Nile’s House

Parents Peter and Elizabeth (Shepherd) Pierre welcome daughter Jeanett C. Pierre. Janett would later marry Reuben Ruby. Peter Pierre was born October 14, 1758 in Martinique. He died on August 21, 1854 aged 95 years.  Elizabeth Shepherd Pierre was born in 1786 and died in 1854. She and Peter married in 1802. All three are buried in the Eastern Cemetery. No markers remain.

Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is born at his Aunt’s house a block from Harriet and Abraham’s future home [present day intersection of Fore and Hancock Streets].

Christopher Christian Manuel and Nancy Pier are married in 1810 by Rev. Edward Payson in Portland. Nancy is 17 years old and Christopher is 29. Nancy dies five years later on May 6, 1815 at the age of 22 years-old.

In 1810, when Abraham was three the population of Castine was roughly 1,036 persons. The British occupied Castine during the War of 1812, arriving in 1814 and leaving in April 1815. By 1820 the population of Castine was 975. Lumber, shipbuilding and coastal trading were primary industries. By 1850 Castine had the second-highest per capita wealth of any town or city in the United States.

Several Black Portland leaders are named Directors of a new Abolitionist group the ‘African Education Society in Boston’. Portlander Reuben Ruby is named Secretary and Christopher Manuel is Treasurer.

The Missouri Compromise can be viewed here, the law maintained ‘balance’ in the Senate between free and slave states.

Reuben Ruby and (Jeannette) Janette C. Pear are married. The marriage certificate lists both of their residences as Portland.

Harriet was born, Araminta “Minty” Ross, in March 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. Her parents, Harriet “Rit” Green and Ben Ross were enslaved by different persons.

A November 11, 1866 Portland Daily Press (page 5) article notes that ‘Maine’s First Brass Band’ was the Black Band founded by Christopher C. Manuel. Other members of the band included: -Christopher C. Manuel, Flute -Titus Skillings, Bazoon -Joel Young, Clarionet -Ephrain Small, French Horn -Rush Shepherd, cymbals -James Boaz, bass drum According to the article the band played by ear, performed in military parades.

The Hancock Gazette and Portland Advertiser both record the death of Jabin Niles, Abraham’s father in Castine, Maine.

The Town Selectmen of Portland appoint Titus Skillings one of Portland’s Measurers of Corn and Other Grain.

Reuben Ruby, Caleb Jonson, Clemant Tomson, Job J. Wentworth, Christopher C. Manuel and John Sigs decry the treatment of Black parishioners in Portland Churches. With 600 persons seeking houses of worship . . .’provision for the accommodation of a very few of our people has been made in several houses of public worship; but while the provision is totally inadequate to our wants, the privilege granted us is associated with such circumstances, as are calculated to repel rather than invite our attendance. Nay pardon our misapprehensions if they are such, we have sometimes thought our attendance was not desired. The undersigned are persuaded that nothing would so much contribute to improve the character and raise the tone of moral feeling among their people, as the erection for their use of a suitable house for public worship, and regular ministration of the gospel. They cannot but consider the accomplishment of this..Read More

The Freedom’s Journal operated from 1827-1829 was the first African American owned and operated newspaper in the United States. The weekly column was printed on Fridays. The Journal was founded by free born African Americans John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish on March 15, 1827. Black past has a more extensive article with further information on Russwurm, Cornish and the paper at large. Reuben Ruby is named as an authorized agent in Portland, Maine for the paper in this 1828 advertisement.

An advertisement for the Abyssinian Society in the Christian Mirror announces the dedication of the new Meeting House.

Reuben Ruby (bottom line) is list on the 1830 census. The census ledger is two facing sheets. The left page indicates ‘Free White Persons’ the right page includes ‘Slaves’ and ‘Free Colored Persons’. Ruby’s household includes four people, two men and two women.

William Hamett and Charlotte Decoudrey are married in Portland.

Harriet and Abraham welcome their second child, and first son, named after the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. He unfortunately dies in childhood. Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison himself had visited Portland in 1832 and met with Black leaders including neighbor Reuben Ruby. It is unknown whether Niles met Garrison at that time. Clearly, Abraham and Harriet were well aware of his work and sought to honor his work in naming their first son after him.

