History of Wells, (York County) Maine United States of America

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Biographies:

Edward Emerson Bourne, jurist, was born at Wells, Me., March 19, 1797. In 1816, after receiving preparation in the South Berwick academy, he was graduated from Bowdoin college. He then studied law in his native town and in Philadelphia, and in 1819 was admitted to the York county bar. In 1820 he removed to York, but the next year returned to Kennebunk, where he occupied various local offices, and in 1826 was sent to the state legislature, where he served until 1831. Declining renomination, he devoted himself wholly to his profession. In 1838 he became state's attorney, and again in 1841. In 1856 he was made judge of probate and remained in this office until 1872. In 1866 he was elected a member of the New England historic genealogical society. He was a trustee of Bowdoin college, from which he received the degree of LL.D. in 1872. He wrote a full history of the towns of Kennebunk and Wells, and he contributed largely to various historical publications. He died in Kennebunk, Me., Sept. 23, 1873.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Daniel Wheelwright Gooch, representative, was born in Wells, Maine, Jan. 8, 1820. He was graduated from Dartmouth in 1843, was admitted to the bar in 1846, and began practice in Boston, Mass. He was a representative in the state legislature in 1852; member of the state constitutional convention in 1853; a representative from the seventh Massachusetts district in the 34th congress to fill a vacancy, and was re-elected to the 35-38th, and also to the 43d congresses, serving, 1856-65 and 1873-75. During the four years of the joint congressional committee on the conduct of the war, he was chairman of the house members, and personally conducted the investigation of the Fort Pillow massacre. He was naval officer at the port of Boston, Mass., in 1865, and U.S. pension agent there, 1876-86. He died in Melrose, Mass., Nov. 1, 1891.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Nathaniel Swett Littlefield, representative, was born in Wells, Maine, Sept. 20, 1804; son of Ebenezer Littlefield, and grandson of Eliab Littlefield. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Wells. He was admitted to the bar, practising first at Alfred and later at Bridgton, Cumberland county. He was a member of the state senate, 1837-39, serving as president of the senate in 1838, and was the author of the repert of the special committee on the northeastern boundary question accepted by the legislature. He was a representative in the 27th and 31st congresses, 1841-43 and 1849-51; a representative in the state legislature in 1854, and a delegate to the Union convention at Philadelphia in 1866. He died in Bridgton Maine, Aug. 15, 1882.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor