“Donna in the News” reports newly found newspaper articles and advertisements regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling). I am always excited when I discover a new venue for my grandmother’s exciting show business career of the 1910s and 1920s.
This week, I learned from the Grand Rapids Press(Grand Rapids, MI) newspaper, dated February 2, 1923, that Donna played at the Temple Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI.
The Grand Rapids Press (Grand Rapids, Michigan) · Fri, Feb 2, 1923 · Page 8
There was only one small article regarding Donna’s appearance at the Temple in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It read:
…Three vaudeville acts complete the bill. Ella LaVail appears in gymnastic stunts; Al and May Royce offer a clever dance and song act and Donna Darlingand companypresent a musical and comedy program.
It appears that the Temple’s ads refer to the movie playing and only mentions that there are “3 ACTS VAUDEVILLE.” The movie “Just Tony” began Thursday, February 1st, and ran until the 4th. I am confident that Donna’s show ran during the same dates.
Linwood Dyer Collection – Part 053 Hod, Wright, JPD, Liz, Others Album (2024.13.50) Portland, Maine By Don Taylor
The Linwood D. Dyer Photo Collection is a remarkable historical archive, encompassing hundreds of carefully preserved images, documents, and genealogical records that paint a vivid portrait of life in Scarborough and its surrounding communities. Among its treasures lies this particular photo album, its spine bearing the intriguing notation “HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS” – a cryptic reference to the faces and stories. While many photographs in the album contain detailed labels illuminating their subjects’ identities, others remain mysterious, their subjects waiting to be recognized and named. As a historian and curator, I have embarked on a meaningful mission to connect these historical photographs with descendants of the people they depict, offering families the profound experience of discovering previously unseen images of their ancestors. The original materials, including this album (Accession number: 2024.13.50), are preserved at the Scarborough Historical Society, serving as part of the broader Linwood Dyer Photo Collection’s enduring legacy.
Page 1
This album commences with two photographs, each labeled.
James Small, circa 1893.
James Small, circa 1893.
This cabinet card features a man identified as James Small. The photographer was Ye Longfellow Gallery at 655 Congress Street in Portland, Maine. The Longfellow Gallery operated at this address from 1892 to 1910, placing the photo’s date between 1892 and 1910.
The 1900 US Census lists four James Smalls residing in Portland:
James A. Small (57), married to Marietta S. Small (54), living at 21 Parris Street.
James Small (32), married to Hattie L. Small (33), living at 52 Bramhall Street.
James A. Small (41), married to Oura E. Small (40), living at 161 St. John Street.
James Small (38), a widowed boarder residing with William Robb at 419½ Congress Street.
My previous genealogical research uncovered James A. Small (1842-1935), who married Marietta Hunnewell (1846-1923) on September 1, 1868.
The man in the photo appears to be in his late 40s or early 50s. If the photo was taken around 1893, James would be approximately 51 years old, aligning with the image’s appearance.
I am confident this is a portrait of James Austin Small (1842-1935). I have added his photo to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.
Marietta (Hunnewell) Small, circa 1893
Marietta (Hunnewell) Small, circa 1893
This cabinet card features a woman labeled “Aunt Met Hunnewell Small.” The photographer was Ye Longfellow Gallery at 655 Congress Street in Portland, Maine. The Longfellow Gallery operated at this address from 1892 to 1910, placing the photo’s date between 1892 and 1910.
I believe Susan Josephine (Plummer) Dyer created this photo album. If so, Marietta Hunnewell would be her step-aunt. The woman in the photo also appears to be in her late 40s or early 50s, aligning with her age if the photo was taken around 1893.
I am confident this is a portrait of Marietta (Hunnewell) Small (1846-1923). I have added her photo to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.
Page 8
Forest Libby, circa 1890
Forest Libby, circa 1890.
This cabinet card features a young man labeled “Forest, Son of Luvy (Hunnewell) Libby & Addie Libby, Aunt Met Hunnewell Small.” The photographer was H. M. Smith, located at 257½ Middle Street in Portland, Maine. H. M. Smith appears in the Portland City Directory in 1891 and 1892 at this address. He moved to 478½ in 1893. He is absent from the directories between 1888 and 1890, suggesting he might have been operating at 257½ Middle Street during this period but was not listed. Therefore, I date the photo to approximately 1890, with a possible range of two years.
My prior research into the Libby family revealed Forest Libby (1867-), son of Samuel and Lucy Ann (Hunnewell) Libby. He was also the nephew of Susan Josephine Libby’s father-in-law.
Addie Libby, circa 1882
Addie Libby, circa 1882.
This cabinet card features a young woman labeled “Addie Libby.” The photographer is not identified on the front or back of the card. It is located in the photo album on the same pages as her brother, Forest Libby. Addie Libby passed away in 1886 at the age of 24. Based on her appearance, I estimate she is around 20 years old in the photo, placing the date at approximately 1882.
I have added both photos of Forest and Addie Libby to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry and to their respective FamilySearch profiles (KG49-6GJ for Forest and KG49-6GJ for Addie).
Page 9
Forest Libby, circa 1884 & 1886
Forest Libby, circa 1886
This page includes two photos of the same man, both labeled “Forest Libby.”
The first photo was taken by Walter E. Chickering, located at 476 & 627 Washington Street in Boston. Walter E. Chickering was at 627 Washington Street in 1885 and 1886, 21 West Street in 1882, and 43 Winter Street in 1889, suggesting he might have been at 627 Washington Street between 1883 and 1888. Thus, I date this photo to approximately 1886, with a possible range of two years.
Forest Libby, circa 1886
The second photo on the page lacks a photographer’s identification. However, Forest appears to be younger than in the other two photos. I estimate he is about 17 years old in this photo, placing the date at approximately 1884.
I have added all three photos of Forest to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry and to his FamilySearch profile (LZZM-VKX).
Conclusion
Family photographs hold an extraordinary power to connect us across generations, offering glimpses into the lives, personalities, and experiences of those who came before us. The discovery of an unseen photograph of a beloved ancestor can be a profoundly moving experience that collapses the distance of time and allows us to see our family members as they once were, perhaps in the full bloom of youth or childhood. If any of these images have helped you recognize a member of your family tree, I would be deeply grateful to hear your story and learn how these photographs have enriched your understanding of your family’s history.
For those interested in accessing the highest quality versions of these historical photographs for genealogical research, please note that due to technical constraints, the full-resolution images are available through Ancestry and Family Search, as noted. These photographs are shared freely for your family history research and documentation, with the simple request that you acknowledge their source with the citation: “Photo Courtesy: Scarborough Historical Society.” By sharing and properly attributing these images, you help maintain the vital connection between these historical materials and their custodians, ensuring that future generations can continue to discover and learn from these precious visual records of our shared past.
After learning from FamilySearch that Pocahontas might be my 12th great-grandmother[i], I thought I’d take another step along the path to confirm she is my ancestor.
The supposed connection is on my mother’s father’s line.
I feel confident that Josiah is the father of Reuben Fugate. So, next, I want to confirm his parents. While I was doing that, I decided to examine Josiah’s life in some detail. I’ll start with what sources Family Search can suggest about Josiah Fugate – LJGD-VBR – and my comments about those facts & sources.
Summary
My 6th great-grandfather, Josiah Fugate, was very much a pioneer in colonial America. He was born in Orange County, Virginia (about 30 miles west of Fredericksburg). He married Elizabeth Smithers in 1760 and moved west to Montgomery County, Virginia, sometime before 1781. He moved west again to Montgomery County, Kentucky, by 1797. Finally, in 1810, he moved west again to Missouri Territory and died in Ralls County, Missouri, before 1824.
Findings
1740 – Find-a-Graveº suggests that Cpt. Josiah Fugate (1740-1824) had 15 children. Three were born in 1762, two in 1763, and four in 1780. It also suggests that two children were named John, one born in 1762 and one born in 1764, but both died in 1837. I immediately thought there were several errors in the children’s birthdates and that the two Johns were the same child. I consider Find-a-Grave as a source for hints or lines of inquiry as I judge family trees and genealogies. There were 53 “facts” I gleaned from it. I wonder how many of them I will still consider factual when I finish this exercise.
1760 – Josiah married Elizabeth Smithers about 1760 in Frederick (probably Virginia).
1774 – The Georgia Genealogist: Georgia Military Records 1774-1863º page 4 indicates that Josiah Fewgate was an inhabitant of Wrightsborough (35 miles west of Augusta), Georgia, in 1774. I’ve seen no evidence of Josiah Fugate being in Georgia, and the spelling is different. I decided to dismiss this source for the time being.