The 1834 Portland Directory features brothers Abraham and Francis B. Niles living on Washington Avenue in Portland. Titus Skillins is also on Washington Avenue. All three list their occupation as Mariner. Peter Pierre, father of Jeanette Pierre, Reuben Ruby’s first wife, is working as a Truckman living on Middle Streets and working on the corner of Hampshire Street. Christopher C. Manuel is working as a Hairdresser with a shop on Exchange Street, and living on Hampshire Street.

Black men in Portland were voting by 1820 when Maine became a state. Abraham Niles served on the City of Portland’s ‘Vote Distribution Committee.’ This notice from the Portland Daily Advertiser informs  Whig Party supporters  that an organizing meeting to choose delegates to the convention will take place at Abyssinian.

Harriet and Abraham welcome their second daughter, and third child, Susan Wyer Niles. She dies March 29, 1836 at ten months old.

Abraham and Harriet were both founding members of the Abyssinian Meeting House in Portland. In 1835 purchased a plot of next door to Abyssinian Meeting House, at 46 Sumner (later renumbered 77 Newbury)

The article describes ‘They have a very pleasant house of worship, well furnished, with very little, if any assistance, we believe, from their white neighbors.’

The article describes discrimination Reuben Ruby faced at the State Convention in 1834 when he was demoted from being a delegate and nominating Mr. Sprague for Governor at the Convention because he was Black.

Abraham purchased the lot on Sumner Street from John and Mary Ann Holland, for $200 dollars.

On September 24th Abyssinian Meeting House Deacons Abraham Niles and William Hamit take out an advertisement in the Portland Daily Advertiser warning ‘that Samuel W. Chase, is not Pastor of the Abysinian Church, nor is in fellowship with the Cumberland Conference, nor is not an ordained nor a licensed preacher, nor is not sent out by the Church to collect money. Signed by the Church, by the Deacons.’ Note the afflicting message below asserting Chase is the representative. The same article lists the appointment of Niles and Hamit as newly appointed Deacons representing the church.

In the 1837 Portland Directory Abraham is listed as a Mariner living on Hancock Street. Hancock Street is one block from Sumner/Newbury.

Rev. Samuel Chase sued the men. Historians Gerald E. Talbot and H.H. Price describe the incident in their book ‘Maine’s Visible Black History’ (2006).  Talbot describes Chase as having been sent by the state Congregational Church to to minister to the Abyssinian. He toured the South in 1836 to raise money for the Church.  After the notice in 1837 Rev. Chase brought suit against the men for the harsh comments about his character seeking $2,000 in damages. The case was heard in November 1837 by the Supreme Court of the State of Maine. It was refereed by Samuel fess3enden and William P. Preble. The judgement was based on the ability or inability of the defendants to pay. Four men were found guilt – William Hammet, John Johnson, Abraham Niles, and Reuben Ruby. Chase was awarded $150. The next year, Abraham and Harriet’s home was seized and sold to satisfy the..Read More

On June 6, 1837 a larger group placed a notice in the Eastern Argus newspaper. It included Reuben Ruby, Titus Skillings, Abraham Niles, John Johnson and William Hamett. The notice claims that Rev. Chase has traveled to raise money on behalf of the Abyssinian. This notice led to a lawsuit filed by Rev. Chase against these men, which was heard by the Maine Supreme Court.

Rev. Samuel W. Chase brought suit against church members Abraham W. Niles, Reuben Ruby, William Hammett and John M. Johnson for defamation over the advertisements they’d placed on behalf of the Abyssinian congregation in local papers warning that Chase was not an agent nor raising funds on their behalf. The case was heard at the Maine Supreme Court. While Rev. Chase had asked for $2,000 in damages the Court reduced the fine to $150. View full transcripts and case file from Maine Supreme Court Archives –Maine Supreme Court Case File – evidence, etc. (48 pages) –Maine Supreme Court Chase File – findings (volume 2)  (10 pages)

Harriet and Abraham welcome Benjamin Russell Niles, their fifth child and third son.

