Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Maine Supreme Court Chief Justices from Kennebec Valley – Part 1

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

Of the 26 chief justices of the Maine Supreme Court, Augusta has provided six – perhaps not surprising for the state capital. Portland is second, with five chief justices including Leigh Saufly, who was appointed Dec. 6, 2001, and retired April 14, 2020. Andrew Mead is currently acting Chief Justice. None of the other Kennebec Valley towns in this series has brought forth a chief justice, though Wikipedia lists Waterville as the residence of five of the 109 associate justices.

The state Supreme Court, known as the Law Court when it acts as an appellate court, was established by legislative act June 24, 1820, according to the chapter on the courts in Kingsbury’s Kennebec County history. (The chapter was written by William Penn Whitehouse, later to become the court’s tenth Chief Justice.) The court initially had a Chief Justice and two Associate Justices. The membership was increased in 1847 and again in 1852. When Whitehouse wrote in 1892, he said there were a Chief Justice and seven Associates, as there are now.

Justices were originally and still are appointed by the Governor of Maine, with Senate confirmation required. Wikipedia says until 1839 justices were appointed for life or until they reached the mandatory retirement age, 70. Since 1839, they have been appointed for seven-year terms, with an unlimited number of reappointments and no mandatory retirement age.

The court’s office is in Portland. Wikipedia comments that most state supreme courts meet in the capital city, but Portland’s Cumberland County courthouse offered a larger meeting room than Augusta’s Kennebec County courthouse.

The court’s website lists five principal duties: hearing appeals on legal grounds from lower-court cases, both civil and criminal; giving the governor and the legislature advisory opinions on important issues; supervising the conduct of Maine lawyers and judges (including disciplinary power); making procedural rules that apply to all Maine courts; and, through its appellate division, hearing appeals of criminal convictions if the defendant received a prison sentence of a year or more. Wikipedia says only a few other state constitutions authorize state supreme courts to issue advisory opinions.

Prentiss Mellen

The court’s members were initially appointed July 1, 1820, with Prentiss Mellen, of Portland, as the first Chief Justice.

Nathan Weston Jr.

The second Maine Chief Justice was Augusta native Nathan Weston, Jr. (1782-1872). A Dartmouth College graduate (Class of 1803) and lawyer in Boston, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Second Circuit of Maine in 1811. After Maine and Massachusetts separated on March 15, 1820, and the Maine Supreme Court was created, he became one of the initial associate justices on July 1, 1820.

Louis Hatch wrote in his Maine: A History that in 1825 a Maine legislative caucus offered to nominate Weston for governor, after incumbent Albion K. Parris declined to run for a sixth term. Weston preferred to stay on the court.

Chosen on Oct. 22, 1834, to succeed Mellen as Chief Justice, he served until his term expired on Oct. 22, 1841, according to on-line information.

In 1827, Weston bought the Fuller-Weston House on Summer Street, in Augusta. The Federal-style two-story wooden house was built in 1818 for a lawyer named Henry Weld Fuller, who sold it to Weston. Weston lived there with his wife Paulina Bass Cony (1787-1857) and their four sons and four daughters, born between 1810 and 1824.

Later, Wikipedia says, the house was the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church rectory. House and church have been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

Records do not show what Weston did between 1841 and his death in 1872. Apparently, however, he continued to be an important figure in Augusta. When a large public meeting was held on April 22, 1861, as part of Maine’s response to the beginning of the Civil War, he was one of the speakers, along with Lot M. Morrill, former three-term governor and in 1861 United States Senator; James G. Blaine, at that time a member of the state House of Representatives and chairman of the state Republican Committee; and others.

Melville Weston Fuller

Weston’s daughter Catherine married Fuller’s son Frederick and gave birth to a son, Melville Weston Fuller, in February 1833. The couple divorced almost immediately, Wikipedia says, and Melville was raised in the Summer Street house by his grandfather. Following family precedent, Melville studied law and rose to the position of Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, a position he held from July 20, 1888, until his death July 10, 1910.

(Melville Fuller’s statue outside the Kennebec County courthouse, in Augusta, is currently a topic of public debate, because during his tenure the 1896 “Plessy v. Ferguson” decision upheld racial segregation laws, the “separate but equal” doctrine. According to a recent Kennebec Journal article, Fuller did not write the decision, but agreed with it. Earlier this year the Maine Supreme Court asked Kennebec County Commissioners to remove the statue from the courthouse, calling it inconsistent with contemporary judges’ values.)

William Penn Whitehouse

The second Augusta Chief Justice was the court’s 10th, William Penn Whitehouse (1842-1922). Born in Vassalboro, son of John Roberts Whitehouse and Hannah Percival Whitehouse, he attended China Academy, entered Waterville (now Colby) College in September 1858, graduated with honors in 1863 and earned a master’s degree in 1866. After a year as principal of Vassalboro Academy, he studied law, becoming a member of the Kennebec Bar in October 1865.

Whitehouse served as Augusta city solicitor for four years, Kennebec County attorney for seven years and Kennebec County Superior Court judge for 12 years. He was appointed an Associate Justice of the state Supreme Court on April 15, 1890, and Chief Justice on July 26, 1911. He served less than two years, resigning on April 8, 1913, and returning to practice in Augusta.

Colby awarded him an honorary LLD in 1896 and Bowdoin another in 1912. An on-line site (which this writer has not confirmed) describes the historical marker on Water Street, in Augusta, east of and close to Memorial Circle, where his house once stood. The house was a Greek Revival building dating from 1851; Whitehouse bought it in 1879 and died there on Oct. 22, 1922. The marker says the house became an apartment building and was demolished in 2007.

According to the marker, Whitehouse was “a strong advocate for the abolition of the death penalty in Maine.” An on-line source quotes Hatch, writing as though he knew Whitehouse, as offering high praise for his legal knowledge and his character, using phrases like “fair-mindedness,” “sense of duty,” “keen and ready mind,” “gracious and urbane manners” and “balance and sanity of temperament.” (The on-line source purports to be reprinting a long excerpt about the Whitehouse family from Hatch’s Maine history, pp. 35 and 36. However, in this writer’s facsimile copy of the 1919 printed history, the index refers to no such material, and pp. 35 and 36 deal with military actions during the Revolution.)

Whitehouse married Evelyn Marie Treat (1843-1925) in 1869. Two of their three children died in infancy; their first-born, Robert Treat Whitehouse, was also a lawyer with a practice in Portland.

Leslie Colby Cornish

Leslie Colby Cornish (1854-1925), a Winslow native, became Maine’s 12th Chief Justice on June 25, 1917. Son of Colby Coombs Cornish and Pauline Bailey Simpson Cornish, he attended Waterville Classical Institute (later Coburn Classical Institute) and graduated from Colby College, Class of 1875, with high honors. He was one of Coburn’s original 1901 trustees, and from 1907 to 1926 he chaired Colby’s Board of Trustees.

His legal studies included a year with an Augusta law firm (1878-79) and a year at Harvard Law School (1879-1880). He became a member of the Kennebec Bar in November 1880, and held local elective office in Augusta. In 1884, he married Fannie Holmes Woodman. He was appointed an Associate Justice on March 31, 1907, and Chief Justice on June 25, 1917. He resigned on March 1, 1925, for health reasons and died June 24, 1925.

The April 10, 1807, issue of the Colby Echo reported that Cornish had thrice rejected nominations to the Maine Supreme Court because he preferred practicing law. In 1807, the Echo writer surmised, he accepted because he and Governor William Titcomb Cobb had been roommates at Harvard Law School and friends ever since. The writer commented that with Cornish’s appointment, “while the bar of Maine loses one of its most brilliant and best beloved practitioners, the bench gains a member who will honor and adorn it.”

In 1922 Cornish was chosen a member of an American Bar Association committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice William Howard Taft to draw up a code of judicial ethics.

An on-line excerpt from Sprague’s Journal of Maine History credits Cornish with restoring a Wiscasset monument honoring Samuel Sewall, a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Chief Justice who died suddenly while holding a court session at Wiscasset on June 8, 1814. Cornish was similarly representing the Maine court in the 1920s when he found the monument in disrepair and started a restoration fund. Massachusetts Chief Justice Arthur P. Rugg joined his effort.

Sprague adds that Cornish was “one of the cultured men of Maine who are appreciative readers of Maine history; who believe that it should be taught to the youth of Maine in our public school[s]; and that the state should pursue a broad and liberal policy in encouraging the publication of literature relating to it.”

(Sprague wrote that Sewall died, and Cornish discovered the neglected monument, when each was holding a “nisi prius” term at the Wiscasset courthouse. On-line legal dictionaries translate “nisi prius” as “unless before,” summarize its origin in British law, offer “court of original jurisdiction” as substitute wording and explain that it describes a trial court [as distinguished from an appeals court] where cases are tried before a judge. Some definitions say a judge and jury, and one limits trials in the United States to civil cases.)

Hatch wrote that both Whitehouse and Cornish were active in the Unitarian Church. When Hatch’s history was being assembled for its 1919 publication, Whitehouse headed Maine’s State Conference of Unitarian Churches and Cornish headed the Maine Unitarian Association.

Main sources

Hatch, Louis Clinton, ed., Maine: A History 1919 (facsimile, 1974).
Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).

Websites, miscellaneous.

SOLON & BEYOND: The Passing of the Back House

/0 Comments/in /by
Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Have been going through all my old stash of memories of days gone by and decided to write some of the funny things I have written about to give you a good laugh in these troubling times.

Probably many of you won’t know what I am talking about with this first one, called The Passing Of the Back House!…So I will give you an idea.” When memory keeps me company and moves to smile or tears, A weather-beaten object looms through the mist of years. Behind the house and barn it stood a half mile or more, And hurrying feet a path had made straight to its swinging door.

It’s architecture was a type of simple classic art, But in the tragedy of life it played a leading part; And oft passing traveler drove slow and heaved a sigh to see the modest hired girl slip out with glances shy.

We had our posy garden that the women loved so well, I loved it, too, but better still I loved the stronger smell that filled the evening breezes so full of cheer – That told the night-o’er taken tramp that human life was near. On lazy August afternoons it made a little bower delightful where my grandsire sat and whiled away an hour – For there the summer mornings the very cares entwined and berry bushes reddened in the streaming soil behind. All day the spiders spun their webs to catch the buzzing flies That flittered to and from the house where ma was baking pies and once a swarm of hornets bold built a palace there and stung my unsuspecting aunt – I must not tell you where.

Then father took a flaming pole – that was a happy day. He nearly burned the buildings up, but the hornets left to stay. When summer bloom began to fade and winter to carouse, we banked the little building with a heap of hemlock boughs.

But when the crust was on the snow and the sullen skies were gray. In sooth the building was no place where one could wish to stay. We did our duties promptly there – one purpose swayed our minds – We tarried not nor lingered long on what we left behind.

