Call Me Phin

This book is an autobiographical account of the life and times of Phineas F. Ellis of Castle Hill, Aroostook County, Maine. Mr. Ellis was first and foremost a true public servant. From the bold stand that he took that resulted in a new mail line out of Ashland, Maine, to the financial sacrifices he made to serve in the Maine State Legislature, to the many acts of service and kindness he rendered during the years he served as the Town Manager of Mapleton and Castle Hill, Phin gave a great deal to all around him. As we join Phin on his journey, we are able to watch over his shoulder and catch a glimpse into the lives and observe the culture of the people in rural Aroostook County during the early to mid 20th century. We learn of the infamous lynching of Jim Cullen, hear the story of a U.S. Senator's grandfather nearly losing his life at a remote lumber camp, and are told of premonitions received as he relates stories of being inspired to help others. We also learn how the Arthur R. Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle, Maine was established and observe the functions of the new hospital through Phin's role as its first administrator.Phineas Franklin Ellis was a pioneer who understood the value of hard work. He was full of humility and determined to help those around him by taking an active role in bringing positive changes to their lives.This book will inspire and delight. It will remind you of where you came from and will help you see what is most important in life.
About the Author: Phineas F. Ellis was born in Castle Hill, Maine in the late nineteenth century. In order to attend high school, he left home to become a "chore boy" for several families in Ashland, Maine where he graduated from high school as valedictorian. For most of those years, he had the privilege of working for Dr. Hagerthy, a rural country doctor, where he developed skills and talents that were of great value to him throughout his life. After high school, Phin taught grammar school, worked in the woods, and was instrumental in starting the first U.S. Mail Line out of Ashland before joining the U.S. Army during World War I. His political career started shortly after he came home from the war when he was elected third selectman to the town of Castle Hill. He served in the Maine State Legislature from 1935 - 1937 and again in 1947. In 1941, he became the first town manager of Castle Hill where he served until 1956. In 1947, he also assumed the duties as town manager for Mapleton, Maine. As president of the Presque Isle General Hospital Board, Phin played a major role in the establishment of the new Arthur R. Gould Memorial Hospital and in 1956 he accepted the position of hospital administrator. He was a member of the Castle Hill school board for 28 consecutive years. He researched and compiled a complete account of the events surrounding the lynching of Jim Cullen, Maine's only lynching, and lectured on the subject at Rotary Clubs, Granges, and schools. Phineas F. Ellis died on May 6, 1976.