Spotlight On: Sewell H. MacDaniel

Sewell H. MacDaniel was born March 20, 1891 in North Shapleigh to Samuel and Mary Emma (Tripp) MacDaniel.  At the age of eight he went to live with his grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. George Tripp in the old Kezar neighborhood of Parsonsfield where he grew up and attended school.

Florence and Sewell MacDaniel

          He worked in the Kezar Falls Woolen Mill and served as a York County deputy sheriff from 1934 to 1938 and as selectman in Parsonsfield from 1937 to 1938.  

In July 1, 1939 Sewell became the 15^th post master of the Kezar Falls Post Office where he served for 21 years.  During his term the post office was expanded from a third class to a second class office.   He retired March 31, 1961 at the age of 70. 

Mr.MacDaniel was honored by the Kezar Falls-Cornish Kiwanis Club at their February 20^th meeting at Norton Hall.  A letter was read from U.S. Senator Edmund S. Muskie congratulating him upon his years of faithful service. He was presented with a plaque inscribed “The Civic Clubs honor Sewell H. MacDaniel for his twenty-one years as postmaster.” and a sum of money given by the Kiwanis Club, 21 Club, Ladies Magazine Reading Club and Keswick Club.

Mr. MacDaniel was a member of the York County Chapter of the National Association of Postmasters and served as president and director of the state organization of National Association of Postmasters.  He was a member of the Drummond Masonic Lodge in North Parsonsfield. He was also a charter member of the Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society and very active in fundraising for their benefit.

Post Office in Kezar Falls

         
 Sewell married his first wife, Myrtle Taylor who soon died.  In November 11, 1925 he married Florence Davey of Prince Edward Island.  She died August 18, 1960.  He had one stepdaughter, Mrs. Gertrude Paasch who was caring for him at her home in Waltham, MA when he died April 26, 1962.