Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Bacon families: Sidney early settlers

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by Mary Grow

Among early settlers in Sidney against whose lives your writer brushed while trying unsuccessfully to learn why someone chose to name the town after a long-dead Englishman were the Bacon, Faught, Lovejoy, Marsh and Snow families.

Now she presents more information about the Bacons, with a double warning: readers uninterested in genealogy should skip this article, and those who read it and are not confused by the end haven’t been paying attention.

The Sidney Bacons started with three brothers, the third, sixth and seventh of 11 children (eight sons, three daughters) of Josiah Bacon II and Sarah (Davis) Bacon. Why these three moved to Maine while their siblings stayed in Massachusetts, who knows?

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The oldest brother (who was not mentioned last week) was David, born Aug. 30, 1730, in Bedford, Massachusetts, and died in 1819 in Sidney, according to the on-line website Familysearch. Michael Denis listed him in his admirably comprehensive Bacon genealogy, found on line.

Beyond these sources, your writer has found no other information about David Bacon.

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Ebenezer Bacon plan for land, 1773. (Courtesy of Maine Memory Network)

Ebenezer Bacon was born in Bedford Sept. 15, 1736. In 1762, in Boston, he married Abigail Farwell (1734 -1817), widow of Levi Richardson (whom she had married in Woburn, Massachusetts, in 1753). These two are the first of many Ebenezer and Abigail Bacons to live in Sidney.

Denis found in an earlier Bacon genealogy that Ebenezer came to Maine in 1755, as part of the British garrison at Fort Halifax, in what became Winslow. His name is in records of fort expenditures and activities until 1759; he was involved in repairing boats, hauling hay and providing 30 gallons of rum.

After the war, this source says, he settled in Vassalboro, where he got a land grant in 1763 or 1773 (sources differ) and bought land from younger brother James in 1769. James’ lot is specifically identified as on the west – Sidney – side of the Kennebec; the writer added that when Ebenezer sold it in 1772, he said it was in Vassalboro (Sidney not yet existing, why not?).

(Is this the same Ebenezer Bacon who had a large farm in the north end of Waterville by 1770? Quite probably, but your writer cannot prove or disprove it.)

This early source says Ebenezer Bacon was a constable in Sidney in 1775, a tithing man in 1777 and a surveyor of highways in 1778.

Bacon died in 1798; he had made his will Feb. 12, 1798, and it was probated Aug. 2. His widow, Abigail Farwell Bacon, died in Waterville in September 1817.

Ebenezer Bacon’s genealogy, as found on two different websites, is a masterpiece of confusing names.

To begin with, Ebenezer (1736) and Abigail Farwell named their children Frances (born in 1763), Ebenezer, Jr. (1765; he was executor of his father’s will), William (1768) and Abigail (born Aug. 23, 1770, in Sidney).

Ebenezer Jr., married Hannah Lovejoy on Nov. 28, 1793, in Vassalboro.

Hannah Lovejoy was born in Sidney Nov. 19, 1773, daughter of Captain Abiel Lovejoy, Sr. (1731- 1811) who married Mary Brown (1741 – 1812), “the belle of Charlestown [Massachusetts],” on Dec. 14, 1758. (There will be more about the Sidney Lovejoys in a later article in this series.)

Ebenezer, Jr., and Hannah had at least seven children, as follows: Columbus Clark (1794), Ebenezer Farwell (1796), Evelina (1800), Julia Ann (1803), Elizabeth (1806), John Hancock (1808, labeled a twin but no other name is listed) and Samuel Adams (1812).

Separation record, 1816. (courtesy of Maine Memory Network)

Only the two oldest were born in Sidney. Later births in Waterville make it seem likely that Ebenezer Jr., was the Ebenezer Bacon who was elected one of Waterville’s three selectmen at the July 26, 1802, town meeting, the first after Waterville separated from Winslow.

The moderator for that meeting was Elnathan Sherwin, born in 1762, in Dunstable, Massachusetts. This prominent citizen represented Waterville in the Massachusetts legislature from 1799 through 1809 and again from 1812 through 1815; in September 1814, he was a lieutenant colonel in the Augusta-based militia.

Sherwin’s wife was Abigail Bacon, born Aug. 23, 1770, daughter of Ebenezer (1736) and Abigail. The Sherwins had four daughters and two sons; the older son they named William Bacon Sherwin, after his uncle William (1768).

One Lovejoy genealogy says Capt. Abiel and Mary (Brown) Lovejoy had two other daughters besides Hannah who married Ebenezer Bacon, Jr. The oldest Lovejoy girl was Abigail, born Jan. 1, 1770, in Pownalborough; on Dec. 1, 1794, she married William Bacon (1768; Ebenezer Jr.’s, younger brother), in Vassalboro.

The genealogy where your writer found this information lists no children from this marriage.

The Bacons did not have a monopoly on Ebenezers. The genealogy just mentioned says Captain Abiel and Mary Lovejoy’s youngest daughter, Phebe (born Oct. 1, 1785, in Vassalboro), married Ebenezer Morse (born in 1787 on Cape Cod), on Sept. 12, 1803, in Vassalboro.

Between 1805 and 1828 Phebe gave birth to seven sons and three daughters, all born in Vassalboro or Sidney. Of course, one son was named Ebenezer (Morse, not Bacon).

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Backing up to the first generation of central Maine Bacons, the youngest was David and Ebenezer’s kid brother James H., born in Massachusetts in 1737 (according to Alice Hammond’s history of Sidney) or on June 30, 1738 (Denis). He married Abigail Marsh, born in 1747.

