Ancestor Sketch – Albert Wesley Welch

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Don Taylor

Welch-Harris Project
Welch Line
By Don Taylor

Albert Wesley Welch was born on 5 March 1847 in Raymond, Maine. His father, John, was 47 and his mother, Mary, was 40. He married Harriet Marilla Robinson in 1876. They had ten children in 15 years. He died on October 6, 1920, in Biddeford, Maine, at 73.

Albert Wesley Welch is found in 23 Ancestry Public Trees and is Family Search profile LZR9-R14.

Albert Wesley Welch (1847-1920) –Ancestor #WH16

List of Grandparents

  • (4) Grandfather: Robert Anthony Welch
  • (8) 1st Great-grandfather: Francis Asbury Welch (1887-1929)
  • (16) 2nd Great-grandfather: Albert Wesley Welch (1847-1920)
  • (32) 3rd Great-grandfather: John Welch (1799-___)

Birth

I have three different dates and places for Albert’s birth

  1. In Limerick, York County, Maine.
  2. February 1847 in Raymond, Cumberland County, Maine
  3. 5 March 1847 in Raymond, Cumberland County, Maine

The Limerick birthplace was given in Harold Welch’s marriage to Mary Eison in 1912. Harold’s two oldest siblings were born in Limerick, and his mother was born in either Limerick or nearby Limington. This is the only record I’ve encountered indicating Albert was born anywhere except Raymond. As such, I believe it to be in error.

The 1900 Census included the birth month and year. Albert’s birth was entered as Feb 1847.

His death record indicates his birthdate was 5 March 1847. It also indicated he was 73 Years, 7 Months, and one day old when he died on 6 October 1920. That would also place his birth on 5 March 1847 and not in February.

So, 5 March 1847 is my preferred birth date.

1850 Census

The 1850 Census tells us about Albert’s family. His parents, John and Mary Welch, appear to have five children; however, the census does not identify the relationship between the individuals in the household. Other research has found the following for the children of John & Mary. In 1850 John was a farmer whose property was valued at $350.

Apparent (Tentative) Children of John & Mary Welch (Siblings of Albert)

NameBornMarriedDied
Nathaniel1829-1830??
Emeline B1833Henry Hack1910
Mary Eliza1835-1836Elbridge Gerry Berry1913
Francis A1842?1884
Albert Wesley1847Harriet Marilla Robinson1920

I’ll do further research on Albert’s siblings when I research his parents.

1860 Census

During the 1860 Census, the John Welch household was enumerated with John & Mary and three (apparent) children, Mary E (24), Francis A (18), and Albert W (13). Albert was attending school.

Adulthood

1870 Census

Sometime between 1860 and 1870, Albert and his mother moved to Limerick. The census reported 23-year-old Albert as the head of the household, whose farm value was $600. Living in the home is his mother, 63-year-old Mary[i].

Marriage

Albert Wesley Welch married Harriet Marilla Robinson in about 1876. They had ten children together, but two died as infants.

Children of Albert and Harriet (Robinson) Welch.

NameBornMarriedDied
Helen May1880Frank Woodman1954
Albert Chester1881Eva Clark1956
Minnie Jane18831. Harlan Trafton
2. Wilford Couch		?
Emma Belle1884Robert McFarland1964
Francis Asbury1887Julia Daley1929
Herold Lester1892Mary Eison1960
William Robinson1894Beula Eison1950
LaForest Temple1896Hope Williams1984
(Unknown)Probably c. 1886 Bef. June 1900
(Unknown)Probably c. 1890
Possibly c. 1878.		 Bef. June 1900
Possibly bef. 1880

The 1880s

During the 1880 Census, Albert (enumerated as Wesley) and Harriet were living in Limerick. They had no children. Harriet was pregnant with Helen May, who was born the following month. Albert Chester was born in September 1881 in Limerick; however, Minnie, Emma, and Francis were all born in Kennebunkport, so the family must have moved there about 1882[ii].

The 1890s

When Minnie was born (1883), Albert was listed as a farmer, but when William was born (1884), Albert was listed as a Mason. LeForest was also born (1896) in Kennebunkport, but the family appears to have relocated to Harpswell, Cumberland County, before August 1898, where Albert was living when his daughter, Helen, married.

The 1900s

The 1900 Census reported Albert and his wife, Hattie, living in Brunswick, Cumberland County, Maine, at 5 South Street. With them is their daughter, Helen, and her new husband, Frank Woodman. Also living there are Albert Chester, Minnie, Emma, Frank (aka Francis), Harold, William, and Forest. Albert is a brickmaster, and Hattie is a restaurant keeper. Helen and Minnie are waitresses. The son-in-law is a law student, and Albert Chester is a sign-maker. The other kids are either attending school or are at home. Albert Chester married in 1901.

