Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Notable citizens

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The Blaine House, in Augusta, the formal residence of the governor of Maine.

by Mary Grow

James G. Blaine

James G. Blaine

James Gillespie Blaine was born Jan. 31, 1830, in West Brownsville, Pennsylvania. The town is on the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh; Interstate 40 now runs through it. The current google map shows an area called Blainsburg between the river and the interstate, a major road called Blaine Hill Road and a Blainesburg Bible Church. The 2010 census reported a population of 992; by 2018, it had decreased to 965.

Blaine’s parents were middle-class. His father graduated from Washington College (now Washington and Jefferson College) in Washington, Pennsylvania, less than 30 miles from West Brownsville. Blaine entered Washington College when he was only 13 and graduated as class salutatorian in June 1847, when he would have been 17.

From graduation until 1853, Blaine considered law school without getting there. In the late 1840s and early 1850s (different sources give different dates) he taught at Western Military Institute in Georgetown, Kentucky (mathematics and ancient languages) and later at the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind in Philadelphia (science and literature).

While in Kentucky, Blaine met Harriet Stanwood, born in Augusta, Maine, Oct. 12, 1827. She was a graduate of Cony Academy and a Massachusetts girls’ school and was teaching at a Kentucky girls’ school about 10 miles from WMI. They were married June 30, 1850, in Pittsburgh. Their first son, Stanwood, was born in 1852 in Augusta during an extended visit with Harriet’s family; he died at the age of three.

Blaine’s Augusta connection led in 1853 to his being offered positions as co-owner and co-editor of the “Kennebec Journal,” the Augusta newspaper founded as a weekly in 1825 by Luther Severance, who was retiring. Ernest Marriner wrote in his “Kennebec Yesterdays” that the paper became a daily in 1870; it is still published six days a week.

Co-owners Blaine and a minister named John L. Stevens had been Whigs, but as the Whig Party dissolved and the Republican Party became its successor, they used their paper to promote the new party. Blaine had to borrow money from his wife’s family to buy his share of the paper; it soon became profitable enough to let him start building a comfortable fortune with investments in Pennsylvania and Virginia coal mines.

Although Blaine deserted the “Kennebec Journal” in 1857 to edit the “Portland Daily Advertiser” for almost three years, he kept his residence in Augusta and entered Republican politics from the city, which had been Maine’s capitol since 1827.

In June 1856 Maine Republicans sent Blaine to the first-ever Republican National Convention, held in Philadelphia. The convention nominated John Fremont of California for president, over Blaine’s more conservative preference, Supreme Court Associate Justice John McLean of Ohio. Fremont lost the general election in 1856 to James Buchanan.

Two years later Blaine ran successfully for the Maine House of Representatives. He was re-elected annually through 1861, serving as Speaker of the House in 1861 and 1862.

In 1862 Blaine ran successfully for the United States House of Representatives, where he served until July 1876. In the spring of 1869 he was elected Speaker of the House for the 41st Congress, a position to which he was re-elected twice. Republicans lost the House majority in the 1874 elections.

The first consideration of Blaine as a presidential candidate was at the 1872 Republican national convention. Blaine was at that time not interested and supported Ulysses Grant’s re-election.

In 1876 Blaine was again suggested for the Republican presidential candidate, and this time he sought the nomination. After a drawn-out contest at the national convention, he lost to Rutherford B. Hayes, who went on to win a contested election. It was at the 1876 convention that an Illinois Republican referred to Blaine as a “plumed knight,” a nickname that lasted for years.

In June 1876, Lot Morrill, one of Maine’s two United States Senators, joined President Grant’s Cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury. On July 10, 1876, Maine Governor Seldon Connor appointed Blaine to succeed Morrill in the Senate.

Blaine was again a leading presidential contender in 1880, and lost to James A. Garfield, who was elected president. Garfield chose Blaine as his Secretary of State; Blaine therefore resigned from the Senate on March 4, 1881. When Garfield was assassinated on July 2, 1881, in Washington’s Sixth Street railroad station, Blaine was with him, seeing him off on a summer vacation. Vice-President Chester Arthur succeed Garfield and chose a new Secretary of State effective in December 1881.

In 1884 Blaine was finally nominated as the Republicans’ candidate for president, running against Grover Cleveland. Cleveland won the popular vote by a narrow margin, the electoral college vote handily.

Part of the reason for Blaine’s loss in 1884 goes back to his 1850s interest in investing money to make more money. In the 1870s, his reputation was damaged by repeated accusations of bribery and other illicit financial actions. In 1876, opponents obtained business-related letters that Blaine had asked the recipient to burn.

One result was the Democrats’ still-famous political chant from 1884: “Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine, continental liar from the State of Maine: Burn this letter!”

The Republican men who gathered daily at the general store in South China, Maine, in Rufus Jones’ youth admired Blaine greatly. Jones wrote in “A Small-Town Boy” (one of his autobiographical works referenced in the July 30 “Town Line” story about his early life) that the store-sitters repeatedly elected Blaine president in the 1870s and 1880s, though they never got the rest of the country to agree with them.

One day, Jones wrote, the great man came from his Augusta home to South China, stopped at the store and asked the Quaker boy to water his horse. After Jones fetched the water, Blaine had a brief conversation with him about the weather and the scenery, making the youngster a temporary neighborhood celebrity.

Blaine had started writing his two-volume memoir, “Twenty Years of Congress,” in the late 1870s. After the fall election in 1884, he used his forced retirement to complete the second volume and to visit Europe with his wife and daughters.

