Taking Up Residence in Maine

Returning to Maine, James and Ellen White passed through Portland and on to Topsham, with their eyes on Paris (Paris Hill today). They had been traveling for some weeks, and they wanted to take little Henry with them to see Ellen's parents, so they headed for Gorham and “Grandma's and Grandpa's” home. The young mother wrote:1BIO 194.1

Friday [October 25], Brother Howland's family and my little boy went with us to Gorham to spend the Sabbath with our parents. Found them strong in the faith. We had a good season with them. We parted with them Sunday sorrowful, because we were obliged to part, but rejoicing that we were of one faith and that soon we should meet if faithful, nevermore to part.—Letter 26, 1850.1BIO 194.2

When James and Ellen White came to Paris they anticipated that they would reside there through the winter. On November 1, 1850, she wrote, “We shall stay here at Paris some little time,” and added:1BIO 194.3

James is now getting out a paper here. It is an excellent place to get out the paper.—Ibid.1BIO 194.4

From a letter written to the Hastings family a week later, we learn more:1BIO 194.5

Our home is in Paris at Brother Andrews’ within a few steps of the post office and printing office. So shall stay here some little time. This is a very kind family, yet quite poor. Everything here is free as far as they have. We do not think it right to be any expense to them while here.—Letter 28, 1850.1BIO 194.6

The Whites arranged to stay at the Andrews home as boarders (Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White (1880), 278).1BIO 194.7