4th Great Uncle – Asa Perry Taft, Jr. (1794-1880)

Posted on October 29, 2025 by Don Taylor

Roberts-Barnes Project
Roberts-Barnes-Taft Line
Ancestor #82a & #84a
By Don Taylor

Asa Taft is a double 4th great-grandfather. Joel Clinton Barnes’ (1857-1921) paternal great-grandfather is Asa Taft (1774-1839), and his maternal great-grandfather is also Asa Taft (1774-1839).

Two of Asa’s children, Lucy Wilson Taft and Joel Cruff Taft, are both 3rd great-grandparents. My initial work suggested that Lucy and Joel were half-siblings, but other records suggest they are full siblings. As such, I wanted to look closely at Asa Taft, his three wives, Sarah, Lucy, & Lucy, and his children. I am pretty sure that Asa had 9 children, but he may have had 12 children. The oldest of these children is Asa Perry Taft, Jr. (Ancestor 82a), whom I look at here.

Asa Perry Taft, Jr. is found in my Roberts-Barnes Ancestry Public Tree, and is Family Search profile LH5J-3MQ.

List of Grandparents

Childhood

Birth – 22 Sep 1794, Partridgefield, Berkshire, Mass. Several researchers indicate that Asa Jr., was born in Peru, Mass. However, the location was called Partridgefield from 1771 to 1804. The name changed to Peru in 1804.

1800 Census – Appears to be one of two males under 10 in the household of Asa Taft in Sharon, Schoharie, NY.

1807 – His father relocated from Schoharie County, NY to Triangle, Broome County, NY.

1810 – I’ve been unsuccessful in finding either Asa Sr. or Asa Jr. in the 1810 Census.

Marriage 1

1816 – Asa Jr., married Irene Day in Lisle[1], Broome County, NY.

Children of Asa Perry Taft, Jr., and Irene (Day) Taft

NameBornMarriedDied
Clarendon Brooks1814  
FNU (female)1816-1820[2]  
Lewis1818 1898
Lucy Ann1821 1872
Ira David1922Prudence Marvin (unk date)1886
Claredonc. 1825  
FNU (female)[3]1826-1830  
Mary Eliza1828 1884
Asa Pc. 1830Miranda [Taft] 
Clayestonc. 1830[4]  
Cyrena[5]c. 1830  
Electa[6] (?)C. 1833  
Sarah1838Eathan Whipple1884

I have much more work to do to fill in the rest of this table.

Adulthood

1820 Census – Asa, Jr., with apparent wife and son age 0-9.

1820 NY Census – Asa, Jr., with apparent wife, three sons, and one girl.

1830 Census – Asa, Jr., with apparent wife, three sons, and three girls.

1831 Event – Triangle, NY, formed from the town of Lisle.

1840 Census – Asa, Jr., with apparent wife, four sons and five daughters.

1850 Census – Asa, Jr., wife Sarah, one boy (Asa P) and four girls (Claruida, Cyrena, Electa Olmstead, & Sarah.

1852 Event – Asa’s first wife Irene, died.

Marriage 2

Sometime after Irene’s death, Asa married Cynthia Baker. She died before Asa.

1860 Census – Asa is father of Clayeston (Head) Taft. Asa is 63, Clayeston is 25 and Clayeston’s wife if 23. [7]

1870 Census – Asa is head of household. Living with him are an apparent daughter Sarah, grandson, Cyrus, and a nine-year-old girl, Lena Taft (possible granddaughter).

1880 Census – Asa T (sic) Taft lives with his wife Miranda, son Charles D., and his father Asa P Taft.

Death/Burial, etc.

Asa Died on 27 December 1880 in Triangle, Broome County, New York. He was buried in the Taft Cemetery, Triangle, Broome County, New York.

Events by Location

Massachusetts, Berkshire, Partridgefield – 1794 – Birth

New York, Broome County, Lisle           1825 to 1830

New York, Schoharie County, Sharon    1800

New York, Broome County, Triangle     1840 to 1880

Conflicts

The 1860 Census may be in error. Although the names and dates are correct, Asa’s birthplace is recorded as Rhode Island, which would be an error. All other records indicate he was born in Mass.

Conclusion.

The records confirm the dates the Taft family moved to New York. They also confirm Asa Jr.’s mother was Sarah/Sally Whitney.