Hammond wrote that James H. “was educated as a physician,” without further details. He served in the British forces (location unspecified) in 1758; got a land grant in Sidney in 1763, was involved in numerous land deals and ran the tavern where the first Vassalboro town meeting was held in 1771.

Denis, again citing the earlier genealogy, wrote that James H. and Abigail had at least three sons, whom they named James (no birth date, but he was old enough to marry in June 1791), William Marsh (born in 1782) and – of course — Ebenezer (born in 1788).

A newspaper article that Hammond quoted said William Marsh Bacon married Polly, born March 9, 1783, and “probably a sister to Abial Lovejoy.” Familysearch, however, says William Bacon married Polly Densmore on Jan. 1, 1806, in Sidney.

This source says Polly Densmore was born March 9, 1788 (not 1783), in Vassalboro, daughter of Samuel and Mary Polly (Lovejoy) Densmore. Find a Grave identifies her as Polly Mary Densmore Bacon, and shows a photo of the gravestone of “Mary wife of Wm. Bacon.”

One source says Mary Polly Lovejoy was the daughter of Capt. Abiel Lovejoy, Sr., and sister to Abiel Lovejoy, Jr. (1764 – 1858). Her daughter Polly (Densmore) Bacon, by this account, was the granddaughter of one Abiel Lovejoy and the niece of another, but sister to neither.

Find a Grave says Mary Polly (Lovejoy) Densmore was born April 30, 1761, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and died in Sidney Nov. 19, 1789, when she was 28 and her daughter Polly was a child (whichever of Polly’s birth dates is correct).

The newspaper article and Familysearch disagree on how many children William and Polly Bacon had. Here is a combined list of these alleged grandchildren of James and Abigail Bacon, listed in birth order.

The oldest was Polenah, or Paulina, or both in either order, born in 1805 (when her mother was 17 years old) or, according to her gravestone, June 25, 1806, and died on April 12, 1879, in Sidney. On Feb. 9, 1824, Paulina married William Hamlin or Hamlen (1801 or 1802 – 1879), born in Augusta. Sources say they had 13 or 14 children, several of whom died young.

(Namsor.app, a web name checker, says Polenah is a female name, perhaps of eastern African/Kenyan or Israeli origin. Abial is also east African, farther north, perhaps Ethiopian.)

Next came a son Familysearch says was named Polemah or Pliney, born in 1806. The lack of additional information suggests he died in childhood.

Abial Densmore Bacon was born Jan. 12, 1807. He married Almira Faught (born about 1813, or 1816) in Hallowell on Dec. 26, 1847; they had three daughters before she died March 7 or 8, 1859. He died Dec. 3, 1878, and is buried in Sidney’s Reynolds cemetery with his wife and other Bacons.

Familysearch next lists two daughters, Abegail Densmore (born Jan. 12, 1807, so presumably Abial’s twin) and Abibail Dinsmore (born June 12, 1808). The similarity of names (or are they the same name, carelessly copied?) and, again, the lack of more information suggest neither girl lived past infancy.

The next son listed was a second William Marsh (though he is not called Jr. in any source your writer found), born April 21, 1810. He married Sarah Hamlen (or Hamlin; born 1810?) on Nov. 14, 1832, in Sidney; she was probably the sister or half-sister of his sister Paulina’s husband (sources disagree on dates and on Sarah’s middle initial). William and Sarah had a son, Oliver William Bacon, born Dec. 6, 1833, in Augusta.

William and Polly’s next son was Alfred A., born July 17, 1813 (Familysearch) or 1814 (Find a Grave), husband of Parthenia F. Thayer (1821 – Oct. 16, 1893) and father of James A. Bacon (1845-1919, bearing his great-grandfather’s first name) and Clara Elizabeth Bacon (1851 – ?).

Alfred, Parthenia and son James A. are buried in Reynolds Cemetery. Clara married Horace A. Reynolds on April 6, 1872, in Sidney and lived there for “about fifty years.” According to Find a Grave, neither Clara nor Horace is buried in Reynolds cemetery, despite the matching names.

William and Polly’s daughter, Harriet Thomas, was born July 5, 1815, married John Ham and died in Norridgewock, Jan. 15, 1875.

Nancy Densmore was born May 9, 1818. She married John Brackett on Dec. 23, 1838; there is no record of children.

William and Polly’s last child was a son they named Artemas Kimball (June 21, 1820 – Sept. 27, 1870). He married Esther E. Young, in Hallowell, on July 30, 1848; their son, Edwin K. Bacon, carried on the family name from 1849 to 1913.

Artemas was the only child his grandfather James could not have known – James died in 1819. His widow, Abigail, lived until 1834, and could have met some of her great-grandchildren.

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In one final confusion, your writer searched for the gravesites of James H. Bacon family members buried in Sidney, having found references to burials in the Lovejoy cemetery and a cemetery called first Densmore and now Dinsmore.

The list of Sidney cemeteries on the Find a Grave website includes Lovejoy, but not Densmore or Dinsmore. Sidney’s Dinsmore cemetery was found on a town website related to the cemetery committee, with a note saying it is also called the Bacon’s Corner cemetery.

In the Lovejoy cemetery, Find a Grave lists James H. Bacon; Abigail; their son William, who died Oct. 15, 1852; and William’s widow, Mary Polly Densmore Bacon. In the Dinsmore cemetery, Sidney’s municipal list has the same four names.

