Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was born in Brewer, September, 1828. After graduation he pursued theological studies at Bangor Seminary, graduating in 1855, and received a license to preach, but never assumed the ministerial office, being called to a tutorship in the college. At the close of the year he was elected professor of rhetoric and oratory, in the year following instructor in modern languages, and two years after professor of the same department. In 1862, with leave of absence from the trustees and overseers, he offered himself to military service in the Civil War, for which he had probably imbibed a taste, and was in a measure prepared by early training in the military school at Ellsworth. He entered the army with rank of lieutenant-colonel, served to the close of the war with distinction, and ended with the brevet of major-general and command of a division, and participated in several important battles; was twice, once severely, wounded, won repeated commendations from his superiors, was once promoted brigadier-general by Gen. Grant on the field "for gallant conduct in leading his brigade in a charge," was in the advance in the last action of the war, and was designated to receive the formal surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox Court House. In 1865 he returned to his home, resigned his professorship, soon after became governor of Maine, and was thrice re-elected. In 1867 he received the honorary degree of doctor of laws from the college, was chosen a trustee, and in 1871 its president. To the ordinary duties of the presidency had been added, when Dr. Harris assumed the office, the professorship of mental and moral philosophy; and in the straitened resources of the college, President Chamberlain has given instruction in international law and political economy. In 1876 he was elected major-general of the militia of the State, and although he resigned the position in 1879 was urged to retain it, — as has been proved, with great advantage to the State, inasmuch as in that position he was able to render important service in the very critical embroilment of political relations which threw a cloud over the opening of the present year (1880). In 1878 he visited Europe, moving been appointed by President Hayes on the United States Commission to the Paris Exposition of that year, with special view to systems of education. Besides inaugural and annual addresses as governor of the State and president of the college, he has published several others delivered on public occasions, the most elaborate and noticeable of them being that at the Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876, published by order of the Legislature of Maine, entitled "Maine: Her Place in History," and his report as commissioner to the Paris Exposition.

President Chamberlain married in Brunswick, Caroline Frances, daughter of Ashur Adams, Esq., of Boston; and Emily, daughter of George Wyllys, Hartford, Conn., an adopted daughter of Rev. Dr. G. E. Adams of Brunswick. They have had four children, of whom a son, now a member of the Junior class in the college, and a daughter survive.

SOURCE: Nehemiah Cleveland, History Of Bowdoin College: With Biographical Sketches Of Its Graduates, p.671-2

John Calhoun Chamberlain

John Calhoun Chamberlain was born in Brewer, August, 1838, brother of J. L. (1852). He pursued a theological course at Bangor Seminary, graduating in 1864. He was chaplain of the Eleventh Maine, served on the United States Christian Commission, rendering valuable service in the battle of Gettysburg. In 1866 he married Delia F. Jarvis of Castine. His health suffered under exposure in the army, and he died in Castine of pulmonary disease, August, 1867.

SOURCE: Nehemiah Cleaveland, History Of Bowdoin College: With Biographical Sketches Of Its Graduates From 1806 To 1879 Inclusive, p. 735

Lieut.-Col. T. D. Chamberlain

Lieut.-Col. Thomas D. Chamberlain, of the law firm of Chamberlain & Chapman, on Hammond street, died at his residence at the corner of York and Adams streets Wednesday morning, the cause being a complication of typhoid fever, fever and ague and heart failure. Col. Chamberlain was a well known citizen of Bangor and his death is a source of sorrow to many friends. He was born in Brewer and his age was 55 years.

He was a veteran of the war and his record is a most excellent one. He enlisted as a private in the 20th Maine Volunteers at the organization of the regiment. He was subsequently promoted to sergeant, and upon recommendation of his company and regimental commanders was still further promoted in January, 1862 [sic], to first lieutenant of Co. G. He was soon afterwards detailed as acting adjutant of the regiment.

For efficiency and gallantry at the battle of Gettysburg he was promoted to the captaincy of Co. G. In this capacity he served all through the campaign of 1864, was wounded at Bethesda church, Virginia, and brevetted major for gallant and distinguished service at the battle of Peebles Farm, Virginia.

In December, 1864, he was appointed provost-marshal of first division, 5th corps, and served until May, 1865, when he was appointed commissary of musters of the same command.

In June, 1865, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 20th regiment and was subsequently recommended for brevet colonelcy for gallant services at the battle of Five Forks. He was mustered out of service with his regiment at the disbanding of the provisional corps after a gallant record.

At the close of the war Mr. Chamberlain was inspector of tobacco in New York, for a number of years. He then came to this city and was a deputy marshal under United States Marshal B.B. Murray. For 12 years he was connected with the pension office in Washington. He came to Bangor again in 1889. The deceased was a brother of Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain, ex-governor of Maine. He leaves a widow to mourn his loss. She will have much sympathy in her bereavement.

The funeral services will be held Friday at 3 p.m. from his late residence. The remains will be taken to Castine for interment on Saturday.

– Published in the Bangor Daily Whig and Courier, Bangor, Maine, Thursday, August 13, 1896, p. 4

John Calhoun Chamberlain

Born at Brewer, Aug. 1,1838; died at Castine, Aug. 1867, aged 29. Pursued a theological course at Bangor in 1864. He was commissioned Chaplain of the 11th Me., and served on the U. S. Christian Commission, rendering valuable service at the battle of Gettysburg. His health failed, and he became a victim of pulmonary disease.

SOURCE: Bowdoin College, Obituary Record Of The Graduates Of Bowdoin College And The Medical School Of Maine For The Decade Ending 1 June 1899, p. 8