Thursday, July 1, 2010

General Leavitt, Steamer that operated between Lubec, Maine, and Campobello, New Brunswick, Canada


Found in the December 1941 issue of the Steamboat Bill of Facts, the Official Journal of the Steamship Historical Society of America, an article entitled The Eastern S. S. Company's Intra- Maine Lines, by Byron M. Boyles:


"Regular steamboat communication daily between Boothbay Harbor and Bath, Maine, was established in 1865. The pioneer steamer was the SPRAY, built at Bath in 1865, being 60 feet long, and carrying about 75 passengers.  The enterprise was organized and carried out by William H. McLellan, a merchant of Bath, and Capt. C. A. Low, who commanded the steamer.


"The Eastern Steamboat Company was chartered in 1868, and organized in 1869 with Samuel D. Bailey or Bath as its first President...
...


"The SPRAY was sold in February 1873, to T. W. Allen & Sons, of Dennysville, and her name changed to GEN. LEAVITT."




Researching online, I found that the GENERAL LEAVITT was run daily between Lubec, Maine, and Campobello, New Brunswick, Canada.  


It was likely named after Samuel Deane Leavitt, one-time mayor of Eastport, Maine.  Samuel Deane Leavitt was born in Eastport, Maine, in 1837, the son of Benjamin & Harriet (Lamprey) Leavitt.  He was educated at Hampton, Franklin and Dummer Academies and studied law with Bion Bradbury of Eastport.  He was a first lieutenant in the Civil War and was Adjutant General of the State of Maine, hence the title of "General".  In 1860, he married Emily White of New Hampshire.  He died in 1902 in Boston, on his way home from Washington, D. C.  You can see the Leavitt name inscribed on one of Eastport's downtown brick blocks.


Now I'm trying to learn more about T. W. Allen & Sons of Dennysville.  I'm wondering if they are descendants of John Allen, who was instrumental in keeping downeast tribes on the side of the Americans or at least neutral in the Revolutionary War.   If you have any insights to add, I would most appreciate hearing from you.


Thanks for stopping by!



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