Hammond, describing Sidney cemeteries in 1992, wrote this paragraph:

“On the Densmore Road near Bacon’s Corner is an old burial ground which at one time had a tomb with the name ‘Lovejoy’ carved on a granite block over the door. The land was sold by Densmore to a group of neighbors. It has no visible means of support. Since it borders a public road no right of way was necessary.”

On July 29, 2024, your writer found, on the north side of Dinsmore Road a short distance east of Bacon’s Corner, a plainly labeled Lovejoy Cemetery. Marked graves include those of the four Bacons listed above, and William and Paulina (Bacon) Hamlin and three of their children.

Main sources

Denis, Michael J., Families of Oakland, Maine December 2023 found on line.
Hammond, Alice, History of Sidney Maine 1792-1992 (1992).

Websites, miscellaneous.

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Beyond the Scale: Learn the Facts About Obesity

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Obesity is a chronic disease that affects some ethnic and racial groups more than others but anyone can take steps to combat it.

(NAPSI)—Obesity is a life-long health problem that affects more than 42% of American adults. Most people don’t know that obesity is a disease and impacts some ethnic and racial groups more than others, including 47% of Hispanic American adults. Recent news stories around new anti-obesity medications have created many questions about obesity and its treatments.

Here are some important facts to know about obesity:

• Obesity does not happen from poor lifestyle choices. Lack of willpower is often blamed as the main cause for weight gain. However, research has shown that obesity is a complex disease with many factors causing weight gain. It also affects many parts of the body and can increase your risk of developing serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and liver disease.
• Losing weight can reverse certain health conditions caused by obesity. Losing weight can have a positive impact on your overall health. Even a small amount of weight loss can ease joint pain, lower your chances of cancer and lower your blood pressure. It can also help improve certain digestive issues caused by obesity, like acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Weight loss can also lessen harmful fat in your liver, and the swelling and scarring that happens with liver disease.
• Many doctors can provide obesity treatments that will help. Because obesity impacts many body systems, different types of doctors can help with prevention and treatment. Gastroenterologists, for example, can help patients with obesity-related digestive health issues, such as reflux or liver disease, that can be treated or prevented through weight management.
• There are many helpful ways patients can try to manage their weight. Your health care provider can help you decide which treatments are best for you, such as lifestyle changes, prescription drugs, endoscopic procedures and/or surgery.

“As a gastroenterologist, patients often come to my office for serious health issues such as liver disease, which they don’t realize is caused by obesity and can be prevented or reversed by staying at a healthy weight,” said Dr. Andres Acosta, an obesity doctor and gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “This is very important for Hispanic American adults who have more obesity and liver disease than other ethnicities. Keeping up a healthy weight is an important way to improve obesity-related health issues and prevent or reverse certain conditions before they become severe.”

For more information on obesity, how it affects your overall health, and available treatment options and how to access them, visit the American Gastroenterological Association’s Obesity Resource Center at https://patient.gastro.org/obesity/.

POEM: Ode to Albion

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Kristin Frangoulis was honored when asked to write a poem to celebrate Albion’s 200th birthday. This is what she authored.

ODE TO ALBION
IN CELEBRATION
OF HER 200TH BIRTHDAY

Albion’s fields roll lush and green,
Surely a farmer’s perfect dream.

Orange day lilies and white Queen Ann’s lace
Line the roadsides with a beautiful grace.

The town center boasts a church and a school
Where the good folks practice the old Golden Rule.

Dow’s General Store is a friendly quick stop
Where one can buy food or a new mop.

In 1790 the pioneers came
To plow the land, and the wilderness tame.

Lovejoys, Shoreys, Crosbys, to name a few
Claimed the land and admired the view.

Followed by Drakes, Besseys and Prays,
Chalmers and Skillins, helped pave the way.

Forgive me, for others not mentioned this time,
It’s only because their names do not rhyme.

They planted the fields, set up saw mills,
Built their sturdy homes with sweat and God’s will.

Freetown Plantation was your first name,
Then Fairfax, Lagonia, all titled in vain.

Then in the winter of 1824,
Albion was named the town we adore.

Elijah Lovejoy, a man of good fame,
Died a martyr in pursuit of his aims.

He fought for the freedom of men and the press,
To make all souls free that were opressed.

Albion once was a railroad junction,
Thanks to George Crosby’s steam gauge invention.

George built a mansion in Italianate style,
With indoor plumbing, marble and tile.

Alas, it burned in a great conflagration,
Nothing is left from this sad tribulation.

Mickey Marden, another Albion name
Was proud founder of his discounted chain.

Today, many farms still do abound,
Where cows, horses, chickens, goats can be found.

Christmas trees, maple syrup, honey blueberries,
Johnny’s Seeds and the Czech Out Bakery.

Albion, you ‘re the best place to call home, sweet home,
No matter how far we wander and roam.

