Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1910-10-26

he retired from the sea, and since then ne
has kept the village hosteiry and managed
q small store. Mrs. Sargent was born in
the old Byard house already described.
Another old timer here il Parker B. Bill
inrs, and his youngster years were passed
on the sea. The calling was not quite to
his taste, and at twenty-one years Of age
he quit the ocean for ship building. This
business he followed for forty years until
it entirely died out He says that in the
, 'ffties this was great ship building port,
and that VIM. Cover, who died last win
ter, launched many a staunch sea-going
craft, Here was built the Indian Queen.
NJ. f. TORY and William H. Sargent, all
OF which were SO0-ton craft.
The first vessel ever launched here was
the NJ. L. Hall, and on her Mr.. Billings
was wrecked on Cape Cod in 1851.
With him were bis wife and child ct the
time, and they were saved by clinging to
the deck house when it was swept over
board. This vessel was commanded by
Capt. Albion Sargent, q brother OF Capt
Jasper Sargent, and for i've hours the
party was tossed around in the storm
swept sea before being rescued. Mr.. Bill
ings says that in the old days the vessels
were smaller than they now have, but
there were many more OF them. A daugh-
ter OF Mr.. Billings is the wife OF DR.. w. l..
France, Of the village, while q sister, Mrs.
, Arson Simmons, is living here At eighty
four years of age.
1t is from the old standard stock that
they spring, as an ancestor, John Bali
| ings, came here as early as 1762 and be-
came a large owner OF land. The Billings
family has always been prominent and
| still remains among the honored citizens
OF the town. In the old days they spun
and wove, and Mrs. France has many OF
the primitive spinning wheels and looms
| in her possession. From her mother she
| learned these arts, and she still loves to
braid the old-time rugs with which her
| floors are covered.
/ An interesting woman here is Miss
| Frances Wood. She is one OF the best in
formed antiquarians and historians in the
place, and from her many valuable facts
were obtained. Among other things she
said:
81 do not think that ii was James Byard
| who first settled at the point. II was
Robert Byard, aud James was his son.
he came in 1850 and built his log cabin
here the old frame house now stands. A
man named Linn had been here before
that, and also a Frenchman, but neither
became permanent settlers. Linn crossed
over to Deer island in 1865 and settled at
the place now known as Inns cove. It
has always seemed to me that Byard's
point is one of the most beautiful spots in
all Maine"
The oldest person in SargentviIie is also
one OF the most interesting. This Is Mrs.
Byard Eaton, who is distant descendant
OF the original Robert Bysrd. She was a
| daughter OF James Bysrd, and was also
born in the old house at Byard's point.
A rare old lady is Mrs. Eaton, and at al
most ninety-fonr she can still spin and
weave for pastime II not for profit. Her
memory OF the old settlers still is clear,
and with the Billings children she was
| once a playmate. Mrs. Eaton has four
generations around her, and the group is
an interesting one.
| THE sARGESTs-
OF summer visitors, sargentville already
has no lack, but for the most part they are
those who were born here and who love to
come back to mingle with the scenes OF
their youth. Capt Rudolph Sargent has
an elegant cottage, and here he comes
whenever his pressing duties will permit.
| Capt. Benjamin B. Sargent is another
summer guest, and in his elegant home
| which he once commanded. This was the
Gov. Anes, . Ave- masted schooner Of 3, 900
tons. For neighbors, Capt. Sargent has
| Hon. Willard F. Sargent, commissioner OF
public works in the city OF Oak Park, Ill.
| From the above it will be seen that the
| name of Sargent is a common one here.
Someone has humorousiy said that il you
village you will hit some one by the name
of Sargent. 1t is n good name and one
that is BORNE by strong men and women.
The late Hon. Wyer G.. Sargent, v no
| died few years ago at the age OF ninety,
was conspicuous example OF the viriiity
OF his blood, and may be called the founder
OF the family in this town as well as the
founder Of the great corporation which
bears his name. During the civil war he
rendered great aid to our government in
the prevention OF smuggling across the
border, and for many years was regarded
as the leading citizen in eastern Maine.
He was q man of commanding personal
appearance as well as great ability and
energy.
His SON and successor, Hon. Henry w.
Sargent. is ooe of the prominent men Of
the State. He has served several terms in
the legislature and Senate, and was also
one OF the commissioners to the st. Louis
exposition At present he is president IT
the W. g. Sargent company, and is also
connected with several other great
business ventures The corporation is
largely a family affair, although one OF its
members is George w. Grindle, who for