Frank H. Dexter (b. 1856), a native of Malden Mass., came to Maine at age four in the care of a family here.

He left that home and began farming at age seventeen while also studying to become a school teacher. He worked at the Portland Globe for three years, rising to the position of associate editor.

He later became editor of and purchased the Springvale Advocate, which he ran for more than 20 years.

At one time he was also editor and publisher of the Maine Good Templar. He was an active temperance worker and held many leadership positions within the Maine Good Templars.

He was superintendent of schools of Sanford for two years and served on the school board for several more.