Cumberland County, Maine - Freeman H. Morse
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Biography
Freeman H. Morse
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 375-376


Freeman H. Morse, a well-known farmer of New Gloucester, Me., and a breeder of
fine horses, was born upon the farm which he now owns and occupies, July 11,
1844, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Bennett-Allen) Morse.

Mr. Morse's father was born in New Gloucester, December 18, 1809. When a young
man he engaged in farming, and followed that occupation here in connection with
butchering for some years. He bought the farming property which is now owned by
his son; and he conducted it successfully until his death, which took place
January 20, 1890. He was a great admirer of fine oxen, preferring them to horses
for working purposes; and his knowledge and judgment of these animals was
reliable. He was a very prominent Mason, and. also a stanch Democrat, but not an
office seeker. His wife, Sarah Bennett Allen, who was born May 2, 1805, was the
widow of John Allen, a prosperous farmer of New Gloucester. She married Benjamin
Morse for her second husband, and by this union there were four children, as
follows: Ursula C., who was born January 27, 1838, married T. S. McConky, and is
no longer living; Nelson, who was born September 2, 1841, and died April 17,
1846; Freeman H., the subject of this sketch; and Josephine M., who was born
November 9, 1846, and is the wife of Lemuel B. Small, of North Pownal. The
mother died April 3, 1888.

Freeman H. Morse finished his education by attending the high school and an
academy; and at the age of twenty-one he worked in the quartermaster's
department in Nashville, Tenn. In the early part of 1867 he was in the patent
right business in Montreal, and during the remainder of the year 1867 and in
1868 he was in trade in West Pownal. In 1870-72 he was employed as a horse-car
conductor in Boston, at the end of which time he once more returned to the
homestead in Maine. Possessing a natural talent for music, which he improved by
study, he became a cornet player of ability, and for ten years was leader of the
band in Gray. In 1880 he joined the Daniel Ducello Variety Show Company as a
musician, and travelled over the New England States for one season, later being
attached to another travelling company in a similar capacity, at the conclusion
of which engagement he relinquished that business, and settled upon the
homestead, which he inherited at his father's death. His farm, which consists of
one hundred and seventy-five acres, is admirably adapted for stock purposes;
and, aside from producing hay and corn, which constitute his principal crops, he
devotes much attention to raising fancy horses of General Lightfoot stock. He
has at the present time some promising colts, which be is breaking for speed
upon his own private track; and as a horseman he has gained a wide reputation
throughout his section. He also raises some excellent cattle.

On May 2, 1869, Mr. Morse was united in marriage with Eugenia Hayes. She was
born in North Yarmouth, Me., August 24, 1848, daughter of Isaac S. and Asenath
(Batchelder) Hayes, who were residents of North Yarmouth, and are no longer
living. Mr. and Mrs. Morse have had four children, as follows: a child who died
in infancy; Gertrude H., who is now a school teacher in New Gloucester; Winifred
C., who resides at home; and Bertha, who died at the age of four years and one
month.

Mr. Morse is well known throughout Cumberland County as a horseman and a
musician. He has always kept alive his fondness for music. He taught a singing-
school in New Gloucester for three years, and materially aided in creating a
taste for the art in his neighborhood. His children have been well educated; and
his daughter, who possesses much talent in a musical way, is an accomplished
cornet player. He is a liberal minded and progressive citizen, and is popular
with his fellow-townsmen. He is a Democrat in politics, always voting with that
party; and he is a member of Cumberland Lodge, A. F. & A. M, of New Gloucester.