The Diaries of Jacob Holt Lovejoy

Jacob Holt Lovejoy, the son of John Lovejoy of Andover, Massachusetts and Rhoda Holt Lovejoy of Andover, Massachusetts, was born in Albany, Maine, on May 26, 1812. He spent his entire life there until his death on October 24th, 1893 and is buried in the Hunt’s Corner Cemetery. Jacob married Hepzibah Gould from Bridgton on October 16th, 1839. He served in the Civil War, was the first Postmaster at the Albany Post Office, and was one the first teachers at the Albany school. Jacob also served his town at various times as a treasurer and selectmen, and was a deacon of his church and justice of the peace.

For many years, Jacob kept diaries of his daily activities. The diaries—dating from 1863 to 1892—provide an enlightening, in-depth view of daily life in a small, western Maine town during the second half of the nineteenth century.

Six of Jacob’s small, but highly detailed diaries have been located and now reside in the archival collection of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. Thanks to the efforts of Michael S. Stowell they now appear for the first time in published form.

Mike has added many additional insights, including a genealogical narrative of the Lovejoy family, which make this volume an indispensable resource for all those interested in the history of the area.