Actions / Follow-up

  • Continue with the children of Asa Taft, Senior; Luransa Taft is the next oldest child.
  • Confirm that Asa Taft, Jr., was unique and there are no other Asa Tafts in the area during the 1860 Census

Sources

Endnotes

[1] Some records indicate Triangle and not Lisle, however, Triangle was created from Lisle in 1831. I prefer using the name of locations at the time of the event.

[2] The 1820 Census reported Asa’s household had one female under 10 years of age in 1820.

[3] The 1830 Census reported Asa’s household had one female under 5 years of age in 1830.

[4] Clayeston was 25 years old during the 1855.

[5] Cyrena – Presumed daughter from 1860 Census.

[6] Electa Olmsteat – Possible daughter – Living with Asa Taft Jr during 1850 Census.

[7] The 1860 Census may be in error. Although the names and dates are correct, Asa’s birthplace is recorded as Rhode Island, which would be an error.

Posted in Ancestor Sketch, Massachusetts Genealogy, Roberts-Barnes, Genealogy Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Bessey Graduates 1954, Dunstan Students, c.1952, Libby, & Wood.

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 004
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has an extensive collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at four pictures from that collection.

Perley Britt Wood, c. 1902.

Photo of Perley Britt Wood, 1886
Perley Britt Wood, 1886

Photographer: Unknown
Inscription: On back – Perley Britt Wood b. Feb 13, 1886, son of Charles & Marjory Wood of Rockland, Maine, in July 30, 1934, lives at 376 Broadway, So. Portland, Bess his wife, Junior 10, Josephine 8, Patricia 4, John Marles  1 yr brother.
Description: The image is an oval vignette mounted on a cream-colored, matte card with notable foxing (brown age spots) typical of photographs from the turn of the 20th century. The young man appears to be in his late teens or early twenties. He is posed in a studio setting against a neutral background, looking slightly to the right of the camera.
Research: Ancestry Family Trees identified Perley Britt Wood, born 13 Feb 1886 in Rockland, Knox County, Maine. He married Marie Hortense Richards in 1908. She died in 1919. He remarried Bessie Marles in 1922. He and Bessie had four children: Perley (b. 1924), Josephine (b. 1927), Patricia (b. 1930), and John (b. 1933).

Estimated Date: Based on the hairstyle, clothing, and mount style, the photo was likely taken between 1898 and 1905.

I added this photo to the Linwood Dyer Collection on Ancestry.com.

Students line up at Dunstan School, early 1950s

Inscription: On back –Michael & Marcy Milliken @ foreground of Dunstan School
Description: The photo shows a large group of children and several adults gathered outside Dunstan Grammar School in the 1950s. The group appears to be lining up or entering the building, possibly at the start of the school day.
Research:

  • The Dunstan School’s (brick building) first classes started in September 1945.
  • Marcia Milliken graduated from SHS in 1961, suggesting the photo predates 1956.
  • Michael Milliken was born in 1947, suggesting the photo was taken after 1952.
Students lining up to enter Dunstan School in the early 1950s.
Students line up at Dunstan School, early 1950s

Since this photo focuses more on the school and the students than on Marcia and Michael, I’m only including it here and in the Scarborough Historical Society, Dunstan School photo collection.

Graduates – Scarborough High School – 1954

Photographer: Unknown
Inscription: On back – Robert Foley – Class Marshall
Description: About forty young men and women are arranged in two neat rows. The men wear dark caps and gowns; the women wear light-colored or white gowns and mortarboards. At the very front, kneeling at the center, is a person in a dark gown who appears to be the class marshal holding a staff. The building behind is Scarborough High School (Bessey School).

Research:

  • Robert Francis Foley graduated from Scarborough High School in 1954. The yearbook indicates he was born on May 10, 1936, in Lawrence, Mass.
Graduates, in cap & gown, Scarborough High School (Bessey School) 1954
Graduates – Scarborough High School – 1954

Since this photo focuses more on the school and the students than on Robert Foley, I’m only including the image here and in the Scarborough Historical Society’s Dunstan School photo collection.

Carol Libby, SHS Class of 1956.

Carol Libby, in cap and gown, Scarborough High School Class of 1956.
Carol Libby, SHS Class of 1956

Photographer: Unknown
Inscription: On back – Carol Libby
Description: The graduate stands confidently with her hands relaxed at her sides. She wears a white cap and gown and white shoes. The brick building behind her appears to be consistent with Scarborough High School (Bessey School) during the 1950s.
Research: Carol Ann Libby was a graduate of the 1956 Scarborough High School.

