This week for Montran Monday[i], I found the following article in the Boston Evening Transcript dated 4 August 1899, Page 9, Column 5, 1st full paragraph.[ii]
“At the Summer Resorts” Golf the Feature at Camden
Madame Najia Maqhabghat and her brother, Joseph Montran, of New York, are guests of Mrs. Horace Barnes, at the Eager homestead. Madame Maqhabghab will give a Persian tea, early in August, in Camden [Maine].
I learned:
It is not clear if this Joseph Montran is the same Joseph Montran I had identified before. So I added a new Joseph Montran, who lived in New York in 1899, and his sister Najia.
Other Actions
A search on Newspapers.com and Ancestry.com for Maqhabghat and Maqhabghab yielded no results other than this one article. So the spelling of Najia’s last name is still unclear and was probably misspelled in the newspaper – twice.
ENDNOTES
[i] Montran Monday – My grandmother’s father was John Montran. She used the surname, as a young child and again when she began in show business. The name is uncommon and most of the Montrans I see in the newspapers are my grandmother during her early vaudeville career. However, with the constant flow of newly digitized material, I often learn of new articles which contain the Montran name. I pay attention to the finding and try to determine a possible relationship of any Montrans to Donna’s father, John Montran.
Note: I intended to post this research before I posted the Sketch about Edward Lamb. I does, however, provide information about how I got to the Edward Lame sketch.
Introduction
Sorting out what happened to Isabella (Atkinson) Lamb has been difficult. I know she married Edward Lamb on 27 November 1853. I believe she had five children with Edward:
The 1861 Census found the Edward Lamb family living in Warcop at the Fox & Hounds. The census shows:
Edward Lamb Head, Age 29 – Victualler[v] – Born in Warcop
Isabella Lamb Wife, Age 26 – Born in Long Marton
Margaret Lamb Daughter, Age 11 Months – Born in Warcop
Dorothy Bradley Visitor (widow) age 77 – Landed Proprietor – born in Warcop.
So, the 1861 Census suggests the following:
Jane and Ann died before 7 April 1861, or I erroneously associated as children of Edward and Isabella.
Dorothy Bradley is likely a person for me to further research, looking for a relationship.
This made me wonder about Jane and Ann. What were my sources for them? When I reviewed them, the sources I had did not correctly associate Jane as the daughter of Edward and Isabella. I will reapply that association if I find something that fits the association.
So, where were the Lamb’s during the 1871 Census?
Censuses
1871
Edward Lamb
I believe I found Edward Lamb previously in the 1871 Census[vi]. He lived with his widowed mother, Ann Lamb, and his two spinster sisters, Isabella and Mary. Ann is the owner of the House and Land, and Edward is a Labourer. All had been born in West Sandford. Next door to them is John Atkinson (Age 44) and his sister Mary (Age 38).
James Cooper Lamb
James Cooper Lamb has a unique enough name to be easily found. Nine-year-old James is located in the household of his grandfather, John Atkinson, along with his aunt, Ann, and uncle, John. James is attending school (Scholar). John Senior is 70 and a farmer of 73 acres. John (senior) and James were born in Warcop, while John (junior) and Ann were born in Knock.
They are living in Soulby.
Endnotes:
[i] England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975, Family Search, Ann Lamb – Milburn, Westmorland, England. “England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J3VJ-K4B : 11 February 2018, Isabella in entry for Ann Lamb, 27 Mar 1859); citing , index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 97,399. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J3VJ-K4B.
[ii] Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1967, Margaret McAlister (McAllister) – Died 14 Jan 1929.
Source: Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania (State). Death certificates, 1906–1967; Certificate Number Range: 000001- 003000. Accessed 9/28/2019.
[iii] England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975, Family Search, James Cooper Lamb – Warcop, Westmorland, England. “England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NR9L-K8X : 11 February 2018, James Cooper Lamb, 18 May 1862); citing , index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 97,420. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NR9L-K8X.
[iv] England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975, Family Search, Edward Lamb – Kendal, Westmorland, England – 1864. “England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J7FS-B8Y : 10 February 2018, Isabella in entry for Edward Lamb, ); citing – 2:2ZKX01V, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 1,471,686. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J7FS-B8R.
