Matson in the 1950 Census

Matson Project – Update October 2022.

Census Sunday
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.As part of my regular updates and “Do Over” process, I thought I’d take a quick look at the Matson clan in the 1950 Census. I found my stepfather (Edgar/Budgar), his parents, and his siblings in the 1950 Census.

Edgar Jerome Matson (1925-2003)

From the 1950 Census – Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, ED 89-356, Sheet 10, Lines 28-30, I learned that Edgar J. Matson, his wife Frieda, and their daughter, Heidi, were living at 2024 Girard Ave No. He was working 45 hours per week as an Automobile Assembler. His German wife Frieda had received her First Papers automatically through her marriage. Heidi had been born the previous March [March 20th]. That address is the same as his parents, siblings, Elizabeth and Kenneth, and niece, Christine.

Matson, Edgar J Head 24    Minn Works as an Automobile Assembler, 45 hr/yr.
—, Frieda         Wife  25    Germany
—, Heidi N        Dau. Mar  Minn

Notes: Frieda Matson received her first papers automatically through her marriage. I am informed.

Additional Info for #30 (Heidi) (1 year ago – “Not Born Yet.)

Edward W Matson (1925-2003)

2923 Girard Ave,

Matson, Edward W    Head     52        Chipper & Grinder at a Tractor Factory (40 hrs)
—, Hildur C            Wife     52
—, Elizabeth A        Dau.    26      Stenographer – Photography (40 hrs)
—, Kenneth M        Son     23      Mauler operator – Tractors (40 hrs)
—, Christine L         G. dau. 4

All were born in Minnesota.

Elizabeth was born in the US. Education: finished the 11th grade and worked 50 weeks during the last year.

Ardis (Matson) Rohloff

Ardis (Matson) Rohloff

Budgar’s sister, Ardis, married Richard Rohloff in 1941. Ardis and Richard appear in the 1950 Census living in Albion, Minnesota.

“3½ mi on left, south from Corina – Albion line along Swart Watts Lake. First town road n of Albion store.”  

Lines 17 thru 19 – Farm

Rohloff, Richard          Head   29 Works 70 hours/week farming on (own) farm.
—, Ardis          Wife    27
—, Richard E   Son      7

All were born in Minnesota.


That accounts for Budgar, his parents (Eddie & Hildur), his siblings, Ardis, Elizabeth, and Kenny, and his niece, Chris, during the 1950 Census.


Sources

1950 Census, Ardis (Matson) Rohloff, Wife. Albion Center – ED 86-3, Page 16, Line 18. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6F9Q-DZGF.

1950 Census, Edgar J Matson – MN, Hennepin, Minneapolis, ED 89-356. Sheet 10, Lines 28-30. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/79630?token=X%2FPrM0WAi3ra57yjSWCo3TufajpgzkDuqhI%2FDJaLVS4%3D.

1950 Census, Edward W Matson – Minneapolis, MN. ED 89-356, Page 10, Line 23. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6F97-HLD4.

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Photo Friday – Waltham, Winchester, Winter, Withee, & Witham

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 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.


Barbara J Winter, circa 1935.

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Barbara J Winters, 149 Percival St #652.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Barbara J Winter, circa 1935.

    The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Urban A (Marion C) Winter living at 149 Percival.

  • The 1940 US Census lists Urban and Marion living at 149 Percival. Living with them are their three daughters, Eleanor, Barbara, and Marion F. Also with them is Urban’s mother-in-law Eleanor Cole.

Because the negative envelope identifies “Barbara,” I am sure this photo is of her, about 1935. Barbara J. Winter, the daughter of Urban Adolph and Marion (Cole) Winter, was born on 26 February 1929. This is a photo of Barbra was about six years old.

Five Ancestry public trees refer to Barbara J Winter and she is found in Family Search as profile L6XQ-K51. I have uploaded one photo of Barbara to her Family Search Memories. 

Miss Persis Winchester, circa 1935

This negative envelope says, “Miss Persis Winchester, 22 DeBlois St #518.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Miss Persis Winchester, circa 1935

    The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Persis Winchester, a maid at 22 Deblois. Living at 22 Deblois Street is Frederick C. Dudley, whom Persis must be the maid for.

  • The 1938 Portland City Directory lists Persis A Winchester, a maid who married Kenneth E. Jackson.

