Cumberland County, Maine – Solomon Conant
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Biography
Solomon Conant
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 77

Solomon Conant, a former well known resident of Westbrook and an extensive real
estate owner, was born in Westbrook, March 30, 1801, son of Daniel and Mary
(Haskell) Conant. The ancestors of his family were among the first settlers of
Cumberland County; and his grandfather, Samuel Conant, was a resident of
Westbrook in- the early days of the town. Samuel did a good man's part in paving
the way for the development of the locality, and the result of his labor is
visible in the substantial prosperity enjoyed by his descendants and the present
residents of the place. He was a Congregationalist in his religious views.
Samuel Conant's father, Lot, was a grandson of Roger Conant, the first settler
of the name in America, who was in reality the first Governor of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Daniel Conant, who was born in the old Pork Hill House in Westbrook, in young
manhood engaged in lumbering, which at that time constituted the principal
occupation of the inhabitants. He conducted a successful business during the
active period of his life, and he resided in Westbrook until his death. He
supported the Democratic party in politics, and attended the Congregational
church. His wife, who was a native of Westbrook, became the mother of seven
children, all of whom have passed away.

Solomon Conant, having attended the public schools of his native town for the
usual period, engaged in teaming, an occupation which he followed for the
greater part of his active life. He was for many years employed by the Warren
family, hauling lumber from their mills in Westbrook to Portland and elsewhere.
He was also largely engaged in agriculture, employing many hands, and he owned
much valuable farm property in Gorham and Westbrook. He was possessed of unusual
energy and ability, was generally respected, and occupied a leading position
among the residents of Westbrook. He was an adherent of the Democratic party in
politics, and for some years he ably served as a member of the Board of
Selectmen. As a citizen his aid and influence were always used for the best
interests of the community. As a husband and father he was kind, considerate,
generous, and self-sacrificing; and his happiest moments were passed in his
family circle. He died at his comfortable home in 1869. His religious faith was
that of his forefathers, all of whom were of the Congregationalist denomination.

In 1850 Mr. Conant was united in matrimony to Susan Small Libby, daughter of
Andrew Libby, of Gray, Me., and became the father of four children, of whom two
are now living, namely: Daniel, who occupies the old homestead; and Hattie L.,
wife of George W. Norton, of Portland. Mary E., who was the wife of the late
Henry S. McLellan, was the eldest of the children. She died January 20, 1892.
The third child, Willie A., died in infancy.

Mrs. Conant, who still resides in Westbrook, is widely known as a most amiable
and intelligent lady, and is highly esteemed and respected. Daniel Conant, who
appears to have inherited his father's ability, enjoys a large measure of
prosperity, as well as the good will of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen.