Cumberland County, Maine - Thomas J. Dawes
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Biography
Thomas J. Dawes
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 632


Thomas J. Dawes, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of New
Gloucester and a leading farmer of that place, was born in the town, July 27,
1807, son of Gideon and Sarah (Haskell) Dawes. Gideon Dawes, whose birth
occurred in Duxbridge, Me., came to New Gloucester with his parents when a lad
of fourteen years. During the remainder of his boyhood he resided in the old
Belle Tavern in that village. He purchased a farm in New Gloucester, and was
thereafter engaged in its cultivation until his death, which occurred when he
was seventy-five years old. His wife, Sarah, who was a native of New Gloucester,
lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years. Twelve children were born of
their union; namely, Gideon, Hubbard, Charles, Nathan, William, Bethany, Thomas
J., Davis, Joseph, Sarah, and two, unnamed, who died in infancy. Sarah married
George Springall, a merchant of Boston, Mass.

Thomas J. Dawes, who is now the only survivor of his parents' family, received a
good common-school education. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years
old. He then spent four years working on different farms for eight dollars per
month. Soon after his marriage he purchased his present farm, on which he has
since resided. It contains sixty acres of well improved land, which under his
skilful management has yielded good crops of hay, corn, and other staple
products. Although advanced in years, he is still able to perform considerable
work.

On April 20, 1834, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Emery, who was born
in Poland, Me., April 15, 1811, daughter of Mark and Annie (McGuire) Emery. Her
father, a native of Cape Ann, Maine, who was a shoemaker by trade, and was also
engaged to some extent in farming, died when Mrs. Dawes was but three years old.
Her mother was born in New Gloucester. Mr. and Mrs. Dawes had two children -
Sophia and Alvin F. Sophia, born November 29, 1835, married Henry Morgan, who
died July 1, 1874. She died May 11, 1863, leaving one daughter, Sophia H., born
May 1, 1863. Sophia H. married L. Whitman, the manufacturer of the Whitman
sleds. They live with Mr. and Mrs. Dawes, and Mr. Whitman carries on his
manufacturing business near by. Alvin F. Dawes, born November 7, 1843, served in
the Civil War as a private in Company H of the Tenth Regiment, Maine Volunteers,
commanded by Colonel G. L. Beals.

At the close of the war he returned to his home, where he died on October 17,
1867. Mr. and Mrs. Dawes are the oldest married couple in New Gloucester. They
remember when there were but few houses in their immediate vicinity. In politics
Mr. Dawes is a Democrat, while he and his wife are honored members of the
Baptist church.