The torture of that icy seat could make a Spartan sob, For needs must scrape the gooseflesh with a lacerated cob that from a frost-encrusted nail suspended by a string – My father was a frugal man and wasted not a thing. When grandpa had to go out back and make his morning call, We bundled up the dear old man with muffler and a shawl. I knew the hole on which he sat, ’twas padded all around. And once, I dared to sit there – it was all too wide I found. My loins were all too little, and I jack-knifed there to stay. They had to come and get me out or I would have passed away. Then father said ambition was a thing that boys should shun and I must use the children’s hole till childhood days were done.

But still I marvel at the craft that cut those holes so true – The baby hole and slender hole that fitted sister Sue. That dear old country landmark; I’ve tramped around a bit, And in the lap of luxury my lot has been to sit.

But ere I die I’ll eat the fruit of trees I robbed of yore, Then seek the shanty where my name is carved upon the door. I ween the old familiar smell will soothe my faded soul – I’m now a man, but none the less I’ll try the children’s hole.

Hope some of you remember those good old days and get a good laugh out of it! There isn’t any date on the following, but it was written several several years ago: It starts, Good morning my friends, it seems I am accomplishing what I set out to do —with some of you anyway. My goal was to bring a chuckle or maybe even a belly laugh to someone each week. One person told me when they read the account about Mark’s MG, they “cracked up” that’s good hope each and every one of you will work on developing a really good sense of humor. Love, laugh and be happy.

And now for Percy’s memoir: So give of yourself and of your time; give surprise gifts and encouraging words. ( words from a little book called, Hugs to encourage and inspire.)

Vassalboro: Light up the Season 2020

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Here is a map of local sites participating in Vassalboro’s Light up the Season 2020 event.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Canada lynx surviving in the state of Maine

/1 Comment/in /by
Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Every once in a while, the conversation comes up about Canada lynx in Maine. Are they present in the state, where can they be found, are they dangerous? The questions are many.

Friends of mine who live in Richmond have had to deal with one on their mini-farm, who liked to come around and harass the chickens.

The Canada lynx, Lynx canadensis, was listed as threatened on March 24, 2004, by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Canada lynx are medium-sized cats, generally 30-35 inches long and weighing 18-23 pounds. They have large feet adapted to walking on snow, long legs, tufts on the ears, and black-tipped tails. They are highly adapted for hunting snowshoe hare, the primary prey, in the snows of the boreal forest.

A report released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department’s Montana Field Office offers some insights.

Lynx in the contiguous United States are at the southern margins of a widely-distributed range across Canada and Alaska. The center of the North American range is in north-central Canada. Lynx are found in coniferous forests that have cold, snowy winters and provide a prey base of snowshoe hare. Lynx, primarily found in northern Maine, prey almost exclusively on snowshoe hare, so the fate of both species are linked. Maine’s population, believed to be several hundred animals, is contiguous with populations in southern Québec and northern New Brunswick.

Lynx can only flourish in a large boreal forest that contains appropriate forest types, snow depths and high snowshoe hare densities. In the Northeast, lynx were most likely to be in areas that support deep snow (106 inches annually), associated with regenerating boreal forest landscapes.

A Canada lynx in the wild.

A Canada lynx in the wild.

Lynx are highly mobile and have a propensity to travel long distances, particularly when prey becomes scarce.

Some believe both lynx and coyotes would compete for the same food, but during a recent 12-year study, it was found that is not the case. Lynx roam the deep snow without problems, while coyotes travel more in packs along trails and road systems, and are more likely to attack larger prey, such as deer.

Another question: do Canada lynx and coyotes attack each other? In the wild coyotes kill Canada lynx, but Canada lynx don’t kill coyotes.

The historic and current range of the lynx in the contiguous United States is within the southern extensions of the forests of the Northeast, Great Lakes, Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains.

The lynx is listed in 14 states that support the environment needed to sustain the animal. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are three of them.

The environment in Maine is perfect to support Canada lynx populations. Harsh winters, deep snow, dense evergreen forests and sub-zero temperatures are exactly what the lynx likes. But, due to extensive hunting for its pelts in the 1960s, the cat nearly disappeared from Maine. Only a new law protecting the lynx, enacted in 1967, has protected it from hunting and trapping. It is illegal to hunt or trap Canada lynx in Maine.

Canada lynx are a federally-listed Threatened Species. There is no open season for the trapping or hunting of lynx in Maine. To protect lynx and to help Maine trappers avoid accidentally taking lynx, the department has delineated a lynx protection zone in northern Maine where special regulations are in effect.

It is believed the lynx population in Maine is at a historic high. More than 1,000 adult lynx are believed to be inhabiting the Maine forests. Even though it doesn’t sound like very many, compared to other fur bearing animals in the state, the lynx is actually living at the edge of its range.

Although the lynx was placed on the federal-threatened species list, it is only listed as a species of special concern in the state of Maine.

Legal trapping, snaring, and hunting for bobcat, coyote, wolverine, and other furbearers create a potential for incidental capture of lynx. Lynx persist throughout their range despite the incidental catch that presumably has occurred throughout the past, probably at higher levels than presently.

Even though the animal rights group won a ruling about the state taking steps to prevent the occasional accidental trappings, they were not successful in their request for temporary suspension of some trapping where lynx are present in northern Maine.

Subsequently, inadvertent trappings of Canada lynx occur from time to time.

As far as human interaction is concerned, various reports have described it as ‘fearsome’, warning that it ‘could eat pets’ and be ‘aggressive if cornered’. According to the Borth Wild Animal Kingdom in Ceredigion, as of October 2017, there have never been any recorded attacks of a lynx on a human, but they are a wild animal… and will attack if cornered or trapped.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the four NFL teams to never appear in a Super Bowl.

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, December 10, 2020

/0 Comments/in /by

Trivia QuestionsName the four NFL teams to never appear in a Super Bowl.

Answer:

Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans and Detroit Lions.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 10, 2020

/0 Comments/in /by

DONALD R. PEACE

OAKLAND – Donald Richard Peace, 80, of Oakland, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at his home. Donald was born in Waterville on October 30, 1940, son of Gordon Peace and Margaret (Carey) Peace.

Donald graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1961. Don worked in the poultry business and retired from Fred’s Coffee, in Waterville. After retirement he worked at Waterville Bowling Alley and Ray Haskell Ford, in Waterville.

Don liked to pull pranks, like duct taping Christmas presents, watching western movies (he was a huge John Wayne fan), enjoying time at East Pond and Old Orchard Beach, puttering in the garage and making sure his lawn was in perfect condition. His pride and joy was his garden that he spent many hours enjoying, and his pets. He had three dogs, Billy, Mickey, Julia and two cats, Peanut and Baby.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Margaret and his brother, Robert and sister, Barbara.

Don is survived by his wife Judy Peace; son, Greg (Jonni) Peace; daughter, Lisa (Rocky) Gravel; stepson, Tim Grenier; stepdaughter, Ginger and her spouse Kevin Bacheller; his grandchildren, Kyle, Matthew, Sonny and his spouse Yulia, Georgia, Jessica, Nicholas; his great-grandchildren, Andrew and Lana; and his siblings, Raymond, Jean, Judy, Charlene, Larry and Bruce.

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 can be made in Don’s honor to the Human Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd.,, Waterville, MEW 04901, or to any other animal shelter of your choice.

ANDREA G. MASON

ALBION – Andrea Gail Mason passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. She was born on May 28, 1939, to parents Mary and Kenneth Henderson.

Andrea obtained a bachelor’s degree from Pembroke College, in Brown University, and a master’s degree from Rhode Island school of Design in Art Education, in Providence, Rhode Island.

She became an art teacher at Lawrence Junior High School, in Fairfield, where she inspired students to express themselves through drawing, painting, and sculpting. For most of her life she was an avid knitter, sewer and quilter. She was known by her family and friends as a loving and compassionate person, who also made time for others.

Andrea is survived by her husband, Gerald Mason; her brother, John Henderson; her daughter, Jessica Fowles Mussatti; her son, Seth Fowles; her granddaughter, Samantha Heath and grandson, Alec Fowles.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

Condolences and memories can be shared by visiting Andrea’s guestbook at http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com

LeROY ROBERTS

SIDNEY – LeRoy Roberts, 69, of Sidney, passed away suddenly from Covid-19 on Thursday, November 26, 2020. He was born on June 4, 1951, in Ashland, Wisconsin, to Roy and Leila Roberts.

Lee graduated high school in Washburn, Wisconsin in 1969, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin, in Platteville, Wisconsin.

Lee earned accolades in his chosen career as a paper mill manager and eventually retired from F.W. Webb Co., as operations manager, in Augusta, Maine. He valued hard work and enjoyed working with the public.

In 1973, Lee married the former Angela Haines, in Dubuque, Iowa. They went on to move several times in their 48-year marriage as he advanced in his career.

Lee was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing on the Sioux River, in Washburn, Wisconsin. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, hiking, traveling and taking walks. Lee had a green thumb and was known to spoil Angie with beautiful roses from his garden. He also enjoyed Sudoku puzzles and spent many hours reading on his deck.

LeRoy will be missed by his wife Angie Roberts, of Sidney; two daughters, Naomi Roberts, of Minot, North Dakota, and Alicia (Tony) D’Anna, of Portland, Oregon; two grandsons, Alex and Markus D’Anna; two sisters, Janet (Harvey) Kangas, of Blaine, Minnesota, and Joan (Dave) Condon, of Minocqua, Wisconsin; and nieces and nephews.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service and interment will be held in the summer of 2021 in the Calvary Cemetery in Washburn, Wiconsin.

The Bratley Funeral Home, in Washburn, is handling the arrangements.

To view this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences, visit us at http://www.bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com

SFC (RET.) SCOTT N. VAFIADES

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina – SFC (Ret.) Scott Nicholas Vafiades, 66, Fayetteville, North Caroline, formerly of Sidney, passed away Saturday November 28, 2020, at the SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice House, in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Scott was born October 18, 1954, in Schenectady, New York, to the late Delores Keeler Vafiades and Nicholas Vassor Vafiades.

Scott spent his childhood in Pembroke, Massachusetts. He would go on to serve his country as a military policeman in the U.S. Army retiring from service in 1995. Following his military service, Scott pursued a career as an auditor with the state of Maine until his retirement in 2016.

Scott never met a stranger and was passionate about motorcycles. Most of all, he enjoyed caring for and spending time with his beloved family.

Scott is survived by his wife of 18 years, Domenica Navoni Vafiades; his daughter Kelsey D. Reid; his son Nicholas A. Vafiades and wife Hashi; his grandchildren Zoe Vafiades and Evie Vafiades; his sister Diane Duffy, his brother Greg Vafiades and wife Sue; and several nieces, nephews; great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A funeral service was held on Friday Dec. 4, 2020, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Services are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 A. C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.

