Contributed by Pejepscot History Center
Description
Mr. & Mrs. William Alexander were known affectionately by everybody as "Uncle William and Aunt Betsy". They were probably the best known people in Harpswell. "Aunt Betsey" Elizabeth Dunning, was born on January 29, 1816 and died April 9, 1906 in Harpswell at the age of 90 years and 2 months. Her husband, William "Uncle William" Alexander was born about 1814 and died July 18, 1896 in Harpswell at the age of 82.
They were married November 1, 1839. The Alexander homestead (sometimes called "Sunset Hill Farm" at North Harpswell), is where William was born and to which "Aunt Betsy" came as a bride. They had five children.
The Alexander's hospitality was unbounded. A visit to Uncle William and Aunt Betsey Alexander's was an event long to be remembered. Their nearest neighbor was Rev. Elijah Kellogg, who was a near and dear friend of the family. For many years at the Alexander homestead, there was a donation party for Mr. Kellogg which was a most enjoyable occasion for young and old. In his book, "Elijah Kellogg, The Man and His Work", Prof. Wilmot B. Mitchell of Bowdoin College describes the annual donation parties held at Aunt Betsy's when everyone in the parish brought supplies sufficient to stock the Reverend Kellogg's larder for the long Maine winters. The family and neighborhood gatherings at the old Alexander homestead have always been notable events for all.
About This Item
- Title: Mr. & Mrs. William Alexander, Harpswell, ca. 1889
- Creator: A. O. Reed
- Creation Date: circa 1890
- Subject Date: circa 1890
- Location: Harpswell, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Photographic print
- Dimensions: 16.5 cm x 10.5 cm
- Local Code: OH1726.2A
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Alexander, Elizabeth Dunning--Portrait photographs
- Alexander, William--Portrait photographs
- Alexander family
- Harpswell (Me.)--People
- Spouses--Maine
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Pejepscot History Center159 Park Row, Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 729-6606
Website
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