As the 1888 election neared, there was yet another movement, in Maine and nationally, to nominate Blaine for president. He absolutely declined. Republican Benjamin Harrison was nominated, partly because Blaine supporters believed Blaine liked Harrison, and became president.

Harrison promptly appointed Blaine as Secretary of State again; he served from 1889 until he resigned for health reasons in June 1892. At the 1892 Republican convention he yet again received votes for the presidential nomination, despite his repeated statement that he would not accept it.

James G. Blaine died in Washington, D. C., on Jan. 27, 1893. Three of his and Harriet’s children died earlier that decade, Walker and Alice in 1890 and Emmons in 1892.

During Blaine’s years in the District of Columbia, he owned a house there, but maintained his Augusta ties. In 1862 he bought the house that is now the Blaine House, official residence of Maine’s governor, as a birthday present for Harriet. After his death, she moved from Washington to the Augusta house and spent much of her last decade there. She died July 15, 1903.

Blaine Memorial Park

Harriet Blaine’s will left the Blaine House to the three surviving children, son James and daughters Harriet (Beale) and Margaret (Damrosch), and two grandsons (sons of daughter Alice Coppinger). The younger Harriet’s husband Truxton Beale bought out the other heirs and gave the house to his son, Walker Blaine Beale. After Walker Beale was killed in France in 1918, his mother (who lived until Jan. 28, 1958) gave the building to the state as a memorial and governors’ mansion.

James and Harriet Blaine were first buried in Washington’s Oak Hill Cemetery, by Walker’s and Alice’s graves. After the State of Maine created the Blaine Memorial Park in Augusta in 1920, they were reburied there. The three-acre park is beside Forest Grove Cemetery; visitors can get to it from the cemetery or from Blaine Avenue, which runs from Western Avenue to Winthrop Street along the north side of the cemetery.

Main sources

Web sites, miscellaneous

SOLON & BEYOND: Looking back at my attempt to produce a weekly newspaper

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

This week’s column will be taken in part, from an article I wrote when my cat Percy and I started a paper of our own, dated March 25, 2005.

It starts with these words: Good Morning My Friends, Don’t Worry be Happy!

This week I am dedicating this issue to friendship. Would like to start with these words from Thomas Hughes: “Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God’s best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one’s self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another.”

Would like to say once again how much I appreciated the many, many kind and encouraging words I have received from so many of you in response to this little paper. Tears of joy have formed in my eyes more than once at your appreciation for my efforts to bring you love and laughter via the written word. To a certain extent this is the way I have always written, some editors have let me get away with it, some have not ! (Being the editor of this paper, I got away with it.)

Could write a book about editors, have written under many in the over 40 years that I’ve writing. This is a neat example of some of the support I have received from loyal readers when I was having a problem with an editor. This was many years ago when I was writing for the Somerset Reporter. This lady in her middle 80s, who didn’t have a license to drive, hired someone to take her to the Somerset Reporter office in Skowhegan. She had whoever had taken her to Skowhegan go in the office and bring the editor out so she could give him a piece of her mind. She was a lady who only needed a few words to get her message across. She helped my case immensely! As I said, I could write a book, but only once did I ever quit writing (for a short time) because of an editor! ( Roland is the perfect example of a wonderful editor!)

Now more on this paper I had started: And since this issue is dedicated to friendship, I am going to print a picture of some of the SCCEBDMSS members. For those of you who have never heard what those letters stand for, we are Solon Chapter Chowder Eating Beer Drinking Marching and Singing Society members. And to set the record straight, we are not a boozing bunch! They don’t know I’m putting this picture on the front page, it was taken 16 years ago, (sorry I can’t print it here) but they were Gloria Barnes, Dorothy Brown, Marge Adams and Alice Heald.

There was quite a bit of local news in, as it was back in the time when every thing didn’t get canceled!

And then I wrote, “Some of you who have been picking up these little papers since the first issue on January 15 will know that I couldn’t afford to give them to you forever. This is the seventh and last issue of, probably the smallest and shortest lived newspaper ever. I do believe that the newspaper business is in my blood, and when I couldn’t get the news printed in the paper I was writing for at the time I decided to start my own paper. Knew I couldn’t keep giving them away forever and prayed for a miracle. As stubborn as I am, don’t know how deep a financial hole I would have dug myself into if the miracle hadn’t materialized! Next week you will be seeing Percy and me once again in The Town Line. Those of you who pick up that paper will have started to see how much it has improved since Roland Hallee has taken over as editor.

Just a few facts about this little paper I started, the first week I printed 62 copies with two pages in it on my printer. I distributed them to the three stores here in Solon and to Pinkham’s Elm Street Market, in North Anson. The next three issues I also printed on my protesting old printer, and they were now up to three pages. By that time I had started checking out the cost of having them printed professionally because I was having to buy a print cartridge for each issue.

The fifth issue had a picture of my faithful helper Percy on the front page as well as a couple of ads and was printed by Deck Copy and the distribution is up to 170 papers a week, and again I can’t tell you, my friends how much I have loved your support. Didn’t realize it was going to be a full time job, I had become an editor/publisher, writer, ad salesman, business manager and paper deliverer.

I am going to print my financial statement so that you will understand that it takes money to run a paper and I hope businesses in this area will take out ads in The Town Line to keep it in Somerset County. My printing costs for the seven issues published …$231; received $20 for ads, making a total spent of $211, this doesn’t include money for gas, all the time I spent writing, postage for all the papers I mailed out. I’m not trying to make you feel sorry for me, just hope you know how much I want a small weekly paper in this area.

I have made many friends through my writing (and a few enemies) but can’t stress enough how much I have loved your appreciation for this little paper.

