Title	Mr.
Last Name	Rollins
First Name	Otis
Middle Name	W.
Maiden Name
Nick Name
Place of Birth	Belgrade, ME
Date of Birth	1821?
Place of Death	Dexter, ME
Date of Death	1916-02-08
Publication	The Eastern Gazette 2-10-1916, p.5
Obituary	OTIS W. ROLLINS Second Odlest Resident of Dexter Passes Away. The many friends of Otis W. Rollins will learn with regret of his death on Tuesday morning, after a few day's illness caused by a shock of paralysis. Mr. Rollins, was Dexter's second oldest citizen, honored, respected and esteemed by a host of the townspeople. He was born 95 years ago in Belgrade, Maine. Shortly after his birth his parents moved to Norridgewock and when he was eight years old they journeyed to Ripley where they bought a large farm on the so-called Perkins Hill, two miles from the village of Dexter. In an entertaining manner Mr. Rollins has often told the stories of hardships and experiences of the early settlers of Maine and of Ripley and Dexter in particular. He well remembered how his father and mother mounted on one horse, rode to Dexter to buy provisions. At that time there were only two stores in this town and in addition a grist mill, a blacksmith shop, and Abbott's mills comprised merely a small factory. The Universalist church was the only church building in the place, other denominations conducting services in the town school house. When Mr. Rollins was 22 years old he commenced the business of life by buying land in Sangerville, erecting buildings and clearing 100 acres of forest land. December 3, 1846 he mar- ried Mary A. Smith of Ripley and to them three daughters were born. During his early residence in Ripley, Mr. Rollins frequently journeyed with provisions to camps beyond Moosehead lake. On one occasion it became dark before he could reach a "spotted trail" for guidance to camp, and he was forced to blanket his horses and camp where be was. With howling wolves all about, he had to keep constant watch and paced back and forth throughout the night to keep from freezing. In 1858 Mr. Rollins sold his farm in Sangerville, bought the farm on which he has resided for many years and rapidly became one of the most prosperous and successful farmers in this section, retiring from active management of his property only when he became eighty-seven years of age. He was the owner of speedy horses and did not hesitate to drive them during these very later years of his life. Until the past two years he had few days of illness and with his wife entertained most hospitably. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rollins were entertaining conversationalists kept up to date in current events and both believed in farm life and were wont to declare there is no reason why farming should not pay if people diligently pursue this occupation with a painstaking care and a progressive spirit. Mrs. Rollins was a member of the First Universalist church of Dexter and passed away about two years ago. Mr. Rollins was baptized in early manhood, but last fall desired to become affiliated with the Universalist church and was received as a member of that denomination. He had always been a member of the parish of the church and with Mrs. Rollins had taken a deep, active interest in its welfare. They were constant at- tendants at the morning services on Sunday throughout the year until failing health compelled them to remain at home. Last fall Mr. Rollins gave the sum of $500 to the First Universalist church as a trust fund, the income therefrom to be used for advancing th local work of the society. Needless to say his generosity was deeply appreciated by the Universalist parish. Mr. Rollins leaves two daughters, Mrs. Mary Rollins of Dexter, Mrs. Viola Alley of Lowell, Mass., also four grandchildren, Dr. Alley of Lowell, Mass., Mrs. Wilbur Copeland, Frank Rollins and Mrs. Adella Sherburne of Dexter. There are also four great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Thursday afternoon of this week at two o'clock and the Rev. S. G. Spear, pastor of the First Universalist church will officiate.