  • She was born on 16 Oct 1938 in Portland, Maine
  • The 1940 US Census places her living with her parents, Norman F and Eleanor R Libby, on Prouts Neck Road.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Conclusion

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. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may have never seen the image.

Posted in Maine History, Scarborough Historical Society and Museum, Maine High Schools, SHS Photo Collection, Genealogy Research, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Hodgkins, Howatt, Hurd, Johnson, & Sullivan

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 003
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has a large collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at five photos from that collection.

Frank Hodgkins, circa 1889-1895.

PHOTO OF Frank-Hodgkins-c.-1890s
Frank-Hodgkins-c.-1889-1895 (ChatGPT enhanced)

Photographer: Colpitts & Co., Photographic Art Studio, 514 Congress Street, Portland, ME.
Inscription: Handwritten on back, “Frank Hodgkins”
Description: Formal cabinet card portrait of a young man, identified as Frank Hodgkins. He is posed in three-quarter view, facing slightly right. He wears a dark suit coat, a matching vest, a white shirt, and a large textured cravat typical of late-1880s to early-1890s men’s fashion. The “Copyrighted 1889” notice on the back dates the photo after that date.

Research:

  • The photographic style and the man’s clothing suggest the photo was most likely taken in the early 1890s. Also, Portland City Directories suggest Colpitts & Co., operated at 514 Congress St. until 1898.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggests three candidates for Frank Hodgkins:
      • Frank Owen Hodgkins, b. 18 Feb 1874, Damariscotta, Maine, d. 11 Jun 1927, Portland, ME. Although married in Boston, He appears as a nurse at Maine General Hospital in the 1895 Portland City Directory.
      • Frank Dewey Hodgkins, b. 1870 in New York. Born Frank Henry Dewey, he changed his name to Frank Dewey Hodgkins when he was adopted in 1878. He married Fannie Isabella Osborne in Portland, ME, on 11 April 1896.
      • Capt. Franklin Milon “Frank” Hodgkins, b. 12 Feb 1863, d. 13 Mar 1917 in Harpswell, ME. He married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Mariah Dyer on 21 Dec 1887 and lived in Portland during the 1910 Census.

I believe this photo could be of any of the three individuals listed here, but most likely is either Frank Owen or Frank Dewey, who both appear in Portland in 1895-96. As such, I’m posting this photo to Dead Fred.

Niels Johnson, SHS Class 1938.

Photo of Niels Johnson, 1938
Niels Johnson, SHS Class of 1938

Photographer: Unknown.
Inscription: Handwritten on back “Niles Johnson ‘38”.
Description: Apparent high school graduation photo of a young man.
Research:

  • The 1938 Four Corners (Scarborough High School yearbook) shows the same photo of Niels Sofus Johnson, Jr. “Junior.” He was born February 12, 1922. His hobbies were stamps and astronomy.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Helene May Howatt, SHS Class of 1938

Photo of Helene Mae Howatt, 1938
Helene Mae Howatt, SHS Class of 1938 (ChatGPT enhanced)

Inscription: Handwritten on back “Helene Howatt ‘38”.
Description: Apparent high school graduation photo of a young woman.

Research:

  • The 1938 Four Corners (Scarborough High School yearbook) shows the same photo of Helene Mae Howatt, born November 6, 1919. She was known as “Howie,” and her hobby was horses.
  • Ancestry Family Trees identify Helene Mae Howatt, born 6 Nov 1919 in Bangor, Maine to William Melville and Ethel Lewis (Clifford) Howatt. Helene lived in Scarborough during the 1930, (1935), & 1940 Censuses. She married Raymond C. Field in 1946 and lived in Scarborough during the 1950 Census.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Unidentified Union Officer inscribed “Van L. Hurd” or “Wm L. Hurd,” ca. 1863–1865

Photo of an Union Army officer, Civil War Period
Unidentified Union Officer inscribed “Van L. Hurd” or “Wm L. Hurd,” ca. 1863–1865

Inscription: Handwritten at bottom, “Yours Truly, Van L. Hurd” or possibly “Wm L. Hurd”
Description: Carte de visite photo of a Union Army officer, common during the 1860s. His double-breasted frock coat with officer’s shoulder straps and a sheathed officer’s sword identifies him as an officer.
Research:

  • My review of the Maine Bugle, January 1894, found Corp. Samuel Hurd as the only Hurd in that book still living. (A Josiah E Herd was killed at Petersburg.)
  • The National Park Service, Soldier list has
    • William Hurd – A Private with the 15th Regiment, Maine Infantry.Martin Van Buran Hurd – A Private with the 6th Regiment, Maine Infantry.
    • Sumner L Hurd – A Corporal with the 22nd Regiment, Maine Infantry.

