, select
man. town clerk, town treasurer, scaler
of lumber, and was always ready to help
in whatever capacity he could the better
ment of society.
He was lifelong Democrat, and
being true to his convictions, he could
not be elected to a state office in Maine,
where the party opposed to him was so
strong. He was nominated once as
and secured the help and
votes of many Republican voters of
Andover, but failed to secure enough |
votes to be elected. He helped many |
worthy persons secure pensions, and
acted rs guardian for several minors,
who were receiving money from this |
source, doing much of the work without
of any kind, and when paid |
the fee was very small. Many acts OF |
public nature were done by him without
thought of pay or emolument of any
kind.
None of his children remember seeing |
him confined to his bed by sickness for
single day. If he had any sickness dur
ing his life it must have been in his boy
hood days. 1t could be said of him as
IF David of old: after he had served
MS generation by the will of God fell on
sleep" /
He was temperate in the use of good
,hings, and never used tobacco or spirit
,oue l;nuors Tins heinp q true DrOhibi-
;ionist. He was member of the Con-
.regational church, and used to read
sermons in the service when the pastor
vas absent. His life of upright useful
less is a noble example for younger
generations to emulate.
None knew him but to love him,
None named him but to praise"
G.. A.