John L. Martin collection on Josephine Gagnon (MCC-00591)

Josephine Gagnon was born in 1894 in Eagle Lake, to Joseph Pierre and Hermine. After attending Eagle Lake Grammar School and before her 1911 graduation from the Madawaska Training School, she was certified as a teacher in 1910. In 1911, she returned to Eagle Lake Grammar School as a teacher. Five years later, she taught at Castine Normal School, now the Maine Maritime Academy, then to Winterville for a year, and in 1918, moved to Vergennes City in Vermont. For 27 years, she taught Home Economics, French, English, Penmanship, Hygiene, Social Science, and History, also working as Physical Director and librarian. In 1946, she returned to Eagle Lake as principle and instructor of eight grade.

Outside of teaching, she was well-known for supporting students’ extracurricular activities. Through her interest in 4-H, she founded numerous agricultural clubs around the area, organizing trips to the University of Maine, Chicago, Washington, and other cities. Gagnon was honored as an Outstanding 4-H Agent in Maine no less than six times.

She retired from education in 1964 at the age of 70, but continued her community work. In 1970, she was recognized by the Eagle Lake Chamber of Commerce, and in 1973 she was declared the year’s Outstanding Community Leader for Maine. She died in 1987 and is buried in Eagle Lake, Maine.

As of 2026, John L. Martin is Maine’s longest-serving legislator. Born in 1941 in Eagle Lake, he attended Dirigo Grammar School and Fort Kent Community High School, where he graduated in 1959. Josephine Gagnon was his eighth grade teacher and inspired his love of 4-H and reading. He then attended the University of Maine at Orono for political science and completed his bachelor’s degree in 1963.

In 1964, while enrolled as a graduate student, he campaigned and was elected to the Maine House of Representatives as a Democrat, beginning a career that has lasted over fifty years. From 1971 to 1974, he was a House minority leader, and from 1975 to 1994 the House speaker. From 2000 to 2008, he served in the Maine Senate, then returned to the House until 2022.

Beginning in 1965, he has also taught courses in economics, government, and social studies at Fort Kent Community High School, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and Colby College, among others. In 1982, he delivered a eulogy at Josephine Gagnon’s funeral.

Merrill, Jackie, Jenna Howard, and Christine Kirby. “Legislature recognizes Rep. John Martin for over a half century of public service.” Maine House Democrats, 25 April 2022, https://www.maine.gov/housedems/news/legislature-recognizes-rep-john-martin-over-half-century-public-service. Accessed 18 August 2026.

Nicoll, Don, "Martin, John oral history interview" (1998). Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection. 238. https://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/238.