The Maine Genealogist - February 2008

Joseph C. Anderson II, FASG, Editor of The Maine Genealogist reports:

The Maine Genealogical Society is pleased to present this first issue for 2008 of The Maine Genealogist. Although it has undergone a number of name and editorial changes over the years, the Society has now published its genealogical journal for thirty years - a major milestone for a small society. In this issue we offer a variety of material, including new compiled studies of two Maine families, a valuable Bible record, the first installment of a series transcribing the early Portland marriage intentions, and reviews of recent publications.

Readers familiar with the famous diary of Martha Ballard will be interested to learn about Martha's brother-in-law, Dr. Stephen Barton, a medical doctor who practiced his profession in Vassalboro at the same time that Martha was midwifing in Hallowell. Dr. Barton's account book provides an illuminating glimpse into the practices of a country doctor in the latter part of the eighteenth century. It is also noteworthy that Dr. Barton has the distinction of being the grandfather of nurse Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. And those of us familiar with common Maine surnames may not recognize Lincolnlue as one of those. In his article, author Nasman shows that the three Lincolnlue sisters of Bowdoin were the progenitors of at least 120 descendants in the first two generations alone.

The Maine Genealogist is published quarterly. For more information, visit our website at www.rootsweb.com/~megs.