1781 – Randal & Josiah Fugate were seated for a Grand Jury of Inquest for Montgomery County, Virginia. (Film # 007897248 – Image 357 of 549.
1782 – James, Josiah, & Randolph Fugate are all listed in the 1782 records for Montgomery County (Film # 007856149).[ii] The three brothers appear next to each other, and each has one tithe (showing they were over 21).
1784 – It appears that James & Josiah moved west (or south) as they appear in the property tax records for Washington County (Film # 007856314, Image 75).
1785 – James & Josiah appear in the property tax records for Washington County (Film # 007856314, Image 85). The number of cattle owned by Josiah is not legible. Josiah Fugate 1 – 2 – 0 – 5 – ?
1786 – Russell County was established from a section of Washington County.[1]
1786 – Josiah Fugate is identified as a Captain of the Militia, Russell County, Virginia.[iii]
1787 – James, Josiah, & Randolph appear in the Russell County Tax Records (Film # 007856297, Image 15 of 910). Josiah seems to be prospering. His number of horses increased to 7, and his cattle to 13. His son Randolph also appears in the tax records in Russell County.
1792 – Kentucky became a state. However, Russell County, Virginia, remained in Virginia.[iv]
1797 – It appears that Josiah & Randolph had moved west again. They appear in the Montgomery County, Kentucky, Tax Records (Film # 007834491 – Image 20 of 1,005)[v].
Fugate, Josiah owns 1,300 acres. He continues to prosper as he now has 10 horses. There is a second male between 16 and 21 in the household. My records suggest that Josiah’s son Josiah (Jr.?) would be that child, a young male, 18.
1799 – Josiah continues to prosper as he now has 12 horses.
1800 – Josiah continues to prosper; he now has 1,350 acres. His son, Josiah appears as a white male over 21. Also in the household are two white males, 16 to 21. They must be sons, Reuben & William, suggesting they were both under 16 in 1797.
1801 – Josiah continues to pay his taxes, but there are still two males under 21. Randal and Josiah Jr. appear on the following page.
1800 – Floyd County was created from parts of Fleming, Montgomery, and Mason County, Kentucky.[vi] This will affect Josiah’s property in Sandy.
1802, 1804, 1805, & 1807 – Josiah continues to pay his taxes in Montgomery County.
1807 – Josiah moved west again and lived in the District of St. Louis, Upper Louisiana. Josiah and Betty indentured 273 acres to Daniel Denly. The the sale wasn’t proved until 1812, after Bath County was created, consequently the property is identified as being in Bath County. However, because of the 1809 and 1810 tax records, I don’t believe he moved to the District of St. Louis until 1810.
1808 – Received deed for 550 acres on Bald Eagle from James & Kezia French on 21 June 1808. He paid his 1808 property tax.
1809 – Sold 100 acres to William Grimes and 56 acres to Enoch Burnes. He gifted his son Reubin 100 acres. He paid his taxes on 250 acres.
1810 – Signed a Memorial regarding property claims being rejected. Proves that Josiah and James had moved to the Louisiana Territory. He is taxed on 250 acres in Montgomery County but isn’t identified as a resident, confirming his move to Missouri Territory by 1810.
Missouri Territory – 1812
1811– Bath County was created from Montgomery County, Kentucky.[vii] This affected the record of Josiah’s property sale deed from 1807.
1812 – Missouri Territory was created from Louisiana Territory.[viii]
1815 – Josiah sold 134 acres in Bath County to James Rogers.
1821 – Josiah created a will that listed his 11( living) children: Randel, John, Elizabeth, Maryan, Sally, Rachel, Josiah Jr., Reuben, Wm. C, Susannah, and James.
1821-1824 – Different researchers identify several dates for Josiah’s death. All put his location as Ralls County, Missouri.
Conclusion
However, it appears that the tentative relationship to Pocahontas is no longer appearing in Family Search. As such, I’ll be abandoning this project and will continue my research into the Fugate ancestors as part of my regular research.
However, WikiTree suggests I am related to Metacom Wampanoag (also known as King Philip) through my Roberts ancestors. It is challenging to be a historian in Maine without knowing a bit about King Philip’s War. So, I’ve created a new project to investigate that possible connection. WikiTree also suggests I have 36 degrees of separation from Charlemagne through my Roberts line. Again, this is another future project. (I have heard that most people of European descent have Charlemagne as an ancestor, but it can be hard to prove.) Anyway, there are many more ancestors for me to investigate. I am forever amazed by people who say they have their entire tree done.
