Cumberland County, Maine - Captain James Monroe Bucknam ********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: C. Wendland SilverDrusilla@aol.com Copyright (c) 2005 by C. Wendland Caitlin's Gold Award Project, Girl Scouts USA, Rio Grande Girl Scout Council, El Paso, Texas ********************************************************************** Biography Captain James Monroe Bucknam Biographical Review Cumberland County, Maine Boston Biographical Review Publishing Company 1896 Page 318-319 Captain James Monroe Bucknam, who was formerly a well-known ship-master in the coasting trade, and is now a prosperous farmer of Yarmouth, was born at his present home September 12, 1818, son of Samuel and Phebe (Chandler) Bucknam. Captain Bucknam's paternal grandfather, William Bucknam, was one of the early settlers of Cousins Island, where he owned a tract of land. Active and industrious, in his younger days he availed himself of every opportunity for advantageous employment; but his principal occupation was farming, and be followed it with good results. His last days were passed upon the farm which is now owned by his grandson, and he died at the age of eighty-six years. He was possessed of many worthy traits of character,. and he was a representative citizen of his day. He married Sarah Loring; and they reared a family of eight children, named as follows: Elizabeth, Charlotte, Sarah, Mary, Dorcas, Samuel, Jeremiah, and William. Mrs. Sarah L. Bucknam lived to reach the age of eighty- four. Samuel Bucknam, Captain Bucknam's father, was born on Cousins Island, September 2, 1775, just previous to the destruction of Portland by the British at the commencement of the Revolutionary War. He grew to manhood in Yarmouth, and engaged in the coasting trade, which he followed for some time. He finally settled upon the farm where his son now resides, and became very successful in agricultural pursuits. He owned one hundred and fifteen acres of land, which he improved; and the present residence was erected by him in 1814. He was a hardworking man, who diligently applied himself to the task of maintaining a comfortable home for his family, and his prosperity was the result of manly energy and perseverance. He died on November 2, 1855, at his home in Yarmouth, a place to which he retired in 1847. In his religious views he was liberal, and, in politics he supported the Whig party. His first wife, Mary Blanchard, died leaving four children; and he wedded for his second wife Phebe Chandler, who was born in North Yarmouth, what is now Yarmouth, October 6, 1776, and who became the mother of six children. She died April 6, 1863. Of Samuel Bucknam's ten children the only one now living is James M., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Phebe C. Bucknam was a member of the Baptist church. James Monroe Bucknam commenced his education in the schools of his native town, and completed his course of study at the North Yarmouth Academy. At an early age he began. to assist his father in carrying on the farm ; but, when a young man, he shipped as a sailor on board of a coasting-vessel. He was soon able to buy a one-quarter interest in the schooner "Watchman, which was built in 1830; and, after commanding her for some time, he became master of the packet sloop, "Express," which he ran between the different points in Casco Bay. He followed the sea for many years, making short voyages along the coast, his only foreign trip being a voyage to the West Indies, which he made in company with his brother; and he was well known in the various local seaports. In 1847 he settled in Yarmouth, in order to care for his parents during their declining years; and he has continued to give his attention chiefly, but not exclusively, to agriculture. His farm, which consists of one hundred and fifteen acres, occupies a delightful situation, overlooking the sea; and his pleasant home is a favorite resort for summer boarders, who are sure to pass an enjoyable season beneath the hospitable roof of the jovial old sea captain, where boating, fishing, and sea- bathing are near at hand. In politics Captain Bucknam is a Republican, and has been active in the public affairs of the town, serving as a member of the Board of Selectmen for seven years, in which capacity he rendered valuable aid in advancing the interests of the community. He has labored earnestly to attract visitors to Yarmouth, and with that view has sacrificed fifteen acres of his valuable land for summer resort purposes. On November 23, 1843, he was united in marriage with Caroline P. Drinkwater, who died March 20, 1869. On December 4, 1870, he wedded for his second wife Abbie F. Twombly, a native of Yarmouth; and she died November 20, 1886. Of his five children living, three are by his first union, and two by his second, all of whom are residents of Yarmouth. They are as follows: Nicholas D.; Clarence L., Deputy Sheriff; James M., Jr.; Mrs. Carrie P. Miller; and Albion L., who resides at the old homestead. On December 24, 1895, Captain Bucknam was married to Edna A. Marston, widow of William Marston, of North Yarmouth. Captain Bucknam is one of the oldest and best-known residents of the town, and is highly esteemed. He is a member of the Baptist church, and has been connected with Casco Lodge, A. F. & A. M., for forty years.