Biography of Lewis L. Green(1815-1880)-P14

 Lewis L. Green(1815-1880)-P14

Birth: June 12th, 1815 in Miramichi, New Brunswick

• Father: Andrew Green(1784-1869)
• Mother: Sarah Mitchell(1785-1873)

Married: Mary Lydia Mooers(1830-1914) on April 10th, 1848 in Blissfield, New Brunswick

• Alfred Alonza Green(1448-1933)
• Elvira A. Green(1850-1917)
• Margaret Green(1852-1863)
• Alma Hannah Green(1854-1943)
• Alfretta Lola Green(1857-1946)
• Mary Agnes Green(1863-1942)

Death: After 1880

Lewis L. Green was born on June 12th, 1815 in Miramichi, New Brunswick to Andrew Green and Sarah Mitchell.  He was the 6th of 14 children.  He married Mary Lydia Green on April 10th, 1848 in Blissfield, New Brunswick.  He was 32 and she had just turned 18.  Their first child, Alfred Alonza Green, was born on September 14th, 1848 in Miramichi, New Brunswick. This was 7 months after their marriage.  Their second child, Elvira A. Green, was born on September 14th, 1850 in Blissfield, New Brunswick.  I don't know if the family jumped between Miramichi and Blissfield, or if Blissfield was considered part of Miramichi.  My suspicion is they didn't move.

 

The 1851 Canadian Census shows that Lewis was living in Blissfield, New Brunswick with Lydia (19), and their two children, Alfred (2) and Elvira(1).  Lewis is listed as being an farmer and a shoemaker. Their next child, Alma Hannah Green, was born on October 24th, 1854 in Miramichi, New Brunswick.  Alfretta Lola Green, their next daughter, was born on June 9th, 1857 in Miramichi, New Brunswick.  Their second son, David W. Green was born on February 27th, 1861 in Miramichi, New Brunswick.

The 1861 Canadian Census that Lewis (48) was living with his wife, Lydia (30), and children Alfred(12), Elvira(10), Margaret (8), Alma (6), Alfretta(4) and David (1) in Blissfield, New Brunswick.  He is listed as being a native of New Brunswick, a Baptist, and a farmer.   On December 28th, 1862 he abandoned his pregnant wife and children for parts unknown.  Based on the divorce records, the family had already moved to Ludlow, ME.   This gets complicated, as last child, Mary Agnes Green was born on April 22nd, 1863 in Miramichi, New Brunswick.  Their daughter Margaret died at age 11 in 1863 in Houlton, ME and is buried in Ludlow, ME.  Lydia files for Divorce on December 10th, 1868, six years after Lewis abandoned her. According to the documents, Lewis had been mentally abusive to Lydia and had threatened to kill her on various occasions.  He did not show up for the hearing, so there is no documentation of his rebuttal.  It is not surprising that he didn't show for the hearing, as the notice was posted in the Houlton Pioneer and he wasn't in the area. The divorce was finalized in February 1869.  She received custody of Elvira, Alma, Alfretta, David, and Mary Agnes.  

To add to the confusion, the 1870 U.S. Census shows Lewis living in Muskegon, MI and working as a Saloon Keeper.  He has $800 dollars in personal property that would have been about $16,200 today.  His two daughters, Elvira (20) and Alma (16) are living with him.  Given what was said in the divorce papers, why did the older daughter move out with him.  They soon moved out, as Elvira was married in 1871 in Maine and Alma was married in 1877 in Boston, MA.  

In December of 1878, Lewis appears to have sued his son Alfred for $4,000.  I am having a hard time understanding the documents to this may be tied Alfred borrowing money off of Lewis for the purchase of a house. Here is a transcription of the case.  

Know all men by these presents that I Alfred A. Green of the city of Muskegon Michigan are held and firmly bound unto Lewis L. Green of the same place in the sum of Four Thous. and Dollars ($4000.00) lawful money of the United States of America to be paid to the said Lewis L. Green or to his certain attorney heirs executors administrators or assigns to which payment will and truely to be made. I bind myself my heirs executors and administrators and each and every of them firmly by these presents and forride for the said Lewis L. Green through this obligation is to be paid otherwise to remain in full force.