This week Percy approves highly of these words by William Penn: “A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.” (Editors note: Have had more comments on how much you like Percy’s good advice, he is one smart cat, the only problem is he knows it!)

I told Roland I didn’t know as I could go back to being a writer after being an editor, but I’ll do my best. My many thanks and love, Marilyn.

Percy’s memoir is short and to the point: Service to a just cause rewards the worker with more real happiness and satisfaction than any other venture of life. (words by Carrie Chapman Catt.)

Waterville Rocks! returns for fifth year with the Rustic Overtones

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Rustic Overtones are a seven piece rock band from Portland, Maine with a discography that spans 20 years. The bands unique version of indie rock is strongly influenced by soul music, garage punk, jazz and psychedelic music of the ‘60s and ‘70s. (contributed photo)

Waterville Creates!, one of Maine’s leading arts and cultural organizations with a mission to promote Waterville as a vibrant destination in central Maine, has announced the fifth consecutive year of Waterville Rocks! will happen thanks to a virtual Livestream Facebook concert with Rustic Overtones on Friday, August 28, at 7 p.m. This free concert will be streamed LIVE from the Waterville Opera House and available on Facebook.

The series of free and family-friendly outdoor concerts has in the past featured regional acts, including Enter the Haggis, The Mallett Brothers Band, and The Ghost of Paul Revere, in downtown Waterville’s historic Castonguay Square. Waterville Rocks! is hosted by the Waterville Opera House and sponsored by local businesses, organizations and patrons of the arts. The series is designed to provide free cultural programming for the community and offer a new way to animate downtown Waterville. The 2020 virtual Waterville Rocks! sponsors are Kennebec Savings Bank, Colby College, and MaineGeneral Health.

“It was obvious due to COVID that an in-person series of concerts just would not be possible given the limitations on gathering sizes and lack of touring groups performing during the pandemic,” says Tamsen Brooke Warner, executive director of the Waterville Opera House, the organizer and host of Waterville Rocks! “COVID has forced our organization and those like ours around the world to rethink how we serve our communities and remain fiscally solvent during a time when we cannot gather in person or sell tickets. This Livestream Event is our first serious foray into the world of streaming performances and we are looking forward to getting back in the business of entertaining, if only virtually for the time being.”

Waterville Rocks! is presented by the Waterville Opera House and Waterville Creates! and made possible by the generosity of Kennebec Savings Bank, Colby College, and MaineGeneral Health.

For more information visit: https://www.operahouse.org/shows/2020/4/24/rustic-overtones-in-concert.

Construction updates for downtown Waterville

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Downtown Waterville

The North Street Bridge over Maine Central Railroad will be closed from Monday, August 17th through August 31, 2020.

BMB Construction has a contract with Maine DOT to rehabilitate the bridge on North Street over Maine Central Railroad. The bridge will be closed down on August 17 through August 31, 2020. Please feel free to contact Shawn McDougall with any questions, at smcdougall6@hotmail.com, or call 207-852-2585.

Downtown construction completed as of last week:

• The 8-inch main line was completed from Front Street to Main Street.
• The trench line was paved to a full depth of five inches.
• Pavement has been cut in preparation for excavation that was set to begin Monday on Hathaway Street.
• Main Street service trenches and sidewalks for 99, 103, 117 and 173 Main have received two inches of temporary pavement.
• There are two excavations on Main Street currently with compacted gravel awaiting completed foundation cores.

Taste of Waterville canceled due to large gathering restrictions

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Plans for return in 2021

Restrictions on sizes for large gatherings into the fall have resulted in the cancellation of Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s 28th Annual Taste of Waterville scheduled to be held on Sunday, October 11, at the Head of Falls, downtown Waterville.

This year’s event had been moved due to construction on Main Street and the anticipation of increased limits for gatherings. According to the Department of Economic and Community Development, increases beyond the 100-person limit for outdoor gatherings are not expected for the remainder of the year.

President & CEO of the Mid-Maine Chamber, Kimberly Lindlof said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the cancellation of this long-held tradition. However, as with other area events and exhibitions forced to adjust schedules, the health and safety of our attendees is of utmost concern. We will take this time to make next year’s event bigger and better – so watch for information regarding Taste of Waterville 2021 at Head of Falls.”

Committee Chairman Shawn Michaud added, “I love this event, and share Kim’s disappointment. However, the Chamber Taste of Waterville Committee will continue plans for next year’s event, with ample time to develop a format featuring cultural foods and demonstrations focused on the ethnic diversity of the area. The program will continue to be an adult-focused day-long event with a variety of food options, ethnic entertainment, and informative walks, along with live entertainment, beer/wine gardens and brew samples. Entertainment and activities will be announced in early summer 2021.”

For more information as it is determined, visit www.tasteofwaterville.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS – Be cautious of the wild parsnip

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Wild parsnip

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

A reader wrote last week how she had been trying for a couple of years to identify a tall yellow-flowered roadside weed until someone told her it was wild parsnip. Unable to find much information about it, she turned to this column.

Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa, is among the rapidly increasing weeds in many areas. As wild parsnip has spread, so has the realization that human exposure often leads to serious burns and blisters on the arms and legs. Being able to readily identify wild parsnip and early detection of infested areas will minimize inadvertent and excessive exposure to this plant and the often painful results that follow.

The species is native to Eurasia, and may have been introduced as a vegetable as plants have long, thick, white to yellowish taproots that are edible. True parsnip plants have larger roots than wild parsnip. The entire plant has a parsnip odor. Cattle will not eat wild parsnip but deer may feed on it, and birds and small mammals eat the seeds.

