Donna Darling at Crescent Theatre, Pontiac, MI, February 13 & 14, 1925.
Donna in the News 100 Years Ago by Don Taylor
Clipping – Pontiac Daily 12 Feb 1925
“Donna in the News” is my reporting of newly found newspaper articles and advertisements regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling). I am always excited when I find a new venue for my grandmother’s exciting show business career of the 1910s and 1920s.
This week from the Pontiac Daily Leader (Pontiac, MI), dated February 12, 1925, I learned that the “California Bathing Beauties, featuring Donna Darling” played at the Crescent Theatre in Pontiac, Michigan.
I found an advertisement regarding Donna and her show. Also playing was the motion picture “Merton of the Movies” with Glen Hunter & Viola Dana.
Linwood Dyer Collection – Part 054 Hod, Wright, JPD, Liz, Others Album (2024.13.50) Portland, Scarborough, 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 contained within. 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: 2024.13.43), are carefully preserved at the Scarborough Historical Society, serving as part of the broader Linwood Dyer Photo Collection’s enduring legacy.
Addie Libby, circa 1882.
Addie Libby, circa 1882.
This photo from page 15 is labeled Addie Libby[i]. No photographer was identified for the photograph. The page includes a note, “children of Eben Libby’s broth.”
Addie Leona Libby (1862-1886) is the daughter of Samuel Libby (1835-1902). Samuel’s brother was Ebenezer Scott Libby (1848-___). The woman in the photo appears to be about 20 years old, thus dating the photo to about 1882.
I am confident this photo is of Addie Libby, so I added it to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry and her profile at FamilySearch (KG49-6GJ).
Annie Libby, circa 1886.
Annie Libby, circa 1886.
On page 14 of the album, this cabinet card is of a young woman named Annie Libby.[ii]
The photographer was C.W. Hearn, Portland, Maine. The back is blank, and there is no address for the studio. Hearn Studio operated in Portland on Congress Street from 1881 to 1889, dating the photo to 1885 ± 4 years.
Annie Libby, the daughter of Samuel and Lucy Ann (Hunnewell) Libby, was born in 1870. She appears to be about 16 in this photo, suggesting the photo was taken about 1886.
I am confident his photo is of Annie, so I added it to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry and her profile at FamilySearch (KDS3-9VW).
Ella Libby, circa 1882
Ella Libby, circa 1882
From page 14 of the album, this cabinet card of a young woman is labeled Ella Libby.[iii]
The photographer was Lamson, Portland, Maine. The back is blank, and there is no address for the studio. Lamson Studio operated in Portland from 1871 through 1902. Ella was born in 1864 and appears to be about 18 to me, suggesting the photo is circa 1882.
I am confident his photo is of Ella, so I added it to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry and her profile at FamilySearch (KCWL-CD7).
Forest Libby, circa 1889
Forest Libby, circa 1889
This cabinet card of a young man is labeled “Forest Libby” with an added note, “[child] of Eben Libby’s broth.”[iv] The photographer was Lamson, 5 Temple St., Portland, Me. Lamson Studio operated in Portland from 1879 through 1902. Forest was born in 1864 and appears to be about 25 to me, suggesting the photo is circa 1889 in keeping with the photographer being at that location.
I added this photo of Forest to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry and his profile at FamilySearch (LZZM-VKX).
Sarah Elizabeth Plummer (later Wright), circa 1887.
Sarah Elizabeth Plummer (later Wright), circa 1887.
This cabinet card of a young woman is labeled “Aunt Liz Plummer Wright.[v] The photographer was Lamson, Portland, Maine. The back has the Lamson logo but no location. Lamson Studio operated in Portland from 1871 through 1902.
From previous research, I learned that Sarah Elizabeth (aka Lizzie) Plummer (1871-1943) married Albert E Wright on 3 June 1896 in Scarboro, ME. She appears to be about 16 in this photo, suggesting the photo was taken about 1887.
I am confident this photo is of Liz, so I added it to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry and her profile on FamilySearch (LT4J-QK3).
Sarah Elizabeth Plummer (later Wright), circa 1879.
Liz Plummer as a child, circa 1897.
Two cabinet cards on page 11 of the album show a girl labeled “Aunt Liz Plummer Wright[vi], who appears to be about eight years old. The photographer was J.M. Peck, 518 Congress Street, Portland, Me. J.M. Peck operated at 518 Congress Street from about 1875 to 1886.
Sarah Elizabeth (Liz) was born in 1871. She would have been eight in 1879, fitting J.M. Peck’s time at 518 Congress.
I also added these two photos to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry and one of them to her FamilySearch profile (LT4J-QK3).
Blanche Plummer Roberts, circa 1887.
Blanch Roberts, circa 1887.
This cabinet card of a young girl, about 5 years old, is labeled “Blanche Roberts.”[vii]
The photographer was H. M. Smith, 478 Congress St., Portland, Me. The back is blank. H.M. Smith operated at 478 Congress from 1893 to 1898. Blanche was born in 1892, suggesting H. M. Smith took the photo about 1887.
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 an ancestor, 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 the full-resolution images are available through Ancestry and Family Search platforms due to technical constraints. 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.
Endnotes
[i] The original of this photo is held by the Scarborough Historical Society, Linwood D Dyer Photo Collection, “HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS” album. 2024.13.50, page 15.
[ii] The original of this photo is held by the Scarborough Historical Society, Linwood D Dyer Photo Collection, “HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS” album. 2024.13.50, page 14.
[iv] The original of this photo is held by the Scarborough Historical Society, Linwood D Dyer Photo Collection, “HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS” album. 2024.13.50, page 15.
[v] The original of this photo is held by the Scarborough Historical Society, Linwood D Dyer Photo Collection, “HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS” album. 2024.13.50, page 12.
[vi] The original of this photo is held by the Scarborough Historical Society, Linwood D Dyer Photo Collection, “HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS” album. 2024.13.50, page 11.
[vii] The original of this photo is held by the Scarborough Historical Society, Linwood D Dyer Photo Collection, “HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS” album. 2024.13.50, page 3.
“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/).