TEAM PHOTO: PAL football camp junior group

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2024 Annual Junior PAL Football Camp. Varsity Coach John Hersom and his high school players volunteer to run a 3 day evening camp (7/30 – 8/1) for youth football players to inspire a love of football. Group photo from the kick off of camp at the Fairfield PAL field with Coach Hersom, his highschool players, and junior camp PAL players: ages 8-10. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)

TEAM PHOTO: PAL football camp senior group

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Lawrence High School Varsity Coach John Hersom and his high school players volunteer to run a three-day camp, July 30 – August 1, for youth football players to inspire a love of football. Group photo from the kick off of camp at the Fairfield PAL field with Coach Hersom, his high school players, and senior camp PAL players, ages 11-12. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)

Albion Eagle Scouts

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From left to right, Matix Ward, Nash Corson and Preston Roy, of Boy Scout Troop #446, in Albion, were each awarded the Eagle Scout rank in a ceremony held on July 5, 2024. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The town of Albion is celebrating its bicentennial this year with alumni gatherings, a frying pan throwing contest, parade, fun run and plenty of food. Among the festivities and pageantry, residents and guests are learning more about what makes their community special and of her rich history. A special ceremony honoring three young men who made Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting, took place recently at the Albion Middle School to recognize Troop #446 Eagle Scouts Matix Ward, Preston Roy and Nash Corson. All three are Albion residents.

State Representative Scott Cyrway and Albion Selectmen Jason Dow and Michael Gardner praised the accomplishments of the trio. A slide show highlighting their camping and high adventure experiences captured the attention of all attendees. Lorna Ward was the guest piano accompanist. “I was very impressed,” Alissa Roy said. “It was a very nice ceremony.”

Each of the three Eagle hopefuls had to give leadership to a significant project to benefit the community. In March of this year, Nash organized a blood drive for the American Red Cross and coupled it with a food drive to benefit the Albion Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. “I wanted to help save lives by collecting blood,” Nash said. “My goal was to have 22 people come out. On the day of my drive, we had 46 donors come and collected 25 units of blood. We had so many people come to donate we had to schedule them for different blood drives as the Red Cross ran out of space to have them all that day. I extended my project to run throughout the month and …ended up having 15 more who donated on other days….I collected approx 60 items for my home town food pantry.”

In January, Matix led volunteers in building a picnic table and hiking trail for Thurston Park, in China. Preston, who completed his project in 2022, led a team to construct new side stairs for the Albion Public Library and revamped the wheelchair ramp as well.

Nash Corson is the son of Alyssa and Michael Corson, of Albion. Nash is 18 and in September will be going into his senior year at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and also his last year at Kennebec Valley Community College where he is working towards earning his welding certificate. His mother Alyssa said, “Having watched Nash grow and mature throughout his Scouting career, I can say that Scouting has benefited him immensely and he would not be the driven young man he is without the family and backbone that Scouting has given him.”

Preston, 17, is the son of Alissa and Chuck Roy, of Albion. In 2022, Preston shot a 232-pound, 10-point buck during Youth Deer Hunting Day introducing him to the “Biggest Bucks in Maine Club.” Preston is going into his senior year at Lawrence High School.

Matix is 19 and the son of Elizabeth and Matthew Ward, of Albion. He is going to be a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire where he is majoring in mechanical engineering. He is a graduate of Lawrence High School.

“Matix gained leadership skills, a love for nature, lifelong friends, and a commitment to his community through Scouting,” Elizabeth Ward said. “Through volunteer work, Matix has shown a strong commitment to serving his hometown.”

The ceremony was held on July 5, 2024. While 2024 marks the two hundredth anniversary of Albion, these three Eagles have helped shape her next two centuries.

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Harvest and enjoy garden-fresh cucumbers

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by Melinda Myers

Low in calories and versatile, cucumbers can flavor beverages, perk up a salad, served as a snack, or made into pickles. This popular vegetable is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. Plus, they have a high water content, making them a mild diuretic to help in weight loss and reduce blood pressure. To ensure the best flavor and greatest nutritional value, grow your own or purchase cucumbers fresh from the farmer’s market.

Harvest cucumbers or purchase them based on the variety and intended use. Pick the fruit when it is 1½ to 2½ inches long if you plan on making sweet pickles. If dill pickles are on the menu, allow the cucumbers to grow bigger to about three to four inches.

Wait to harvest those you plan on using fresh in salads, beverages, or for snacking. Harvest slicing cucumbers when the skin is firm, bright green, and the fruit is six to nine inches long. You can leave burpless-type cucumbers on the vine a bit longer. They have been bred to maintain their mild flavor when harvested at 10 to 12 inches in length.

Go big and impress your family with the crisp, mild flavor of the long Japanese cucumber. Pick these when they are 12 to 18″ long. Their flavor remains mild and the skin is easy to digest despite the longer size.

Misshapen and bitter-flavored cucumbers are usually the result of drought, improper fertilization, and large fluctuations in temperature. These are safe to eat but may not have the best flavor.

The bitter flavor in cucumbers is caused by the cucurbitacin B and C in the plant moving from the leaves, stems, and roots into the fruit when the plants are under stress. Remove about an inch of the stem end and peel where these compounds concentrate to improve the flavor. Consider growing varieties that are typically less bitter like Sweet Slice, Sweet Success, and Marketmore 76.

Compost poor quality fruit that are not suitable for eating. Then adjust your care to ensure better quality cucumbers for the remainder of the season.

Consider making a second planting if space and time allow. Many cucumbers reach maturity in 60 days or less. Calculate the days remaining until the first fall frost to determine if you have enough time to plant, grow, and harvest a second cucumber crop.

Grow the All-America Selections winner Green Light, ready to harvest in as few as 37 to 42 days. Train the long vines on a pole or trellis to save space and for easier picking. Harvest the fruit when three to four inches long for great taste without peeling.

Try growing Patio Snacker cucumber if space is limited. This compact plant produces an abundance of six- to seven-inch fruit in about 50 days.

