SUMNER – The Sumner Historical Society members heard a presentation by local historian Rodney Abbott on Maine Brigadier General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain at the September meeting.

The audience learned that Chamberlain had been Maine’s governor four times, helped start the University of Maine and was wounded six times in 24 battles during the Civil War.

Abbott , a West Paris native, retired two years ago from Telestar High School where he taught English and social studies for 30 years. He lectures around the area on various subjects.

For several years Abbott has been a regular presenter in the International Elder Hostel program, giving two to three seminars a year. The program provides adventures for senior citizens worldwide.

Abbott gives weeklong workshops on Maine Poets, Thoreau, the Civil War and next year will do a series on Teddy Roosevelt.

Hartford/Sumner fourth-grade teacher Debbie Gilbert asked the group to contribute Sumner history to Mainememory.net.