This photo appears to be of Persis Ardelle Winchester, who married Kenneth Emery Jackson on 17 July 1937. Persis was born on 23 May 1916 and would have been about 19 years old when this photo was taken.

Persis Ardelle Winchester is found in 36 public Ancestry trees. Family Search has profile G34C-YWG for Persis A Winchester. I have uploaded a photo of Persis to her Family Search Memories.

Barbara Withee, circa 1935 (age 3).

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Chas Withee, 41 A Chestnut St #604.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Barbara Withee, circa 1935 (age 3).

    The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Charles S Withee and his wife Eva G, living at 41a Chestnut Street, Apt 8.

  • The 1940 Census lists Charles & Eva with their seven-year-old daughter, Barbara living in Portland. They lived in the “same place” in 1935.
  • The 1950 US Census lists Charles & Eva living with their 17-year-old daughter, Barbara I Withee, at 10 Montgomery Street in Portland.

I am sure this is a photo of Barbara I Withee circa 1935, when she was about three years old.

I have not found Barbara Withee in Ancestry trees. However, her father, Charles Withee, appears in 13 public Ancestry trees. Family Search does not have a profile for Barbara Withee. So, I uploaded a photo of her to Dead Fred. 

Eleanor Winter, circa 1934

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Irving A Winter, 149 Percival St, Woodfords, #142.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Eleanor Winter, circa 1934

    The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Urban A (Marion C) Winter living at 149 Percival.

  • The 1940 US Census lists Urban and Marion living at 149 Percival. Their three daughters, Eleanor, Barbara, and Marion F, live with them (ages 12, 10, and 4, respectively). Also with them is Urban’s mother-in-law Eleanor Cole.

I believe that Ethel misunderstood what Mrs. Winter said and wrote Irving instead of Urban as Mrs. Winter’s husband’s name. I identified a photo of Barbara previously, and this photo is of a different child, although the eyes suggest they could be sisters. In 1934, Eleanor would have been about six years old, fitting the child’s appearance.

Ancestry has one public tree that refers to Eleanor M Winter, daughter of Urban and Marion (Cole) Winter. Family Search has profile L6XQ-2Z1 for Eleanor Winter, daughter of Urban and Marion (Cole) Winter. I have uploaded a photo of Eleanor to her Family Search Memories. 

Ruby & Elinor Witham, circa 1934 (ages 8 and 5).

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Valeria Witham, 59 Cumberland Ave #402.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Elinor & Ruby Waltham, circa 1934 (ages 5 and 8).

    The 1933 and 1934 Portland City Directories list Otis A & Valeria G Witham living at 115 Washington Ave.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Otis and Valeria living at 210 Congress.
  • The 1940 US Census lists Otis & “Valena” Witham living at 210 Congress. Living with them are their two daughters, 13-year-old Ruby and ten-year-old Elenor.
  • Based upon the photo ID number (#402), the photo was taken about 1934.

I am sure this is a photo of Ruby and Elenor. Ruby was born on 8 October 1926 in Bowdoinham, Maine; Elenor (Elinor) was born on 13 November 1929. So this photo was taken when they were about eight and five years old.

Six Ancestry public trees refer to Ruby Leona Witham; seven refer to Elinor. Family Search does not appear to have profiles for either Ruby or Elinor, so I uploaded photos of them to Dead Fredhere and here.

Photo identification of Ruby confirmed by a niece.


Conclusion

  • I identified all six Three of them have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories
  • Two individuals did not have Family Search profiles but did appear in Ancestry trees, so I posted their images to Dead Fred.
  • One individual did not have a Family Search profile, nor did she appear in any Ancestry trees; however, her father did appear in Ancestry Trees. Consequently, I uploaded her photo to Dead Fred.

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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Ancestor Sketch – Edgar Jerome Matson

UPDATED 12 October 2022 (in green)

Matson Line
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.My stepfather Edgar, known as “Bud,” and I had a difficult past. Our failure to coexist resulted in my living in a foster home for a couple of years. However, as Bud aged, he did grow more and more mellow and progressive in his opinions. For example, in his 60s, he came to the conclusion that the death penalty was wrong because it was overapplied in cases of people of color or the disadvantaged and seldom, if ever, applied to the rich or privileged. During the 1990s, Bud and I achieved a time of détente.