Because I found no apparent matches in Maine, I’m only including this photo here.

Robert Leland Sullivan, 1930

Photo of a baby, 6 to 9 months old, sitting holding a stuffed toy.
Robert Leland Sullivan, 1930 (age 6 to 9 months) – (ChatGPT Enhanced)

Photographer: Roger Paul Jordan (193 Middle St., Portland, Maine, c. 1930)
Inscription: Inside – “Robert Sullivan” also, beneath photo, signature “Roger Paul Jordan, ’30.”
Description: Studio portrait of an infant likely 6 to 9 months old.
Research:

  • The 1930 Census lists a five-month-old child, Robert Sullivan, living with his parents, Charles J and Caroline Sullivan, at 119 Morning St., Portland, Maine. Charles was born around 1896 in Massachusetts, and Caroline was born around 1908 in Maine.
  • The Portland Press Herald, Nov 24, 1929, Page 28, reports that Charles and Caroline (Babb) Sullivan of Morning Street named their son, Robert Leland Sullivan.
  • U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2020 lists Robert Leland Sullivan, born 9 Nov 1929, enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and spent 22 years in the service. He died on 10 Feb 2009.
  • The 1940 Census finds Robert living with his parents in Lexington, Mass. along with a six-year-old sister, Ann Sullivan.  Further research failed to find a family tree that includes Robert.
  • The 1950 Census lists Robert with his parents in Lexington. He is a radio in the Ship industry.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest that Robert’s mother is Caroline Adelaide Babb (1908-1998) and his father is Charles J Sullivan (1896-1969)

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com

Conclusion

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. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may have never seen the image.

Posted in Maine History, Scarborough Historical Society and Museum, SHS Photo Collection, Genealogy Research, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Bridges, Brown, Fielding, Harrison, Pedneault, and Four Jack Jr. HS Students

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 002
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has an extensive collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at five photos from that collection.

Annie B Harrison, c. 1895-1898.

Photo of Annie Harrison, circa 1897
Annie B Harrison, c. 1895-1898

Photographer: Lamson, 5 Temple St., Portland, Me,
Inscription: Annie B Harrison, Machiasport, Me.
Description: The image depicts a young woman in her late teens or early twenties. The portrait is vignetted, which was used in the late 1880s and 1890s.
Research:

  • Lamson Photographic Studio operated at 5 Temple St from approximately 1892 to 1905.
  • Based on Lamson, photo type, and the woman’s clothing and hairstyle, estimate the date circa 1892 to 1898.
  • The 1900 US Census lists Annie Harrison, who was born in July 1876 in New Brunswick. She arrived in the US in 1895. She lived at 13 Pearl, about 4 blocks (0.3 miles) from Lamson Photography.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

William Fielding, SHS Class 1938

Photo of William "Billy" Fielding, Scarborough High School Class of 1938
William Fielding, SHS Class 1938

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: William Fielding ‘38
Description: An apparent high school graduation photo of a young man.
Research:

  • The Scarborough High School Yearbook, The Four Corners, shows the same photo of William James Fielding, Jr. “Billy” was born November 23, 1920

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Mable Evelyn Bridges – West Brooklin, Maine

Photo of Mable Evely Bridges, June 1919.
Mable Evelyn Bridges, June 1919.
(Image Enhanced by ChatGPT)

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: Mable Evelyn Bridges – West Brooklin, Maine, June 1919
Description: A woman with a flower bouquet, in a white dress, in her 20s.
Research:

  • Ancestry.com research revealed that Mabel was born on February 20, 1900, in Brooklyn, Hancock County, Maine.
  • She married Hermann Chatto in 1921
  • She died in Castine, Hancock County, Maine, on 5 Aug 1984.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Marie Louise Brown & Charles Pedneault, 1936

A man and a woman in their 60s standing outside.
Marie Louise Brown & Charles Pedneault, 1936
(Image enhanced by ChatGPT)

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: On back, “Taken 1936, Marie Louise Brown, Charles Pedneault.”
Description: Two people, probably in their 60s.
Research:

  • The Portland Evening Express, dated October 11, 1940, reported the death of Marie Louis Brown, the wife of Charles Pedneault, in Westbrook on October 9th. She was 71.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com and tagged it to both Marie & Charles.

