Following story supplied by David Small's grandson, Thomas Huston:
Isaac Blethen was in service during the Civil War. He was befriended by another serviceman named David Small. Isaac was killed in battle and found in the field by David. He accompanied the remains with his effects to Durham, Maine. While in Durham, he met Isaac's sister, Julia, and they were later married. This resulted in family line of Small and Huston.
Was a truckman and hotel proprietor.
Served as Mayor for the City of Oakland, California in 1881 and 1882
Kineo Masonic Lodge No. 64; Independent Order of the Odd Fellows; treasurer of Eldorado Encampment No. 20; was instituted at Dover by James E. Hazeltine, Grand Master, assisted by J. K. Merrill, Grand Representative, George H. Walden and Charles B. Nash, Past Grands, and a delegation from Milo and Bangor.
98 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL 0F MAINE HISTORY
The charter members were George G.Downing, William D. Blethen, Benjamin C. Lowell, G. E. S. Bryant, Darius F. Ayer and J. B. Chase.
Succeeded Isaac as proprietor of Hotel Blethen.
Went to California for gold in 1850 and remained there for 4 years.
Went to Aurora, Nevada in 1851 and learned the trade of watchmaking.
Owned a sash and blind factory in San Fransisco.
Owned a water works supply and artesian wells in San Fransisco.
While in Dover, held school commissioner post several times and road commissioner.
Member of Dover Lodge of Masons and Odd Fellows of Dover.
School teacher at Seabac, Maine and at Houlton, Maine before married.
Studied painting under Miss Greeley of Foxcroft. Has taught drawing and painting in oils.
HENRY A. BLETHEN
Death of Dexter's Oldest Active
Business ManWAS AN EXPERT JEWELER
Among the '49ers Who Made Good in
CaliforniaHenry A. Blethen, for many years engaged in the jewelry business in this town and well-known throughout this section of the state, passed away
at his home on upper Main street late Tuesday evening. n the winter Mr. Blethen was one of the victims of the grip, suffering from a severe attack from the effects of which he never
recovered. Several weeks ago he was able to be at his store on Main street but ailments resulting from the disease developed and for the past ten
days or more he has been confined to his home under the care of a physician. Very few of his friends realized that he was seriously ill and his
death came as a great shock.
Mr. Blethen was one of the oldest and most highly respected business men of Dexter. His was one of the early stores of the town and it was said, a short time ago, that he had been in business on Main street longer than any other local business man.
Mr. Blethen came from the well-known Blethen family of Dover and in early life was one of the many Maine men who flocked to the Pacific coast in the gold rush of the 40s. He was successful in his western venture and was engaged in business in California for several years after which he returned to Dover and later came to this town where he opened a watchmaking and jewelry store. He was widely known among the watchmakers and jewelers as an expert.
Early in life Mr. Blethen became heavily interested in real estate in Dexter but as the years crept upon him many of his real estate holdings were taken over by his son Ralph C.
Blethen, who had become associated with him in business. He, however, continued active in the jewelry business and unless illness prevented was
daily at his Main street store.
Mr. Blethen was one of the best known summer residents of Northport, where he was interested in property, being the owner of several summer cottages.
It was his intention to go to Northport early in June and to remain until September.
Mr. Blethen enjoyed the friendship of many and was highly esteemed and respected by his large circle of friends and business acquaintances. His integrity was of the highest and he had the utmost confidence of those with whom he had dealings during his long career as a Dexter business man.
He was an honored member of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs and always took an active part in the work of these orders. He was an attendant of the First Universalist church.
Besides a widow the deceased is survived by a son, Ralph C. Blethen, and a brother, Alphonzo G., Blethen of Dover.
The funeral will be held Friday at 2 p. m., at the Blethen home.
past grand of Martha Washington Rebekah Lodge and a prominent member of the Universalist church