Cumberland County, Maine - James Pennell
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Biography
James Pennell
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 443-444


James Pennell, President of the Westbrook Trust Company, one of the most
reliable banking institutions in Cumberland County, was born in Gray, Me., July
4, 1818, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Stone) Pennell. He is of Scottish descent,
and is a representative of the fourth generation of his family in Cumberland
County, where his great-grandfather settled some time prior to the Revolution.

Mr. Pennell's paternal grandfather, Joseph by name, was born and reared in
Cumberland County, and here spent his life; and his son Joseph was a native
resident of the town of Gray, in the same county. Joseph Pennell, the younger,
was a farmer and shoemaker. He died in Gray, Me., while yet in the prime of
life. His wife, who was a native of York County, Maine, was also called to
depart before her years had numbered threescore and ten. Eight children were
born to them, James being the sixth and today the only living member of the
family.

James Pennell remained with his parents until about fifteen years of age. He
then went to Gray Corners to learn the shoemaker's trade, entering the
establishment of Pennell & Berry, shoe manufacturers, the senior partner being
his eldest brother. After an apprenticeship of three years he worked as a
journeyman for some time, and then he started a business of his own in New
Gloucester, Me.; but within five years he was compelled to dispose of his
business on account of ill health. In 1854 he went to Westbrook and engaged in
the manufacture of wire in company with G. & L. P. Warren, under the style of
Warren & Pennell. This enterprise proved a successful one; and Mr. Pennell
retained his connection with it till 1877, when the firm sold the business.
Shortly after, Mr. Pennell engaged in the sale of hardware in Westbrook; and,
this venture also proving successful, he remained in the business some fifteen
years. In 1892 he sold his stock in trade to H. T. Boynton, and has since been
practically retired from mercantile activities, giving his whole attention to
his private business and the affairs of the Westbrook Trust Company. This
company was organized January 11, 1890, with a capital of fifty thousand
dollars. Mr. Pennell was one of the first Directors; and soon after the death of
the first President, Leander Valentine, which occurred in the fall of 1895, he
was elected President. The company has a progressive history, and its President
is one of the representative business men of the county.

Mr. Pennell was married in New Gloucester, Me., to Miss Mary Abigail Taylor, a
native of New Gloucester, daughter of William and Mary Taylor. She died in 1852,
leaving three children-Mary, George, and Joseph, all of whom have joined their
mother in the world beyond. Mr. Pennell subsequently married, in 1853, Miss Jane
M. Haskell, of Westbrook, a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, who still
lives to grace his home. She is the mother of six children, namely: Frank H., in
the Cumberland paper-mills in Westbrook; Anna S., wife of Frank B. Libby,
proprietor of the Joslin House at Prout's Neck, Me.; Jennie F., who has taught
school in Westbrook for some years, and is residing with her parents; Marcia W.,
who died at the age of eighteen; Bertha M., wife of Harry Brooks, of Westbrook;
and Mary E., a graduate of the Westbrook High School, who is with her parents.

Mr. Pennell cast his first vote with the Whigs, and helped to swell the majority
for the first President Harrison. He has been a member of the Republican party
since its organization, and has filled many offices of public trust in
Westbrook. He was a member of the Board of County Commissioners three years, the
last year officiating as President of the Board. Before Westbrook was granted a
city charter he served on the Board of Selectmen for many years, filling the
President's chair two years; and under the city government he has served as
Assessor one year. He has been a Mason and Odd Fellow for many years has filled
all the offices of Temple Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M.; and has advanced as far
as Scribe in Eagle Chapter, No. 11 ; is a member of Portland Commandery, Knights
Templars; and belongs to Saccarappa Lodge, No. 11, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Pennell attend the Congregational church, and their
daughters are active workers in the church and Sunday school.