The church records from the period concerning the lawsuit are missing from the NEHH archives. After their appointment as Deacons the next entry in the official records jumps to 1839 in a meeting post suit called to order by Deacon Hammett with a prayer by Deacon AW Niles. Deacon Niles also led a prayer at the next meeting in November 25, 1839.

The article summarizes the public meeting of the New York Reform Society./ David Rubbles was appointed  President pro tem, of the group. Reuben Ruby is listed as a representative of the group from NYC.

Reuben Ruby was engaged as a leader with the American Reformed Board of Disfranchised Commissioners.  The editorial asks for reports on the following for their next meeting: “-First – The statistics of our people in the place which you reside. -Secondly, – the number of children in schools, and the state of education, &c. -Thirdly, – The number of mechanics, their different trades, and how employed. -Fourthly, – The condition of our people generally in relation to the “PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS”

In addition to his election as Tythingman, charged with keeping the peace he was also elected a vote distributor for the City of Portland in 1844 and 1845.

Harriet and Abraham welcome son, Issac Richardson Niles. Abraham is 35 and Harriet is 32 at the time of his birth.

Christopher Manuel dies of consumption.

Anthony does not have a birth certificate but census records and his death certificate suggest he was born around between 1846-1847.

Harriet and Abraham celebrate the birth of their tenth child, Charles Edward Niles. He is their eighth son.

Reuben Ruby went to California in the Gold Rush in January 1848 staying in the mines for four months, according to the article, collecting $3,000 worth of gold. It also notes ‘for several years past, a citizen of New York’ implying that Ruby had at least temporarily left Portland.

Harriet and Abraham name their eleventh and youngest child after Harriet, born April 11, 1851. Abraham died shortly after her first birthday. It is unclear whether he was already on route to California or was able to celebrate her birthday in Maine before his departure.

Abraham died at Sea, in 1852, having fallen down a cargo hold on a vessel traveling from Panama to San Francisco. Neighbor and friend, Reuben Ruby, had gone to California seeking (and finding) gold in 1849. His friend’s success may have led Ruby to try his luck out West.

The 1856 Portland Directory lists Reuben Ruby as a Trader and son, William Wilberforce Ruby as a Mariner. This is ten years before the Portland fire of 1866. Note the men are listed at different, but adjacent addresses. William is listed at 43 Sumner and Reuben is listed at 42.

The menu featured ‘oysters cooked in every style.’

The August 1860 Census shows Harriet (aged 50) and her children, Amelia J. (25), Henry (28), Benjamin (22), Anthony (12), Charles (10,) and Harriet (9). The youngest three are still listed as attending school. Amelia is working as a Servant and both Henry and Benjamin are listed as Laborers. Harriet lists the value of the Sumner Street home at $500 and her estate at $100.

Harriet is elected to the Board of Managers for the Portland Soldiers Association. Three of her sons fought in the Civil War for the Union.

On July 4, 1866 William Wilberforce Ruby, Reuben’s son and Abraham’s neighbor was walking downtown on Commercial Street near the intersection of High Street when he spotted a fire on the wharf. The fire quickly spread fueled by wind and thick black smoke enveloped the city. The fire predated the Chicago Fire and at the time was the largest fire in American History.  The fire destroyed 1,800 buildings, including 1,200 residences. As a result 10,000 Portlanders found themselves homeless.  The Federal government stepped in and shipped 1,500 tents below Munjoy Hill. The fire was an early example of documentary photography.  Photos, letters and telegrams relating to the fire  can be viewed curtesy of the Portland Public Library, online. Map of Portland Fire Curtesy of Maine Historical Society. They have photographs and additional information in addition to the map available online. Portland Press Herald Article ‘The Man Who Shouted Fire!’ by..Read More