Areas for Further Research:
Birth
Analyze Josiah’s birth records and determine his birth year and location.
Marriage
Some sources suggest Josiah and Elizabeth were married in Frederick County, Virginia, others suggest Frederick County. Maryland. Determine which is correct.
Children
Confirm if there was a daughter June Fugate. If so, she must have died young.
Daughter Mary Elizabeth probably died before Josiah created his will – Confirm.
Daughter Susannah and Susan are probably the same child person – Confirm.
(I’ve already deleted the second John from my list of children.)
The 1809 Power of Attorney to his son Reuben was done with the assistance of his friend Nathaniel W Ralls. In 1810, Josiah moved to Louisiana Territory and later lived in what would be Ralls County. Ralls County was named after Daniel Ralls when it was created in 1820. Could Josiah’s friend Nathaniel Ralls be closely related to Daniel Ralls. If so, what would be the relationship?
Death
Some sources suggest Josiah died in 1821, others in 1823, and others in 1824. Determine the correct date.
[ii] “Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1857”★★★★ is a treasure trove of information. It is microfilm of original records at the Virginia State Library and Archives in Richmond, Virginia. I particularly thank DDeLisle for their work in identifying the tax records for Josiah in his Family Search Profile. What a great job!
[iii] Lewis Preston Summers, History of southwest Virginia, -1786, Washington County, 1777 to 1870. (1903), Pages 388 & 389 – Josiah Fugate – Captains of Militia. J. L. Hill printing company, Richmond, Va.,1903. Library of Congress (https://www.loc.gov/item/28000530/).
Linwood Dyer Collection – Part 051
Hod, Wright, JPD, Liz, Others Album (2024.13.50)
Portland, Maine – Scarborough, Maine
By Don Taylor
The Linwood D. Dyer Photo Collection stands as a remarkable historical archive, encompassing hundreds of carefully preserved images, documents, and genealogical records that paint a vivid portrait of life in Scarborough and its surrounding communities. Among its treasures lies this particular photo album, its spine bearing the intriguing notation “HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS” – a cryptic reference to the faces and stories contained within. While many photographs in the album carry detailed labels that illuminate their subjects’ identities, others remain mysterious, their subjects waiting to be recognized and named. As a historian and curator, I have embarked on a meaningful mission to connect these historical photographs with descendants of the people they depict, offering families the profound experience of discovering previously unseen images of their ancestors. The original materials, including this album (Accession number: 2024.13.43), are carefully preserved at the Scarborough Historical Society, where they serve as part of the broader Linwood Dyer Photo Collection’s enduring legacy.
Annie & Ella Libby, c. 1896
Annie & Ella Libby, c. 1896
A captivating cabinet card, measuring 4¼ x 6½ inches, captures the portrait of two young women whose striking resemblance suggests a sisterly bond. The photograph bears an inscription identifying them as Annie and Ella Libby, and was taken at the prestigious Colpitts & Company studio at 514 Congress Street in Portland, Maine. Through careful research of Portland City Directories, we can establish that Colpitts & Company operated at this address between 1894 and 1898, before relocating to 559½ Congress Street – placing this image within a specific window of approximately 1896, plus or minus two years.
Historical records point to these women being Ella (born 1864) and Annie (born 1870), daughters of Samuel and Lucy Ann (Hunnewell) Libby. Their appearance in this album alongside “Aunt Liz (Plummer) Wright” provides a fascinating familial connection – they would have been nieces to the wife of Aunt Liz’s father, weaving an intricate web of family relationships typical of late 19th-century New England. However, this identification presents an intriguing puzzle: if photographed during Colpitts & Company’s tenure at the 514 Congress location, Ella and Annie would have been 28 and 24 years old, respectively. The subjects in the portrait appear noticeably younger, suggesting ages between 18 and 22. This discrepancy raises the possibility that this cabinet card might be a reproduction of an earlier photograph, a common practice in that era.
Given these uncertainties in precise identification, I have chosen to include this image only in my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry, where it can be further studied and verified by other genealogical researchers.
Liz (Plummer) Wright, c. 1894
Liz (Plummer) Wright, circa. 1894.
