LEEDS – Dennis Stires of Livermore and Nancy LeCompte, Native American historian of Lewiston, will present “Leeds History” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, at the lower level of the Leeds Municipal Building.

Stires wrote and co-wrote several chapters in the new Androscoggin County History. He co-edited the book and will discuss the barriers and hardships of travel in the 19th century.

The topics will include the proposed canal from the Kennebec to the Androscoggin rivers, travel across Androscoggin Lake (Wayne Pond) by early settlers to Pond Town (Winthrop), and the bridges and ferries across the Androscoggin River to towns on the west side of the river.

LeCompte (Canyon Wolf) wrote a companion book, “Alnobak,” a history of Native Americans in the area. She will speak on the Peal family, an 1850s Native American mother and son who lived in Leeds.

The son, Franklin Peal, was a Civil War soldier buried in the Plains Cemetery. His mother married Solomon Libby of Leeds and led a colorful life following his death, traveling throughout the central Maine area and became involved in a murder in Richmond

Bring historical questions or input. Everyone with a desire to know more about local history is invited. Refreshments will be served. Androscoggin County histories will be available for those wishing to purchase and have them autographed.


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