J. TED. L. BONSANT

WINDSOR – J. Ted Lawrence Bonsant, 77, of Weeks Mills Road, passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at MaineGeneral Hospital, in Augusta, as a result of Covid-19 infection. He was born in Augusta on July 1, 1943.

He was raised by his aunt Yvette and Harold Manwaring. Ted attended St. Augustine School and Cony High School, both in Augusta.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 34 years by Cives Steel. He previously worked at Edwards Manufacturing Co., in Pittsfield, Hallowell Shoe Co, Lipman Poultry, and dug blood worms.

After his retirement, he was director of parking for Windsor Fair Association. He worked with his wife Brenda as cook and helped with Lady Bug Daycare.

He always put family first, supporting his children and grandchildren in all sports and activities. The kids loved him and would all call him “Beepa”. He loved to tell jokes and always laughed at his own. He was a selfless man and always was looking to make another person’s day brighter. Ted was a great staple in the community where he was enjoyed by everyone.

Ted was a member of North Windsor Baptist Church where he had been a deacon for many years and currently he was a trustee of the church. He helped out at the Windsor Food Bank by picking food and making deliveries. Ted was manager of the Windsor Farm League, and Little League for 15 years. He loved spending his time golfing with his friends Dick Hutchinson, Hank Peaslee, Joe Greenwood and Brian Casey, hunting with the boys, bowling, and trivia.

He was predeceased by a brother, Earl Gaslin,

Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Brenda L. (Mason) Bonsant, of Windsor; three sons, Thomas Bonsant, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and his wife Cindy Bonsant, Tracy Bonsant, of Windsor and his wife Wendy Bonsant, and Timothy Bonsant, of Augusta, and his wife Dorothy Bonsant; one daughter, Tina Bonsant, of Windsor, and her husband Jake Buck; 10 grandchildren, Joshua Bonsant, Courtney Bonsant, Emily Bonsant, Alex Silva, Ally Bonsant, Noah Bonsant, Catherine Silva, Matthew Bonsant, Jacob Fifield and Julia Buck; three brothers, Harold Gaslin, of Bucksport, and his wife Lynette, and Peter Morin, of Florida, and wife Lisa Morin, and Rocky Gaslin, of Augusta; four sisters, June Dunn, of Manchester, Millie Tondreau, of Lancaster, California, Rita Daigle, of Hampton, New Hampshire, Lisa Willis, of Vassalboro, Janice Lewis, of Florida, and Leeanne Plourde, of Vermont.

There are no public visiting hours planned. A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2021.

Burial with military honors will be in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor, ME.

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

Memorial donations are requested to Whitefield Lions Club, P.O. Box 52, Coopers Mills, ME 04341, or Windsor Food Bank, P.O. Box 147, Windsor, ME 04363.

RONALD P. DOUCETTE

WATERVILLE – Ronald Paul Doucette, 83, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 29, 2020. Ronald was born in Waterville on September 16, 1937, to Patrick and Mina (Pro­vost) Dou­cette.

He married Priscilla Brown in 1972 and they lived 48 years together. Ronald loved his time working at Parks Diner and MaineGeneral Medical Center, both in Waterville, for nine and 40 years, respectively, among other jobs. He met many people and always greeted them with a smile. Ronald enjoyed eating out, especially at The Villager Family Restaurant, in Waterville, where he would get caught up with friends and news. He also loved going to Eric’s Restaurant, in Waterville, for breakfast with his 8:45 group. Ronald had many wonderful birthdays with this group.

Ronald enjoyed having a grandson to raise and was always especially proud of his grandson’s accomplishments. He had many great memories with his wife Priscilla including vacations to Florida, Las Vegas and on cruise ships.

Ronald was a simple, hard-working, and kind man who will be truly missed by his family and friends, and especially the family cat, Nina.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was predeceased by his son Ronald P. Doucette Jr.; sisters Cecile Dennis, Lucille Barnes, Madeline Doucette, Alice DuPerry, Linda Little, and Margaret (Peggy) Doucette, and brothers Ernest Doucette, Rene Doucette, Reginald Loisel, Freeman (Popeye) Doucette and Roger (Foxy) Doucette.

Ronald is survived by his wife Priscilla Doucette; grandson Jonathan Doucette; son Daniel Doucette; brother in-law Gary Little; and many nephews and nieces.

Due to COVID-19 and the time of year, services will be held in the spring or summer of 2021.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com.

CARMELITA T. MARTIN

OAKLAND – Carmelita T. Martin, 95, passed away on Monday, on November 30, 2020 at Bedside Manor, in Oakland. She was born in Corinth, Iowa, on November 6, 1925, the daughter of John T. Lickteig and Mary E. (Ohmas) Lickteig, of Wesley, Iowa.

She was educated in Wesley, Iowa, schools and graduated from St. Joseph’s Mercy College of Nursing, in 1946, as an R.N.

She was employed for four years at the former Edwards Mill as a nurse in the First Aid Room, eight years as a staff nurse at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Togus, and several years as a staff nurse, then known as Augusta General Hospital. For 20 years she worked as a private duty nurse until her retirement at age 62.

She met the love of her life, Richard G. Martin, through her brother, Don, when he served in World War II with Richard. They became pen pals, then later met and were married for 63 years.

