REDLONS OF NEWCASTLE, MAINE.
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ready and every man stationed in his place to strike, the plastic boiling
iron was swung upon the anvil, and the sledge-hammers put on, “Pay on,
pay on," cried "Uncle Mag," as the great drops of sweat rolled down
his red face. The crank was quickly turned from side to side, while three
strong men struck in concert upon the heated mass. "Hold, hold; that
was a good soaking heat, and I guess she'll stick," said "Uncle Mag," as
he let go the crank and took up the jug. The crank did "stick and
was soon turning slowly under "Ridlon's mill." He also understood the
art of making cow-bells, then considered a great accomplishment for a
common blacksmith; this was before borax was used for brazing, and the
bells had to be baked in clay to melt the brass with which they were
coated. Mr. Ridlon died in Buxton in 1858, aged 84 years, and was buried
somewhere in that town (inconsistently), while his first wife was buried
in her father's lot on Hollis side of Saco River and near the old Nat
Haley homestead. Mr. Ridlon was of medium height, with broad, stooping
shoulders; had dark hair, and gray eyes overshadowed with long, thick
brows. He had red cheeks and fair complexion. When in good humor
was full of fun, and at "huskings" and "raisings" could keep everybody
in a roar of laughter by his sarcastic speeches; and notwithstanding his
intemperate habits, seems to have been quite a favorite with his relatives.
Nathaniel Redlon* (2), third son of Robert (1), was born in New-
castle, Me., April 10, 1776; married Elizabeth Pierce, of Southport, and
had issue three children, of whom hereafter. He was also a blacksmith,
and carried on business in the city of Bath. He was an expert workman
and forged the ship-irons in the ship-yards of Bath and other eastern
towns. An old gentleman for whom Mr. Redlon used to work told me
that few men could be found at that day, who could excell him in forging
heavy pieces of ship-work; this was then done by hand under sledge-
hammers. Like his brothers, Nathaniel unfortunately acquired intemp-
erate and prodigal habits, and neglected to properly provide for his
family; his wife was compelled to keep boarders to support herself and
children. Mr. Redlon died in Bath, Me., Oct. 6, 1851, aged 77 years, and
was buried in that city. He was a man of great kindness of heart and
generosity of spirit when not under the influence of drink; but when in-
toxicated became brutal and abused his best friends. He was tall and
well formed; had dark hair and eyes, heavy brows, bald crown, regular
features, red complexion, and pleasant expression; indeed he was a hand-
some man in his prime, but rum, that destroyer of body and soul, prema-
turely shattered his constitution, and his last days found him a wreck,
cast upon the rocks of poverty.
Mary Redlon (4), a daughter of Roberts (1), was born in Newcastle,
Me., Oct. 26, 1778 (?), and was married to James Morton, a sea captain,
of Nobleborough, and had issue. She has been dead many years — was
an amiable woman.
Sally Redlon¹ (2), a daughter of Roberts (1), was born in Newcastle,
Me., July 6, 1780 (?); was married to Capt. John Morton, of Noblebor-
ough, and died in 1860, a very old lady.
Susan Redlon* (2), a daughter of Roberts (1), was born in New-
castle, Me., April 2, 1783 (?), and was married to Joseph Knowlton, her
cousin, of Newcastle, and has been dead many years.
Robert Redlon (2), a son of Roberts (1), born in Newcastle, Me., is
supposed to have died young. No record of his name can be found.
Some hold the tradition that he was lost at sea.
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