The plants are most abundant in sites dominated by perennial grasses that are mowed once or twice a year.

Why the explosion of wild parsnip? Only Mother Nature knows for sure. Birds and mammals eat the seeds and they may be spreading the problem from site to site. There is no doubt that the delay in mowing roadsides until mid summer as an official roadside management policy of the state and towns opens the door for this plant to complete its life cycle, and produce ripe seeds well before any mowing is done. Wild parsnip is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including dry and wet areas. It is shade tolerant, but prefers sunny conditions. Depending on the habitat and growing conditions, individual flowering plants range to over four feet in height.

Also, when roadsides and pastures are mowed in July and August, parsnip seeds probably move as hitchhikers on the mowers. Mowing also creates a much more favorable environment for parsnip seeds to germinate than if the sites were left undisturbed. Relatively mild winters may enhance survival of wild parsnip plants that germinate and become established in the fall.

Wild parsnip has a long germination period, but the optimum time for germination is in the early spring, and that is when most germination occurs. Most fall germinated seedlings die during winter. Wild parsnip seedlings are among the first plants to “greenup” early in the spring.

Rosettes grow close to the ground and bear leaves averaging six inches in height. Flowering plants produce a single, thick stem that contains hundreds of yellow umbellate flowers. The lateral flowers often overtop the terminal flowers.

But, the most important thing for humans to remember is to avoid contact with the plant. Humans develop a severe skin irritation from contact with its leaves. Plants have chemicals called psoralens that cause an interaction between plant and light that induce skin inflammation.

Experts are warning people to stay away from wild parsnip after a Vermont woman was severely burned after being exposed to the sap.

The plant grows along rural roads and in meadows throughout the state. Wild parsnip is not native to Maine and has a deep vertical ridge on its stalk. The flowers come in clusters of tiny yellow flowers similar to Queen Anne’s Lace.

A woman in Vermont fell into a wild parsnip plant and suffered horrific burns after her legs were exposed to the sap and she spent time in the sun.

“It is soluble,” said Maine State Horticulturist Gary Fish. “It goes into the skin and that’s when you are going to have damage to the skin which turns into blisters when you have sun exposure.”

People walking through vegetation should wear long sleeves and pants and stay away from plants that look like wild parsnips.

Wild parsnip has sap that has psoralens in it — naturally occurring organic compounds that can kill skin cells that protect people from ultraviolet radiation. When the sap touches the body, it can cause blisters and symptoms resembling symptoms from a burn.

Once the sap is absorbed by the skin, they are energized by UV light on both sunny and cloudy days. They then bind to DNA and cell membranes, destroying cells and skin. Parsnip burns usually occur in streaks and elongated spots, reflecting where a damaged leaf or stem moved across the skin before exposure to sunlight.

Wild parsnip burns differ from the rash caused by poison ivy in several aspects. First, everyone is sensitive to wild parsnip and you do not need to be sensitized by a prior exposure to develop burns or blisters. You can brush against wild parsnip plants and not be affected. Parsnip is dangerous only when the plant sap from broken leaves or stems gets on your skin. Lastly, the parsnip “burn” is usually less irritating than poison ivy’s “itch.”

After about 3 days, the symptoms start to get better. Eventually, like after a bad sunburn, the burned skin cells die and flake off. As symptoms improve, the rash may appear lighter or darker. Discoloration and sensitivity to sunlight in the affected areas can remain for up to two years.

Wild parsnip grows abundantly on our roadsides. Some people mistake it as ragweed, and rightfully so. There is, however, many dissimilarities once you see them side by side.

If you develop a rash or blisters, go to the hospital or a clinic for treatment.

There are other plants in the family that can be harmful as well: Cow Parsnip, a native plant, with white flowers; Giant Hogweed, an invasive species, with white flowers similar to cow parsnip.

When it comes to wild parsnip, unless you are absolutely sure it is something else, don’t touch it.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In 1975, the Red Sox played the Cincinnati Reds in what is called the “Greatest World Series ever.” Who hit an eighth inning three-run homer in game 6 to tie the score, and set up Carlton Fisk’s 12th inning iconic home run?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, August 20, 2020

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Trivia QuestionsIn 1975, the Red Sox played the Cincinnati Reds in what is called the “Greatest World Series ever.” Who hit an eighth inning three-run homer in game 6 to tie the score, and set up Carlton Fisk’s 12th inning iconic home run?

Answer:

Bernie Carbo.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 20, 2020

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EDWARD B. MARR

VASSALBORO – Edward Byron Marr, 65, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020, in Vassalboro, following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born to Edward Milton and Ann Marie Glazier Marr at Augusta General Hospital.

He was the oldest of three children and became somewhat of a little brother to his Aunt Julie Glazier.

Ed was educated in the Augusta school system and graduated from Cony High School in 1973. Eddie was a hard worker and always showed up to do more than what was asked of him. He worked as a painter and laborer then obtained his class II license and worked for H.R. Hanson, in Vassalboro, until 1979, prior to starting his career as a commercial truck driver for Blue Seal Feeds, in Augusta, before retiring in 2017. Ed worked long hours and earned numerous awards for safe driving. This work ethic earned him the nickname “Lucky”, and he will be sadly missed by all his co-workers.

Ed decided to enjoy his remaining days in the company of his wife of 32 years, Karen, and close family, along with his dog, Bear.

