Cumberland County, Maine - Charles E. Boody
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Biography
Charles E. Boody
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 156-157


Charles E. Boody, a former resident dent of Westbrook and one of the best known
citizens of his day, was born at the old Boody homestead, June 22, 1819, son of
Benjamin and Jane C. (Winslow) Boody. Mr. Boody's father was an extensive and
practical farmer and a lifelong resident of Westbrook, who figured quite
prominently in the town affairs. He was a man who could be depended upon for the
fulfillment of his obligations, as he always adhered to his Quaker precepts in
his every-day life, his religious' views being in accordance with the teachings
of the denomination founded by George Fox. He, however, availed himself of his
citizenship privileges by taking part in political affairs, in which he
supported the Democratic party; and he rendered his share of service to the town
as Collector of Taxes.

Charles E. Boody commenced his education in the public schools of Westbrook, and
completed his course of study at the seminary. At an early age he became
familiar with farm work by assisting in the lighter labors of the home fields;
and in young manhood he taught school at different places during the winter
season, his summers being spent in agricultural pursuits. After the death of his
father he was employed during the summers for about five years in brick-making,
working in the brickyards of Henry M. Minot, who conducted the manufacture in
that part of Westbrook which is now included within the town of Deering.
Returning then to the old homestead, he continued to reside here for the rest of
his life. The Boody farm contains two hundred acres of valuable and well-located
land, including tillage, pasture, and woodland; and the late owner improved the
property to a considerable extent, increasing the productiveness of the soil and
making additions to the residence and out-buildings. He was an able and
energetic farmer, liberal and progressive in his ideas, and a citizen of the
highest repute, a man in whose integrity his friends and neighbors placed the
most implicit confidence.

In politics he supported the Republican party. His incumbency of the positions
of public trust in which he was called upon to serve was characterized by a good
understanding of both local and State affairs and a careful consideration of the
people's interests. For fifteen years he served as a member of the School
Committee of Westbrook, a portion of which he was Chairman of the Board. He was
a member of the Board of Selectmen for the years 1876 and 1877, and represented
his district in the legislature during the session of 1878. He was connected
with Saccarappa Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, previous to its
reorganization, and was a member of the Citizens' Relief Society of Portland. In
his religious belief he preserved the traditions of his ancestors and adhered to
the Quaker doctrine, his mother having been a member of the Society of Friends.
He died on April 9, 1895, at the Boody homestead, where the greater portion of
his life had been passed. His many exemplary qualities of heart and mind are
well remembered by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances, who recognized
and appreciated in his lifetime his genuine worth.

In 1849 Mr. Boody was united in marriage with Elizabeth W. Walker, the ceremony
taking place in Casco. Mrs. Boody was born in Otisfield, Me., daughter of Daniel
and Elizabeth (Mayberry) Walker, who were prosperous- farming people. Her
parents reared a family of seven children, Elizabeth W. being the first-born.
She has one brother and two sisters now living, namely: Daniel H., a resident of
Mechanic Falls, Me.; Rebecca A., widow of Spencer Decker, of Casco; and Mary W.,
wife of James Jepson, of Casco.

Mrs. Boody still resides at the homestead, and the farm is conducted under her
management. She harvests from fifty to seventy-five tons of hay annually, and
keeps seven head of cattle and two horses, these facts showing that tinder her
direction the property has not been allowed to deteriorate, the high standard of
cultivation being maintained which has marked its history for so many years.