    Albert A. Green

The 1880 Census has Lewis (69) living with Alfred (31), Alfred's wife Nancy(25) and  their two children, Nellie(4) and Clara (1) at 363 Terrace St.  Lewis has no occupation, but Alfred is a Steam Boat Engineer.  Lewis died at some time after the 1880 census.  I have not been able to find a record of his death or burial.  His son, Alfred, is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Muskegon, so it Lewis may be buried there as well.  

Sources:

• 1851 Census of Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia: Year: 1851; Census Place: Blissfield, Northumberland County, New Brunswick; Schedule: I; Roll: C_995; Page: 9; Line: 14
• 1861 Census of Canada: Library and Archives Canada; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Census Returns For 1861; Roll: C-1003-1004
• 1870 United States Federal Census: Year: 1870; Census Place: Muskegon Ward 2, Muskegon, Michigan; Roll: M593_692; Page: 304A; Family History Library Film: 552191
• 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan; Roll: 597; Family History Film: 1254597; Page: 230D; Enumeration District: 193
• Maine, Divorce Records, 1798-1891: Plaintiff Lewis S Green, Defendant Lydia Green, Divorce Date Feb 1869, Divorce Place Aroostook, Maine, Court SJC, Vol/Pg 7/105
• Michigan, Wills and Probate Records, 1784-1980: Author: Michigan. Circuit Court (Muskegon County); Probate Place: Muskegon, Michigan, Name Lewis L Green, Probate Date 21 Dec 1878, Probate Place Muskegon, Michigan, USA
• New Brunswick, Canada, Marriages, 1789-1950: Name Lewis L Green, Gender Male, Marriage Date 10 Apr 1848, Marriage Place Blissfield, Northumberland, New Brunswick, Canada, Spouse Lydia Mooers, Certificate Number 3113, Page number 198

A little extra information on Elvira A Green (1850-1917)-P7

 I posted a biography of my 2nd green grandmother Elvira A. Green back in 2018.  Now research her father, I discovered that she lived with her father  in Muskegon, MI in 1870.  

Been meaning to post this abt Charles Championette Putnam

 

My brother found out that they have put up a monument to those who fell at the Battles of Aldie, Middleberg and Upperville from the the 1st Maine Calvary.  Our third Great Uncle Charles Championette Putnam(1843-863) was one of them.  

Here is an article about the dedication and here is some more information abt the battles.   It is located in Mt. Defiance Historic Park, If your in the area you should check it out!

Map of the Engagement

In honor of Veterans Day

Thank you to all the Veterans who have chosen to serve our country in war and in peace! 

This post will highlight all the info I have shared on family members who have served.

 World War II

• My Father: Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)
• My Aunt: Catherine Sanders Wright(1920-2017)
• My Uncle: David Joy Wright(1922-1991)
• My Uncle: Charles Merrick Wright(1924-2008)
• My Uncle: George Edward Wright(1927-2019)

World War I

• My Grandfather: Ervin Earl Putnam(1893-1988)
• His World War Diary
• My Grandfather: David Sanders Wright(1887-1969)
• My Great Uncle: Frank Houlton Putnam(1892-1930)

Civil War

• My Second Great Grandfather: Edward D. Smith(1815-1863)
• My Second Great Grandfather: John McCann(1831-1910)
• My Second Great Uncle: Franklin Adelbert Smith(1842-1864)
• My Third Great Uncle: Charles Championette Putnam(1843-1863)
• David Perkins Putnam's Civil War Letters (He was my 6th Cousin, 4 times removed)

War of 1812

• My Third Great Grandfather: Simeon Reed(1780-1853)

I hope to get some of the info I have on my Uncles put together and start entering info on some of my revolutionary war ancestors.  So stay tuned!

Setting the stage for the biographies of Lewis L. Green and Mary Lydia Mooers

 Generally, I try and cram all the info I can into the biographies, but the next two need a bit of set up.  My third great grandparents Mary Lydia Mooers and Lewis L. Green got divorced.  Thanks to the Maine State Archive I was able to get the documentation for the divorce and here is the transcription.

• Here is the complaint:

To the Hon Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court now sitting at Bangor within and for the County of Penobscot, October Term, 1868.

