Preface
Though my intention was to keep my research about the brothers of Isaac Sawyer, Sr. to a minimum. I did not explore the early York County deeds, confining my search of those I found in the Cumberland County deeds. None-the-less, John and Jacob Sawyer, and their families, are important to the history of what we know today as Cape Elizabeth and South Portland, I hope that others who are so inclined, will be encouraged to explore further. I did want to share a few things I learned before leaving this to others.
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| Picking up a few loose threads |
I recently attended a workshop/lecture sponsored by 'Spirits Alive', that wonderful organization of volunteers responsible for the care and preservation of Portland's ancient Eastern Cemetery. Ron Romano, author of his most recent book, "Portland's Historic Eastern Cemetery - A Field of Ancient Graves", gave a wonderful and informative presentation. I learned something I had never really considered, that the term 'graveyard' applies only to burial sites that are attached to churches. Eastern Cemetery, and in fact, the Grand Trunk/East Deering Cemetery, are to be referred to as 'burial grounds' since each site is designated for burials, but, not attached to any church.
In my last post, I included this photo of the 1st Church of Cape Elizabeth and the graveyard where many of the earliest settlers are interred, including John Sawyer and some of his children. Fortunately, their gravestones have been well preserved and cared for.
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| This photo shows the Meeting House prior to its move across the street, on Cottage Road, with the graveyard.
The church was constructed by citizens of Poorpudock and Spurwink after receiving permission from the General Council, prior to the separation from the First Church of Falmouth, when this area would become the second parish.
The following is a brief history from the South Portland Historical Society:
In my pursuit of information about the Sawyer brothers; Jacob Sawyer, in particular, I found this agreement made by Jacob to his 'son-in-law' Walter Simonton in 1797. At first glance, I wondered which of his daughters married a second time and why this agreement was reached so close to the man's death. After, trying to find out more about the daughters, only one was a widow at that time, it dawned on me, that this document applied, not to the elder Jacob, but to his son, Jacob Jr.
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| The Agreement and Disposition of Jacob Sawyer, Jr.'s Possessions to Walter Simonton |
Who was this Walter Simonton? I learned that there were several Walter Simonton's in the history of Cape Elizabeth. Apparently, the Simonton family migrated from Scotland and Northern Ireland during the resettlement of the town of Falmouth about 1718. Andrew Simonton and his brothers, William and Walter sailed on the HMS "Roberts" and settled near Casco Bay. This Andrew was the father of Walter Simonton, born on October 19, 1755 in Cape Elizabeth who married Lucy Sawyer, in 1791, the daughter of Jacob Sawyer, Jr.
The following are offered to provide insight into the Sawyer and Simonton relationship:
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| Jacob Sawyer, Jr. died May 31, 1800 at the age of 81 years. |
This piece is from Vol. 3 of the Maine Genealogical Recorder showing the marriage of Walter Simonton and Lucy Sawyer on August 9, 1791.
I have not found a great deal of information about Walter and Lucy or whether there were children, but here at least is what I found on Ancestry that might serve as a springboard to others who want to explore further.
As to other Walter Simonton; the brother of Andrew Simonton, born in 1706 is also buried along with his wife at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Dr. Samuel Deane recorded in his Journal, dated October 29, 1806:
Walter Simonton, found dead." p.387The footnote gives more information about this young man and his sad death at a crucial time in Portland's history when many merchants suffered tremendous losses from the imposition of the non-intercourse act of 1806.
Walter Simonton, a merchant here, appeared to have drowned himself. He was found dead at Clark's Point, on the beach.
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| This Walter Simonton was only 30 years of age.
Clearly, the Simonton family played a key role in the establishment of the communities of Cape Elizabeth and South Portland in those early days of the resettlement. Their name and legacy lives on in Simonton Cove off of Willard Beach today.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
As has been our custom since the project to recover, our ancient East Deering/ Grand Trunk Cemetery, the 'Friends' of the East Deering/ Grand Trunk Cemetery, and the Girl Scouts of Maine Machigonne Service Unit, will hold our annual Spring Cleanup on Sunday, May 6th. This year, we are pleased to have an enthusiastic 'new' crop of Junior Girl Scouts who will be sponsoring the event as their Girl Scout Bronze Award project.
I recently met with the girls and their Leaders, together with Joseph Dumais, Portland Cemeteries supervisor, at the Wilde Chapel at Evergreen Cemetery, to answer questions and to hear the ideas which the girls have for increasing participation by more Portland Girl Scouts and their families. The Girl Scouts presented a proposal and flyers at the local Leaders' meeting this week.
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| Here is the flyer for the event. My hope is that those who follow this blog, and live in the greater Portland area, will consider joining us for the afternoon of work, fun and service to this little historic burial site. |
Finally, I want to share the news that the Grand Trunk Cemetery is listed on the City of Portland's website of Historic Cemeteries with my write-up and a photo giving this small, but significant burial site valuable recognition and visibility. Hope you will find the website informative.
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