Reprint of Morrill history a genealogical treasure-trove

In the world of town history, it’s important to know when to print – and also when to reprint.

Good for the Morrill Historical Society for reprinting and combining the “History and Genealogy of the Town of Morrill, Maine with new Every Name Index” in 1998.

The volume includes the 1944 “History of the Town of Morrill,” written by Timothy Robinson; the “Genealogical History of the Families of Morrill, Maine,” by Theoda Mears Morse and Charles and Nellie Lamson White; and an updating of corrections in Part II.

The Waldo County town of Morrill, once known as Green Plantation, was settled in 1790 and incorporated in 1855.

One entry in the history section reads: “1862, Aug. 26, Dea. Joseph W. Cross, aged 80 years. Dea. Cross emigrated here from N.H., in 1800 with his father, and they commenced to clear a farm, built a cabin, and went back. His father died the next spring, and he, with his mother, fitted up an ox team, took the smaller children, and came to their home in the woods. Joseph first settled by himself on the Wm. Cooper place. About 1811 he moved onto the Thos. Jordon place where he lived until his death. He was Deacon of the Baptist Church in this town and Waldo for many years and was a constant attendant at meetings of all denominations, where he generally took part in the singing.”

Isn’t that a priceless excerpt about one of the early settlers?

The genealogical portion of the book takes up more than two-thirds of the pages. Just a few of the more numerous surnames found there include:

Achorn (Eichorn), Adams, Alexander, Blodgett, Blood, Bowen, Brown, Creasey, Crockett, Cross, Cushman, Doliff and Dolloff, Flanders, Gay, Gray, Greer, Hatch and Higgins.

Jackson, Mears, Merriam, Merrithew, Meservie and Meservey, Nash, Neal, Ordway, Paul, Pearson, Robinson, Rowe, Sanborn, Sheldon, Shibles, Simmons, Thomas, Wentworth, Weymouth, Whitcomb, White, Wing and Woodbury.

I agree with Morrill Historical Society President Josephine Grady, who describes the volume as “a very well-researched history of the early town and the later years that were followed in this book. Many who are tracing their genealogy have found a lot of information.”

“The History and Genealogy of Morrill, Maine” is available for $61.25, tax and mailing included, from Josephine Grady, 132 Tufts Road, Belfast, ME 04915.

The first meeting of the fall season of the Washington County Genealogical Society will be held at 1 p.m. American time Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Campobello Public Library, Welshpool, Campobello, New Brunswick.

The society was organized in 1992 and has as its purpose the collection, exchange and preservation of related documents and information. The society also promotes and encourages interest and scholarship in genealogy and family history in Washington County, as well as neighboring Charlotte County, New Brunswick.

The group meets the third Saturday of the month from March to November, with the exception of July and August. Dues are $10 a year. Members receive a quarterly newsletter, Weirs and Woods.

For further information, contact president Frances Raye at 853-6630; secretary Valdine Atwood at 255-4432; or treasurer Connie Ferguson at 726-9690.

The Ellsworth Historical Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. today at the Ellsworth Public Library. Jon Johansen will speak on his research of the ships and ship captains of the Ellsworth area.

The Aroostook County Genealogical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the Caribou Public Library. The topic will be either going to the Cochran Cemetery or a discussion on the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

The Sullivan-Sorrento Historical Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, in the Recreation Center in Sullivan. Rosamond Rea, collections manager at Woodlawn, will speak about the Woodlawn miniature portrait paintings.

The Penobscot County Genealogical Society’s meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, in the lecture hall at Bangor Public Library, will include the annual meeting, a presentation by Dr. Gary Fessler on bagpipes and an open research night at the library. Members will give tips on what’s available in the Bangor Room. Given the Scottish flair of the evening, participants are encouraged to wear kilts!

3290. EATON-PLUMMER. Seeking parents, ancestry for Caroline Eaton, “of” Athens. She married William Plummer, b. 1822, town of Jefferson, and d. there 1874, son of John Plummer and Rebecca (Plummer) Plummer. I’ve seen a record that takes this family into the Armstrong family. Danny W. Howard, DECF 64 Base Road, Machiasport, ME 04655.

3291. WHITE. Would like to contact any descendants of Leonard H. White, who d. 1913 in Blaine. Perhaps we can exchange information. Larry Smith, 1930 Oak Ave., Boulder, CO 80304; larryjsmith@qwest.net.

Send genealogy queries to Family Ties, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or send e-mail to familyti@bangordailynews.net.