The Matson Line – Ancestor S2

  • S2 – Step-father: Edgar (“Bud” and “Budgar[i]”) Jerome Matson (1925-2003)
  • S2-4 – Step Grandfather: Edward (Eddie) William Mattson (1898-1977)
  • S2-8 – Step Great-grandfather: Lars Mattson (1869-1926)
  • S2-16 – Step Great-Great-grandfather: Lars Mattison (c. 1824-____)

Birth

Budgar was born on 29 December 1926 at 8:01 PM in St. Barnabas Hospital, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. He was the third of four children of Edward William and Hildur Christina (Krafve) Mattson[ii]. He had two older sisters and one younger brother.

Childhood

1930

The 1930 Census found Eddie Matson & family living in Southside Township, Wright County, Minnesota. Southside is a rural township about 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis. It abuts Annandale and surrounds South Haven. Eddie was 32-year-old farm laborer renting a home for $20/month. With him are his wife, Hildur, and children, Ardis, age 7, attending school; Betty, age 6, attending school, Edgar, age 4, and Kenneth, age 3.

1935

All of Eddie Mattson’s family are living in the same place as in the 1940 Census.

1940

The 1940 Census found Eddie Mattson & family living in Annandale, Wright County, Minnesota. Eddie was a 42-year-old cement working in the building construction industry. Living with him are his wife, Hildur, and their four children, including 14-year-old Edgar. All of the children are attending school.

Adulthood

World War II

It’s not clear why, but the 1942 Minneapolis City Directory finds the 16-year-old Edgar working as a helper and living at 1721 North 3rd in Minneapolis (Not with his parents).

When Edgar turned 18, in 1943, he registered for the draft. He was living with his parents at 2024 Girard Ave, North. He was 5’11”, 140 pounds, blue eyes, blonde hair, light complexion. The 1944 Minneapolis City Directory indicates he was working at the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company at 7th and Washington, North, Minneapolis and was living with his parent on Girard.

UPDATED 7 Oct 2022 (in green)

He enlisted on his 20th birthday, 29 December 1945[iii] however, the US Veterans Gravesites database (National Cemetery Administration) indicates his military start date was 23 March 1944 [vi].  He was discharged on 2 February 1949 as a Sergeant in the Regular Army.

First Marriage

Bud returned from Europe in 1948 and married a “German war bride,” Frieda Gass on 28 November 1948.

UPDATED 7 Oct 2022

1950 Census

Edgar Matson, circa 1950.

From the 1950 Census – MN, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, ED 89-356, Sheet 10, Lines 28-30, I learned that Edgar J. Matson, his wife Frieda, and their daughter, Heidi, were living at 2024 Girard Ave No. He was working 45  hours per week as an Automobile Assembler. His German wife Frieda had received her First Papers automatically through her marriage. Heidi had been born the previous March [March 20th]. That address is the same as his parents, siblings, Elizabeth and Kenneth, and niece, Christine.

  • Matson, Edgar J Head age 24 – Born Minn. – Works as an Automobile Assembler, 45 hr/yr.
  • —, Frieda         Wife  age 25 – born Germany
  • —, Heidi N        Dau. born in March in Minn.

Notes: Frieda Matson received her first papers automatically through her marriage.

Frieda and Bud had two daughters together, Heidi Ann (1950-2002) and “Living Matson.” In 1952, Bud was working as a maintenance man at Minneapolis Moline. Shortly after that he began working at the Ford Motor Assembly Plant in Saint Paul. He worked there for 33 years and eventually retired from Ford.

In April 1959, while Bud was driving to work, he noticed a man laying on the railroad tracks. He thought the man was drunk and passed out. He stopped to help him and found that he was dead. He was living at 181 NE 41st Ave in Columbia Heights at the time.

Second Marriage

Bud and Frieda became estranged and were living separately when he met my mother, Sylvia. It is my recollection that my mom and Bud dated while the divorce of Bud and Frieda became final. After the divorce, my mom and Bud went off to Webster, Day County, South Dakota to be married on 8 December 1961.

Bud and Sylvia rented a house at 1502 Fremont Ave, No., Minneapolis shortly after the marriage. About a year later, Bud and Sylvia purchased a house at 2419 Bryant Ave. North, Minneapolis. In September, they had their first child, (a girl, living).