Bertalan, Buckley, Handy, & Lerman, April 1957

“Hansel & Gretel” Jack Junior High

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: On back in several different hands– Jean Buckley, Elliot Lerman, Ilona Berthan [sic], John Handy – J Jr H.S., and stamped Express, APR 2, 1957.
Description: This photo shows four Jack Junior High students in the play “Hansel & Gretel.” They are identified as Jean Buckley, Elliott Lerman, Ilona Bertalan, and John Handy.  The photo was taken in 1957.

Four student in a play
Ilona Bertalan, Jean Buckley, John Handy, & Elliott Lerman in “Hansel & Gretel,” Jack Jr. High School, April 1957


Research:

  • Jean Buckley graduated from Portland High School in 1961.
  • Elliott A Lerman graduated from Deering High School in 1961.
  • Ilona Bertalan appears in the 1961 Portland High School yearbook and went on to the University of Maine at Portland, 1965.
  • John Handy graduated from Portland High School in 1961.

I present this photo here only.

Conclusion

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. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may have never seen the image.

Posted in Maine History, Maine High Schools, Genealogy Research, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Letter from the Past – Florence Darling to Bertha Huber, 1934

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Don Taylor

Introduction

Family letters often provide insights that census records and vital statistics cannot capture. They reveal the daily rhythms of life—health struggles, household chores, and the bonds of family and friendship. This letter, written by Florence Darling to Bertha Huber on September 3, 1934, offers such a glimpse into family concerns during the 1930s. A separate note that accompanied the letter mentions that Florence died the following month (October 5, 1934) in Pittsburgh. Florence was 27 years old.

 ——-

Letter Transcription

Sept. 3, 1934
423 Charles St,
Pitts(10) Pa.

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 1

Dear mother:

Received your letter with the $2.00. Thanks loads. I am going to buy Shirley’s winter stockings and two pairs of underwear. I’m not buying any more toys because Christmas isn’t far away & Betty usually buys toys for Christmas. Anyway she has plenty to keep her going.

I’ve had two [decaying] teeth pulled in two weeks. My face looked like a football – nice. They are getting on O.K. now. It effected my heart pretty bad,

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 1b

which reminds me Mrs. Walsh was telling me she is subject to gravel in the kidneys and keeps them dissolved with olive oil – have you ever tried it. She says a tablespoon 3 times a day.

It sounds great to hear you are getting electric it will reduce your labor loads. I’m so glad you are getting a washer. I think of you every wash day and the way you have to rub clothes. I just wouldn’t like any clean clothes if I had to do it. I pay only $3.00 per month on mine which I figure no one would do four washings for.

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 2

I’ve just told Shirley she can print something for you – she thinks it’s great fun.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU GRANDMA
Shirley

Can you read it? Not so bad for a four year old do you think? I spend quite a lot of time teaching her but I get a kick out of such a little mite doing such things. She also reads small words. Very much interested in the funny papers.

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 2b

Did I tell you Gerry expects a baby soon. She was four months when she married you know – A shotgun wedding. She married a nice fellow. He’s a chef [unreadable].

Well she’s been real nice to me since I’ve been married.

It’s rather cool tonite. I dread winter. I wish I could go south. I need a winter coat. I’m trying to figure out how to get [unreadable]. I could make quite cheap.

Uncle Harold is home again out of work of course things are always more slack during the summer I think. It’s been rather slack

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 3

too for about 6 weeks but with cool weather coming again it will O.K. I think. Next spring we are going to try & get a place in the country.

Well do write soon & let me know how you like electricity.

With love,
F.

What the letter and note tell us:

  • Three generations of family identified:
    • Bertha Huber – Matriarch – getting electricity and a washing machine.
    • Florence Darling – 27-year-old daughter & author of the letter.
    • Shirley [Darling] – Four-year-old daughter of Florence
  • Uncle Harold – Out of work – [Must be Florence’s husband’s uncle Harold Lane.]
  • Mrs. Walsh – Unknown. [Probably a friend.]
  • Gerry – Unknown – pregnant, married to a chef. [Probably a friend.]

Locations

  • Florence lived at 423 Charles Street, Pittsburgh, PA in September 1934.
Posted in Darling-Huber, Letters from the Past | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment