Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER I. GEORGE CLEEVE. THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE PROVINCE OF LIGONIA. [Thomas and Anthony Brackett, sons of the immigrant, Anthony of Portsmouth, married granddaughters of George Cleeve. He was born at an earlier date than any of our common ancestors of whom we know; it was through him that our early forefathers in America acquired title to those large estates which they possessed. This man, George Cleeve, therefore, is entitled to prominent notice in our genealogy. However, too many historians, genealogists and biographers have gone out of their way to blacken his name, to permit only a passing notice ln this work of his life. Some, because they cared but little to know the truth, others, to whiten the characters of the subjects of their pens, have written ill of him. His defense requires but little condemning of his opponents. Of his virtues there is written, and they compare so favorably with those of the subjects of praise of persons who conceived that their duty in praising was to condemn George Cleeve, that the reader can but wonder that it was necessary to make any defense at all for him. The truth required no defense; but for that which is false that has been written concerning him, no defense would be offered. -- The Author.] One of the two earliest permanent settlers upon the mainland within the present limits of Portland, Me., was George Cleeve (often written Cleeves). He came from Plymouth, England, first established himself at the mouth of the Spurwink river, in Cape Elizabeth, Me., as early as 1630, and was associated in business with a Mr. Richard Tucker, who, it appears, preceded Cleeve as a settler there. The land on which they located was contained in a grant under date of December 1, 1631, by the Plymouth, or...