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Little is known about the enigmatic "jack-of-all trades" Samuel Sewall, who built everything from coffins to cradles in town in the late 1700s, but local history buffs are slowly unraveling the mystery. Locals, historians, and even some of Sewall’s descendants packed into the York Public Library’s meeting room last week to hear Old York Historical Society’s curator Tom Johnson present these findings in a brown bag lecture called "Samuel Sewall: The Man and His Work."

Sewall was born in York in 1724 to a father of the same name and his mother, Sarah Bachellor Titcomb. He died on July 23, 1815, at the age of 91, and was buried in his family’s plot on Southside Road, near the Elizabeth Perkins House, one of the many structures in town to which his craftsmanship has been attributed. The Sewall House, which is thought to be his house, is across the street, facing Seabury Road, on Sewall’s Hill. Other structures he built or furnished between the 1740s and 1780s include the First Parish Church, on York Street; the Moulton-Bennett House, on York Street; the Ramsdell House, on Lindsay Road; and the Grow-Steedman House, on Clark Lane. However, said Johnson, the edifice that was truly the "Rosetta Stone" for the identification of Sewall’s work was the Sayward-Wheeler House, on Route 103, which was named after its owner, the wealthiest merchant in town at the time, Jonathan Sayward.

"The talents of Samuel Sewall were rediscovered by scholarly researchers in 1977, when Myrna Kaye and Brock Jobe, of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, identified him as one of the workers on Jonathan Sayward’s house in York Harbor," said Johnson. A Sayward diary entry dated Nov. 10, 1761, notes paying "Samuel Sewell the joiner 45 pounds old tenor toward work on my house," and led to inquiries of molding profiles within the home, which linked Sewall to similar crafts in town. "These molding profiles, in turn, were found to be identical in profile to moldings on a number of furniture pieces in the house," said Johnson. "Thus, for the first time since the 18th century, bridging Sewall with his cabinetwork." Johnson said the most interesting piece found in the Sayward-Wheeler House is a high chest, which has a number of moldings crafted from the same planes in the parlor. To add to the uniqueness of each of Sewall’s projects, he made his own tools and templates, making many of the cuts and curves in local wooden antiques identifiable with his name. "From this first identification has resulted the credible attribution to over 50 known pieces of furniture to Sewall, ranging from sophisticated highboys ... to relatively simple drop leaf tables," added Johnson.

Distinctive corner cupboards, or beaufats, as they were called in the 18th century, are thought to be one of Sewall’s "hallmarks", said Johnson, along with his pilasters with fluting and stop-fluting, pegged drawer bottoms, massive back base brackets, and "horse bone" legs. At a local auction two years ago, Johnson uncovered what may have been his most exciting discovery yet. On the side of the bottom drawer of a Northeast Chest, made of unfigured maple and the familiar top and bracket cut-outs, was a color card of stain finishes used by Sewall. "Every known piece of Sewall furniture, with an original finish I’ve looked at since we found this, have matched one of these colors," he said. These designs are beacons signaling Sewall’s work, but some furniture that has been uncovered reveals only hints of these schemes, leading Johnson and others to believe that they were cut and fashioned by a different hand.

While doing some research on Sewall’s genealogy, Johnson came across an unattributed file stating that his father Samuel Sewall Sr., "had been trained as a furniture maker in Boston." From this, historians now conclude that Sewall learned much of his skill from his father, and that some of the pieces found, which do not exactly match the son’s craftsmanship, may be the work of an older Sewall. "Samuel the younger would have naturally picked up a number of his father’s framing and finishing methods, but with maturation, might have changed some of them to suit his needs and skill," said Johnson. It’s difficult to draw these conclusions, however, because little of Sewall’s physical evidence exists, and few of his personal belongings have been uncovered.

Local private collections include two of his needlework wallets embroidered with his name, pewter plates associated with his ownership and use, and an original survey transit made by him. The tripod to the transit was given to OYHS a year after the Old Gaol Museum first opened in 1900, and the group also has an English gold-cased watch, and a sabre sword which was presented to Sewall by the local militia for his services during the War of 1812, when he was in his late 80s. These artifacts, and others, are currently on display downstairs at the York Public Library.

Of course, Sewall wasn’t known only for his woodworking expertise, he was also celebrated for his engineering work on Sewall’s Bridge, which still spans the York River today. "It was the first pile-driven drawbridge built and engineered in America, in 1761," said Johnson. "This didn’t happen in the leading metropolitan areas of engineering and scientific thinking, such as Boston, New York, or Philadelphia, but it was here in York. In fact, the Boston engineers were so impressed by the design that they brought Sewall to the growing city and had him build a near-duplicate of the structure over the Charles River in 1785-86." Records show that the design influenced similar bridges in New England, and even one in Paris, France. Though the bridge has been reconstructed several times since its creation, five original pieces from the structure are now housed at the OYHS, and many other residents have obtained the relics as well.

Sewall never married, leaving no known descendants that any historian knows of, but as Johnson said, "his brothers and uncles raised large families and the name lives on in town."

by Marci Hait
mhait@seacoastonline.com
The York Weekly, March 3 2004.

He graduated from Harvard in the class of 1804 and went on to study divinity. He was ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church at New York, and officiated there for about a year. He renounced his connection with that church, and was subsequently ordained pastor of the Congregational Church in Burlington, Mass., April 13th, 1814. Dr. Henry Ware, Senior, preached the sermon; Rev. Dr. Holmes, of Cambridge, made the ordaining prayer, and Rev. President Kirkland gave the charge to the pastor. That was just previous to the separation of the Trinitarian ministers and churches in the commonwealth of Massachusetts from the Unitarian; and it may be proper to mention a fact, which occurred at Mr. Sewall's ordination, as it illustrates the manners and customs of that day. The council adopted the rule that, in the examination of the candidate, each member of the council might ask the candidate three questions, provided they were approved by the council. The Rev. Samuel Stearns, of Bedford, who was one of the few Orthodox members of the council, inquired if he might ask the candidate this question: "Do you believe that the punishment of the wicked in the future world will continue as long as the happiness of the righteous?” And the council decided, that it was a question which was not proper to be put! Mr. Sewall left the Episcopal Church because he could not adhere to the Thirty Nine Articles, and when he was ordained at Burlington his theological views were indefinite and undetermined, but during the latter half of his ministry he became decidedly evangelical, and he always had a large share of that charity for others which "hopeth all things."

It is an interesting fact, that Mr. Sewall lived and died in the parsonage which had been occupied as such by his two predecessors, the Rev. Thomas Jones and the Rev. John Marrett, and the entire ministry of these three men covered a, period of more than 107 years. It is another interesting fact, that Mr. Marrett married the daughter of his predecessor, Mr. Jones, and that Mr. Sewall married the daughter of his predecessor, Mr. Marrett. Another coincidence is that Mr. Marrett died on the same month and the same day of the month as Father Sewall, namely, 18th February 1813. Mr. Sewall was pastor of the church in Burlington for twenty-eight years. He was dismissed from his pastoral charge in 1842. Since that time be supplied the church in North Woburn for a further six years. He preached his last sermon in Carlisle, 11th August 1867, and performed his last public service on 19th December 1867, at the ordination of his successor in Burlington, Rev. Mr. Hudson, when he offered the ordaining prayer.

Father Sewall, as he has for many years been deferentially called, was a gentleman of the old school, of affable and accomplished manners, and was one of the few remaining links which connected the active habits of the present generation with the quiet habits of the past. He was a man of great conscientiousness, and of remarkably consistent deportment. He was distinguished as a scholar, especially in the ecclesiastical history of New-England, and his judgment upon any point in the polity of the Congregational churches was entitled to great respect. He prepared and published in the American Quarterly Register for 1839, 1840, and 1841, several articles relating to the ministers and churches in the county of Middlesex, which indicate great breadth of research and accuracy of statement. But the most elaborate literary work of his life is his History of Woburn, which he lived to complete, but did not live to see publish. It will long remain a monument of indefatigable labour, and may be depended on for its correctness. Sewall was one of the earliest members of the New England Historic-Genealogical Society having been elected 12th June 1845.⁸

He was apprenticed to a tanner and followed that trade from the time he was twelve years old until he was eighteen. He then lived in Bath, Maine, until he was twenty. After clearing a farm on Sandy River he married and the couple's home was between Farmington and Chesterville, Maine, in the wilderness. He was a millwright. In 1796 he became interested in the ministry and held meetings in Farmington in 1800. He was licensed to preach in Lincoln, Maine, as a Congregational minister, and in 1805 he moved to Edgemont, being ordained pastor there in 1807. (Edgecomb and a date of 30 September, according to Jotham p. 168). He moved to Phippsburg, Maine, in 1814, and in 1824 was the first missionary to the Isle of Shoals.^7,8

