A pioneer settler in Franklin Plantation, in that area that was annexed to Peru in 1888. At one time he owned the Herbert Bowker farm. Later he removed to Dickvale village and had a general store there. In 1880's he and wife are living in Sumner. It is said that he outlived his whole family.

It’s possible his mother Esther is the older woman living with John in Plantation #4 [Greenwood] on the 1820 USC, and still in the household in 1830 and 1840 for #2 Plantation [Franklin Plantation].

Found in Franklin Plantation records in Maine State Archives: John Readin and Hannah Readin’s children:
Maryann b. 1 Feb 1828
Oliver C b. 12 Aug 1837

This John Redding/Readin married 2: Philena Andrews. Listed as husband and wife on 1880 USC for Sumner.

So could John Redding be the nephew of my Sarah Redding?

From e-mail 5/28/01:
Katherine,
I posted a reply to your e-mail, then ran across this info below. I think
this is the same line.

Would love your help filling in the gaps back that far...I have a lot of
info and place pictures on the more recent descendents around Redding,
Maine, but can't seem to back further than John Reddin, except that I think
his father may have been named John also?

This was typed up and found in my great-grandmother's scrapbook.

Found this in "The History of Peru", in the county of Oxford, and State of
Maine from 1789-1911 by Hollis Turner, published Augusta, Maine. There may
be more--I just have John and sibling's info as follows.

John Reddin was an old resident of Peru and a pioneer settler of Franklin [Plantation],
a man of noble sentiments, generous, broadminded and of good habits. He was
born in Fayette, Maine of Scotch descent. His sisters, Pattie, married
Reuben Lovejoy; and Clarissa married Salmon Andrews. John Reddin married
Hannah Canwell, probably a sister of John Canwell. They owned and operated
at one time the Herbert Bowker farm. He also kept a small store. In
politics he was an abolitionist in the days of that party. Their children
were: Deborah, Rachel, Mary Ann, Mary C and Oliver (my ancestor).

Mr Reddin and wife were living in Sumner in the vicinity of Farrar's mill,
in the early [18]80's. He was a very conscientious man, more so than his wife.
He outlived his whole family. He remarked at the funeral of his son,
Oliver, that he was the only one left to tell the story. He lived 90
years. No dates. Five Children of Oliver Reddin are living in Sumner
(1910); Will V, George, John, Inery (aka "Inez"-my ancestor), and Percy
Reddin.

Oliver married Isabella Holman, whose line has been extensively
well-documented. My great-grandmother was Inez (Redding) Bisbee, and her
son, Norman was my grandfather. My father is Larry Bisbee, his son.

Would love to get more on the Reddins. Hope we can help each other.

Thanks,

Kathy Bisbee

Oxford County Marriage Returns Prior to 1892 lists the following:
19 Aug 1849 John Readin & Miss Philanda Canwell, both of Peru, m. in Peru by John E Jenne, JP.

1880 USC for Sumner lists John Redding ae. 82 Farmer and Philena ae 75 Keeping house.

One familysearch.com record lists Clarissa Redin b. 3 Mar 1796 Wayne, ME; parents: Otis Redin and Esther.
One familysearch.com record lists John Redin b. 26 Feb 1798 Wayne, ME; parents: Otis Redin and Esther.

1850 USC for Peru lists household:
John Reding--52 farmer b. ME
Philena Reding--44
George Canwell--16
Keziah Canwell--12
Nancy Canwell--10
Oliver B. Canwell--8
George T Canwell--4
Oliver C. Reding--12

1860 USC for Peru lists household:
John Reading--62
Philena--54
Oliver B. Canwell--19
George W. T. Canwell--14

1870 USC for Franklin Plantation lists household:
John Reading--72 Farmer
Philena--75 (name looks like it’s spelled “Paulina.”)

1880 USC for Sumner lists household
Reading, John--82 b. ME; father b. MA; mother b. NH; listed as unable to read or write.
Philena--75 b. ME; father b. MA; mother b. MA (same as Peres Andrews)

According to Maine Families, Bk 3:
John Reading, the Pioneer, is buried in the Old Plantation Road Cemetery in West Peru in company with many of the original Pioneers of Franklin Plantation who he had outlived.