Extend the season indoors with the new Kitchen mini Quick Snack cucumbers. These small plants will grow indoors in a sunny window, with no pollination needed, and produce fruit that tastes best when picked at 2½ inches long.

No matter how you plan to enjoy this multi-purpose vegetable, harvest it at just the right time for the best flavor and intended use.

Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Katydids are considered gentle insects not harmful to humans

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last week, a friend of mine texted me with the photo of a cricket-like bug for identification. Before I could get back to him, he ID it as a katydid. A few days later, I saw one hanging on the screen door at camp. It had been a while since I had seen one.

Katydids are a family of insects related to grasshoppers and crickets. They’re also called bush crickets or long-horned grasshoppers in some regions. There are more than 6,000 types of katydids, and they’re found on every continent except for Antarctica. The vast majority of katydid species live in the tropical regions of the world. For example, the Amazon basin rain forest is home to over 2,000 species of katydids. However, katydids are found in the cool, dry temperate regions, as well, with about 255 species in North America.

Most types of katydids are green and have markings to help them blend in with leaves and other foliage. Like crickets and grasshoppers, they have long back legs to help them jump. They can rub their front wings together to make a loud ka-ty-did song that gives them their name. Some katydid songs, however, are at too high a frequency for human ears to hear.

Katydids are usually considered gentle insects that aren’t harmful to humans. Some people consider them garden pests; however, they usually don’t cause serious damage to your plants or vegetables. The Common Garden Katydid is a quite common backyard buddy and garden visitor.

Many people even keep them as pets. In rare cases, larger types of katydid may pinch or bite if they feel threatened. Their bite is unlikely to break your skin and likely won’t be any more painful than a mosquito bite. You’re very unlikely to get bitten unless you’re handling them with your bare hands. It’s extremely unlikely that the bite will need medical attention. You can wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress if you have pain or swelling.

Katydids primarily eat leaves and grass. Along with crickets and grasshoppers, they may be attracted to the plants in your garden or any tall grass on your property. Katydids are nocturnal and are also attracted to bright lights at night.

One type of katydid found widely across North America, the broad-winged katydid, likes to eat the leaves of citrus trees and may be a pest for people with orchards.

You may not know much about katydids, probably because they are masters of camouflage. Their green colouring and leaf-like shape helps them blend into leafy surroundings, and they are most active at night. They may be tough to spot, but may be a lot more common than you think.

Katydids don’t have ears on their heads, but instead they have an ear called a ‘tympanum’ on each front leg, just below the knee. Up close, this looks like a hole in their leg.

The lifespan of a katydid is about a year, with full adulthood usually developing very late. Females most typically lay their eggs at the end of summer beneath the soil or in plant stem holes. The eggs are typically oval and laid in rows on the host plant.

When katydids go to rest during the day, they enter a diurnal roosting posture to maximize their cryptic qualities. This position fools predators into thinking the katydid is either dead or just a leaf on the plant. By flicking their wings open when disturbed, they use the coloration to fool predators into thinking the spots are eyes. This, in combination with their coloration mimicking leaves, allows them to blend in with their surroundings, but also makes predators unsure which side is the front and which side is the back.

They have polygamous relationships. The first male to mate is guaranteed an extremely high confidence of paternity when a second male couples at the termination of female sexual refractoriness. The nutrients that the offspring ultimately receive will increase their fitness.

The polygamous relationships of the katydids lead to high levels of male-male competition. Male competition is caused by the decreased availability of males able to supply nutrients to the females. Females produce more eggs on a high-quality diet; thus, the female looks for healthier males with more nutrition. Females use the sound created by the male to judge his fitness. The louder and more fluent the trill, the higher the fitness of the male.

When you think about it, there is a lot that goes on in the world of what we consider “just a bug.”

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which retired former Red Sox player is married to Olympic and World Cup soccer player Mia Hamm?

Answer
Nomar Garciaparra.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 8, 2024

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VICTORIA R. WINSOR

CLINTON – Victoria Robertson Winsor, 66, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Vic was born on August 12, 1957, and was raised in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

She graduated from East Bridgewater High School in 1975.

Shortly after, she and her now husband, set off on a cross-country adventure on their bicycles, traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada. They ultimately settled in Clinton in 1982. The house was a mere shell but with much determination, it became a home. It is where the boys, Ben and Dan, were born and raised, where fruits and vegetables were grown, canned and made into delicious meals, and where flowers bloomed. Fabric was cut and sewn into beautiful quilts made of love for all family members to sleep under.

Vic was an integral part of Winsor Firewood and Logging, and not just keeping the books, running for parts and answering the phone. Last fall she still did not hesitate to climb up on the truck and level off a load of firewood. She could operate a skidder enough to pull a truck through the mud or snow and was a competent firewood processor operator.

Victoria was predeceased by her parents Bruce and Audrey Robertson.

She will be missed by husband, Brant; sons Benjamin (Katie), of Northwood, New Hampshire, and Daniel, of Canaan; grandchildren Madelyn, Colby and Aleda; sister, Glenda Robertson (husband Dan Doiron), of Augusta; sisters-in-law Jeanne (Anston) Boelsma, of Bethel, and Betsey Cooper, of Bryant Pond; and brothers-in-law Craig (Jen) Winsor, and Neil Winsor, both of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

A memorial service was held at Brown Memorial United Methodist Church, in Clinton, on Saturday, August 3. A reception followed next door at Fellowship Hall. Interment at Greenlawn Rest Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clinton Parks and Recreation Association, 1 Victor Lane, Clinton, ME 04927.