By 1870 the US Census lists Harriet, aged 60, as “Keeping House.’ It notes she was born in Maine, the value of her home, now (after the fire) on Newbury Street is valued at $1,100. She has increased the value of her personal estate to $500. Above Harriet, neighbor Reuben Ruby, aged 72, is listed as Custom House Janitor. The value of his real estate is listed as $2,500 (he owned multiple properties) and personal estate valued as $500. Unlike Harriet, who is listed as ‘Black’, Ruby is listed as ‘Mullato.’ Annie M. Ruby, aged 53 is listed as being born in Vermont. William Wilberforce Ruby is 36 and Madeline Ruby is 29 years old. Dora Mayo, aged 21, is also listed as residing at the Ruby residence. Her birth state is listed as Rhode Island. On the next page of the census records we find information on the remaining..Read More

City council petitions Reuben Ruby for $2,000 for compensation for injuries received from a defect in Newbury Street.

The 1871 Directory lists Anthony, Benjamin and Charles living at 46 Newbury. Their mother, Harriet, is listed at ‘rear 46 Newbury’ suggesting the home may have been converted into a two-family.

Newbury Street had formerly been named for Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, an abolitionist who authored the nation’s first civil rights bill. Senator Sumner died in 1874 and Portland’s Black residents gathered to mourn his passing and issue a proclamation.

An article in the Portland Daily Press Titled ‘Fruits and Flowers. The Exhibition at City Hall. Second Day‘ describes ‘one of the most unique and beautiful of the table decorations is a vegetable bouquet, displayed by Mr. Reuben Ruby.’

Reuben Ruby vs Eben Maxwell was a Superior Court filed seeking to recover balance due to defendant for sale by the plaintiff. Amount claimed for the horse $78.

Reuben Ruby died on July 3, 1878, aged 79 of ‘old age’

In the Portland 1844 City Director, Miss Amelia Jenkins Niles is listed as living at 77 Newbury. Her brother Charles is listed as a Blacksmith Helper at Portland Company, nearby. He is living at 2 Middle Street.

Jane R. Skillings, daughter of Titus Skillings dies aged 77 in New Hampshire. The record lists Titus’ birth place as Falmouth, Maine and his occupation as a Farmer. Jane’s mother is listed as Forcas, from Windham, Maine.

Parents Peter and Elizabeth (Shepherd) Pierre welcome daughter Jeanett C. Pierre. Janett would later marry Reuben Ruby. Peter Pierre was born October 14, 1758 in Martinique. He died on August 21, 1854 aged 95 years.  Elizabeth Shepherd Pierre was born in 1786 and died in 1854. She and Peter married in 1802. All three are buried in the Eastern Cemetery. No markers remain.

Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is born at his Aunt’s house a block from Harriet and Abraham’s future home [present day intersection of Fore and Hancock Streets].

Christopher Christian Manuel and Nancy Pier are married in 1810 by Rev. Edward Payson in Portland. Nancy is 17 years old and Christopher is 29. Nancy dies five years later on May 6, 1815 at the age of 22 years-old.

In 1810, when Abraham was three the population of Castine was roughly 1,036 persons. The British occupied Castine during the War of 1812, arriving in 1814 and leaving in April 1815. By 1820 the population of Castine was 975. Lumber, shipbuilding and coastal trading were primary industries. By 1850 Castine had the second-highest per capita wealth of any town or city in the United States.

Several Black Portland leaders are named Directors of a new Abolitionist group the ‘African Education Society in Boston’. Portlander Reuben Ruby is named Secretary and Christopher Manuel is Treasurer.

The Missouri Compromise can be viewed here, the law maintained ‘balance’ in the Senate between free and slave states.

Reuben Ruby and (Jeannette) Janette C. Pear are married. The marriage certificate lists both of their residences as Portland.

Harriet was born, Araminta “Minty” Ross, in March 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. Her parents, Harriet “Rit” Green and Ben Ross were enslaved by different persons.

A November 11, 1866 Portland Daily Press (page 5) article notes that ‘Maine’s First Brass Band’ was the Black Band founded by Christopher C. Manuel. Other members of the band included: -Christopher C. Manuel, Flute -Titus Skillings, Bazoon -Joel Young, Clarionet -Ephrain Small, French Horn -Rush Shepherd, cymbals -James Boaz, bass drum According to the article the band played by ear, performed in military parades.

