The Spotlight is on: Albion P. Benton 1816-1886

 Albion Benton was born in Denmark, Maine August 28, 1816, to Alfred and Sarah Benton. His biography in the 1888 Parsonsfield History is written in glowing terms as to his family background and his own character, parts of which are included here. 

“He was born to a grand New England family, celebrated for heroism, patriotism and uncommon intellectual endowments.”  His grandfather was a renowned doctor.  His father and four uncles all served in the War of 1812.  Two uncles became members of Congress, one of whom became a judge. His father, Alfred, settled in Denmark.

Albion was "reared amid scenes of hardship, toil and deprivation, incident to that early period.”  He “early developed those qualities of industry, economy, sagacity, and self-reliance that became such prominent characteristics in his long and useful career.  Inheriting nothing but his remarkable physical and mental powers, he was a self-made man; his quick, acute mind grasped, as if by intuition, the salient points of an enterprise, and obstacles that would have discouraged an ordinary man, were swept away by the might of his restless, resistless energy.  He was honorable and truthful in his dealings, courteous, but frank and straightforward, and the certainty that attended his words, deeds and principles became an important element in his character. Usefulness was the leading idea of his life, and his example and advice, based on ripe experience and good sense, were exceedingly valuable.”

Albion moved to Hiram and cleared land for a farm and in 1843 he married Sarah Wadsworth.  They had 10 children, eight of whom survived him. Sarah died December 13, 1875.  At the time she died they were living in Parsonsfield.  The census listed him as a farmer.

By the close of the Civil War (1861-1865)” the village of Kezar Falls was at a lethargic state, business was at a low ebb and the rising generation was moving to other places.  A syndicate of gentlemen purchased the old, dilapidated sawmill and its site (near the location of the future Kezar Falls Woolen Mill) and offered it to him if he would erect a new mill and settle in the town. He saw the golden opportunity, accepted the offer, and on October 20, 1865, the new sawmill was set in operation, inaugurating a new era” and better days for the community.

“In 1868 he bought the Thomas Edgecomb farm (on Elm Street just outside the village), which he greatly improved, erecting a fine and commodious stand of buildings.  On April 15, 1877, he married Mary S. Pillsbury of Parsonsfield.

Here Albion lived out his life "tenderly beloved by family and friends, to whom he was ever kind, loyal, and devoted, leaving them a legacy of a good example and a good name".  

Albion died December 11, 1886.  His wife Mary died March 28, 1910.  They are buried in the Kezar Falls Burial Grounds along with his first wife Sarah.  His son, Peleg W. Benton (1862-1937) ran a dairy farm here until 1923 at which time it was sold to Lawrence and Belle Stacey and it became the Elm Row Milk Farm.

In 1948 a modern bottling and pasteurization plant was installed, and milk was purchased from other farms to expand the business.  Elm Row Milk Farm continued to serve the community for many years. The property remains in the Stacey family today and has become home sites for several family members.  Recently the old house was taken down, although the barn remains. 

Thanks again to Jean Stanley. We have used much of her Tombstone Tuesday as inspiration and information for this post.