He is survived by his wife Karen; son, Edward B. Marr II; brother and best friend, Michael Marr and his wife, Denise; sister Leslie Marr, brothers-in-law Ronald Goodheart and his significant other, Cindy Randler, Daniel Goodheart and his wife Debi, and Gary Goodheart; mother-in-law Jeannine Goodheart; uncle Thomas Glazier, aunt Julie Glazier and their families; nieces and nephews; grandnephews and cousin.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, August 29, at the St. Bridget Center, in North Vassalboro.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.directcremationofmaine.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Jackson Laboratory, in Ed’s memory, to benefit cancer research. Go to http://www.jax.org.

SHIRLEY M. SHAW

SOUTH CHINA – Shirley M. (Robinson) Shaw, 84, of South China, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2020, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care-Gray Birch, following complications from a stroke in December 2019. She was born on January 7, 1936, in Gardiner, the daughter of Kenneth D. Robinson and Alta (Fitzherbert) Robinson.

She was married to her husband, George Shaw, for 44 years until his passing in 2001.

Shirley graduated from Gardiner High School and then went on to nursing school where she became an LPN. Her father opened Robinson’s Health Care Facility, in Gardiner, in 1953 where she worked and eventually became the administrator until the sale of the facility in 1988.

After being retired for several years Shirley went back to work running the office of Structurally Sound Builders, a family-owned general contracting business until retiring for good and spending time doing the things she loved.

Shirley enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, going to church and Bible study, reading and knitting. She looked forward to watching the harness races at the Windsor Fair every year and spending time with family and friends at the family camp in Boothbay during the summer. Shirley spent the winters at her home in Florida with her husband George for 10 years where they would entertain old and new friends. Shirley was a loving, caring woman who touched the hearts of everyone she met, and she will be missed dearly by many.

She is survived by her children, Karen McGillicuddy and her husband Joe, of South China, Kenneth Shaw and his partner Bea Handley, of Emden, Karol Shaw and her husband Shawn Haines, of Farmington, and George (Webb) Shaw and his wife Jodi, of South China; seven grandchildren, Danielle Tibbs and her partner John Campbell, of Salem, Kristy Burnette and her husband Alan, of Huntersville, North Carolina, Austin Shaw, Evan Shaw, Faith Shaw and Lee Shaw, all of South China, and Ethan Goff, of Salt Lake City, Utah; three great-grandchildren, Hunter Burnette, Ridgleigh Burnette, John (L J) Campbell; and her sister-in-law, Alice Baxter, of South China.

At the family’s request all services will be private, and burial will take place in Oak Grove cemetery, Gardiner.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Weeks Mills Baptist Church, 13 Deer Hill Road, Weeks Mills, Maine 04358.

JACOB T. SEIGARS

PALERMO – Jacob Thomas Seigars, 16, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 8, 2020, following a long, grueling battle against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Jacob was born May 25, 2004, in Augusta, the son of Joseph Seigars Sr. and Heather Seigars (Buotte).

He grew up in China and Palermo, attended China and Palermo schools, and finally Erskine Academy, in South China.

Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Jacob was an all-star athlete who was especially talented on the basketball court, the soccer field, the baseball field and the track. He started playing sports at the age of three. Jacob was extremely proud of his school soccer team winning the SVAC championship his seventh and eighth grade years. Jacob was integral to these victories.

Jacob was a member of Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) and was the JMG student president his eighth grade year. Jacob was charismatic with a million-dollar smile. He loved life and people, making friends everywhere he went.

During Jacob’s fight against AML, he identified a need for comfort items and encouragement gifts for teen oncology patients. With active Leukemia he designed and sold a shirt to raise money to buy these gifts for teen cancer patients at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Jacob was compassionate for others his whole life and his compassion and love for others only grew as he battled childhood cancer himself.

Jacob cherished his blended family which included Mumma, Heather; Dad, Joe; Bonus Mom, Tasha and siblings, Shawn (18), Achiva (13), Joe Jr. (10) and Isabella (6). Jacob loved watching movies and playing video games with his big brother Shawn. They were lucky to be close in age and played on many sports teams together throughout their childhood.

Shawn selflessly donated his bone marrow to Jacob in May 2018 as well as Lymphocytes at a later point. Although Jacob relapsed after transplant, Shawn’s gift gave him more time to live. Jacob loved his “little big sissy” Achiva, they were best friends, always each other’s biggest advocate and protectors. They designed and planned to build an upcycled greenhouse with plans to fill it with cacti and succulents. Achiva will be completing their project in his honor.

Jacob loved his “little bro” Joe as his roommate and best friend. They loved playing Super Mario Brothers together, swimming together and building Legos. Jacob loved snuggling and spoiling his baby sister Bella. They had an incredible bond; she could do no wrong in his eyes.

Jacob loved animals with special love for his dogs Honey and Livvy and his cat Shade. Jacob loved his high school sweetheart Hannah Huff. Jacob’s best friend since primary school, Brayden Wilson, was the most loyal and genuine friend anyone could ask for, their friendship never wavered staying strong at every point through Jacob’s agonizing AML treatment.

Jacob loved spending time with his family and friends, playing Pokémon Go for days on end and playing Xbox and switch, shopping, swimming, fishing, camping, biking, tubing, four-wheeling, traveling, especially to Venice, Florida, flamingos, succulents and cacti, playing and watching sports, listening to music, playing board games, eating hot wings, he loved going to restaurants. Jacob loved building things and enthusiastically helped his Dad with any carpentry he could. He loved watching The Office, it was a great source of comfort and humor for him throughout his illness. Jacob received his very own “Dundie Award” in Boston after his bone marrow transplant.

Jacob fought Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) from January 16, 2018, until his death August 8, 2020. He­ relapsed January 2, 2019, relapsed again July 31, 2019, and relapsed for the final time in 2020. Due to brutal and archaic treatment protocols for childhood cancer and lack of protocols for relapsed AML, Jacob was left with many life limiting side effects including congestive heart failure, chronic lung scarring and infections, scarred veins, neuropathy, balance issues, chronic nausea, pain and fatigue. Even with these unimaginable hardships he smiled every day and lived life to the fullest. Jacob fought his childhood cancer with his family alongside him – trying everything available to cure his disease. He left no stone unturned. Jacob had cancer but cancer did not define him. In 2020 alone, Jacob spent over 60 days inpatient in the hospital, yet he kept smiling and his faith stayed strong.

He was a testimony of strength, humility, courage and hope every step of the way. Jacob took comfort in his faith and salvation in Jesus and chose to be baptized on June 16, 2019. Jacob was intelligent, kind-hearted, funny, handsome, compassionate, and a pure joy. To know him was to love him. Childhood cancer robbed him of his future leaving him Forever 16 and a gaping hole in the hearts of our family.

He is survived by his parents; his mother, Heather Seigars, of China; his father Joe Seigars Sr., and bonus mom Nastassja Seigars, of Palermo; his brothers Shawn and Joe Jr; his sisters Achiva and Isabella; maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Buotte; paternal grandparents, Daniel Sr. and Terry Seigars; grandparents, David and Terese deFlorio; maternal great-grandmother, Lynda Bailey; paternal great-grandmother, Nancy Seigars and great-grandmother, Isabelle Flanagan; aunt Cheryl Criniti and her husband Bernie; uncle Jason Buotte and his wife Sheree; uncle Dan Seigars and wife Sarah; uncle Andrew Seigars; aunt Laura Mcinnis and her husband Josh; 11 first cousins; girlfriend, Hannah Huff; best friend, Brayden Wilson and many other relatives.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, James Buotte; great-grandfathers: Frank Seigars, Carl Wharton, Thomas Flanagan, David Bailey; and great grandmothers: Barbara Wharton, Sandra Blais and Marion Rhoades.

In lieu of flowers, please make your tax-deductible donations in Jacob’s name either to Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Attn.: Child Life, 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102, or Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Attn.; Social Work, 100 Campus Drive, STE 107 Scarborough, ME 04074. Please include #SeigarsStrong on the memo line of your donation. Additional ways to honor Jacob’s life, fight against AML, and his early death are by donating blood products, find a blood drive redcross.org, or registering with Be the Match as a bone marrow donor.

According to the American Cancer Society, “About 11,050 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. After accidents, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14. About 1,190 children under the age of 15 are expected to die from cancer in 2020.” Only 4 percent of cancer research funding in the United States goes to childhood cancers. Our fervent hope is that Jacob’s death will bring more awareness of the drastic changes that are needed to save our children’s lives.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

CARMELLE A. ROSSIGNOL

WATERVILLE – Carmelle A. Rossignol, 77, of Waterville, died peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at her home. Carmelle was born August 25, 1942, the daughter of Madeleine (Martin) and Leonel Ouellette

Throughout her life, Carmelle and Rosaire enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas yearly. She love every minute at the casino! She also enjoyed basket weaving with friends. Carmelle was a devoted Catholic and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Her greatest joy however, was her family. She loved each moment she shared with us ? cooking, camping, and having fun. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, because she loved to shop and spoil her grandkids.

Carmelle is survived by her husband, Rosaire J. Rossignol, of 55 years; four daughters, Renee Pellerin and her husband Craig, of Oakland, Nicole Clavette and her husband Russ, of Sidney, Monique Stanley and her husband Levi, of Fairfield, and Simone Goodspeed and her husband Andy, of Fairfield; grandchildren, Emily Pellerin, Tyler Pellerin, Ashley Clavette and Timothy Clavette; her sisters June Kirk and brother-in-law William Kirk, and Priscilla Cote; her sisters-in-law, Jean Anne Ouellette, Bernadette Poitras; her brother-in-law, Robert Rossignol and sister-in-law Rebecca Rossignol; and many nieces, nephews, cousins.

Carmelle was predeceased by her parents Leonel and Madeleine Ouellette, her brothers, Roland Ouellette and Raymond Ouellette, her sister Linda Coro, baby brother Donald Ouellette, and brother-in-law Jacques Poitras.

A graveside service was held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville on Wednesday, August 19.

Arrangements were under the care and guidance of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street Waterville ME 04901 http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

SUSAN J. (MATHESON) LYLES

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – Susan Jay Matheson Lyles, 65, of The Villages, Florida, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2020, following an intense battle with colon cancer. Born in Waterville on June 24, 1955, Sue was the daughter of the late Delbert D. Matheson and Thelma P. Matheson.

Sue grew up in Waterville as the third child out of four in her family. In high school, she fell in love with languages and competed on the Spanish debate team. Sue graduated from Waterville High School in 1973 and attended Bucknell University where she graduated in 1977 with a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish.

After graduating from Bucknell, Sue moved to Washington, D.C. to live with her brother and sister-in-law while attending travel school. She worked as a travel agent for two years before joining Airline Tariff Publishing Company in November 1979 as a junior tariff compiler. After working for ATPCO for 34 years, Sue retired as a product specialist in 2013.

She married Donald Lyles in 1981, and they lived together in Herndon, Virginia, for 30 years before relocating to The Villages, in Florida.