She was involved with the Daughters of Isabella and awarded Mother of the Year.

She was a member of St. Augustine’s Parish, in Augusta, and Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, a member of the Ladies of St. Anne, the ANA, The Blue Army and Marion Movement of Priests. She also became involved with the Rosary Makers and through the years her Rosary Beads were sent all over the world to different missions. In her prime, she would make three a day. They were beautiful.

She enjoyed her travel with good friends, Al and Gretchen Soriente, to Germany to visit her ancestry.

Her other hobbies included gardening and flower arrangements, raising house plants, sewing, crafts, crocheting and loved to have yard sales and also go to them.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Richard G. Martin; five brothers, Urban, Don Jack, Dennis and Gerry and two sisters, Ann Buettner and Edna Waldschmidt.

Survivors are her three sons, Michael and wife Mary Lou, of Winslow, Peter and wife Lynda, of Sidney, and Paul and wife Julie, of Arlington, Washington; one sister, Shirley Hanley, of Iowa, and a sister-in-law Luella Lickteig, of Iowa; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins; and Lorraine Martin.

Adhering to CDC guidelines of 50 or fewer people, social distancing and wearing of masks, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m., at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Ave., Augusta.

Burial and committal prayers will follow in the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

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

In lieu of flowers a gift may be made to Rosary Makers, c/o Leonel Larochelle, 82 Wade Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.

BYRON R. NORTON

WINDSOR – Byron Ralph Norton, 68, of Windsor, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at home following a long, hard-fought battle.

The son of Richard and Eugenia (Moxcey) Norton, Byron attended elementary schools in Hallowell and Whitefield and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1972.

In his younger years, Byron enjoyed bass fishing and playing guitar and harmonica in a rock ‘n roll band. More recently, he enjoyed boating, working in the yard on his tractor and watching the New York Giants lose.

With his dry delivery and quick wit, he was known by most to be quite funny. Byron held jobs at Augusta Iron Works and Bath Iron Works before working the majority of his life as a self-employed builder. He was meticulous in his craft and generous to his customers. His life’s work has left countless physical marks on this world. Although he constructed many houses, Byron’s most proud accomplishments were the homes he built for family members including his son and daughter.

Byron is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lovina (Joslyn) Norton, their daughter Jessica Norton, and their son Jacob Norton with wife Jessica (Dunn) and children Elijah, Aubrey and Isaac Norton, all of Windsor; three sisters, Laurie Mullens with partner Richard Cummings, of Whitefield, Patty Preservati, of Somerville, and Pamela Metten, of Chelsea; brother-in-law Don Joslyn with wife Cheyenne, of Sidney; sisters-in-law Debbie Landry, of Jefferson, and Pam Norton, of Somerville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Richard and Timothy Norton.

In light of the pandemic, a celebration of Byron’s life will be held at a later date.

Those who knew and loved Byron are encouraged to share memories and photos of him and/or his work for inclusion in a memory book, either online, or by mail to 134 Griffin Rd, Windsor, ME 04363.

Memories and condolences may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.

FANADO PELOTTE

WATERVILLE – Fanado “Gid” Pelotte, 98, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020. He was born on October 2, 1922, in Waterville, to parents Henri and Lea (Veilleux) Pelotte.

Fanado “Gid” started a gravel company in Waterville in 1942, at the same location as it still is today, a quarter of mile from where he was born and grew up. He had to quit school at the age of 13 to help his dad in the fields so they could produce dry goods for sale to the local markets. When starting out his business, Gid would borrow his father’s dump truck after working in the fields all day and in the evenings, he would haul sand to the St. Francis Cemetery for the Portland Diocese. He was hauling ammunition and supplies to the Bath Iron Works (shipyard) when he met a young woman named Yvette Camire (who was a tack welder inside the ships) and immediately fell in love. Together they started what is now Fanado Pelotte Contractors.

During the war, he joined the Civil Air Service as a private contractor, helping to build several airports: such as Loring, Limestone Air Force Base, Brunswick Naval Air Station, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and Norridgewock Airport just to name a few.

Gid and Yvette had three boys David, Linwood (Woody, Doey), and Raymond. When they were old enough they were right by his side all the time, learning and helping him grow the business into what it is today.

Gid was in good health and was the Boss (78 years) of the company right until his death. He was an avid hunter, angler, and sportsman. He loved his lodge on Brassua Lake and would get up there every chance he could. His dedicated service in the community, representing his family business which was his joy in life, and he was thankful for the many friends he made that shared in his generosity and giving nature. He was a member of Corpus Christi Parish, at Notre Dame Church, in Waterville.

Surviving Gid is his son Raymond and wife, Barbara Pelotte; his daughter-in-law Linda Pelotte; his grandchildren Stephanie Nielson (Erik), Matthew Pelotte, Timothy Pelotte (Deb), Anthony Pelotte (Jamie), and Irene Richards (Scott); his great- grandchildren, Kylie Nielson, Gabby Pelotte, Elliott Pelotte, Cody Pelotte, Shawna Pelotte, Jake Stinson, Lucas Pelotte, Trevor Pelotte, Zach Dionne; and two great-great-grandchildren Colton and Camden.

Gid is predeceased by his wife of 44 years Yvette (1988); a son David Pelotte (1962), a son Linwood (2017); and a very special close friend Mamie Ouellette (2015). Gid’s predeceased siblings are James (Jimmy) Pelotte, Willie Pelotte, Alphie Pelotte, Emma King, Florence Salley, Rosaire (Roger) Pelotte, and Evelyn (Dee) Morrison.

