Pictured are (left to right) Bert Dyer, Commander of the Norton Wuori American Legion Post #61, David Holmes (portraying Sam Washburn) and new member of the American Legion, Mark Lopez. (Laura Dunham photo) KINGFIELD — About 29 members of the Norton/Wuori American Legion and Auxiliary attended a supper put on by the Auxiliary members Monday night, Nov. 10 at the Legion Hall.

Following the dinner, a wonderful guest appeared having come to Kingfield on the train from Livermore to Strong and then to Kingfield. "Sam Washburn" told those present to close their eyes and visualize that they were back time, on Nov. 3, 1908. Washburn asked those present, "Remember Joe and Hank Dudley from Kingfield? Well, at one time they were my shipmates."

Commander of the Legion, Bert Dyer, asked Washburn when he became a seaman. Washburn said he went off to sea as a merchant marine sailor for 12 years when he was an 18-year-old farm boy from Livermore, "who didn't know anything."

"You know," said Washburn, "you steer with your ears when you're aboard a ship —listening to the wind. I joined the Navy in 1861 when I was 37 years old and a bachelor, to avoid working in the sawmills."

Washburn then talked about his future bride who he met in Leroy, New York. "In 1862 Admiral Abraham Lincoln came aboard our ship with all his cabinet. He couldn't trust them to stay in Washington," Washburn said.

Washburn said he served aboard the USS Carrabassett, which was an important part of the battle during the Civil War.

"At one time when we were in New Orleans there was cotton drying on the docks and for a minute I thought I was back in Franklin County looking at snow," Washburn said.

"I only lost two men when I was in charge of my ship on the Mississippi. One fell over board and the other…" Washburn looked at his watch and said the train was leaving Kingfield and as fast as he came, he was gone, not telling us what happened to the second crewman. In 1865 Washburn was discharged and went back to Farmington.

Everyone present enjoyed the short but informational meeting with "Sam Washburn."