Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-16
PITTSF|ELD
Community Mourns Loss of
Thomas S. Dexter, Pioneer
Settler and Stalwart Business
Man-New Pipe Organ Being
Installed in Baptist Church

In the death of Thomas Shepherd DeX-
ter, which occurred Wednesday evening
at his home on Nichols street, Pittsfield
loses one of the towns oldest business
men and one who has been closely identi-
fed with the towns history during its
growth. He had been in failing health
for two years and for the past year had
been confined to the house. He was
born in Palmyra April %, 1887, the son
of the late Samuel and Sally (PollarD
Dexter. He was one of 10 children and
was the last Of the family to go. Oct.
s, 1862, he was married to Mary E. Pooler
of Palmyra, whose death occurred Sept.
II, 1899. in this town. Mr.. Dexter came
to Pittsfield over 50 years ago and when
a young man began a mercantile life in
general stores, being employed by the
late w. X. Lancey and Jesse c. Conner,
who were among the earliest merchants
Of the town. Later Mr.. Dexter formed
a partnership with Nathaniel l.. Perkins.
who was one of the leading merchants in
this town until his death few years ago.
For 20 years Mr. Dexter was engaged
in business in the store now occupied by
E. w. Wallace and during that time he
was associated in business with Ora
Sampson and the late Albion p. McMas-
ter and George H. Hunton, having out
side business OF coal, wood and lumber.
He was the first man who sold coal In
this village and for the past four years
he had been a member of the Pittsfield
Coal Co. He was one of the first trustees
Of Maine Central Institute and had al
ways held great interest in the school.
Many years ago he, with Prof. Kings
bury Batchelder of the school, did a SUE
cessful soliciting of several thousand dol
lars which placed NJ. c. l. on a better fl
nancial basis. He was interested in the
Baptist church He was one of the To-
cal men interested in the building OF
Union hall. He was member of Phlen-
toma Lodge /. o. O. F., and Sebasticook
Encampment. Mr.. Dexter's genial and
kindly disposition won friends and he
will be missed by all who knew him. He
is survived by Miss Prestina Hersey, who
has been in the family for the past 81
years, having gone to them when little
girl Although not adopted, she has been
treated as an own child and she in re-
turn has given them the love and care
of a daughter The funeral services will
be held at the home Friday afternoon,
Feb. l6. at 2 o'clock under the direction
of the Odd Fellows.
The Universalist Boy Scouts will
hold a social in the vestry of the
church Friday evening, Feb. 16.
Mr.. and Mrs. G. NJ. Lancey of Hart
land were in town Wednesday evening
to attend the Copley Quartet concert
and were guests of Mr.. and Mrs. w. L.
Pushor.
The new pipe organ which has been
purchased by the Baptist Society is
being installed in the church. An organ
recital will be held next Monday eve
ming, Feb. 10. by Ernest A. Mohaffey of
Boston. who will be assisted in the pro-
gram by a male quartet and readings
by Miss Edna Fisher, teacher of eX-
preston at NJ. c. I.
The fourth and one of the most
pleasing entertainments given in the
Peoples Entertainment Course occur
req Wednesday evening with o concert
given by the Copley Quartet of Boston.
accompanied by q reader. The last
number in the course will be given
March 16 by 1.-THE Potters."
Charles F. Seekins, who has sold his
farm located in the west part of the
town to Leslie Hartwell of Revere.
Mass. has bought the s. M. Raymond
house on Hartland avenue, which has
been occupied by A. j. Jaynes and
family. Mr.. Seekins will take possess
sion in April. Mr.. Jaynes has rented
tho A. A. Stitham house on North
Main street.
TIE A. ST. Ledger store which is
soon TO be vacated by Mr.. Winslow,
who has conducted a candy store, has
been rented to the Wentworth Music
Co. of Waterville. who will conduct a
branch store Of the company.
A meeting of the w. c. T. L. was
held Thursday afternoon with Mrs.
Hollis II. Stitham.. The subject of the
meeting was "A Call to Wider Ser
vice" and an interesting program was
given.