A private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, December 4.

Please see our website http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share your condolences with Gid’s family and view his Life Remembered Video.

In lieu of flowers, Gid’s family is requesting donations to be made to MaineGeneral Hospice Care Unit.

ROBERTA F. DICKINSON

FAIRFIELD – Roberta “Bert” Faye (Quimby) Dickinson, 83, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. She was born July 21, 1937, in Bingham, to the late Alston Bertell Sr., and Dorothy Irene (Lindsay) Quimby Brooks.

Although she never made national headlines for curing the common cold or writing the next great novel, Roberta lived a full and rich life. For 17 years she followed Sonny across the country as he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, or waited patiently for him at home during the times he had to be away for duty. Many times she had to be mother, father, chief cook and bottle washer to her girls, and the many other children who filled her life and loved her like a mother. Upon his retirement from the Navy, Bert and Sonny returned home to Maine where they spent the next 36 years working and loving and living. Always ready for a game of Yahtzee, Roberta also enjoyed conquering word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and exploring the world without leaving home through her love of reading. Above all else, she loved her family.

Roberta is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Laurel “Sonny” L. Dickinson Jr., and her sister, Marilyn “Mal” (Quimby) Spaulding.

Roberta is survived by four daughters, Dottie Dickinson-Greene and husband Mervin, of Fairfield, Laurie Buzzell and husband Rick, of Clinton, Janet Keicher and husband John, of Brookline New Hampshire, Leslie Jones and husband Steve, of Benton; 13 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; her sister, Mildred ‘Millie’ Blackwell, of New Philadelphia Ohio; brother, Alston ‘Sonny’ Quimby Jr. and wife Wanda, of Madison; brother, Philip ‘Phil’ Brooks, of Fairfield; as well as an extended family of sisters-in law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

It was Roberta’s wish that she not be remember with a funeral, so a celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family and in consideration of the current restrictions.

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

In lieu of flowers, family and friends wishing may make donations in Roberta’s memory to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Main Street, Waterville ME 04901.

JEFFREY D. FISHER

WATERVILLE — Jeffrey D. Fisher, 69, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, in Waterville. He was born April 17, 1951, in Waterville, the son of the late William P. Fisher Sr., of Waterville, and the late Ernestine (McCorisson) Fisher, of Plainville, Connecticut.

Jeff grew up in Oakland and attended Oakland public schools. Jeff served in the U. S. Navy during Vietnam. He was stationed on the USS Somers from March 1969 to March 1973. Jeff lived part of his life in the central Connecticut area where he was a tree surgeon by trade. He later moved to Maine and worked at Old Town Canoe for 30 years. In recent years Jeff was a beloved handyman for his community where people baked him food, goodies and wrote him letters of thanks.

Jeff was an avid fisherman. He fished all seasons including ice fishing. Jeff was known for his love of oldies music from the ‘50s and ‘60s. While living in Connecticut he worked part time as “DJ Jeff” for parties and events. His Halloween parties were legendary. Jeff was the best joke teller and enjoyed making people laugh. He was a Red Sox and Patriots fan.

Jeff leaves behind his kitty Sunshine along with a newer kitty BigFoot. He fed many strays looking for food. The community called him the Cat Whisperer. He had a gentle nature and kind soul that all animals loved.

Jeff is survived by his six siblings, William Fisher, Jr, of Winterport, Bonnie Mindek and her husband Robert, of Rome, his twin brother, John Fisher and his wife Patricia, of Waterville, Dolores Krampitz and her husband Edward, of Plainville, Connecticut, Jolene Zerbe and her husband Kevin, of Southington, Connecticut, and Raymond Fisher and his wife Linda, of Wallingford, Connecticut; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

Family and friends wishing to honor Jeff may make a donation in Jeff’s name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

ROYCE B. NELSON

PALERMO – Royce B. Nelson, 87, of North Palermo Road, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, after suffering a stroke. Born in Palermo on April 6, 1933, he was the son of Jasper Nelson and Edith Nelson and the oldest of four children.

After graduating from Erskine Academy, in South China, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in North Carolina before volunteering to serve overseas in Korea. When he completed his military service, he returned home to Palermo and purchased his first Ford dump truck. He was a lifelong Ford owner and remained steadfast on the brand. He would go on to own a small fleet of trucks, hiring drivers and contracting with Blue Rock Industries and others to help pave many roads throughout the state. Later he was elected to serve as Road Commissioner in Palermo, with responsibility for maintaining and repairing the roads.

In 1963 he married his wife of 57 years, Jeannine. Together they built their home where they raised four children. He took pride in seeing his own livestock of Black Angus bred and born on his 300-acre farm he named Pond View Farms. In addition to owning over a hundred head of cattle, the farm was also the home to horses, pigs, chickens and his beloved German Shepherd, Duchess. It was a true labor of love for him.

Although he never fully retired from farming in his later years, he did take some time away from it, and he enjoyed camping and spending time with his children and grandchildren. As the years passed, he would eventually be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His progression was blessedly slow and although Alzheimer’s eventually took from him his independence and his memory, it left his gregarious, funny and gentle personality fully intact. An honorable, self-made man with his own special brand of humor, he was well liked and always respected by all who met him.

