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OTIS HAYFORD was the son of Otis Hayford and Alvira Hayford, children of Zeri
Hayford and Gustavus Hayford, two brothers, who were the first settlers of Canton Village, long known as "Hayford's
Mills." Here they erected the first dwelling, now standing on the original lot, as also the first saw-mill
and grist-mill in said place, and who were largely instrumental in building up said village.
Otis Hayford, Sr., early in life engaged in mercantile and manufacturing pursuits, continuing the same until the
date of his death, 1871 at the age of sixty-eight years, and throughout his ever busy life always manifested a
deep interest in the prosperity and welfare of the entire community in which he resided. Holding the office of
a Justice of the Peace for very many years, he was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
Otis Hayford, the subject of this sketch, was born in Canton, Oxford County, May 10, 1834, and is the only living
representative of his father's family, four children having died in early life. He received a good common school
education, supplemented with terms of school at the academy in Auburn and Westbrook Seminary. Mr. Hayford has always
maintained a residence in his native town.
At the age of twenty-one he engaged in mercantile pursuits as a junior member of a firm doing an extensive country
business. He continued in business as merchant, manufacturer, and produce broker until the year 1878. In i86i,
he was elected a Captain in the State Militia, and served in that capacity two years. At this date, in connection
with Ex-Gov. Israel Washburn, Jr., S. C. Andrews, and N. L. Marshall, he organized the Rumford Falls & Buckfield
Railroad Company, purchased, rebuilt, equipped, and put in operation this railroad from Mechanic Falls to Gilbertville
in Canton. Mr. Hayford was Superintendent of the road from 1879 to 1883, and Director and Vicel'resident till 1889.
Mr. Hayford was elected a member of the Maine Senate in 1871, and re-elected in 1872: was chosen Presidential Elector
in 1880. He was elected by the Legislature of 1891 a member of the Board of State Assessors, and is now serving
in that capacity. In politics Mr. Hayford has always been a Republican, throwing his first vote for President for
John C. Fremont.
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