RANDY BISWELL

WINDSOR – Randy Biswell, 79, died on Monday, July 22, 2024, at his home, in Windsor. Randy was born in Ethel, Missouri, on July 21, 1945, to Susan (Strouse) Biswell and Omer Henry Biswell.

Randy retired as a truck driver for Hannaford Trucking. He earned awards for nearly 2,000 miles of accident-free driving. He served in the U.S. Army as an SP4 and earned a National Defense Service Medal and an award as Marksman M-16. There, he met Allen Rogers, a friend and future brother-in-law.

Randy liked solitary activities and small group get-togethers. He introduced the family to Missouri fried pork sandwiches, strawberry shortcake with pie crust rounds, and mashed potato salad.

In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking (made beautiful furniture), watching NASCAR races, finding unusual solutions to problems, and keeping the wood fires burning.

Hunting season became a lovely walk in the woods carrying a gun, with his friend Dicky Young and fishing was a chance for them to sit in a boat and later tell tales of the huge fish they released. He drove the trails in his Gator with his trusty granddog Dyson at his side.

Randy is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Lydia Jean (Rogers); his sons, Robert and Todd; his grandchildren, Korbyn, Haleigh; and great-granddaughter, Renee, all of Windsor; sisters, Carol and husband, Rev. Ralph Peters, of Chanute, Kansas, and Janey and husband Jim Stallo, of Brookfield, Missoui; brother Henry and his wife, Laura, of Ethel, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Jonathan.

Arrangements are under the direction of Direct Cremation of Maine in Belfast. A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared to with the family at http://www.directcremationofmaine.com.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a beverage of your choice with a family member or friend or give to a charity of your choice.

JANET P. BUZZELL

WATERVILLE – Janet (Pierce) Coughlin Buzzell, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Janet was born in Lewiston, the daughter of John Hobart Pierce Sr. and Katherine (McGrath) Pierce.

She graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1950.

In 1951, Janet married her high school sweetheart, Maurice Coughlin, in Orono. She later married Harrold Buzzell a longtime friend and classmate.

Janet worked at her parents’ market farm, Mayflower Hill Farm, before obtaining her real estate sales and brokerage licenses. She owned and operated Coughlin Agency for several years before retiring in 2004.

Janet was active in the Oakland Mother’s Club, Oakland Tuesday Club and the Maine State Realtors. Janet loved going to music festivals with her husband Mossey and close friends Bert, Babara, Helen, and Larry. She was an avid bridge player and participated in many hands with close friends. She enjoyed playing golf and bridge with her special friend, Rene Plante.

She was predeceased by her parents, John Hobart Sr. and Katherine; husbands Maurice Coughlin and Harold Buzzell; brothers John Hobart Pierce Jr. and Richard Pierce, sister, Diane Pierce, sisters-in-law Jean and Carolyn Pierce.

Janet is survived by her son, Michael Coughlin and daughter-in-law, Sherrie; grandsons David Coughlin and wife Koren, Philip Coughlin and special friend, Lisa Chelkowski; brother, Thomas Pierce and wife Jenny; sister Judith Balbo; great-grandchildren Pierce, Cadence, Ryleigh, Florian and Paxton Coughlin; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation was held at Wheeler’s Funeral Home, 26 Church St. in Oakland, on Monday August 5. A graveside service and burial was held Tuesday, August 6, at 10 a.m., at Lakeview Cemetery, in Oakland.

Online condolences and memories can be shared at http://www.wheelerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oakland Fireman’s Association in care of David Coughlin, P.O. Box 187, Oakland, ME 04963.

GLORIA J. LOCKE

WATERVILLE – Gloria Jean Locke, 76, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, following a brief illness. Gloria was born on October 21, 1947, in Brockton, Massachusetts, to the late Otis B. And Jacqueline (Cooper) Russell.

Gloria met the love of her life, Charles A. Locke Sr., and they were married over 34 years before his death in 2001. Together they had six children. In 1972, Gloria and her family relocated from Massachusetts to Waterville and lived there until her passing.

Gloria briefly worked in the healthcare field until permanently becoming a fulltime homemaker to take care of her children, and later in life her grandchildren. She enjoyed all the functions of get-togethers, the more the merrier. Her favorite holidays were Thanksgiving and Christmas, when everyone would be anxiously waiting to get their pumpkin bread. She was famous for her bread and potato salad, too. She loved to cook and bake. She liked holiday parades, baseball, country/western music, though her favorite things to do were playing card games and wrestling with her grandchildren. Her laugh was contagious. if she was laughing more than likely everyone was.

Gloria was a member of the Ladies’ Home League and a volunteer for the Salvation Army, including ringing the bell around holidays.

Gloria is survived by her children Sandra (Jeff) Yeaton, of Vassalboro, Timothy (Paula) Locke Sr., of Waterville, Bonnie Locke, of Winslow, Charles H. (Lisa) Locke, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Charles A. Locke Jr., of Old Town, and Richard (Whitney) Locke, of Fairfield; grandchildren David and Allen Russell, Shannon Pooler, Shenandoah and Elizabeth Bailey, Tabby Oakes, Brittany LaFreniere, Timothy Locke Jr., Katie and Nicole Trescott, Joshua, Joseph, and Ryan Lock, Alyana, Briana, Aniyah Nickerson, and Cora Spaulding; 16 great-grandchildren, and one on the way; brothers Wayne B. Russell, of Oakland, and Allen (Belinda) Russell, of Augusta; sister-in-law Natalie Lee, of Walpole, Massachusetts.