Surviving is his wife, Jeannine Nelson, of Palermo; two sons, Todd Nelson and his wife Tina, and Troy Nelson and his wife Angie, both of Palermo; two daughters, Tammy Leeman and her husband David, of Newcastle, and Tracy Cardelli, of South Portland; six grandchildren: Jessica, Scott, Cody, Jenna, Alicia and Royce; and two great-grandchildren: Brady and Olivia.

He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, Jackie Nelson and Phyllis Draiss, and a brother, Keith Nelson and his son-in-law, Stephen Cardelli.

There are no planned public visiting hours.

A graveside service and military honors was held on Tuesday December 8, 2020, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Vassalboro seeks oldest resident

/0 Comments/in , /by

Vassalboro Historical Society

The Vassalboro Historical Society is searching for the oldest resident of Vassalboro. Our most recent recipient of the honorary Boston Post Gold Cane, Louise Charlotte Seehagen Eastman, passed away on January 28, 2020, at age 101.

We know of a 98-year-old in East Vassalboro, but want to make sure we don’t miss anyone. If you are or know of someone older than 98 years old, please contact Jan Clowes at 207-660-2854 or by email at VHSPresident@gmail.com.

China selectmen narrowly vote to sell Lakeview Drive parcel

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

NOTE: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, attendance at China selectmen’s meetings is limited to board members and the town manager; everyone else participates or views remotely. Unfortunately, the audio at the Dec. 7 meeting was so poor that much of the conversation was inaudible. The following story is therefore incomplete.

Board member Irene Belanger, participating remotely, also had difficulty hearing the discussion.

The meeting was recorded and the tape is available. To review it, go to the Town of China website, china.govoffice.com; click on Live Stream at the bottom left of the page; under PREVIOUS EVENTS on the right of the new screen, click on DECEMBER; and click on the name and date of the meeting.

At their Dec. 7 meeting, China selectmen voted 3-2 to sell the land opposite the former Candlewood Camps, on the east side of Lakeview Drive, and directed Town Manager Becky Hapgood to get in touch with a realtor.

The land was given to the town four years ago. Hapgood said voters accepted the property unconditionally; nothing about the acquisition prohibits selling it.

The question of use of the parcel was on the agenda because board member Janet Preston proposed developing trails on it for hiking and other non-motorized uses. Board Chairman Ronald Breton said with Thurston Park and the town forest behind China Primary School, the town has enough recreational land. Selling the lot would put it back on the tax roll, he said.

When the vote was taken after discussion, Breton and Selectmen Wayne Chadwick and Blane Casey voted to sell the property. Selectmen Preston and Irene Belanger were opposed.

The other main topic Dec. 7 was Chadwick’s request to consider changing town office and transfer station hours. He believes having the office open more than one Saturday morning a month would be a convenience to residents.

Hapgood said the main problem is staffing. Breton advised postponing a decision, and no action was taken.

Selectmen also talked briefly about the proposed addition to the town office building, to provide expanded secure storage space for town records.

Public Works Director Shawn Reed’s report included a reminder to residents not to park vehicles along roads before or during snowstorms and not to plow snow from their driveways into roadways after snowstorms.

Jaime Hanson, China’s new (since Nov. 30) Codes Enforcement Officer, participating remotely, told board members he has started issuing permits and inspecting properties, including three alleged to be in violation of town ordinances.

Hapgood issued another reminder of town office and transfer station holiday hours. For Christmas, both close at noon Thursday, Dec. 24 and remain closed Dec. 25; the transfer station but not the town office will be open Saturday, Dec. 26, with regular hours, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For New Year’s, both close at noon Thursday, Dec. 31 and remain closed all day Jan. 1, 2021; both will be open Saturday, Jan. 2, the town office from 8 to 11 a.m. (because it is the first Saturday of the month) and the transfer station from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

WINDSOR: Increase seen in town’s waste contract

/0 Comments/in , /by
Compiled by The Town Line

The Windsor Selectmen held their meeting on November 10, at 6 p.m. Theresa Haskell, the town manager, advised that the town’s Waste Management contract is up for renewal and there will be an increase. If the town signs a contract for three years a 5 percent annual escalator will be applied, or if signed for five years a 3 percent annual escalator. Selectman Ronald F. Brann made a motion for Theresa Haskell to sign the Waste Management contract for five years at a 3 percent annual escalator, seconded by Richard H. Gray, Jr. and approved 5-0-0.

The three-month budget for 2020/2021 was reviewed. Some areas are overspent at this time but will balance out by the end of the year due to the schedule of payments. Other areas will be over-spent primarily due to the cost of elections and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) safety protocols.

The town received a $5,000 grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life strictly for the planning and conducting a safe and secure election. It was noted this money was very helpful in helping to ensure the safety of our residents and employees during the past election.

The expenses on the Eagle Scout Project on the Parke Property ended up being more than the $465.85 available to spend. The posts were $395.36 and the paint was $180.10. Selectman Ronald Brann said he will donate the balance of $109.61 to complete the project.

There was brief discussion of voting and ways to improve the process for the safety of voters. There are 1,998 registered to vote and 1,499, or 75 percent, voted. Of those who voted, 694 were absentee ballots.

Making spirits bright

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Contributed photo

In years past, Erskine Academy, in South China, has held an annual “Wish List Drive” for the Home for Little Wanderers, in Waterville. This year, because of their cohorts’ schedules and social distancing, the student council felt it would be best to make a monetary donation. Once again, the students and faculty proved that by many giving just a little, they are able to make a donation that will serve hundreds of children. Many thanks to all the students and staff members who donated to this event. Because of them, Erskine is “making spirits bright” in 2020.