[v] A Victualler is a person licensed to sell alcoholic liquor.
[vi] 1871 England Census (April 2) (National Archives of the UK), Ancestry, Ann Lamb – Head – Sanford, Westmorland, England. “England and Wales Census, 1871”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V557-7BQ : 28 September 2019), Mary Lamb in entry for Ann Lamb, 1871. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V557-7B9.
That is complicated to answer. An abusive stepfather complicated my life and my mother’s life. My mom left him several times. One of those times, we left him in Minneapolis and went west to Denver, Colorado. He convinced her that he had “changed,” and we returned to him in Minneapolis.
A few months later, I had had enough and ran away, this time by myself. I hopped on a bus by myself and headed for Denver. I had learned there was a circus operating there and intended to join it. (Yes, I really did “run away to join the circus.” On the bus, I fortuitously encountered a man that was returning to the circus. He had been a clown with the circus. He dissuaded me from joining that life. So, once I got to Denver, I didn’t join the circus. Instead, I got a room at a rooming house and a job at a nearby store. It was summer, but I registered for school in the fall and intended to live independently, go to school, and work enough to pay for food and a place to live. I was 14, living just off East Colfax, and working at a Safeway (I lied about my age) just a few blocks away from my rooming house. I was in Denver for about four weeks.
Then, one evening, I was walking home quite late and the police stopped me. I didn’t have any ID and they suspected I was underage, so they brought me in for a “curfew violation.” I didn’t want to give them my address, but after a few hours, I finally gave them 2419 Bryant. A few minutes later, a furious policeman came back to inform me they sent a car there, but there was no 2419 on Bryant. I thought I had been so cute, but they didn’t think it was funny. It was then I told them it was 2419 Bryant, Minneapolis (not Denver).
Apparently, they contacted the Minneapolis Police Department, because the next day, the police informed me that my “parents” were informed where I was, and they were going to have me fly back to Minneapolis. I don’t recall if it was the third or fourth day being in custody in Denver, but I was eventually taken to the Denver airport and put on a non-stop flight to Minneapolis. The social worker person told the flight crew I wasn’t to be allowed to slip out of the plane. The plane was met in Minneapolis by my mom and my stepfather.
I learned to not be cute, clever, or difficult with the police. I also learned making a life for yourself is difficult.
Things with my stepfather improved for a while. First, my stepfather didn’t get on me for a couple of months, then my parents bought a new house, and we moved to a temporary home for a few months while the new house was being built. While in that temporary house, one of my step-sisters lived with us. My stepfather was always “good” when she was around. Anyway, she returned to her mother’s about when we moved to the new house in the suburbs. It was several months before I ran away again, but that is another story.
This week for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes contain the names who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. As such, it is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.
Harriett Collver, circa 1937 (age 66)
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Harrie Collver – Trelawny Bldg #849.” (Note: The Trelawney Building is 655 Congress Street, Portland.)
Harriett Collver, circa 1937
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Harriett R Collver as an Artist employed at 225½ Middle, whose home was at 655 Congress, Room 328.
The 1940 Census indicates that Harriet was born in 1905 in Ohio and lived in the same house during 1935.
However, the 1930 Census indicates that Harriett was born about 1891 in Ohio and lived at 655 Congress Street. Her father was born in New Jersey, and her mother was born in Ohio.
Ancestry Family Trees suggests that Harriett Russell Collver, the daughter of David Jayne and Isabelle (Russell) Collver, was born on 2 December 1871.
Family Search identifies ML8W-MM7, daughter of David Jay and Isabel (Russell) Collver, born 2 December 1871 in Green Creek, Sandusky County, Ohio.
Although the age of Harriett appears to have shifted significantly (born in 1905 in 1940 and born thirty-six years earlier, I am confident this is the same person. These photos were taken about 1936. This photo appears to be a woman in her sixties, much older than a woman about 30.
I have uploaded two photos of Harriett to her Family Search Memories profile. I also have uploaded one additional photo of her to my Flickr photostream.
Catherine Conley, c. 1937 (age 19)
This negative envelope says, “Miss Katherine Conley, 35 Stone St, Portland #790.”
Catherine Conley, c. 1937
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1938 Portland City Directory reports Catherine Conley residing at 35 Stone. Additionally, the Directory reports Michael J Conley, a longshoreman, living with his wife Kathleen at 35 Stone.