The Hancock Gazette and Portland Advertiser both record the death of Jabin Niles, Abraham’s father in Castine, Maine.

The Town Selectmen of Portland appoint Titus Skillings one of Portland’s Measurers of Corn and Other Grain.

Reuben Ruby, Caleb Jonson, Clemant Tomson, Job J. Wentworth, Christopher C. Manuel and John Sigs decry the treatment of Black parishioners in Portland Churches. With 600 persons seeking houses of worship . . .’provision for the accommodation of a very few of our people has been made in several houses of public worship; but while the provision is totally inadequate to our wants, the privilege granted us is associated with such circumstances, as are calculated to repel rather than invite our attendance. Nay pardon our misapprehensions if they are such, we have sometimes thought our attendance was not desired. The undersigned are persuaded that nothing would so much contribute to improve the character and raise the tone of moral feeling among their people, as the erection for their use of a suitable house for public worship, and regular ministration of the gospel. They cannot but consider the accomplishment of this..Read More

The Freedom’s Journal operated from 1827-1829 was the first African American owned and operated newspaper in the United States. The weekly column was printed on Fridays. The Journal was founded by free born African Americans John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish on March 15, 1827. Black past has a more extensive article with further information on Russwurm, Cornish and the paper at large. Reuben Ruby is named as an authorized agent in Portland, Maine for the paper in this 1828 advertisement.

An advertisement for the Abyssinian Society in the Christian Mirror announces the dedication of the new Meeting House.

Reuben Ruby (bottom line) is list on the 1830 census. The census ledger is two facing sheets. The left page indicates ‘Free White Persons’ the right page includes ‘Slaves’ and ‘Free Colored Persons’. Ruby’s household includes four people, two men and two women.

William Hamett and Charlotte Decoudrey are married in Portland.

Harriet and Abraham welcome their second child, and first son, named after the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. He unfortunately dies in childhood. Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison himself had visited Portland in 1832 and met with Black leaders including neighbor Reuben Ruby. It is unknown whether Niles met Garrison at that time. Clearly, Abraham and Harriet were well aware of his work and sought to honor his work in naming their first son after him.

The 1834 Portland Directory features brothers Abraham and Francis B. Niles living on Washington Avenue in Portland. Titus Skillins is also on Washington Avenue. All three list their occupation as Mariner. Peter Pierre, father of Jeanette Pierre, Reuben Ruby’s first wife, is working as a Truckman living on Middle Streets and working on the corner of Hampshire Street. Christopher C. Manuel is working as a Hairdresser with a shop on Exchange Street, and living on Hampshire Street.

Black men in Portland were voting by 1820 when Maine became a state. Abraham Niles served on the City of Portland’s ‘Vote Distribution Committee.’ This notice from the Portland Daily Advertiser informs  Whig Party supporters  that an organizing meeting to choose delegates to the convention will take place at Abyssinian.

Harriet and Abraham welcome their second daughter, and third child, Susan Wyer Niles. She dies March 29, 1836 at ten months old.

Abraham and Harriet were both founding members of the Abyssinian Meeting House in Portland. In 1835 purchased a plot of next door to Abyssinian Meeting House, at 46 Sumner (later renumbered 77 Newbury)

The article describes ‘They have a very pleasant house of worship, well furnished, with very little, if any assistance, we believe, from their white neighbors.’

The article describes discrimination Reuben Ruby faced at the State Convention in 1834 when he was demoted from being a delegate and nominating Mr. Sprague for Governor at the Convention because he was Black.

Abraham purchased the lot on Sumner Street from John and Mary Ann Holland, for $200 dollars.

On September 24th Abyssinian Meeting House Deacons Abraham Niles and William Hamit take out an advertisement in the Portland Daily Advertiser warning ‘that Samuel W. Chase, is not Pastor of the Abysinian Church, nor is in fellowship with the Cumberland Conference, nor is not an ordained nor a licensed preacher, nor is not sent out by the Church to collect money. Signed by the Church, by the Deacons.’ Note the afflicting message below asserting Chase is the representative. The same article lists the appointment of Niles and Hamit as newly appointed Deacons representing the church.

In the 1837 Portland Directory Abraham is listed as a Mariner living on Hancock Street. Hancock Street is one block from Sumner/Newbury.

Rev. Samuel Chase sued the men. Historians Gerald E. Talbot and H.H. Price describe the incident in their book ‘Maine’s Visible Black History’ (2006).  Talbot describes Chase as having been sent by the state Congregational Church to to minister to the Abyssinian. He toured the South in 1836 to raise money for the Church.  After the notice in 1837 Rev. Chase brought suit against the men for the harsh comments about his character seeking $2,000 in damages. The case was heard in November 1837 by the Supreme Court of the State of Maine. It was refereed by Samuel fess3enden and William P. Preble. The judgement was based on the ability or inability of the defendants to pay. Four men were found guilt – William Hammet, John Johnson, Abraham Niles, and Reuben Ruby. Chase was awarded $150. The next year, Abraham and Harriet’s home was seized and sold to satisfy the..Read More

On June 6, 1837 a larger group placed a notice in the Eastern Argus newspaper. It included Reuben Ruby, Titus Skillings, Abraham Niles, John Johnson and William Hamett. The notice claims that Rev. Chase has traveled to raise money on behalf of the Abyssinian. This notice led to a lawsuit filed by Rev. Chase against these men, which was heard by the Maine Supreme Court.

Rev. Samuel W. Chase brought suit against church members Abraham W. Niles, Reuben Ruby, William Hammett and John M. Johnson for defamation over the advertisements they’d placed on behalf of the Abyssinian congregation in local papers warning that Chase was not an agent nor raising funds on their behalf. The case was heard at the Maine Supreme Court. While Rev. Chase had asked for $2,000 in damages the Court reduced the fine to $150. View full transcripts and case file from Maine Supreme Court Archives –Maine Supreme Court Case File – evidence, etc. (48 pages) –Maine Supreme Court Chase File – findings (volume 2)  (10 pages)

Harriet and Abraham welcome Benjamin Russell Niles, their fifth child and third son.

The church records from the period concerning the lawsuit are missing from the NEHH archives. After their appointment as Deacons the next entry in the official records jumps to 1839 in a meeting post suit called to order by Deacon Hammett with a prayer by Deacon AW Niles. Deacon Niles also led a prayer at the next meeting in November 25, 1839.

The article summarizes the public meeting of the New York Reform Society./ David Rubbles was appointed  President pro tem, of the group. Reuben Ruby is listed as a representative of the group from NYC.

Reuben Ruby was engaged as a leader with the American Reformed Board of Disfranchised Commissioners.  The editorial asks for reports on the following for their next meeting: “-First – The statistics of our people in the place which you reside. -Secondly, – the number of children in schools, and the state of education, &c. -Thirdly, – The number of mechanics, their different trades, and how employed. -Fourthly, – The condition of our people generally in relation to the “PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS”

In addition to his election as Tythingman, charged with keeping the peace he was also elected a vote distributor for the City of Portland in 1844 and 1845.

Harriet and Abraham welcome son, Issac Richardson Niles. Abraham is 35 and Harriet is 32 at the time of his birth.

Christopher Manuel dies of consumption.

Anthony does not have a birth certificate but census records and his death certificate suggest he was born around between 1846-1847.

Harriet and Abraham celebrate the birth of their tenth child, Charles Edward Niles. He is their eighth son.

Reuben Ruby went to California in the Gold Rush in January 1848 staying in the mines for four months, according to the article, collecting $3,000 worth of gold. It also notes ‘for several years past, a citizen of New York’ implying that Ruby had at least temporarily left Portland.

Harriet and Abraham name their eleventh and youngest child after Harriet, born April 11, 1851. Abraham died shortly after her first birthday. It is unclear whether he was already on route to California or was able to celebrate her birthday in Maine before his departure.

Abraham died at Sea, in 1852, having fallen down a cargo hold on a vessel traveling from Panama to San Francisco. Neighbor and friend, Reuben Ruby, had gone to California seeking (and finding) gold in 1849. His friend’s success may have led Ruby to try his luck out West.

The 1856 Portland Directory lists Reuben Ruby as a Trader and son, William Wilberforce Ruby as a Mariner. This is ten years before the Portland fire of 1866. Note the men are listed at different, but adjacent addresses. William is listed at 43 Sumner and Reuben is listed at 42.

The menu featured ‘oysters cooked in every style.’

The August 1860 Census shows Harriet (aged 50) and her children, Amelia J. (25), Henry (28), Benjamin (22), Anthony (12), Charles (10,) and Harriet (9). The youngest three are still listed as attending school. Amelia is working as a Servant and both Henry and Benjamin are listed as Laborers. Harriet lists the value of the Sumner Street home at $500 and her estate at $100.

Harriet is elected to the Board of Managers for the Portland Soldiers Association. Three of her sons fought in the Civil War for the Union.

On July 4, 1866 William Wilberforce Ruby, Reuben’s son and Abraham’s neighbor was walking downtown on Commercial Street near the intersection of High Street when he spotted a fire on the wharf. The fire quickly spread fueled by wind and thick black smoke enveloped the city. The fire predated the Chicago Fire and at the time was the largest fire in American History.  The fire destroyed 1,800 buildings, including 1,200 residences. As a result 10,000 Portlanders found themselves homeless.  The Federal government stepped in and shipped 1,500 tents below Munjoy Hill. The fire was an early example of documentary photography.  Photos, letters and telegrams relating to the fire  can be viewed curtesy of the Portland Public Library, online. Map of Portland Fire Curtesy of Maine Historical Society. They have photographs and additional information in addition to the map available online. Portland Press Herald Article ‘The Man Who Shouted Fire!’ by..Read More

By 1870 the US Census lists Harriet, aged 60, as “Keeping House.’ It notes she was born in Maine, the value of her home, now (after the fire) on Newbury Street is valued at $1,100. She has increased the value of her personal estate to $500. Above Harriet, neighbor Reuben Ruby, aged 72, is listed as Custom House Janitor. The value of his real estate is listed as $2,500 (he owned multiple properties) and personal estate valued as $500. Unlike Harriet, who is listed as ‘Black’, Ruby is listed as ‘Mullato.’ Annie M. Ruby, aged 53 is listed as being born in Vermont. William Wilberforce Ruby is 36 and Madeline Ruby is 29 years old. Dora Mayo, aged 21, is also listed as residing at the Ruby residence. Her birth state is listed as Rhode Island. On the next page of the census records we find information on the remaining..Read More

City council petitions Reuben Ruby for $2,000 for compensation for injuries received from a defect in Newbury Street.

The 1871 Directory lists Anthony, Benjamin and Charles living at 46 Newbury. Their mother, Harriet, is listed at ‘rear 46 Newbury’ suggesting the home may have been converted into a two-family.

Newbury Street had formerly been named for Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, an abolitionist who authored the nation’s first civil rights bill. Senator Sumner died in 1874 and Portland’s Black residents gathered to mourn his passing and issue a proclamation.

An article in the Portland Daily Press Titled ‘Fruits and Flowers. The Exhibition at City Hall. Second Day‘ describes ‘one of the most unique and beautiful of the table decorations is a vegetable bouquet, displayed by Mr. Reuben Ruby.’

Reuben Ruby vs Eben Maxwell was a Superior Court filed seeking to recover balance due to defendant for sale by the plaintiff. Amount claimed for the horse $78.

Reuben Ruby died on July 3, 1878, aged 79 of ‘old age’

In the Portland 1844 City Director, Miss Amelia Jenkins Niles is listed as living at 77 Newbury. Her brother Charles is listed as a Blacksmith Helper at Portland Company, nearby. He is living at 2 Middle Street.

Jane R. Skillings, daughter of Titus Skillings dies aged 77 in New Hampshire. The record lists Titus’ birth place as Falmouth, Maine and his occupation as a Farmer. Jane’s mother is listed as Forcas, from Windham, Maine.