A beautifully preserved cabinet card reveals an intimate portrait of Sarah Elizabeth “Aunt Liz” Plummer Wright, captured by the renowned Portland photographer H.M. Smith at his 478½ Congress Street studio. Through careful examination of Portland business records, we can place this photograph within a specific historical window – Smith operated his studio at this address from 1890 to 1898, suggesting the portrait was taken around 1894, with a margin of approximately five years in either direction. The timing of this photograph takes on particular significance when we consider that it was likely taken during the period leading up to Sarah Elizabeth’s marriage to Albert E. Wright, which took place on June 3, 1896, in Scarborough, Maine.
Sarah Elizabeth Plummer’s life (1871-1943) was deeply woven into the fabric of late nineteenth-century Maine society. As the daughter of David O. and Alice (Stone) Plummer, she grew up alongside her siblings Walter, Susan, and Nellie Plummer, establishing the strong family connections that would later make her “Aunt Liz” to a new generation. Her marriage to Albert E. Wright (1865-1938) further expanded these family bonds, and her role as Great-Aunt to Linwood D. Dyer helped ensure the preservation of this remarkable photograph within his collection.
To facilitate ongoing genealogical research and family connections, this important visual document has been added to both the Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry and Sarah Elizabeth’s Family Search profile (LT4J-QK3). These digital repositories ensure that this glimpse into the life of “Aunt Liz” remains accessible to future generations of researchers and family members.
Josephine Plummer Dyer, circa 1888
Susan Josephine Plummer (later Dyer), circa 1888.
This compelling cabinet card captures a poignant moment in Maine family history – a portrait of young Josephine Plummer Dyer, photographed at Charles W. Hearn’s prestigious Photographic and Art Studio in Portland. Hearn, who maintained his studio at 514 Congress Street (with an additional location at 655 Congress Street) from 1883 to 1889, was known for his artful portraiture of Portland’s families. The dating of this photograph can be established through multiple converging lines of evidence: the studio’s operational timeline places it within the period of 1886, plus or minus three years, while the physical appearance of the young subject – approximately six years old in the image – aligns perfectly with Josephine’s 1882 birth date, suggesting the portrait was taken around 1888.
Susan Josephine Plummer, as she was formally known, would later forge her own chapter in the family story when she married Ernest H. Dyer on June 20, 1900, beginning a lineage that would eventually include her grandson, Linwood D. Dyer. The photograph takes on particular historical significance as it captures the childhood of someone who would become a vital link in the family chain – Linwood’s paternal grandmother.
The confluence of the studio’s documented business timeline, Josephine’s known birth date, and the visual evidence of her age in the portrait provides compelling authentication that we are indeed looking at a childhood image of Susan Josephine (Plummer) Dyer, captured around 1886. This photograph serves as a remarkable window into late 19th-century childhood and stands as a testament to the practice of formal portrait photography that was becoming increasingly accessible to middle-class families during this period.
The photograph’s preservation and proper identification adds another valuable piece to our understanding of the Plummer-Dyer family history, offering modern viewers a rare glimpse of a future family matriarch in her childhood years.
Conclusion
Family photographs hold an extraordinary power to connect us across generations, offering glimpses into the lives, personalities, and experiences of those who came before us. The discovery of an unseen photograph of a beloved ancestor can be a profoundly moving experience – one that collapses the distance of time and allows us to see our family members as they once were, perhaps in the full bloom of youth or childhood. If any of these images have helped you recognize a member of your own family tree, I would be deeply grateful to hear your story and learn how these photographs have enriched your understanding of your family’s history.
For those interested in accessing the highest quality versions of these historical photographs for genealogical research, please note that due to technical constraints, the full-resolution images are available through Ancestry, Dead Fred, and Flickr platforms. These photographs are shared freely for your family history research and documentation, with the simple request that you acknowledge their source with the citation: “Photo Courtesy: Scarborough Historical Society.” By sharing and properly attributing these images, you help maintain the vital connection between these historical materials and their custodians, ensuring that future generations can continue to discover and learn from these precious visual records of our shared past.
Hinkley Family Photographs (2024.13.43)
Portland, Maine
By Don Taylor
This photo album, part of the Linwood D. Dyer Photo Collection, is in poor condition. Many photos are glued in place, making it impossible to examine their backs. However, the photos in the album focus on the Hinkley family. The collection contains hundreds of images, documents, and genealogies of people who lived in Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, and Cape Elizabeth, Maine. My goal is to connect these images with their descendants, who may never have seen them before. The original collection is housed at the Scarborough Historical Society[i].