Gloria’s service was held Monday, August 5, 2024, in the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., at the Committal Shelter. A Celebration of Life followed at the Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, 51 Water Street, in Waterville.

Please visit Gloria’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/ obituaries/gloria-locke where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

RONALD F. McDONALD

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WINSLOW – Ronald F. McDonald, 85, passed peacefully on Monday, July 29, 2024. He was born on February 21, 1939, to Marion Drew McDonald, in Unity.

Soon after moving to Belfast, he excelled in sports. He spent summers working on his Uncle Roger’s farm, in Freedom. He graduated in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Air Force as part of the Airbourne Rescue. He loved being stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, and spoke about it often.

He met his wife, Shirley Cummings, on a blind date, and they married on September 1, 1962, in Fairfield. This year would have been their 62nd anniversary.

He loved people, a good joke, baking apple pies, whoopie pies and biscuits, and a round of golf with his friends and family. He became a maintenance supervisor for Scott Paper Co. and later, Kimberly Clark Co., in Winslow. After his retirement, he drove a limousine for Northeast Limo, finding particular gratification in driving kids for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His humor, jokes, and presence will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley McDonald; four daughters and their spouses, Kelly Lint (George), Lisa Lang (Denis), Ronda Chasse (Gerry), and Stacy Wright (Tim); eight grandchildren, Jessica Murray, Crystal Gosselin (spouse Warren), Tyler Lang, Lauren Reeve (spouse Howard), Brandon Chasse, Nicholas Chasse (spouse Erin), Alyssa Wright, and Abby Wright; and three great-granddaughters, Camryn Gosselin, Callie Gosselin and baby Charlotte, due in October; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ken and Marty Dionne, brother-in-law, Tom Cummings, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, on Friday, August 9, at 10 a.m., followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville. Afterwards, family and friends are welcome for a celebration of life and light food and refreshments, at the McCrillis-Rousseau, VFW Post #8835, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow.

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 to the Make-A-Wish America, 1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016, or St. John’s Food Pantry, c/o Corpus Christi Parish, 17 South Garand Street, Winslow, ME 04901.

JANELLE A. DOIG

CLINTON – Janelle Alberta (Nason) Doig, 73, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024. Janelle (Nell/Nellie) was born on April 26, 1951, in Waterville. She is the daughter of Beverly Adams, of Benton, and the late Robert Nason, of Fairfield. She is also the second of seven siblings.

Janelle is survived by her daughter, Elissa Doig-Vigue (Paul) and her two grandsons, Nicholas and Andrew Vigue, all from Clinton; her mother, Beverly Adams; siblings Carol Sturtevant (Nelson), Darlene Nason-Hersom (John), Bebe Howe (Cass), Kathy Adams, Robert Nason, Jr. (Sharise), and Shelley Pushard (Scott); and numerous other family members.

Janelle was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Rick) Doig, Sr., and her son Richard (Richie) Doig, Jr., her siblings, Lucille and Alan Nason, and Timothy Adams.

There will be no funeral service or calling hours. A graveside burial will take place at the Green Lawn Rest Cemetery, on Route 100, in Clinton. The committal service was held on Friday, August 2, 2024.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers -Veilleux-Reddington Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. An expanded obituary can be read on the website: vrlfuneralhome.com/obituaries.

KATHRYN A. CIOPPA

CHINA- Kathryn Ann Houghton Cioppa, 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Kathy was born in Cobleskill, New York, on March 13, 1959, to the late Russell Edward and Audrey Webb Dyer Houghton.

After graduating from Beaver River Central School in 1977, she attended the State University College of New York, at Potsdam, New York, earning a bachelor of science degree in English education, N-6 in 1981, and a master of science degree in literary in 1982. Kathy’s professional life was filled with accomplishments. Prior to retiring in 2020, she was a well-loved Title I Literacy Specialist, at Vassalboro Community School, where she touched the lives of countless students through her passion for education and literacy, and her warm, caring nature. Her legacy as an educator continues to inspire countless colleagues and families.

Without question, the most treasured part of her legacy was meeting the love of her life, Eric, in August 1980, while attending a 10-day “Wilderness Workshop” college course in the Adirondacks. The two were inseparable ever since, and were married on August 14, 1982, in a breathtakingly beautiful ceremony and reception on a Lake Champlain ferry boat, in Willsboro, New York. Their marriage was the epitome of true love, and their bond was unbreakable. They were each other’s best friends, biggest cheerleaders, and fiercest advocates. Their would-be 42 year marriage encompassed their favorite love song by John Lennon, Grow Old With Me.

Kathy filled the lives of everyone she knew with endless love, kindness, and joy. Her dedication to her family and friends was unmatched. She made every room brighter and every heart fuller, and devoted her life to ensuring those around her always felt her love.