Bud and Sylvia had a new home built in the suburbs at 6741 Douglas Drive North, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. They had their second child (a boy, living) together while living there. It was over 20 miles to the Ford Plant across downtown so Bud typically worked very early in the morning to avoid the traffic.

Retirement

Bud retired and the couple moved to Brainerd (6450 Donaldson Road) for a few years. Then they moved south, presumably to get away from Minnesota winters, to Prescott Valley, Arizona. They moved back to Minnesota about 1996 and lived at 5 Evans Ave., Elk River, Sherburne County, Minnesota. Finally, they moved to nearby Big Lake.

Death

Bud died on 12 November 2003 at the Buffalo Hospital, Buffalo, Wright County, Minnesota, due to complications resulting from a fall. Internment of his cremains was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.

 

Events by Location

  • Arizona – Yavapai County, Prescott Valley – Lived 1995-1996
  • Minnesota – Anoka County, Columbia Heights – Lived 1959.
  • Minnesota – Crow Wing County, Brainerd – Lived 1983-1995.
  • Minnesota – Hennepin County, Brooklyn Park – Lived 1966-1983.
  • Minnesota – Hennepin County, Minneapolis – Birth – Lived 1942-1952 & 1962-1965 – Marriage #1.
  • Minnesota – Sherburne County, Big Lake – Lived 2002-2003 – Death.
  • Minnesota – Sherburne County, Elk River – Lived 2000-2002
  • Minnesota – Wright County, Southside Township – Lived 1930.
  • Minnesota – Wright County, Annandale – Lived 1935 – 1940.
  • South Dakota – Day County, Webster – Marriage #2.
  • Europe – Service 1946-1948.

Follow-up

Education – Bud attended one year of high school.[iv] I need to check yearbooks, etc. for photos and interests.

Religion – Edgar Jerome Matson was a Missouri Synod Lutheran during the years I knew him. He encouraged my mother and me to become baptized at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Spring Lake Park in 1961. He also encouraged my becoming confirmed at the Lutheran Church[v] at 26th & Lyndale in Minneapolis. I should research the religious events in his life.

Military – I know that Bud served in Europe after the war. It is my understanding that he was in a unit that “investigated” war crimes and atrocities committed by Allied forces during the war. Learning more about his service could prove interesting.

Divorce – My personal recollection includes the jubilation when the divorce between Bud and Frieda became final. I should research the specific date and details.

Property – I know Bud owned houses in Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, Brainerd (all MN), and Prescott Valley, AZ. Getting the exact dates would be useful in setting his life’s timeline. He sold the Brooklyn Park house in June 1983.

Children – Heidi – Bud’s oldest daughter, Heidi, died in 2002. I should research her and tell her story.

Will/Probate – I don’t know if Bud had a will or if his estate went to probate. I should research this.


Sources

  • 1930 Census, 1930 – Eddie (Edward) Matson. Year: 1930; Census Place: Southside, Wright, Minnesota; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0032; FHL microfilm: 2340871. https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/78038650:6224.
  • 1940 Census, Eddie (Edward) W Mattson (Matson) – Annandale, Wright, Minnesota. Year: 1940; Census Place: Annandale, Wright, Minnesota; Roll: m-t0627-01970; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 86-3. https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/98279103:2442.
  • City Directory (A), Ancestry.Com, Minneapolis, Minnesota – 1942, Page 768 – Matson. Via Ancestry.Com.
  • City Directory (A), Ancestry.Com, Minneapolis, Minnesota – 1944, Page 770 – Matson. Ancestry.Com – Downloaded 11/10/2013
  • City Directory (A), Ancestry.Com, Minneapolis, Minnesota – 1946, Page 833 – Matson. Ancestry.Com – Downloaded 11/10/2013.
  • City Directory (A), Ancestry.Com, Minneapolis, Minnesota – 1948, Page 921 – Matson. Downloaded from Ancestry.com 10 Nov 2013.
  • City Directory (A), Ancestry.Com, Minneapolis, Minnesota – 1952, Page 812 – Matson. Downloaded from Ancestry on 10 Nov 2013.
  • Funeral Card, Files (Personal), Edgar J. Matson (1925-2003).
  • Edgar Matson – 5 Oct 1966, Page 62., Minneapolis Star, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Newspapers.com).
  • Minnesota Birth Index, 1900-1934 (cont.)1925. Ancestry.com. Web: Minnesota, Birth Index, 1900-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
  • Minnesota Birth Index, 1935-2002, Family Search, Heidi Ann Matson – 20 Mar 1950. “Minnesota Birth Index, 1935-2002,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VCGX-MXH : 4 December 2014), Heidi Ann Matson, 20 Mar 1950; from “Minnesota Birth Index, 1935-2002,” database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 2004); citing Hennepin, Minnesota, United States, Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VCGX-MXH.
  • Minnesota Official Marriage System, MOMS.MN.GOV, Edgar J Matson & Freida Gass 11/28/1948. https://Moms.mn.gov.
  • Minnesota, Death Index, 1908-2017, Ancestry.Com, Edgar Jerome Matson (1925-2003). Minnesota Department of Health; St Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota, Death Index, 1908-2017- Certificate Number: 2003-MN-036549.
  • National Cemetery Administration, Internet, Edgar Jerome Matson.
  • South Dakota, Marriages, 1905-2018 , Ancestry.Com, Edgar Matson & Sylvia Larson – 18 Dec 1961. South Dakota Department of Health; Pierre, South Dakota; South Dakota Marriage Records, 1905-2016.
  • Edgar J. Matson – 30 Jan 1969. Newspapers.Com – Downloaded 15 Nov 2020.., Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Various).
  • Edgar J. Matson, 25 Nov 1948. Marriage License Applications. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63311353/marriage-of-matson-gass/., Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Various).
  • Edgar Jerome Matson – 16 Nov 2003, Page B7 ., Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Various).
  • Edgar Matson – Sold house at 6741 Douglas Dr. 9 June 1983, Page 85 – Downloaded 15 Nov 2020.., Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Various).
  • S. Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, Ancestry.Com, Brainerd, Minnesota – 1993-1996 – Edgar J Matson. Source Citation – City: Brainerd; State: Minnesota; Year(s): 1993-1996.
  • S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010, Ancestry.Com, Edgar Matson – 29 Dec 1925. Ancestry.com. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
  • S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Ancestry.Com, Edgar J. Matson – 470-20-6784. Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File.
  • S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 (National Archives), Ancestry.Com, Edgar Jerome Matson. The National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; WWII Dra. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2238/records/16267040/.
  • United States Public Records, 1970-2009, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 1 Jan 1997 to 1 Jun 1997. “United States Public Records, 1970-2009”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ69-42QQ : 31 May 2020), Edgar J Matson, 1997-1997.
  • United States Public Records, 1970-2009, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 1 Jan 1998-1 Jun 1998 . “United States Public Records, 1970-2009”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ69-4592 : 31 May 2020), Edgar J Matson, 1998-1998.
  • United States Public Records, 1970-2009, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 1 Jun 1994 to 1 Jan 1999. “United States Public Records, 1970-2009”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KB1T-CVW : 29 January 2020), Edgar J Matson, 1994-1999. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KB1T-CVW.
  • United States Public Records, 1970-2009, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 1 June 1996. “United States Public Records, 1970-2009”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJXH-9FPH : 3 June 2020), Edgar J Matson, 1996.
  • United States Social Security Death Index, Family Search, Edgar J Matson. “United States Social Security Death Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V361-F3V : 22 August 2020), Edgar J Matson, 12 Nov 2003; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing). https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V361-F3V.
  • United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 11 Jan 1946. “United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8LP-CLH : 5 December 2014), Edgar J Matson, enlisted 11 Jan 1946, ; citing “Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946,” database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (https://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8LP-CLH.
  • US Army Honorable Discharge; Files (Personal); Honorable Discharge – Edgar J. Matson – 2 February 1949.

Endnotes

[i] “Budgar” is a combination of “Bud” and “Edgar.” He was called that by his family later in his life.

[ii] Note: The surname simplified since coming to the United States. Originally Mattison, the name morphed to Mattson, then lost the second “t” to become Matson. I tend to use the surname as it was used in any particular record.

[iii] Although V-J Day was August 14th, 1945 the period beginning December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946, are the dates considered as World War II Service. Edgar’s enlistment in 1945 is considered “World War II Service.”

[iv] See the 1940 Census and his Draft Registration.

[v] I forget if this was a ALC or LCA church at the time. I know it wasn’t Missouri Synod. Bud thought it better for me to go to a church locally, where I could walk to, rather than going to a Missouri Synod Church that I needed to be driven to.

