Ephraim Sturdivant

Captain Ephraim Sturdivant (February 14, 1782 – August 31, 1868) was an American veteran of the War of 1812, namer of Cumberland, Maine, first person to bring merino sheep to Maine, a ship captain, and the first treasurer of Cumberland.

Sturdivant was born on February 14, 1782, in North Yarmouth, Massachusetts (now in the state of Maine).

In 1810, he imported a cargo of merino sheep from Portugal to Sturdivant Island, which is now named after his family.

On June 18, 1812, Ephraim received permission from President James Madison to command a schooner, the Reaper, as a privateer for the War of 1812.

These trees served as the second landmark for ships sailing into the Portland Harbor, although the last one fell in 1935.