He was first a clerk at Carter & Wiley's, druggists of Washington Street, Boston but then went into business on his own account as a druggist and apothecary on Main Street, corner of Oak, Charlestown, Massachusetts.³

Samuel D. Sewall, 94
ISLAND FALLS, ME -- Samuel D. Sewall, 94, passed away Jan.1, 2011 in Vero Beach, Fla. surrounded in love by family to be with his Heavenly Father and the dear ones who passed before him. Sam was born in 1916 in Island Falls, ME in a home built on honor by his grandfather, 'Bill' Sewall, in the 1860s for his wife Mary Sherman Sewall. The second son of Merrill and Myrtle T. Sewall, Sam learned many of life's most valuable lessons at the knees of his father and grandfather.
Sam graduated from Island Falls High School, declining the honor of valedictorian because he disliked public speaking. Years later he gave a wonderful speech of sponsorship for his grandson, Eagle Scout Timothy Kennett.
A true outdoorsman, he was a registered Maine Guide at age 12 and bagged his first deer that same year. His first real paying job at 15 was canoeing dynamite up the West Branch of the Penobscot to Mt. Katahdin. Much of his time was spent helping the family run sporting camps on Mattawamkeag Lake, where years earlier men like Theodore Roosevelt came to learn from Sam's father and grandfather, Bill. It was a much simpler way of life then with the woods, water and field providing sustenance and a strong work ethic that was passed down from earlier generations. During WWII, Sam and his brother Gene moved to the southern part of Maine, Gene enlisted in the Air Force and Sam worked in the Saco-Lowell foundry, work of such excellence that he was deferred from military service. During the war years Sam earned his pilot's license along with his cousins Wingate and Emlen. During this time Sam often traveled to spend weekends in Warner, N.H. and while attending church in Raymond, N.H., he saw a pretty girl singing in the choir, his beloved Audrey. Sam got along famously with Ruth Carver, and often saying a man should find a mother-in-law that he liked and then marry one of her daughters. Sam went on to marry Ruth's only daughter. In September of 1940, set in a beautiful backdrop of pines and white glads, they embarked on the first of 55+ years together. Many years later, Sam faithfully cared for Audrey during her long descent into Alzheimer's disease. Two daughters and six years after they married, doctors told Sam his lungs were filled with iron dust and he should get out of the foundry, he packed his small family and moved back to Hook Point on Mattawamkeag Lake. His parents were struggling to run sporting camps and a boys' camp at that time. For the two years prior to 1949, Sam and his family lived quite self sufficiently taking care to be good stewards of the environment as best they knew how. After moving to town, Sam worked for many years as a carpenter building homes, crafting beauti ful furniture, using whatever was at hand to repurpose materials rather than discard them. He was also the go-to-guy for anything mechanical, electrical or constructional. No wonder that, as he worked for and with Wilson and Mary Palmer at the Island Falls Hardware store, he'd found his niche. Whatever he did, he gave 110% effort, never expecting a thing in return. He was a truly generous soul who would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you were in need. Donna, the daughter of his cousin Harriett said of him, 'He was the kindest, smartest, man, always eager to learn new ways, curious about life, totally self sufficient as many Mainers, who know how it is to do with, and have little, are.' And a friend Chip said of him, your father was one in a million, a true friend and caring person, and everyone was equal.
Sam loved the outdoors and Mattawamkeag Lake, hunting, fishing and gardening, but most of all he loved his family. He was an enthusiast of four wheeling, snowmobiling, reflector oven biscuits, beanpole beans, homemade ice cream, pies and pastries. He will long be remembered for his kindness to children, great sense of humor, the telling of wonderful stories and poetry. He will also be remembered for his truly indomitable spirit and love of his fellow man.
Sam was a third degree mason and served 30+ years as a volunteer fireman, and eventually becoming fire chief. He was also a valued member of the Whitttier Congregational Church, where he served as deacon, summer chocolate ice cream maker, and Lenten breakfast bacon cooker.
He is survived by two daughters, Gail and John Kennett of Scarborough, Cheryl and Peter Connelly of Carthage, Mo; grandchildren, John Kennett and wife Mairi, Allison Conti and husband Adam, all of Scarborough, Jamie Connelly of Fort Worth, Texas and Peter Connelly of Ghent, Belgium; great grandchildren, Nicholas and Patrick Kennett of Scarborough, Marie and Francis Connelly of Ghent, Belgium; his niece, Nancy R. Stacey of Lantana, Fla; as well as many dear cousins, friends and family. He was predeceased by his parents and beloved wife, Audrey; grandson, Timothy D. Kennett; brothers William and Eugene Sewall; and nephew David Sewall.
A graveside memorial service will be held in August at the Island Falls Cemetery. Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, January 30, 2011.⁴

