History Lecture Series at Woodlawn: Ephraim Wales Taft

Colonel John Black has wide local fame in eastern Maine as Land Agent for the huge Maine property of William Bingham of Philadelphia, wealthy merchant and early United States senator. In the 1790s General David Cobb of Taunton, Massachusetts, a friend of Bingham, became his agent in Maine for the oversight of the newly granted lands until Cobb’s departure from Maine in 1820.  

Colonel Black became Cobb’s son-in-law and succeeded him as land agent for the Bingham interests. Black’s assistant land agent in the key port town of Gouldsboro was a now unknown young man called Ephraim Wales Taft. He served in that function from 1827 until his death in 1873.  Records of Taft both in Gouldsboro and in Woodlawn reveal extensive information about his work as agent and his ongoing connection with the Black family. 

The development of eastern Maine through the middle of the 19th century can be traced in some detail with Taft as a focus of study. This talk will examine Taft the man and as land agent for the Bingham estate in the key town of Gouldsboro where Black himself had important connections. This is a study of a significant chapter in our history through the life of a unremembered man who played an important role in consort with John Black at Woodlawn.

Light refreshments will be provided. 

Space is limited. 

Suggested donation $5 per person.