Lydia Green of Ludlow in the County of Aroostook respectfully libels and gives the court to be informed that on the 10th day of April, 1848, at Miramachi in the Province of New Brunswick, she was lawfully married to one Lewis L. Green by the Rev. James Tozier, that she lived and cohabitation with her said husband in this State and has alway behaved herself as a faithful and chaste wife: that she has had by him six children, viz: Alfred, aged 22, Elvira, aged 18, Alma, aged 14, Alfraetta, aged 11, David, aged 9, and Agnes, aged 6.  And your libelant shows to your Honors that the said Lewis L Green, regardless of his duty, after their said marriage became drunken and dissolute in his habits. Neglecting to provide for your libelant and the family.  Treated her with great unkindness and cruelty, frequently made threats to kill her, and finally on the 28th day of December 1862, without cause wholly deserted your libelant, and has never returned to her or furnished her any support.  

Wherefore your libelant prays that the bonds of matrimony between her and her said husband may be dissolved and that the care and custody of the five minor children, because of unfitness and character of their father, may be decreed to her.  

And the said Lewis L. Green, residing out of this Stare, and in parts unknown to your libelant, she prays the court here to order such notice of the tendency of this libel to be given him, as the court shall adjudge proper returnable at the February term of said court in Aroostook County, 1869. 

December 10th, 1868

Lydia Green Her X Mark

Attest. C. M Herrin

• Here is the outcome:

This libel was entered at the present term of this court when it was proved that the following notice was daily given and published in said Aroostook Pioneer, together with said libel in December, 1868 and January, 1869. To wit: State of Maine Penobscot, ss. Sup. Jud. Court, October Term 1868. On the Foregoing libel, the Court orders that the said libelant give notice to the said Lewis L. Green of the tendency thereof by causing an attested copy of said libel and this order thereon, to be published three successive weeks in the Aroostook Pioneer a newspaper printed at Houlton in the county of Aroostook, the last publication thereof to be at least thirty days before the last Tuesday of February, 1869. That he may then appear before the Justices of said Court to beholden at Houlton within and for our county of Aroostook on the last Tuesday in February, 1869. And show cause if any he has why the prayer of said libel should not be granted.  

Witness, John Appleton, Esq. at Bangor, this 12th day of October 1868

E.L. Brett, Clerk Aline copy of libel and order of Curt thereon; Attest

E.L. Brett, Clerk. And the Defendant though solemnly called to come into court did not appear but made default. And now it appearing to the court that notice had been given as ordered, on the 6th day of the term after mature deliberation it is considered by the court, that the prayer of said Libelant be granted and it is hereby ordered and decreed that the bonds of matrimony here before existing between the said Lydia Green and Lewis L. Green be, and the same are hereby dissolved, and the custody of the five minor children be decreed to the libelant as prayed for.

So, what do we learn from this:

• Mary Lydia Green went by Lydia
• She is living in Ludlow, ME on December 10th, 1868
• Lydia and Lewis where married in Miramachi, New Brunswick on April 10th, 1848.
• She and her husband lived in Maine.  
• They have six children
• Alfred, age 22
• Elvira, age 18
• Alma, age 14
• Alfaretta, age 11
• David, age 9
• Agnes, age 6
• After their marriage, Lewis became drunken and dissolute
• Was at least mentally abusive to her, and threatened to kill her frequently
• Left her on December 28th, 1862 and did not return or send support
• Lewis was residing out of State, and in parts unknown
• Lydia cannot write, as she signed with and X
•  The court found in Lydia's favor.

There are some other documents that run at least somewhat counter to this narrative.

• If they had been living in Maine before Lewis left at the end of 1862, why was their daughter born in Miramichi, New Brunswick in April of 1863?
• The 1900 census lists her as immigrating in 1863.
• If he was such a horrible parent, why did his two daughters (Elvira and Alma) live with him in Michigan in 1870?
• Lydia's intention to marry John Lightbody was announced on March 15th, 1869.  Just after the divorce was finalized.  Their first child (Earnest Walter Lightbody) birth record shows he was born on November 19th, 1868. Though his obituary says November 9th, 1870.  The birth record also says they were already married.  

I suspect there is more to this story then what the court documents show, and we don't have Lewis's side of the story as he never showed up to the hearing.  That being said, most things points to Lewis L. Green being a nasty individual who abandoned his family.  In the next few posts I'll do my best to write up their biographies based on this and other information.

Biography of Rebecca Smith Hammond(1822-1885)-P13

 

Rebecca Smith Hammond(1822-1885)-P13

Birth: October 14th, 1828 in Lincoln, ME

• Father: Benjamin Hammond(1788-1870)
• Mother: Ruth Hersey(1795-1880)

Married: Benjamin Franklin Carpenter(1822-1879) in Lincoln, ME on August 19th, 1843

Children:

• Juliette H. Carpenter(1844-1844)
• Frank H Washington Carpenter(1845-1936)-P6
• Kate Carpenter(1847-UNKN)
• Thomas Jefferson Carpenter(1849-1933)
• Randolph J. Carpenter(1851-1936)
• George Washington Carpenter(1853-1936)
• Margaret Anne Carpenter(1855-1939)
• William Newton Carpenter(1857-1938)
• Laura J. Carpenter(1860-1861)

Death: February 15th, 1885 in Hammond, ME

Rebecca Smith Hammond was born on October 14th, 1828 in Lincoln, ME to Benjamin Hammond and Ruth Hersey.   She was the forth of eight children.  She married Benjamin Franklin Carpenter on August 19th, 1843 in Lincoln, ME.  Their first child, Juliette H. Carpenter, was born on March 25th, 1844 in Lincoln, ME and died there on July 2st, 1844.   Their second child, Frank H. Washington, was born on May 18th, 1845 followed by a daughter, Kate, in 1847.  Their son, Thomas Jefferson, was born on May 7th, 1849.  This was soon after the death of Benjamin Franklin's brother, named Thomas Jefferson, on September 13th, 1848.  It is likely that their son was named after Benjamin's brother.

According to the 1850 U.S. Census, Rebecca was 27 years old  was living in Lincoln, ME with Benjamin's parents, Joshua(62) and Susan(60), her husband Benjamin(27) and their children, Frank(50, Kate(3) and Thomas(1).  Another son, Randolph J., was born on May 14th, 1851.  George Washington was born on July 8th, 1853.  They had another daughter, Margaret Anne on April 4th, 1855.  I've not been able to find a location of her birth, but suspect it was still in Lincoln, ME.  The family started moving soon after that.  Their last son, William Newton, was born in Van Buren, ME on January 3rd, 1857.

Benjamin was the first man to clear land in Letter B (now Hammond). He bought two lots in 1858, built a house and moved there in 1860. The 1860 U.S. Census has the family living in Houlton, ME.  I suspect this is actually Letter B.  Rebecca(37) was living with her husband Benjamin(37) and children frank(15), Kate(13), (Thomas) Jefferson(11), Randolph(9), George(7), Margaret(5)-listed as Mary, and William(3)-listed as Willie.  Their last child, Laura J., was born on December 9th, 1860 and died on May 24th, 1861.

The family was still in Hammond in 1870 according to the 1870 U.S. Census. Rebecca is 48 years old and listed as a citizen.  She is living with her husband, Benjamin(48), and children - Frank(25), Thomas J.(21), George W.(17), Margate A.(15) and William N. (13).  Kate has gotten married and moved out and Randolph is also gone.  

Benjamin died on January 21st, 1879 at age 56.  According to the 1880 Census, Rebecca is living with her son George(26) his wife Olive M. (19) and her other son William M. (23).  George's son, Benjamin F.(1) is also living with them.  George and William are both listed as being farmers.  Rebecca died on February 15th, 1885 in Hammond, ME.  She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Houlton, ME in Section3, Block 2, at Grave 106.

Sources:

• 1850 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1850; Census Place: Lincoln, Penobscot, Maine; Roll: M432_266; Page: 357A; Image: .
• 1860 United States Federal Census: Year: 1860; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: M653_434; Page: 239; Image: 239; Family History Library Film: 803434
• 1870 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1870; Census Place: Township B, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: M593_; Page: ; Image: .
• 1880 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1880; Census Place: Township B Range 2, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: 477; Family History Film: 1254477; Page: 475B; Enumeration District: 219; Image: 0225.
• Maine, Birth Records, 1621-1922: Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll #: 48
• Maine, Death Records, 1617-1922: Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll Number: 17
• Maine, Marriage Index, 1670-1921: Name Rebecca S Hammond, Gender Female, Marriage Date 19 Aug 1843, Marriage Place Lincoln, Maine, USA, Spouse Benjamin F Carpenter, Film Number 001002391
• Maine, Marriage Records, 1713-1937: Maine State Archives; Augusta, Maine, USA; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll #: 17
• Web: Maine, Find A Grave Index, 1700-2012: Name Rebecca Smith Hammond Carpenter, Birth Date 14 Oct 1822, Age at Death 62, Death Date 15 Feb 1885, Burial Place Houlton, Aroostook County, Maine, USA, URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23367717/car

Biography of Benjamin Franklin Carpenter(1822-1879)-P12

Benjamin Franklin Carpenter(1822-1879)-P12

Birth: September 22nd, 1822 in Lincoln, ME

• Father: Joshua Carpenter(1790-1866)
• Mother: Susan Heald(1788-1861)

Married: Rebecca Smith Hammond(1822-1885) in Lincoln, ME on August 19th, 1843

Children:

• Juliette H. Carpenter(1844-1844)
• Frank H Washington Carpenter(1845-1936)-P6
• Kate Carpenter(1847-UNKN)
• Thomas Jefferson Carpenter(1849-1933)
• Randolph J. Carpenter(1851-1936)
• George Washington Carpenter(1853-1936)
• Margaret Anne Carpenter(1855-1939)
• William Newton Carpenter(1857-1938)
• Laura J. Carpenter(1860-1861)

Death: January 21st, 1879 in Hammond, ME

Benjamin Franklin Carpenter was born on September 22nd, 1822 to Joshua Carpenter and Susan Heald.  He was the seventh of nine children.  He married Rebecca Smith Hammond on August 19th, 1843 in Lincoln, ME.  Their first child, Juliette H. Carpenter, was born on March 25th, 1844 in Lincoln, ME and died there on July 2st, 1844.   Their second child, Frank H. Washington, was born on May 18th, 1845 followed by a daughter, Kate, in 1847.  Their son, Thomas Jefferson, was born on May 7th, 1849.  This was soon after the death of Benjamin Franklin's brother, named Thomas Jefferson, on September 13th, 1848.  It is likely that their son was named after Benjamin's brother.

According to the 1850 U.S. Census, Benjamin Franklin was 27 years old and working as a farmer.  The farm is worth $1,000.  He is living in Lincoln, ME with his parents, Joshua(62) and Susan(60), his wife Rebecca(27) and their children, Frank(50, Kate(3) and Thomas(1).  Another son, Randolph J., was born on May 14th, 1851.  George Washington was born on July 8th, 1853.  They had another daughter, Margaret Anne on April 4th, 1855.  I've not been able to find a location of her birth, but suspect it was still in Lincoln, ME.  The family started moving soon after that.  Their last son, William Newton, was born in Van Buren, ME on January 3rd, 1857.

Benjamin was the first man to clear land in Letter B (now Hammond). He bought two lots in 1858, built a house and moved there in 1860. The 1860 U.S. Census has the family living in Houlton, ME.  I suspect this is actually Letter B.  Benjamin is a farmer with Real Estate worth $750 and a Personal Estate worth $200.  He is living with his wife Rebecca(37) and children frank(15), Kate(13), (Thomas) Jefferson(11), Randolph(9), George(7), Margaret(5)-listed as Mary, and William(3)-listed as Willie.  Their last child, Laura J., was born on December 9th, 1860 and died on May 24th, 1861.

The family is still in Hammond in 1870 according to the 1870 U.S. Census.  Benjamin is 48 years old and listed as a citizen.  He has continued farming and his real estate is now worth $800 and personal estate is worth $400.  He is living with his wife, Rebecca(48), and children - Frank(25), Thomas J.(21), George W.(17), Margate A.(15) and William N. (13).  Kate has gotten married and moved out and Randolph is also gone.  

The 1850, 1860 and 1870 census also have a record of Benjamin's farming information thought the 1870 does not seem to have been completely filled out by the census taker.  The table below compares the different years.  The 1850 record is a completely different farm then th one listed in 1860 and 1870.

	1850 Agriculture	1860 Agriculture	1870 Agriculture
Location:	Lincoln, ME	Hammond, ME	Hamond, ME
Date:	July 29th, 1850	June 22, 1860	August 9th, 1870
Acres, Improved:	30	10	45
Acres, unimproved:	20	190	55(Woodland)
Cash Value of Farm:	$1,000	$1,500	$800
Value of Farm Implements and Machinery:	$100	$50	$100
Horses:	2	1	2
Milch Cows	1	1	2
Working Oxen:	2	0	0
Other Cattle:	0	1	2
Sheep:	4	0	0
Swine:	0	0	1
Value of Livestock:	$228	$100	$300
Indian Corn, Bushels:	40	0	0
Oats, Bushels:	50	0	150
Buckwheat, Bushels:	0	100	300
Wool, lbs:	40	0	Not Entered
Peas and Beans, Bushels:	4	0	Not Entered
Irish Potatos, Bushels:	25	300	Not Entered
Butter, lbs:	250	200	Not Entered
Hay, Tons:	8	15	Not Entered
Value of Home-made Manufactures:	$32	$0	Not Entered
Value of Animals Slaughtered:	$22	$50	Not Entered

Benjamin died on January 21st, 1879 at age 56.  He is buried in Section 3, Block 2, Grave 106 of Evergreen Cemetery in Houlton, ME.

Sources:

• 1850 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1850; Census Place: Lincoln, Penobscot, Maine; Roll: M432_266; Page: 357A; Image: .
• 1860 United States Federal Census: Year: 1860; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: M653_434; Page: 239; Image: 239; Family History Library Film: 803434
• 1870 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1870; Census Place: Township B, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: M593_; Page: ; Image: .
• History of Aroostook: Vol I Comprising Facts, Names and Dates relate to the early settlement of all the different Towns and Plantations of the County, by Hon. Edward Wiggins and George H. Collins,  1922, Pg. 278
• Maine, Birth Records, 1621-1922: Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll Number: 17
• Maine, Death Records, 1617-1922: Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll Number: 17
• Maine, Marriage Index, 1670-1921: Name Benjamin F Carpenter, Gender Male, Marriage Date 19 Aug 1843, Marriage Place Lincoln, Maine, USA, Spouse Rebecca S Hammond, Film Number 001002391
• Maine, Marriage Records, 1713-1937: Maine State Archives; Augusta, Maine, USA; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll #: 17
• Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880: Census Year: 1850; Census Place: Lincoln, Penobscot, Maine; Archive Collection Number: 2-130; Roll: 2; Page: 723; Line: 32; Schedule Type: Agriculture
• Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880: Census Year: 1860; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Archive Collection Number: 4-134; Roll: 4; Page: 1; Line: 39; Schedule Type: Agriculture
• Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880: Census Year: 1870; Census Place: Township B Range 2, Aroostook, Maine; Archive Collection Number: 8-141; Roll: 8; Page: 1; Line: 2; Schedule Type: Agriculture
• U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registration Records (Provost Marshal General's Bureau; Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865); Record Group: 110, Records of the Provost Marshal
• Web: Maine, Find A Grave Index, 1700-2012: Name Benjamin Franklin Carpenter, Birth Date 18 22, Age at Death 57, Death Date 21 Jan 1879, Burial Place Houlton, Aroostook County, Maine, USA, URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23367751/car

Jane Caroline Reed's book of Poems and Songs-Katie Lee and Willie Gray

 The next item in the book is a hand copied set of lyrics for Katie Lee and Willie Gray.  Jane says she copied it from Frank Summer in June of 1866.  A bit of research shows that it was originally written by J.H. Pixley.  I validated the transcription against the Historic Sheet Music Collection at Connecticut College.  You can actually download the sheet music from there.

Katie Lee and Willie Gray

Two brown heads with tossing curls,

Red lips shutting over pearls,

Bare feet white + wet with dew,

Two eyes black + two eyes blue;

Little boy + girl were they,

Katie Lee + Willie Gray.

They were standing where a brook,

Bending like a shepherd’s crook,

Flashing its silver + thick ranks

Of willow fringed its banks;-

Half in thought + half in play.

Katie Lee + Willie Gray.

They had cheeks like Cherries hot;

He was taller, most a head-

She, with arms like wreaths of snow,

Swung a basket to and fro

As they loitered, half in play,

Chatting to Willie Gray.

“Pretty Katie,” Willie said

And there came a dash of red

Through the brownness of his cheek;

“Boys are strong + girls are weak,”

And I’ll carry, so I will, 

Katie’s basket up the hill.”

Katie answered with a  laugh,

“You shall carry only half;”

Then said, tossing back her curls,

“Boys as weak as well as girls.”

Do you think that Katie guessed

Half the wisdom she expressed!

Men are only boys grown tall:

Hearts don’t change much, after all;

And when, long years from that day,

Katie Lee + Willie Gray.

Stood again beside the brook

Bending like a shepherd's crook

Is it strange that Willie said,

While again a dash of red

Crossed the brownness of his cheek

“I am strong and you are weak;

Life is but a slipper steep,

Hung with shadows cold + deep.

“Will you trust me Katie Lee?

Walk beside me without fear;

May I carry, if I will,

All your burdens up the nhill!”

And she answered, with a  laugh,

“No, but you may carry half.”

Close beside the little brook

Bending like a shepherd’s crook

Washing, with it silver hands.

Late + Early t the sand,

Stands a cottage where today

Katie lives with Willie Gray

In the porch she sits, and, lo!

Swings a basket to + fro.

Vastly different from the one

That she swung in year agone;

This is long, + deep, + wide!

And has rockers at the side

From Frank Summer

Northampton, June 1866

Jane Caroline Reed's book of Poems and Songs-Another Poem by Saxe Holm

 The second poem in the book is another newspaper clipping of work by Saxe Holm.  

HERE AND THERE A GEM

GATHERED FROM THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

Like a cradle rocking, rocking,

Silent, peaceful, to and fro.

Like a mother’s sweet looks dropping

On the little face below

Hangs the green earth, swinging, turning

Jarless, noiseless, safe and slow;

Falls the light of God’s face bending

Down and watching us below.

And as feeble babes that suffer,

Toss, and cry, and will not rest,

Are the ones the tender mother

Holds the closest, loves the best,-

So when we are weak and wretched,

By our sins weighed down, distressed,

Then it is the God’s great patience

Holds us closest, loves us best.

-Saxe Holm

Jane Caroline Reed's book of Poems and Songs-Three Kisses of Farewell

 

As I was going through some of the documents that came from my mother I was surprised to find a book of poems and songs.  It appears that my Great Grandmother used this book to either insert newspaper clippings of poems or to copy out poems and songs that she liked.  Though none of this appears to be her own work, I think we can learn a bit about what she was like by looking at the items she included in the book.  I've only started to transcribe what is in the book and I may find things that would not be considered appropriate today.  You should look at these as a snap shoot of the time and place they were collected, that is the late 1860s and 1870s in Northampton, MA.  All of this appears to be done before she married David Joy Wright in 1878.  

Her hand writing is a bit hard to read, so if I have found a copy of the poem or song online, I have used it to validate my transcription.  I'll do my best to site these sites.

The front page includes the following information:

Jennie C Reed

        Northampton

    Dec 14th 67  Mass.

As a side note, she bought the book for $1.25.

The first poem in the book was written by Saxe Holm, who appears to be a secret pen name for Helen Hunt Jackson.  This really seems to be an interesting story, and I had know idea about it until I looked up the writer. So, my Great Grandmother is teaching me things from beyond the vail.  Helen Hunt Jackson was from Amherst, MA so Jane may have even known her, but I suspect didn't know she was Saxe Holm.  This was from a newspaper clipping.  Here it is:

THREE KISSES OF FAREWELL

[these exquisite verses are from on of “Esther Wynn’s Love Letters” in Scribner’s for December]

Three, only three, my darling,

Separate, solemn, slow;

Not like the swift and joyous ones

We used to know

When we kissed because we loved each other

Simply to taste Love’s sweet,

And lavished our kisses as the summer

Lavishes heat,-

But as they kiss whose hearts and wrong,

When hope and fear are spent,

And nothing is left to give, except

A sacrament

First of the three, my darling,

Os sacred unto pain;

We have hurt each other often;

We shall again,

When we pine because we miss each other,

And do not understand

How the written words are so much colder

Than eye and hand.

I kiss thee, dear for all such pain

Which we may give or take;

Buried, forgiven, before it comes

For our love’s sake!

The second kiss, my darling,

Is full of joy’s sweet thrill;

We have blessed each other always;

We always will.

We shall reach until we feel each other.

Past all of time and space;

We shall listen till we hear each other

In every place;

The earth is full of messengers,

Which love sends to and fro;

I kiss thee, darling, for all joy

Which we shall know!

The last kiss, oh, my darling,

My love-I cannot see

Through my tears, as I remember

What it may be.

We may die and never see each other,

Die with no time to give

Any sign that our hearts are faithful

To Die as live.

Token of what they will not see

Who see our parting breath.

This one last kiss, my darling, seals

The kiss of death!