Before 1906 (Emma’s marriage), Albert and Hattie moved to Medford, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

The 1910s

The 1910 Census found Albert living at 365 Washington Street in Boston. Hattie is not with him at that address. I expect I’ll see where Hattie was when I research her specifically. In 1912, Albert’s son, Harold, married Mary Eison. Their marriage license indicates Albert is living in Brighton and Hattie is in Boston.

About 1916, Albert moved to Biddeford and lived there when his son, Francis, married in 1917. Hattie was living in Lindon, MA, at the time.

The 1920s

The 1920 Census found Albert living at 29 Landry (?) in Biddeford with his daughter Emma and son-in-law, Robert A Mc Farlane. The 72-year-old Albert doesn’t have an occupation listed.

Death/Burial, etc.

Albert Wesley Welch died at age 73 on 6 October 1920, at 53 Green Street, Biddeford, of chronic myocarditis and endocarditis. David Dolloff, M.D., was the attending physician. He was buried in Woodlawn cemetery on 9 October; W. I. Dennett was the undertaker.

Events by Location

  • Maine, Cumberland, Brunswick 1900-1901
  • Maine, Cumberland, Harpswell 1898
  • Maine, Cumberland, Raymond 1847 (Birth) to 1860s (school)
  • Maine, York, Biddeford 1916 – 1920 (Death)
  • Maine, York, Kennebunkport 1883 – 1896
  • Maine, York, Limerick 1870s (Marriage) – 1883
  • Massachusetts, Middlesex, Medford 1906
  • Massachusetts, Suffolk, Boston 1910, 1913
  • Massachusetts, Suffolk, Brighton 1912

Sources

  • 1850 Census, Family Search, 1850 Census – Maine, Cumberland, Raymond – John Welch. Page 7 – Line 46 – Enumerated 20 July 1850. https://www.familysearch.org/.
  • 1860 Census, Family Search, 1860 Census – Maine, Cumberland, Raymond – John Welch. “United States Census, 1860”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDCM-PB5 : 18 February 2021), John Welch, 1860. Page 62, Line 19.
  • 1870 Census, Family Search, 1870 Census – Maine, York, Limerick – Albert Welch – Line 4. “United States Census, 1870”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M6DH-G93 : 29 May 2021), Albert Welch, 1870.
  • 1880 Census, Family Search, 1880 Census – Maine, York, Limerick – ED 197, Sheet 385B. “United States Census, 1880,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFQC-69T : 14 January 2022), Wesley Welch, Limerick, York, Maine, United States; citing enumeration district, sheet, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm.
  • 1900 Census, 1900 – Albert W Welch. “United States Census, 1900”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MMLD-FB4 : 9 March 2022), Albert W Welch, 1900.
  • 1910 Census (NARA, 1910), 1910 – Albert W Welch – Massachusetts, Suffolk, Boston Ward 25 – ED 1657 “United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M228-W3J : accessed 6 January 2023), Albert W Welch, Boston Ward 25, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 1657, sheet 3B, family 55, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 625; FHL microfilm 1,374,638.
  • 1920 Census (FS), 1920 – Maine, York, Biddeford – Robert A McFarlane, Head – (also Albert W Welch). “United States Census, 1920”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MF84-QMS : 1 February 2021), Robert A Mc Farlane, 1920.
  • Maine Births and Christenings, 1739-1900, Family Search, Emma Bell Welch – 15 Nov 1884. “Maine Births and Christenings, 1739-1900”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FWB2-RP8 : 14 January 2020), Emma Bell Welch, 1884.
  • Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Birth – Leforest Temple Welch – 1 May 1896 – Kennebunkport, Maine. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KC6S-X2P : 2 March 2021), Leforest Temple, 01 May 1896; citing Kennebunkport, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
  • Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Birth – Minnie Jane Welch – 23 Apr 1883. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HKQ-C13 : 2 March 2021), Minnie Jane Welch, 23 Apr 1883; citing Kennebunkport, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
  • Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Birth – William Robinson Welch – 14 Jun 1894 – Kennebunkport, York, ME. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KC6S-76V : 2 March 2021), William Robinson Welch, 14 Jun 1894; citing Kennebunkport, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
  • Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Marriage – Frances Asbury Welch & Julia Anna Daley – 11 June 1917. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q24J-6MFZ : 2 March 2021), Frances Asbury Welch and Julia Anna Daley, 11 Jun 1917; citing Biddeford, York, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
  • Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Marriage – Robert A McFarlane & Emma B Welch – 18 Aug 1906. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q28Q-DK1Z : 22 July 2021), Robert A McFarlane and Emma B Welch, 18 Aug 1906; citing Portland, Cumberland, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
  • Massachusetts Vital Records, 1911–1915, Ancestry.com, Harlan Verne Trafton – Minnie Jeanette Welch – Feb 22, 1902. Medford, 1902 – Page 519 – Line 18 -.
  • New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, Albert C. Welch & Eva M. Clark – 1901. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLZP-82H : 1 August 2022), Albert C. Welch and Eva M. Clark, 1901.
  • New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, Harold L Welch & Mary Eison – 1912. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLZP-DM2 : 1 August 2022), Harold L. Welch and Mary Islon, 1912.
  • New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, Helen M. Welch & Frank W. Woodman – 1898. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLFL-6YH : 1 August 2022), Frank W. Woodman and Helen M. Welch, 1898.
  • New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, Wilford A. Couch & Minnie A. Trafton. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL8M-RBJ : 1 August 2022), Wilford A. Couch and Minnie A. Trafton, 1913.

Endnotes

[i] Research Deeds for Albert getting the property in Limerick.

[ii] Research York County Deeds for Albert’s selling of property in Limerick and purchasing property in Kennebunkport. In the 1880s.

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Ethel Wight Collection – Part 114

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Don Taylor

Photo Friday –Peacock, Peckham, & Pelletier.

By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person 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.

Beatrice Peacock, Nurse, circa 1935.

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Beatrice Peacock, ME Eye & Ear Infirmary #870.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Beatrice Peacock, Nurse, circa 1935.
Nurse Beatrice Peacock,
circa 1935.
  • 1934, ‘35, or ‘36 Portland City Directories do not list a Beatrice Peacock.
  • The 1935 Augusta City Directory lists Beatrice Peacock, a nurse, residing with W C Peacock. Walter C (Louise) Peacock is a shoemaker in Gardiner, whose home is on Closson, c[orner] B.

I am comfortable that this photo is of Beatrice Louise/Lavonnie Peacock, born 7 Mar 1915 in Gardiner, the daughter of Charles Walter & Louise Elinor (Edwards) Peacock.

Ancestry has 11 public trees that refer to Beatrice Lavonnie Peacock. Family Search has profile GJCX-LCK for Beatrice Louise Peacock. I have uploaded this photo of Beatrice to her Family Search Memories.

Mr. & Mrs. Peckham & Family.

This negative envelope says, “Mr. & Mrs. Peckham & Family – Oct 1944.”

I don’t know if the photo was from October 1944 or if the reprints were ordered in October 1944. The negative set shows four people:

Photo of the Peckham Family.
The Peckham Family
  • A man about 60
  • A woman in her 50s
  • A woman of about 20
  • A boy of about 10

I assume the photo was taken sometime before October 1944, but probably after the 1940 Census. Without a first name for any of the people in these photos, it is difficult to identify who they are. I did some research and found the following:

  • A review of the 1940 US Census indicates a Peckam family is living in Portland. Earl and Vena Peckam, with a 16-year-old son, Robert, and a 13-year-old son, Paul. This profile doesn’t fit the photographed family.
  • A further review of Peckham families throughout Maine in the 1940 Census failed to find any Peckham families with the correct family make-up.

Although I am sure this photo is of the Peckham family, I failed to identify who is in the photo. I have one image here, and I uploaded three more pictures of the Peckham family to my Flickr Photostream.

Vital “Duke” Pelletier, circa 1936.

This negative envelope says, “Mr. Duke Pellletier, 457 Congress St #1089.”

Photo of Vital "Duke" Pellletier, circa 1936.
Vital “Duke” Pellletier, circa 1936.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • A quick search of Ancestry yielded a Vital “Duke” Pelletier, born 20 Mar 1910 in Saint Agatha, Aroostook County, to Fortunat Alfred and Jeanne Mary (Chasse) Pelletier.
  • The 1940 Census places Vital in Portland in both 1940 and 1935. The 1935 Portland City Directory shows Vital F Pelletier living at 10a Brown, a lodging house run by Mrs. Harriet Partridge.
  • Several Ancestry Trees include a photo of Vital J Pelletier (1910-2002), which is clearly the same person as is in this photo.

This photo is undoubtedly Vital from 1936 when he was about 26 years old.

Ancestry has 31 public trees that refer to Vital J Pelletier, the son of Fortunat Alfred and Jeanne Mary (Chassé) Pelletier. Family Search has profile GMTS-K4V for Vital Pelletier. I have uploaded a photo of Vital to his Family Search Memories. I also uploaded two more photos of “Duke” to my Flickr Photostream.

Vital “Duke” Pelletier & unknown woman, circa 1934.

This negative envelope says, “Mr. Duke Pelletier, Preble St, Apt 30A #347.”

Based upon the photo package ID (#347), this photo was taken about 1934. It appears to be the same man—Vital “Duke” Pelletier—as in package ID #1089 a couple of years later. However, who is the woman?

Viewing several Ancestry family trees and Family Search, it doesn’t appear Duke married. So, the identity of the female is not clear. It could be a sister (Mattie), an unknown cousin, or a girlfriend. I suspect she will remain unnamed unless a family member can identify this girl.

Martha/Mattie Pelletier (later Langelier), circa 1934.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Mattie Pelletier, Preble ST – Apt 31 #346 – DSCN4554P.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory indicates that the only complex on Preble Street that would have an apartment 31 was The Wadsworth Apts at 30A Preble Street. The directory lists no one living in apartment 31. In 1934, Murray Hackenberg rented the apartment.
  • The 1930 Census lists four individuals named Mattie Peletier in Maine.
    • The 46-year-old wife of Raymond Pelletier in Fort Kent, Aroostook County.
    • The 47-year-old wife of Theophile Pelletier in St. Francis, Aroostook County.
    • The 48-year-old wife of Ed Pelletier in Portage Lake, Aroostook County.
    • The 16-year-old daughter of Marie Pelletier in Lewiston. They lived on Ash Street, and Mattie worked in a cotton mill. It also indicates that she and her parents were born in Maine. In the family are sisters Annie, Puleime, and Ida.
  • The 1920 Census found the Telesphore & Marie Pelletier family living on Cleveland Road, St. Agatha, Aroostook County. Mattie is listed as Martha and has sisters, Annie, Feliene, and Ida.

This photo was taken the same day as the above 1934 photo of “Duke” Pelletier. Additionally, Duke had a sister, Martha/Mattie. Ancestry Family Trees suggest two Martha/Mattie Pelletiers, born in 1913 in St. Agatha. Duke and Martha are listed at the same address in 1934, albeit in different apartments. As such, I suspect they are related, but I’m not convinced which Mattie/Marthe/Martha this is for certain.

I suspect this photo is of Marthe/Martha Delina Pelletier, born 7 December 1914 in St Agatha, Aroostook County, the daughter Telesphore and Marie (Bois) Pelletier. Marthe married Raoul Langelier on 4 August 1934, and this photo was likely taken just before the wedding. However, I am not convinced. There appear to be several conflicting photos and families, all from Aroostook County in the early 1900s.

Ancestry has 25 public trees that refer to Marthe Delina Pelletier. Family Search has profile G3VR-6YV for Mattie Delina Pelletier, born 7 Dec 1914, and the daughter of Telesphore and Marie (Bois) Pelletier. She married Raoul Emile Langelier on 4 August 1914.

Conclusion

  • I fully identified two individuals with Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories.
  • I identified one individual but am not confident this is who I think it is. So I posted her image to my Flickr Photostream.
  • I failed to identify five individuals by name. I also uploaded those photos to my Flickr Photostream.

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.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr have a higher image quality than the images linked here.

For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.

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.

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Jury Frees Grandpa Brown

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Don Taylor

Grandpa Brown In the News

90 Years Ago Today
By Don Taylor

I’m sure Grandpa Brown was worried and concerned about what the Grand Jury would find. It must have been a scary ten weeks between his being bound to the Grand Jury and their meeting. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year surely were difficult. His next appearance in the paper put him back on Page 1.

Jury Frees Brown in
Thompson Death Trial

Article about Clifford Brown being, "Not criminally liable" for death of Irwin Thompson.

Brainerd Daily Dispatch – Jan 12, 1933 – page 1.
Thanks to Newspaper Archive.

Clifford Brown, a Brainerd, was freed of all criminal liability late Wednesday in the death of Irwin Thompson which resulted from a fight at Little Pine resort during the early morning hours of Sunday, October 16, 1932. Brown had been at liberty on bail since he was taken into custody on the day following the fight and after a coroner’s jury held him to the grand jury. Court convened in Walker on Monday of this week and Brown case was presented Wednesday morning. The jury arrived at the verdict of not criminally liable after listening to the testimony of several witnesses.

I knew that Grandpa Brown was arrested for manslaughter. Not until I found this article did I learn that he had the charge dropped. He won’t be quite so lucky the next time he is arrested.

 

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Donna – Jefferson Theatre, Auburn, New York

Posted on January 8, 2023 by Don Taylor

100 Years ago – 8 January 1923.

“Donna 100 years ago” reviews my grandmother’s vaudeville life. Madonna Montran, aka “Donna Montran” & “Donna Darling,” had an exciting career during the 1920s. A definite headliner, she crisscrossed the country with her many shows.

From the Advertiser Journal (Auburn, NY) dated 6 January 1923.

The Advertiser-Journal (Auburn, N.Y.)
January 06, 1923, Page 10.

The headliner will be presented by Donna Darling and Company, with Jack Finney and Mary [sic] Walker happily cast, presenting a song and dance revue of the better sort. They call the revue “A Song and Dance Romance” and one descriptive phrase is that it is a “dazzling dance phantasy.” Donna Darling and her partners have dressed the act sumptuously and introduce a number of novelty dances that have been winning success for the offering over the Keith Circuit. It is the kind of an act that vaudeville goers particularly enjoy, and will make a headline number of the most attractive sort.

Auburn had several theaters in the 1920s.

  • The Auditorium Theater seated 2,600 people and played legitimate attractions,
  • Burtis Grand Opera House, seated 1,000
  • B. F. Keith’s Jefferson Theatre, managed by J. J. Breslin, seated 1,500
  • Morgans, seated 1,000
  • Universal, seated 980.

New Jefferson Theater

The New Jefferson Theatre opened in 1908. It continued to operate until after 1950 and demolished sometime later.[i]

Jefferson Theatre, State Street, Auburn, NY,
Photo courtesy Auburn Cinefile Society.

Specifications for the New Jefferson Theatre[ii]

Seating:

  • Ground Floor: 573
  • Balcony: 430
  • Gallery: 600
  • Boxes: 25

Stage:

  • Proscenium opening: 35×32 ft
  • Front to back wall: 38 ft
  • Between side walls: 63 ft
  • Apron: 2 ft
  • Between fly girders: 49 ft
  • To rigging loft: 57 ft
  • To fly gallery: 50½ ft
  • 20 Dressing rooms

Newspapers [iii]

  • “Advertiser” PM ex Sun – circulation 3,000
  • “News” Fri cir. 2,418
  • “Citizen” PM ex Sun – cir. 4,750

Endnotes

[1] Cinema Treasures – Jefferson Theater – 61 State Street, Auburn, NY 13021. https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/18949
[2] The Cahn-Lighton Theatrical Guide – 1914.
[3] Ibid.

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Don Taylor Genealogy – 2022 Year in Review

Posted on December 31, 2022 by Don Taylor

By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

The primary purpose of my blog is to help me understand my genealogical findings. It is like a diary or journal that I use to focus on what I know. It helps me to stay focused and not to become distracted. As time has passed, it has become more and more of a vehicle for me to share what I’ve learned and worked on. I think both are important.

My big project is my “Photo Friday” series using negative images from the Ethel Wight Collection. I was given access to and was able to photograph the negatives. I edit them to make positives, and then, using my genealogical skills, I identify the individuals in the photos and share them with likely family members.

Only one of my genealogy groups has begun meeting in person again. I look forward to eliminating Covid-19 protocols and returning to regular meetings. I miss my genealogy friends; Zoom meetings are not the same.

2020 Website Statistics.

I wrote 167 posts during the year, up from 21 in 2021.  My goal was to post, at a minimum, once every three days, so I made my goal.

I rose from 506 subscribers in 2021 to 589 in 2022. If you do not subscribe to dontaylorgenealogy.com, please do so. You can do so by email on the website, via WordPress, or via Social Media (Facebook & Twitter).

Referrals to my site are, as I would expect, from various search engines. Google is, by far, the most significant referrer. Bing is a distant second, and the third was DuckDuckGo. Facebook is the biggest non-search engine referrer, followed by Ancestry.Com and WordPress Dashboard.  My old Blogspot site still referred individuals 19 times, so I guess I still can’t delete it.

My Top Five Postings for 2022

My number one most-read post during 2022 has been #1 for seven years in a row. “Why I’ll never do business with MyHeritage Again.” I guess people love reading rants.

Numbers two through five were:

  1. Schools I’ve Attended – Jordan Jr. High
  2. Memories – Kid Shows and Poker with Grandma.
  3. Blackhurst a rare name in my family tree.
  4. OMG – Another Half-Sibling

Next Year – 2023

I’m not sure where I want my genealogical activities will take me in 2023. Indeed, my Ethel Wight Photo Identification Project will be a constant source of work. I have done 113 installments of it. I expect to have about 40 more installments, so I should complete them this year. I’m also doing several projects that include Maine ancestors, keeping me busy.

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