She had many interests and hobbies; her favorites included traveling abroad with her closest friends and family, spending summers at the family camp on China Lake, and creating the most beautiful memories with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her infectious laughter, compassionate spirit, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Becoming a “Gigi” to her three grandchildren, Callaway, Quinn, and Anthony, was one of her most cherished milestones. Her family was her pride and joy, and she dedicated her life to ensuring their happiness and well-being. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her dedication to her family and students, and her joyful spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love and learning that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Eric Cioppa, of China; daughter, Ryann Cioppa Fortney and husband, Chris, of Windham; son, Zachary Cioppa and wife, Maureen, of China; grandchildren Callaway Fortney, of Windham; Quinn Cioppa and Anthony Cioppa, both of China; brother, Robert Houghton and wife, Betsey, of Waterford, Michigan; brother-in-law, Tim Cioppa and wife, Elena, of Chittenango, New York; sisters-in-law, Terri Cioppa, of Peru, New York, Andrea Stewart and husband Keith, of Ballston Spa, New York, Tracey Cioppa, of Willsboro, New York, Sharon Abrams and husband Don, of Winslow, Sandra Houghton, of Benton; nephews Shawn Houghton and wife, Heather, of China, Winslow Houghton and wife, Lily, of Moab, Utah, Peter Cioppa, of East Syracuse, New York, Matthew Stewart and wife Rachel, of Haarlem, Netherlands, Corey Stewart, of Chicago, Illinois; nieces Tammy Lunt and husband Eric, of Fairfield, Haley Houghton, of Highland, Michigan, Karyn Hutchinson and husband Jason, of Horseheads, New York, Renee Proulx and husband Mike, of Oakland; and many great-nephews and -nieces.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Russell and Audrey Houghton, brother Bradford Houghton, and parents-in-law, Anthony and Marion Cioppa.

There will be a service at China Baptist Church, at 10 a.m., immediately followed by a celebration of Kathy’s life, at 701 Neck Road, China, on Saturday, August 17, both of which are open to the public.

Please visit Kathy’s memorial page via the Veilleux Funeral Home website where condolences, photos, and special memories can be shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Kathy’s memory to either the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, 37 Main Street, China Village, Maine, or the China Village Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 6035, China Village, Maine, 04926.

ERLINE G. McGOFF

SHAWMUT – Earline G. McGoff, 97, passed away peacefully at her home in Shawmut, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, following a short illness. She was born on August 7, 1926, in Shawmut, to Otis and Gelie Gurney.

Earline attended Fairfield schools, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1945.

On November 11, 1950, Earline married the love of her life, Stanley McGoff. They celebrated 69 years together before Stanley’s passing in 2020. After many years they finally were blessed with daughter Julie in 1959, following in 1961, a son, Gregg, and were raised in town of Shawmut.

Earline worked many different jobs before taking time off to raise her two children. When her children started school Earline went back to work for Keyes Fibre Company (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, in 1966, until her retirement in 1986.

Earline attended Shawmut Baptist Chapel until she was unable to attend church. Earline watched Souls Harbor Ministry in her living room on every Sunday. Earline was a member of the Rebekah Lodge and longtime volunteer of the Fairfield Food Pantry and Good Will-Hinckley’s festival of trees.

Earline and Stanley built their camp on Sibley Pond, in Canaan, in the Fall of 1961 where their family and friends enjoyed swimming, waterskiing and fishing for many years.

Earline and her sisters worked to solve the quick-to-quick puzzle in the Morning Sentinel newspaper. They would call each other to see who figured out the puzzle of the day.

Earline was predeceased by her husband, Stanley; her parents Otis and Gelie Gurney; brother, Omer Gurney, sisters Rudy Harding, Christine Beaulieu, Emerline Bartley.

Earline is survived by her daughter, Julie Bourgoin and husband Dana, of Benton; son, Gregg McGoff, of Shawmut; four grandchildren, Nicole, Krista, Gregory, Kellie; great-grandchildren, Julius, Tegan, Logan, Jackson, Dakota, and Miss Kaiden.

A graveside service and burial was held at Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield, on Saturday, August 3.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate may make a donation to the Shawmut Baptist Chapel in Earline’s name to help them raise money for a new furnace.

Others departed

GERARD A. CORBIN

PLANO, Texas – Gerard Arthur Corbin, 82, passed away in Plano, Texas, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Born on August 1, 1941, in Grand Isle, to Gertrude and Emery Corbin, he was raised in Waterville. He attended Waterville High School, playing both baseball and basketball for the Panthers. After graduating from Colby College, in Waterville, he married Helen Fortin in 1963, and they celebrated 46 years together, before her passing in 2009.

Gerry spent his career working at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, before retiring in 2003. He held various positions within the company, working his way up to Regional Claims Manager. He also received the CPCU designation early in his career, scoring so high on the difficult exams, that he was given the opportunity to teach a CPCU prep course at the University of Connecticut. During his career, the family lived in Hartford, Connecticut, Chicago, Illinois, and Cincinnati, ohio, before settling in Dallas, Texas. They always looked forward to their annual visits back to Maine to see family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Arthur) Quintero and their children David and Corbin, of Plano, Texas; and his son, John (Ryan) Corbin, of Seattle, Washington; his brothers, Ronald (Lise) Corbin, of Augusta, and Norman (Kathy) Corbin, of Fairfield; his sisters-in-law, Genie Fortin, Bridget Dostie, Angie Loftus and Kathy (David) Bolduc; along with many nieces, nephews.

Gerry was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville.

EVENTS: Erskine Academy to host new student orientation

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All incoming freshmen or new students and their parents are invited to attend the Erskine Academy New Student Orientation, on Tuesday, August 27, at 6:30 p.m., in the gym. The administration strongly encourages all incoming students to attend this event as it is an opportunity to become further acquainted with the faculty, facilities, and programs at Erskine. The first day of school for freshmen only will be Wednesday, August 28.

Please contact the school at 445-2962 with any questions.