Cumberland County, Maine - Hon. Samuel M. Brackett
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Biography
Hon. Samuel M. Brackett
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 148-149


Hon. Samuel M. Brackett, an ex-member of the Maine legislature, who died at his
residence in Cumberland, March 9, 1895, had served the public faithfully for
many years in various positions of responsibility and trust, and was highly
esteemed for his practical ability and sterling traits of character.

Mr. Brackett was born in Westbrook, Me., March 2, 1820. His father, Reuben
Brackett, who was a native of Cumberland and a farmer by occupation, after
marriage settled in Westbrook, where he engaged successfully in agricultural
pursuits. Both he and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Morrill, and
whose native place was Westbrook, lived to an advanced age.

Samuel M. Brackett received a good education in the schools of Westbrook, and,
having grown to manhood, early gave much attention to public affairs, in the
administration of which he exhibited sound judgment and good executive ability.
He was Deputy Sheriff for twelve consecutive years, and also served as Coroner
and in various town offices. In January, 1855, he moved to the town of
Cumberland, where he resided for the rest of his life, settling upon a farm of
two hundred and fifty acres, and devoting his attention with systematic energy
to various branches of agriculture. He was well versed in both State and
national politics, and was a sagacious man of business. He was a member of the
Maine House of Representatives in 1870, and in 1879 was again called to the
legislative councils of the State.

On January 4, 1855, Mr. Brackett was united in marriage with Mrs. Harriet
Sturdivant, daughter of Joseph and Priscilla (Wilson) Russell, the former of
whom was a native of Gray, and the latter of Falmouth. Joseph Russell was a
house-joiner, and carried on his trade in Falmouth in connection with farming.
He died at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife was a daughter of Nathaniel
Wilson, who was one of the first settlers at Poplar Ridge. She was the mother of
nine children, five of whom are living; namely, Eli, Sarah, Mrs. Brackett, Mrs.
Lucy Leighton, and Mrs. Eunice Loring. Mrs. Russell lived to reach the age of
eighty-four years. Mrs. Brackett's first husband, whom she married in February,
1843, was Gardner M. Sturdivant, who was born in Cumberland in July, 1820, and
died September 5, 1851, leaving four sons; namely, William, Oscar R., Lyman P.,
and Alfred M., all of whom are living.

Mr. and Mrs. Brackett have had five children, as follows: Alma M., wife of
Fairfield Whitney, of Feeding Hills, Mass.; Reuben G., who resides at home;
Phillips Russell, who died at the age of twenty-eight; Anne, widow of Samuel K.
Hitchings, also residing at the parental home; and Harriet, who died at the age
of seven years.

Samuel M. Brackett was liberal in his religious views, and in politics he was a
stanch Democrat. He was a member of Ancient Landmark Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of
Portland. Mrs. Brackett, an estimable woman, who possesses the respect of the
entire community, still resides upon the Cumberland farm, which is carried on by
her son, Reuben G. Brackett.