|
Charles B. Dodge, Newcastle, Lincoln County, Maine
From 'The Biographical Review' |
|
Charles B. Dodge, founder and senior partner of the firm of Charles B. Dodge & Son, monumental stone cutters of New Castle, Lincoln County, ME., was born in Edgecomb, ME, May 8, 1824, son of Joseph and Betsey (Leeman) Dodge. His grandfather, Morris Dodge, was one of the earliest settlers of Edgecomb. He was a shoemaker, following his trade in connection with tilling the soil; and he owned a good farm situated in the towns of Edgecomb and New Castle. He was an industrious man and a worthy citizen, who devoted his life to the needs ad future welfare of his family. He attended the Congregation church. He died January 4, 1846, aged eighty-one years. His wife, whose maiden name was Hulda Davis, was a representative of a well known family in this locality. She died February 15, 1851, aged eighty-four years. Their children were: Samuel R., Sally, Betsey, Joseph, Clarisa, Rebecca, Judith, Martha, Mary, Huldah and Morris. Joseph Dodge, father of Charles B. Dodge, was born in Edgecomb, March 6, 1789, and was a lifelong resident of that town. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812; and, after succeeding to the possession of the homestead, he carried on the farm during the active period of his life. He was one of the prominent men of his locality, and took a deep interest in both public and religious matters, and was a leading member of the Congregation church. In his later years he supported the Republican party in politics. He died at his home in Edgecomb, February 6, 1888, aged ninety-nine years. His wife, Betsey Leeman Dodge, whom he married December 25, 1816, was born in New Castle, Me., September 25, 1801. They became the parents of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters as follows: Naomi, born November 5, 1817, died May 9, 1855; Charlotte, born August 30, 1829, died November 28, 1852; Huldah, born January 8, 1822, died April 7, 1844; Charles B., the subject of this sketch; Alfred S., born January 11, 1826, who resides in Edgecomb; Samuel M., born May 11, 1828, died July 29, 1858; Joseph T., born March 15, 1830, who resides in Boothbay, Me., Martha S. born May 30, 1832, died August 28, 1851; Mary, born July 16, 1834, died August 10 of the same year; James H., born September 8, 1835, died June 16, 1852; William H., born May 18, 1837, died March 20, 1862; Mary born December 18, 1840; Prudence L., born August 22, 1843, died March 22, 1869; and Morris F., who was born March 16, 1845, and resides in Edgecomb. The mother of Charles B. Dodge died September 28, 1884, aged eight-three years. Charles B. Dodge acquired his education in the common school of his native town, and at the age of nineteen he began to learn the stone-cutter's trade. During the first two years of his apprenticeship he received his board and clothing as wages, but he obtained a good knowledge of the business and became a very skillful workman. He was employed for some time as a journeyman, but he eventually engaged in business for himself in New Castle, and later became associated in the enterprise with his son. The firm manufactures all styles of monuments, using both imported and domestic marble and granite; and they not only execute their orders in an artistic and workmanlike manner, but, as they manufacture their own tools, they are able to compete at an advantage with all other concerns in this locality. In 1850 Mr. Dodge wedded Mary Ann Stone. She was born in Boothbay, Me., September 16, 1827, daughter of William and Rebecca (Lewis) Stone, the former of whom was a prosperous farmer, and both of whom were natives of Boothbay. William Stone died at the age of eighty years and eight months, and his wife lived to reach the age of ninety years and two months. Their children were: Mahala; Catherine; Elbridge; Mary Ann, who is now Mrs. Dodge; Miles S.; and John H. Three of these are living. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have two children - Emma and Frank F. Emma, who was born July 11, 1852, married Ainsley R. Hooper, and resides in East Boston, Mass. Her husband was born in Nova Scotia, September 9, 1842, and is a millwright by trade. Frank F. Dodge, who was born April 13, 1858, is associated with his father in business. He married Mabelle Humphrey, who was born in Alna, Me, July 1, 1871, and had three children, namely, Ainsley H., Heber B., and Lillian M. Aside from his regular calling, Mr. Dodge is engaged in agricultural pursuits, and owns a good farm, which he purchased in 1856. His habits of thrift and industry have been the means of placing him in prosperous circumstances, and he ranks among the leading businessmen of New Castle. He is a Republican in politics, and is religious opinions are liberal. |