Gruver Family – c. 1910
Margaret Prindle (Hinkley), Elbert Asa, Eleanor, and Elbert Asa, Jr. Gruver.
Elbert Gruver Family, circa 1910.
Page 57 of the album showcases a heartwarming photograph of the Gruver family. A note accompanying the image reads “Mgt & Elber Gruver.” I believe this depicts Elbert Asa and Margaret Prindle (Hinkley) Gruver with their two eldest children, Eleanor and Elbert Asa Jr. Considering Elbert Jr.’s birthdate of August 21, 1905, and his apparent age of five in the photo, I estimate the picture was taken around 1910. Elbert and Margaret welcomed another child, Margaret Hinkley Gruver, in May 1911. Her absence from this photo further supports the 1910 timeframe.
Page 56 of the album showcases a photograph of a man, though the image itself is unlabeled. The photographer, “Hanson, Portland, ME,” is embossed on the picture. Based on the 1916 Portland City Directory, Hanson operated a photography business then.
Further evidence on page 57 strongly suggests that this photograph depicts Elbert Asa Gruver. This identification aligns with other pictures I have of Elbert.
Page 58 features two photographs of Frank L. Quinby, Jr., born in 1908.
My research identifies him as the son of Frank Lees and Francis (Hinkley) Quinby. According to his Find a Grave memorial, Frank Lees Quinby, Jr. was born on September 23, 1908, in East Orange, New Jersey, and passed away on November 22, 1965. He married Mildred A. Quinby (born June 23, 1906; died September 4, 1996). Based on the child’s estimated age of two, I believe these photographs were taken around 1910.
Frank L Quinby, Sr., & Jr. c. 1910.
Page 59 showcases two additional photographs labeled “Frank.”
Interestingly, Ancestry hints for Frank Lees Quinby (1908-1965) include a photograph of him wearing a winter coat next to a house. This image is also present in the “Ridge-Lownie-Biles-Forepaugh” family tree of William R555. The Hinkley Photo Album also features a photograph of Frank alongside a younger man, whom I presume to be his father, Frank Lees Quinby, Sr. (1880-1965).
Page 60 showcases two photographs labeled “Betty,” both dated 1910. One picture captures a tender moment of a woman holding a baby. I am confident that this is Frances Elizabeth Prindle (Hinkley) Quinby cradling her daughter, also named Francis Elizabeth Quinby, who was born on July 28, 1910, in East Orange, New Jersey.
I have added this cherished photograph to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry.
Quinby Family – 1911
Frank L Quinby Family, 1911
Frank Lees, Frances Elizabeth Prindle (Hinkley), Frank Lees, Jr., & Frances Elizabeth “Betty” Quinby
Page 61 showcases two photographs labeled “Quinbys,” both dated 1911. This heartwarming photograph captures Frances Elizabeth Prindle (Hinkley) Quinby at the age of 33, her son, Frank Lees Quinby, at the age of three, and her husband, Frank Lees Quinby, at the age of 31, proudly holding their infant daughter, Frances Elizabeth Quinby.
I have added the best of these photographs to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry.
Walter J Gambell – c. 1893
Walter J Gambell of New York
The photo has a printed label on the top indicating “W. J. Gambell.” Handwritten on the back of the card is “Walter J Gambell.” The photographer is “Frederick’s Knickerbocker Family Portrait Gallery – 770 Broadway – Cor. 9th Street – New York. That studio operated at that address from 1869 to at least 1894.[i]
The 1880 US Census identifies a 23-year-old Walter J Gambell living with his parents Wright C. and Elizabeth Gambell in Brooklyn. Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Walter James Gambell, born 26 Jun 1856. His mother was Elizabeth Bremmer Anderson.
The man in this photo appears to me to be in his late 30s, suggesting the photo was taken about 1893.
So, I believe this is a photo of Walter James Gambell (1856-1898) taken about 1893. However, I am not confident enough to include the image with his FamilySearch profile or my Family Tree. If you are researching Walter, please let me know if you can confirm the identity of this photo.
I uploaded this photo to their Family Search Profiles and to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry.
I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.[ii]
Feel free to use these photos in your genealogical activities. Please cite “Photo Courtesy: Scarborough Historical Society.”