[vi] The “U.S., Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2019” (National Cemetery Administration), Ancestry.Com, indicates that Edgar J Matson’s (1925-2003) Military Service Start Date was 23 March 1944.

forge

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Donna played Al Ringling theatre – January 1925

Donna in the News
by Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.“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 Baraboo News Republic (Baraboo, WI) newspaper dated 6 Jam 1925, I learned that Donna and her “Bathing Beauty Revue” played at the Al Ringling Theater on 5 & 7 January 1925 in Baraboo, Wisconsin, also that the show included some 15 girls.


Bathing Review Of Splendor On Ringling Bill

Pretty girls, dazzling costumes, and catchy music featured the Bathing Beauty Review at the Al. Ringling Theatre Monday Evening, which was shown as an added attraction in addition to the screen program of “Forbidden Paradise” and Harry Langdon in “Luck of the Foolish.”

Vaudeville consisted of 24 numbers which included many fancy costume skits by Murray Earl, Donna Darling and the girls numbering some 15 in number. The chorus costumed as bathers of 1860, 1900, Atlantic City, China, Spain, Egypt, Hawaii, America and others won considerable applause from the audience.

The same program will be repeated tonight.


Because of this newly available online article, I was able to add another venue for Donna’s exciting vaudeville career.

New career entry: “January 5-6, 1925 – Baraboo, Wisconsin – Al Ringling Theatre – Bathing Beauty Revue Featuring Donna Darling and Murry Earle.”

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Surname Saturday – Sills

Howell, Hobbs, Long, Bryan, Sills Line
By Don Taylor

Sills is a variation of Sill. The English Sills surname is likely derived from the name of an ancestor, for example, Silvester, Selwyn, or Sisley. Although possibly it could have come from the German Sill, for a harness rope or the maker of harness ropes. [i]

Geographical

Today, the greatest incidence of Sills is in the United States, with over 9,000 people with the name. Tiny Norfolk Island (east of Australia and Northwest of New Zealand) has the greatest frequency of Sills, with one in 765 people having the surname. In the US, the greatest incidences of the Sills surname are in Texas, California, and Florida.

Direct Surname Ancestors[ii]

    • 4th Great-grandmother: Lucretia (Sills) Bryan (1755-1829)
    • 5th Great-grandfather: Isham Sills (1728-1802)
    • 6th Great-grandfather: Lambert Sills (1690-1751)

Sills in History

Lucretia Sills married Lewis Bryan in 1788, probably in Martin County, North Carolina. Although I haven’t confirmed it, it appears that two of Lucretia’s brothers, Benjamin and William, fought in the Revolutionary War in Halifax County, North Carolina. Grey, Samuel, and William Sills also fought for Virginia during the Revolution. I need to research more to possibly connect them as related to Lucretia.

Royal Standard of France (early 17th century–1789)

Lucretia’s grandfather, Lambert, was an immigrant ancestor. He was born in France in about 1690. He immigrated to the colonies before 1714 when he married Elizabeth Brewer in Virginia. He lived in Virginia until he died in 1751.

Famous Sills

Beverly Sills, the opera star, was born Belle Silverman and is unlikely to be related. Likewise, Paul Sills, director of Chicago’s Second City, was born Paul Silverburg and is likely unrelated.

Milton Sills is probably the most famous person with the Sills surname. He was an actor in the 1910s and 1920s. His most successful films were The Flaming Youth (1923) and The Sea Hawk (1924)

Sills Descendants

I have 264 known descendants of Lambert Sills in my tree; 29 Bryan, 26 Howell, 22 Sills, 19 Long, 17 Hobbs, and 15 Valentine individuals. I have not written about John W. Bryan (1788-1865); however, I did write about his daughter, Martha.

Ancestor Photographs

Mary Lillian (Hobbs) Howell

Mary (Hobbs) Howell

Sources

Endnotes

[i] Common surname origins include:

      • Occupations (such as “Farmer”
      • Physical characteristics (such as “Short”)
      • Places or landmarks (such as “Hill”)
      • Patronymics, derived from father’s name (such as Johnson from ”son of John”).

[ii] I have not had the opportunity to personally research these individuals. As such, their names and dates are tentative and/or speculative.

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