The 1940 Census reports Michael Conley, his wife Catherine, and daughter Catherine A. Conley living at 35 Stone. Catherine, the daughter, was born in Maine; Catherine, the wife, was born in Canada. Michael and his wife Catherine are 45 years old. Catherine, the daughter, is 22 and is the oldest of six children living at home. Notably, there are 11 Michael Conley’s living in Portland during the 1940 Census.
The 1930 Census reports six Catherine Conley’s. Four of them were born in Maine.
Catherine Agnes Conley was born in Portland on 21 November 1917 to Michael Joseph and Catherine (McMahon) Conley.
Alternative individuals
According to the 1940 Census, there were six other Catherine Conley’s living in Portland.
Catherine Conley, Age 17 (b. 1923), daughter of Mary Conley.
Catherine M. Conley, Age 44, (b. 1896), daughter of Michael E. Conley.
Catherine M. Conley, Age 58, wife of Edward Conley.
Catherine E. Conley, Age 30, niece of Mary E. Conley.
Katherine Conley, Age 7, daughter of Michael S. and Annie F. Conley.
Katherine A. Conley, Age 41, wife of Thomas A. Conley.
None of these appear to be the Miss Katherine Conley in this photo.
Family Search identifies L16K-LKK as Catherine Agnes Conley, the daughter of Michael Joseph and Catharine (Mahon) Conley. Because of the linkage to the address, I am sure this photo is of Catherine about 1936 when she was about 19 years old. Catherine is identified in seven Ancestry Family Trees.
The envelope this negative was in says, “Mr Geo. Comas, 1 Shepley St, Portland #607.”
George P. Comas, c. 1936
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists George P Comas as a clerk at 570- Congress, residing at 1 Shepley.
The 1936 Portland City Directory indicates that he had moved to 204 B.
In 1937, the Directory indicates he had married Lucille) and was living at 2 Gray, Apt 6.
In 1940, 29-year-old George and his wife Lucille were living at 449 Main in South Portland. George had been born in Maine.
In the 1930 Census, the 19-year-old George Comas lives with his parents, Peter and Mary Comas, in Newburyport, Essex, Massachusetts.
Family Search identifies GQRX-NZP as the son of Peter George and Mary (Stylianakos) Comas. He was born on 27 March 1911. Because George moved from Shepley about 1936, I am quite sure this was George when he was about 25. Fourteen trees at Ancestry.Com refer to George P Comas.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs Catherine Conley, 35 Stone St. Portland #710.”
Therese Leonne Conley, circa 1936
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The Michael Conley family, who lived at 35 Stone Street in Portland during the 1940 Census, included his wife and seven children. The two youngest daughters were Therese, age 12, and Ruth, age 15.
This photo was taken before the picture of Miss Catherine Conley reviewed above or about 1935 or 1936. Therese would have been about 5 or 6, while Ruth would have been about 10 or 11. The child in this photo is clearly younger than 10, so I am convinced it was a photo of Therese when she was about seven years old.
Family Search does not have a profile for Therese Leonne Conley, daughter of Michael Joseph and Cathleen (McMahon) Conley. However, Therese is found in five trees at Ancestry.Com.
Besides this photo of Therese, I have uploaded a second photo of her to Dead Fred.
Margaret Costello, circa 1935 (age 27)
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Margaret Costello, 13 Stetson Court, Portland #259.”
Margaret Costello, circa 1935
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Margaret C. Costello residing at 13 Stetson Ct. It also lists Hannah, widow of Patrick, whose home was at 13 Stetson Ct. Additionally, Miles E. J. Costello resided there.
The 1930 Census shows 21-year-old Margret Costello living with her parents, Patrick and Hannah Costello, in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.
Further research indicates that Margaret Costello was born on 27 May 1907.
Margaret Costello, the daughter of Patrick and Hannah Costello, does not appear to have a Family Search profile. However, Margaret “Peg” Costello is found in nine trees at Ancestry.Com.
Three successful identifications that I could post to Family Search.
Two successful identifications that I had to post to Dead Fred because Family Search did not have a profile for the individual.
I was able to find all five individuals in Ancestry Trees. Hopefully, I will receive confirmations on some of these identifications.
Final Note
If any of these photos are of your family member, I would love to hear your reaction. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.
Endnotes
[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.
[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.
Amanuensis[i] Monday
Darling, McAllister, Lamb
By Don Taylor
The 1894 Last Will and Testament of Edward Lamb shows the rift that occurred in the Lamb family. Sometime between 1861 and 1871, the Lamb family blew apart. During the 1871 Census, Edward was enumerated living with his mother and two sisters. His wife, Isabella, and son, Edward, went off to parts unknown, to be found in 1881 in Lancashire. His daughter Margaret left Westmorland and headed to Workington, Cumberland, England, where she married. She then emigrated to the United States in 1884. His son, James Cooper Lamb, appears to have had a stint in jail, cleaned his act up, and joined the military, where he was when Edward completed his will. So, although his wife, daughter, and two sons were living, he gave everything he had to James.
Edward Lamb’s Probate Document*
BE IT KNOWN that at the date hereunder written the last Will and Testament of Edward Lamb of Sanford in the parish of Warcop in the county of Westmorland, farmer, deceased, who died on the first day of November 1893 at Sanford aforesaid and who at the time of his death had a fixed place of abode at Sanford aforesaid within the District of the Counties of Cumberland and Westmorland was proved and registered in the District Probate Registry of Her Majesty’s High Court of Justice at Carlisle and that Administration of the personal estate of the said deceased was granted by the aforesaid Court to James Cooper Lamb of Linen Hall Barracks in the city of Dublin Sergeant in the 4th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, son of the said deceased, the sole executor. Named in the said will he having been first sworn well and faithfully to administer the same.
Dated the 10th day of July 1894
Gross value of Personal Estate £22.10.0
33rd Section
Extracted by John Bell
Solicitor Appleby.
Edward Lamb’s Will*
This is the Last Will and Testament of me, Edward Lamb of Sanford in the parish of Warcop in the county of Westmorland, Farmer. I appoint my son, James Cooper Lamb sole executor of this my will I give and bequeath all my money, securities for money nd all my household stores and articles of consumption, linen, furniture and other effects of household use or ornament articles and implements of every kind and description and all other goods and chattels of which I may be entitled to dispose by this my will to the said James Cooper Lamb for his own use absolutely I give and devise my to freehold messuages or dwelling houses situate at Sanford in the township of Sanford in the parish of Warcop in the said County of Westmorland with the yards, gardens and appurtenances hereunto belonging and the field thereunto adjoining commonly call or known by the name of Mosey Dale and also all that my open and unenclosed Dale situate in Sanford Mise in the said township of Sanford and Parish of Warcop to the said James Cooper Lamb absolutely and I give devise appoint and bequeath all other my real and personal estate whatsoever and wherever and whether in possession reversion remainder of expectancy unto my said son James Cooper Lamb for his own use absolutely and I declare this only to be my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I the said Edward Lamb have herein to set my hand this eighteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and ninety three.
Signed and declared by the said Edward Lamb the { testator as and for his last will and testament in the { presence of us, present at the same time, who at his { request, in his presence and the presence of each other{ have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses { the works “all my having first been inserted between { the third and fourth lines from the top hereof. {
Est. Lonsdale Nankon of Appleby Solicitor Mary Lamb, Sanford
On the tenth day of July 1894 Probate of this will was granted at Carlisle to James Cooper Lamb, the Executor.
Discussion
James Cooper Lamb owned a house and land freehold in Sanford from 1895 until he died in 1898, even though he was in the military and stationed in Ireland.
Follow-up
Determine exactly what property was Edward Lamb’s that transferred to his son in 1894.
Endnotes
[i] John Newmark started the “Amanuensis Monday” category in 2009 on his Blog, Transylvanian Dutch and many bloggers have followed suit using the tag. Google provides the following meaning for amanuensis: “A literary or artistic assistant, in particular one who takes dictation or copies manuscripts.”
* Images available through GOV.UK — Probate Search — Service — “Find a will” — https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/#wills
This week for Montran Monday[i], I found the following article in the Boston Evening Transcript dated 4 August 1899, Page 9, Column 5, 1st full paragraph.[ii]