He became a hardware merchant at Boston; did other business successively at Sacramento, Cal. Toronto Can. and Augusta, Me; was made 2nd Lt of the 11th reg. of Me vols in 1861 and was a Capt. at the war's end; is or was lately serving with a different corps at Dakota. Sketches of the Alumni of Dartmouth College, 1771-1867.

Samuel J Sewall, 74. died at Bath Memorial hospital Friday, Sept 4, where he had been a patient for about four weeks. He was born in Wiscasset, son of the late Frederick W. and Isabelle Jordan Sewall, was educated in Wiscasset schools, graduating from Wiscasset High school in 1897 and from a Portland business college. Graduating from business college he went to Boston where he was employed in a bank. He resigned this position to accept a position in the office of the Superintendent of the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railroad and on the reorganisation of the road and its purchase by the late Carson C. Peck, he was chosen general manager which position he held till shortly before the road ceased operation. He served the town of Wiscasset as treasurer for about 20 years and also served as as tax collector for several years.
He was a most faithful officer, extremely careful as to detail and was a great help to all the municipal officers. He was also treasurer of the Congregational church, of the Wiscasset Cemetery association and of Lincoln County chapter, American Red Cross from the time of its reorganisation till one year ago. For many years he was a member of Lincoln Lodge of Masons, of New Jerusalem Royal Arch Chapter, Garrison Hill Chapter, O.E.S. and the Commander in Waterville. He was also a member of Wiscasset Fire Society for several years. Perhaps the organisation which was dearest to him was Wiscasset Academy Alumni association of which he was a prominent member from its organization on to the time of his passing.
Surviving are the widow, two daughters, Mrs Carroll B. Sproul of Wiscasset and Mrs Charles Pugh of Ithan, Penn, and four grandchildren. Services were held at the Congregational Church, Sunday afternoon. Stanley Johnson, pastor of the Church officiating. The services were attended by a very large number of friends and acquaintances and the floral offerings were great and beautiful. The bearers were members of Lincoln Lodge of Masons and interment was in the family lot in Woodlawn Cemetery. Prior to the service a prayer for the family was offered by Mr Johnson at the home. Bath Independent, September 10, 1953.³

Samuel Sewall, 50, who was connected with the former Fuller and Johnson Co., died Tuesday in a Minneapolis hospital. Funeral services were held Thursday at Minneapolis. Mrs. T.F. Kennedy. 1221 Sherman ave. a sister of Mrs. Sewall, attended the services.
Mr. Sewall was a resident of Madison from 1918 to 1923. He became a civic leader of Minneapolis and for years was prominent in the activities of the Minneapolis Civic and Commerce assn. He was treasury of the Minneapolis Iron store, and a director in the Midland National bank and in the Civic and Commerce assn. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Mr. Sewall was educated at Harvard university, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Zurich, Switzerland. In World War I he served in France as captain in the signal corps
Besides his wife Mr Sewall leaves three sons, Samuel Jr., Michael O'Malley and John Douglas Sewall, and one daughter, Shelia Elizabeth Sewall. Mrs. Sewall was Charlotte O'Malley of Madison before her marriage.⁷

S.L. Sewall Leaves Estate of $100,000
An estate of more than $100,000 was left by Samuel L. Sewall, 75, 224 Ridgewood avenue, vice president and treasurer of the Minneapolis Iron Store Co., who died January 7, according to a probate petition filed Monday. Heirs named in the petition are the widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Sewall: a son, Samuel, named executor in the will, and a daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Sewall Prosser. The petition says that the estate consists of real estate worth $5,500 and personal property in excess of $100,000.⁷