Sue was described by people who knew her as a kind woman with a wonderful heart. She was quick-witted and always blew everyone out of the water while watching Jeopardy. Sue loved returning to Maine, especially in the summer. The lake in Maine with her family was her favorite place to be. She could float in the lake for hours and enjoyed listening to the loons at night. In Florida, she enjoyed many activities including book club, mah jong, trivia night at World of Beer, and especially golf with the Hollywood group.

Sue is survived by her husband, Donald; and her three daughters, Amanda Lyles, of Seoul, South Korea, Jo Lyles Jones and her husband Shane Jones, of Stafford, Virginia; MollyJane Connor and her husband Ethan Connor, of Charleston, South Carolina; and her two grandchildren, Raina and Ryder Jones; her mother, Thelma, of Waterville; her brother, Delbert “Don” Matheson and his wife Jenelle of Fort Collins, Colorado, his sister, Jane Matheson, of Biddeford, and her sister, Deborah M. Fabian and her husband Mark Fabian, of Oak Hill, Virginia.

The family plans to bury her in Mount Comfort Cemetery, in Alexandria, Virginia, and also to scatter some of her ashes at her family’s camp on the lake in Maine. A burial ceremony will be planned for next year when all family and friends can safely attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people send memorial donations in Sue’s name to support colon cancer research or to Maine Audubon to preserve Maine’s wildlife and environment.

LANA (LIBBY) SUTTIE

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – Lana (Libby) Suttie, 76, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2020. She was born in Waterville on October 18, 1943, the daughter of Philip Libby and Lucille (Ouellette) Libby. Lana graduated from Waterville High School in 1961. She married David Suttie on June 8, 1963, and they enjoyed 53 wonderful years together.

Many people will remember Lana from her 26 years working as a bank teller throughout the Waterville area. She was always friendly and happy to see her many customers. Before retirement Lana spent 10 years at the Humane Society Waterville Area as receptionist and adoption coordinator.

Lana was a voracious reader and enjoyed late nights watching movies. She was a fan of all sports, and spent many years watching her kids play. She loved cooking, especially when she was entertaining during the holidays. The holidays were a special time for Lana. She cherished the time with family and friends making memories with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lana will be remembered for her fun-loving personality and great sense of humor. Putting a smile on everyone’s face was her specialty.

Lana was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Lucille; and her husband David.

She is survived by her four children, Andra Berglund and husband Hugh, of The Villages, Florida, Craig Suttie and wife Suzie, of Canaan, New Hampshire, Toby Suttie and wife Kim, and Kristian Suttie and wife Molly, all of Fairfield; five grandchildren, Jesse Berglund, Megan (Berglund) Boudreaux, Jacob Suttie, Elsie Suttie and Grant Suttie; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Beau, and Layla; sister, Janet Smeltzer and husband David of Crofton, Maryland; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society, Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

CAROLYN CAREY

WATERVILLE – Carolyn “Kay” Carey, 82, passed away Monday, August 10, 2020, at home . She was born in Fairfield on August 14, 1937, to Kate and Gerard Duplessis.

Following high school, she married Carlton R. Carey, of Waterville. They shared 64 beautiful years of marriage and raised four children together. Her family was her top priority, committing the first 28 years of married life at home. She was actively involved in facilitating all of her children’s passions. Her most treasured time was spent bringing her family together for holidays.

She later spent 15 years as a ward clerk at Mount St. Joseph, in Waterville, and 10 years as the very vocal “silent” partner at Kennebec Building Supply, in Waterville, before retiring.

With Kay’s strength and selflessness, she was the matriarch of our family. Her gentle soul and playful spirit allowed her most endearing quality as a trusted confidant to shine.

Kay is survived by her husband, Carlton; her “golden child” Carl (Casey) Carey, his wife Alice Schlosser, of Vassalboro, and three daughters, Eva Goulette, of Waterville, Gale Mahoney, of Willimantic, Connecticut, and Lynne Boyd, of Saco; five grandchildren and their families, Geoff Boyd, Jamie Boyd, Chelsea Boyd, Casey Mahoney and Sarah Mahoney; her brother, Leo Duplessis and his wife, Shirley; two sisters, Gerry Mullen, of DePere, Wiconsin. and Sally LaVertu, of Brewer; as well as several nieces and nephews, and good friends.

Kay’s very kind heart and quick wit will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Due to the pandemic, the service will be held on what would have been Kay’s 83rd birthday, Friday, August 14, at 10 a.m., at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, for family and close friends.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc (www.lupus.org).

ARTHUR H. JOHNSON

SIDNEY – Arthur Hugh Johnson, 91, passed away Monday, August 10, 2020, at his home in Sidney. He was born January 16, 1929, in Harpswell, the son of Hugh and Maria (Hawkes) Johnson.

He attended schools in Harpswell and Orr’s Island in a one room school house. On October 27, 1953, he married Ruby Allard, in Augusta.

He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1952. He was a life time member of the American Legion. As a teenager, he was employed as a store clerk, then worked at the Rolex wristband factory, then retired after 35 years of service from the Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI) as a stationary engineer. In the ‘70s he was a firefighter with the Oakland fire department and in the 1980s did medical transport. Arthur enjoyed playing guitar and singing, yodeling, playing harmonica, boating/fishing, crossword puzzles and ice skating.

Arthur is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruby (Allard) Johnson, of Sidney; two daughters, Debra Short, of Augusta, Diane Trepanier and husband Doug, of Sidney; two brothers, Wayne Johnson and wife Marie, of Ocala, Florida, Dave Johnson and wife Frances, of Orr’s Island; three sisters, Phylis Gay, of Windham, Marilyn Colby and husband Raymond, of Oxford, Lorna Silvan and husband Jerry, of Orr’s Island; niece, Sharon Jones and husband Jim, of Orr’s Island; grandchildren, Tonya, Katie, Doug, Trisha, Theresa and Jessica; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by son, Dana Johnson; son-in-law, Fred Short; and sister, Harriet Johnson.

A Garden Memorial dedication will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Arthur’s memory to Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Road, Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

JOHN T. HOLT SR.

FAIRFIELD – John Timothy Holt Sr., 67, of Fairfield, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. He was the son of the late Scott Obadiah and F. Genevieve Holt.

He work­­ed at Freezer Foods meat company for many years in the ‘70s and early ‘80s and at Keyes Fibre Co. (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, for over 17 years. He was faced with tremendously challenging and varied health issues over almost a 30-year span. He was called Superman by those in the health care field. He never had a doubt of how deeply awestruck or proud his inner family was at how he handled whatever came his way next. He would want everyone, however, to focus on how he lived his entire life with charm, wonder, zeal, and humor.

John was a true Mainer and didnt believe there was a reason to leave Maine. He loved driving for the sake of driving; and traveled to most parts of Maine as a passion and hobby, having toured and explored most of inner and northern Maine as well as its entire coastline.

He loved camping, hunting, fishing, ice-fishing, snowmobiling, and apple picking. He loved playing horseshoes, darts, old-school arcade games, shooting pool and playing foosball and night golf. He could cook almost anything to perfection on a grill or over an open campfire. Music was an integral part of his life and he was a lifelong WABK, KC Kassem Top 40, and Paul Harvey listener and he attended almost every single East Benton Fiddlers Convention.

Times with his brothers and sister at camp, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or summer visits were some of his most favorite and memorable times.

John was an avid reader (he had a mother who read to him), he loved puzzles, jumbles, and word games. He adopted shelter dogs over the years and watched and fed his birds year-round. When he wasn’t in town, he could be found early on at Oak Pond and later at Webber Pond, in Vassalboro, entertaining family, friends, and strangers.

John was also a gardener at his home and his camp. His last big garden made the local news and his vegetables won prizes at local fairs.

He was an unparalleled, master storyteller. No one could hear a story of his without tears in their eyes and laughter pains in their stomach. Everyone who knew him would ask him to tell the one where…, and family would actively seek out those who hadn’t yet heard the mill stories, the brother stories or practical joke stories to someone new, just so they could all hear them again.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Terry J. and Scott Jr.

He is survived by his daughters, Julie Holt and Nicole Holt, and his namesake and son and best friend, John J.T. Timothy Holt, Jr; his brothers, Richard (Bobbie) Holt, Dana Michael (Linda) Holt, Daniel Patrick (Kim) Holt, and sister Mary Lee (Gary) Jones; grandchildren, Nathan and Ethan John; several nieces, nephews. He maintained extremely close relationships with Debby (Holt) Clark and Kim (Whittaker) Holt. He is also survived by Nancy Witham who donated a kidney to John in February 2005.

A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held Spring 2021.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901 or to the National Audubon Society. John would say, adopt a pet or start feeding the birds.

LUCIA M. DIEHL

WATERVILLE – Lucia Maria Diehl, 74, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Lucia was born on December 24, 1945, in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Always having an adventurous soul she moved to the United States in 1965. Lucia graduated from Bryn Mawr College as a registered nurse. She worked as an ICU nurse while raising her three daughters on her own. Lucia was passionate about her faith in God, who carried her through hardships. She was an artist who built beautiful gardens, paintings, and crafts. She was never afraid to take on a remodel project for the house.

Lucy would often say that she wasn’t the one who did that amazing thing, but that it was God. She cared for all living creatures and loved making special treats for the birds, dogs, cats, horses, and donkey. She was a feminist who raised strong women. Her ultimate joy in the end was being Grammy.

Lucia is survived by her three daughters, Jennifer Diehl, Monica Diehl, Julie Moore and her granddaughter, Adelynn Moore.

A graveside service was held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, on Monday, August 17. Due to Covid-19 restrictions attendance is limited.

Arrangements were under the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

LETTERS: Column not clear

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To the editor:

I read Gary Kennedy’s Veterans Corner in the August 13, 2020, issue of The Town Line, and I am still not clear on veterans’ disillusionment and confusion with a VA shutdown. Rather, I now have a good idea of Mr. Kennedy’s political and social views. If Mr. Kennedy wishes to express an opinion he should do so in an editorial rather than in a column that purports to be a source of news and information for veterans. I would also suggest that someone find a dictionary and check out the difference between “dissolution” and “disillusion”.

Deborah Marlett
South China

LETTERS: Politics before science?

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To the editor:

As a former certified teacher, I never thought I would live to see the day that politics could be allowed to overrule science as it is being done with such abandonment now.

Why not extend the school summer vacation for another three months? [I] know it creates extra problems for parents, but in the interest of safety this would give those working on how to control this virus much needed extra time to hopefully get a handle on this pandemic. Go back to school too early and, God forbid, everyone associated with the system risks the possibility of, not only coming down with this virus, but even die [from it]. Something to think about. Yes, this is a double-edged sword but, again, what is the alternative?

The National Teachers Union and its affiliates have told their members if you don’t feet it is safe to go back to school, then do not. Very sad.

Those of us in Maine appear to be under the illusion that this virus is only happening south of us. In central and northern Maine, and from my perception based on what I am seeing, many are not paying attention to what is being said on TV, newspapers, and internet regarding masks, social distancing, small crowds, etc.

Let’s all hope and pray, what we all should, that Dr. Fauci never has to say, “I told you so.”

Frank Slason
Somerville