Cumberland County, Maine - Neil W. R. Straw, M. D.
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Biography
Neil W. R. Straw, M. D.
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 472-473


Neil W. R. Straw, M. D., a popular physician in active practice in Gorham, was
born in Newfield, York County, Me., April 15,1854, son of Daniel and Hannah S.
(Chadbourn) Straw. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent, and traces its
American ancestry to an emigrant from the north of Ireland, who came to this
country early in the seventeenth century. The Straw family has been favorably
known in New Hampshire for many years; and one member, Ezekiel, was Governor of
the State.  Gideon Straw, Dr. Straw's grandfather, was born in Nottingham, N.
H., and reared in Epping. When about twenty-one years of age, he went as a
pioneer to Newfield, York County. Here, clearing a farm, he established a
comfortable home for the rest of his days. He married Mary Robinson, a native of
New Hampshire; and they reared seven children - Agnes, Abigail, Betsey, Sarah,
Cyrene, David R., and Daniel.

Daniel Straw, who was a native of Newfield, received a good common-school
education. On reaching man's estate he chose the independent calling of a
farmer, which he followed in Newfield until his death at an advanced age. His
wife was a daughter of Ira Chadbourn, a well-to-do saddler, of Limerick, Me.
They were the parents of ten children, five of whom died in infancy and one, a
son, at the age of nineteen. Those living at present are: Mary R., Cyrene A.,
David R., and Neil W. R.

Neil W. R. Straw, M.D., acquired the rudiments of his education in the common
schools of Newfield. He afterward studied at Limerick and Gilmanton Academies.
Subsequently he read medicine for one year with Dr. Trafton, of Newfield, for
two years with Dr. Wight, of Gilmanton, N. H., and graduated from Bowdoin
College in 1877. He commenced practice in Auburn,Me., where he remained two
years. He then located in Gorham, which has been the field of his labor ever
since, and where he has built up a large practice. His skill as a physician has
won for him the respect of patients and fellow-practitioners, and his generous
disposition has drawn about him a large circle of friends. He keeps in touch
with the medical world as a member of the Maine Medical Association and the
Maine Academy of Medical Science, and he is well versed in all the latest
methods of professional work.

April 21,1886, Dr. Straw was united in marriage with Anne Ayer, daughter of
James M. Moulton, of Newfield, Me. They have a son, named Palmer, who was born
July 5,1887. In politics Dr. Straw favors the Democratic party. He is a member
of Day Spring Lodge, No. 107, A. F. & A. M., of Newfield; of Eagle Chapter, No.
11, Royal Arch Masons; of Portland Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templars; of
Gorham Lodge, No. 98, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and of Dirigo Lodge, No.
21, Knights of Pythias, of Gorham. Dr. Straw and his wife have been members of
the Congregational church for some years, having joined it together.