”John Ware, is a name that richly deserves mention in this history. He was born in Groton, Massachusetts, and was a son of Dr. Ware, formerly well known in the vicinity of his sphere of practice. Mr. Ware came here very poor, with nothing but industry, integrity, and a good will as his friends, in the year 1782. He began at his trade as a cooper, and was accustomed to give a great deal of credit for the work he did. It was his custom to trust his work out for a year, and then, for every bushel of grain that was owed to him, to take a note for five pecks. From such humble beginnings he continued in trade until he became the wealthiest person in Somerset county. Some of his customers have complained of him ; but the most that can be said to his disadvantage is, that he was well calculated for a successful merchant. He understood human nature, and especially the nature of the Indians, who came many miles to deal with him. He bought their furs greatly to his advantage, and sold them as well. He kept a very large store, was a great economist, never imprudent, and always exercised the Yankee’s skill after the ” main chance,” and if those whose wealth helped to swell his own would but blame the avidity with which, in former times, they resorted to the strong drinks which were sold by Mr. Ware, as well as by every other merchant, they would accuse their own folly quite as much as Mr. Ware’s keenness at a bargain. His spirit of enterprise is an example to every young man. He died in August, 1829, aged 62 years.”

Source: History of the Old Towns Norrdigewock and Canaan, by J.W. Hanson, Published by the Author, Boston, 1849, pages 224-5