Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1910-01-12
ROBERT GERRY DEAD.



Robert Gerry, one OF Eilsworth's oldest
and most prominent citizens, died ct his
home at Ellsworth Falls Last Wednesday
afternoon, aged lightweight years. Mr..
Gerry had been gradually falling for
several years.
Robert Gerry was born In Melrose,
Mass, Jan. %, 1922, the son OF Robert and
Hannah Lynds Gerry. His grandfather,
Reuben Gerry, was q soldier in the Revo-
luton, and died from wounds received
during the war. Reuben Gerry was .
cousin OF Eibridge Gerry, . signer Of the
Declaration Of Independence and later
minister to France, governor Of Massachu-
sets and the province Of Maine, and vice
president under James Madison.
Robert Gerry's maternal grandfather,
Benjamin Lynde, who fought in the
battles Of Lexington and Bunxer Hill,
was born and died ia Melrose, Mass.
Robert Gerry attended the Melrose
schools during his boyhcod, but the best
Of his education was received from his
father, who taught forty-six terms Of
school in Melrose and Maiden.
While yet in his teens the family moved
to Ellsworth Falls, where the elder Gerry
purchased large tract OF land, in what
is now known as the Doggy Brook section,
cleared up farm, built mill on Bo9gy
Brook stream and manufactured lumber
for the Boston market. Here Robert,
junior, received the training which fitted
him for the active life TO follow.
In early life be embarked in the
lumber business on his own account, and
soon had an industry OF large proper
tions which he carried on for many years.
Besides lumber manufactured for the
general market, he got out many frames
for vessels in the halcyon days Of ship
building in Maine.
As an example OF the energy OF Mr..
Gerry, 1t is pointed out that in one season
alone he loaded ninety-seven vessels with
ship knees and railroad sleepers. With the
decline Of the lumber business he turned
his attention to other forest products,
logging and shipping stave timber and
stove wood for the local
For many years he also con-
Quoted general store ct Ellsworth Falls.
More than forty years ago he bought
several large estates on the outskirts OF
what was then the village Of Ellsworth.
Among these were the 3OO-acre Jones'
pasture and the Peters, Hopkins estate.
The price paid was between I'll 900 and
u2, 900. This immense territory was laid
ont in building lots, interested by streets
built ct his own expense. Later events
the wisdom Of his plan, the
section thus plotted out becoming one Of
the best residence sections OF the city.
Mr.. Gerry served the town - road COM
missioner and selectman, and was one OF
the committee Of seven which had charge
Of the building Of Hancock hall.
Mr.. Gerry was elected mayor OF Ellis
worth in 1895 as . populist candidate,
against citizens ticket put in the field
BY . joint caucus Of the democratic and
republican parties. He was the first
populist mayor ever elected in Maine.
Mr.. Gerry leaves besides his wife, four
Miss Abbie Gerry, Mrs. Arthur
B. Mitchell, and Charles w. Gerry, all OF
Falls, and Robert Gerry. jr., of
Seattle, Wash.
Funeral services were held at the
church Saturday at o'clock, Rev. 8. w.
Sutton officiating. Interment was at
Woodbine cemetery.