Ethel Wight Collection – Part 108

Posted on November 25, 2022 by Don Taylor

Photo Friday – Nides, Niles, Norton, Nugent, & Nutter.

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.

 Doris Niles (later Strout), circa 1934

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Doris Niles, 78 Anderson St #241.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Photo of Doris Niles, circa 1934

    Doris Niles (later Strout), circa 1934

    The 1934 and 1935 Portland City Directories list Doris I Niles as a cashier at 570 Congress and residing at 78 Anderson.

  • The 1930 US Census lists Doris Niles, the 14-year-old, Canadian-born daughter of Orrie & Sadie Niles.
  • In 1938 Doris married Glenwood Wilson Strout.

I believe this photo to be of Doris I Niles, born on 12 Jun 1912 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Ancestry has 16 public trees that refer to Doris Niles. Family Search has profile GSJ3-SSV for Doris Iva Niles. I have uploaded a photo of Doris to her Family Search Memories.

Confirmed to be Doris Niles Strout by a great-grandchild. 

 

Margaret Nugent circa 1934

The negative envelope says, “Miss Margaret Nugent, 8 Bradford St #209.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Photo of Margaret Nugent circa 1934.

    Margaret Nugent circa 1934

    The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Margaret G Nugent as a stenographer at 199 Kennebec, residing at 8 Bradford. Also at 8 Bradford is Martha Nugent, the widow of Richard J.

This photo is of Margaret Gertrude Nugent, daughter of Richard Joseph and Martha Tamar (Fyles) Nugent, born on 23 Jan 1914. This photo was taken in early 1934, before she married John William Casey on 11 Feb 1934.

Ancestry has 17 public trees that refer to Margaret Gertrude Nugent. Family Search has profile GQ63-8R3 for Margaret G Nugent. I uploaded two photos of Margaret to her Family Search Memories. 

Confirmed to be Margaret (“Nana”) by a granddaughter.

Nurse Nellie Norton, circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Nellie Norton, 139 Coyle St #612.”

What I found regarding this individual.

  • Photo of Nurse Nellie Norton, circa 1935.

    Nurse Nellie Norton, circa 1935.

    The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Nellie Norton as a nurse employed at 231 Woodford and residing at 20 Norwood. There is also a Nellie C Norton living at 64 Danforth.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Nellie I Norton as a dental assistant at 156 Free, room 49, residing at 92 High. The directory also lists Mrs. Lucretia W Spofford living at 139 Coyle St.
  • The 1941 Portland City Directory lists Nellie Norton as a dental assistant residing at 92 High.
  • The 1940 US Census does not appear to list Nellie. Living at 92 High is 51-year-old Nellie Naughton. Living with her is a sister, Mary (61), and a niece, Ann (20). Nellie is a receptionist at a doctor’s office.
  • The 1940 US Census lists Nellie La Bonte, a 53-year-old Practical Nurse, living with her father, Harry H Norton, on Ridge Road in York, Maine. The 1930 Census also lists her married to Alfred, living in York, Maine.

Going back to the 1934 Portland City Directory entry, 20 Norwood is the St. Barnabas Nurses’ Home.

Alternate Individuals.

The Nellie La Bonte (née Norton) of York was 43 years old in 1930.

Nellie Naughton, of 92 High Street, was 41 years old in 1930.

The question arises if the woman in this photo, taken about 1935 in her mid to late 40s. I see the woman in the picture as being in her 20s. As such, I don’t believe it is either Nellie La Bonte or Nellie Naughton.

Conclusion

The 1930 Portland City directory does not include a Norton listed as a nurse. This photo could be of Nellie I Norton, a dental assistant in 1935; however, I’m not convinced. I believe this is Nellie Norton, a nurse at St. Barnabas Hospital in 1934; however, I’ve found no other information to identify Nellie. I have uploaded her photo to Dead Fred and to my Flickr Photostream. 

Virginia Nutter, (later Reedy, later Gierman) circa 1934

This negative envelope says, “Virginia Nutter #177.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Photo of Virginia Nutter, (later Reedy, later Gierman) circa 1934.

    Virginia Nutter, circa 1934.

    The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Virginia Nutter, a hairdresser who married Chauncey D Reedy.

  • The 1930 US Census lists Chancey Reedy, a 24-year-old Army private, born in Tennessee and stationed at Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth.
  • New Hampshire Marriage Records indicate Chauncy Reedy and Virginia M Nutter married on 21 September 1934. Virginia was 27 years old and born in Gorham, ME. She lived in Portland, and Chauncy lived at Ft. Williams. Her father was Herman H Nutter of Rumford Falls, ME, who was 54 years old and born in Gray, Maine. Her mother, Ethel Mills of Portland, Maine, was 55 years old and born in Portland, ME.

I have not found Virginia nor her parents in Ancestry trees. Chauncy D Reedy is found in six public trees; however, none of them indicate a marriage to Virginia Nutter. Likewise, I have not found Virginia’s parents in Ancestry trees, either.

On 16 Mar 1940, Virginia Nutter Reedy of Portland, ME, married George T Gierman of Ayer, MA, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland. The 1950 US Census indicates they lived at Fort Belvoir, Fairfax, Virginia. George was 36 and born in New York.

Family Search has profile GC6W-22S for Ethel L Mills circa 1879 in Maine. Also, there is a potential duplicate profile, MR9M-VJ5, for Ethel Louise Mills, born about 1878 in Portland, Maine. However, neither profile include a spouse, any children, or parents. Likewise, George Gierman, born c. 1914 in New York, appears in FamilySearch as profile GS5H-FQW. No spouse is associated with his profile.

I uploaded a photo of Virginia Nutter (later Reedy, later Gierman) circa 1934 to Dead Fred. I also uploaded two additional images of Virginia to my Flickr photostream. 

Private Nildes, USA, circa 1935.

(Possibly – Private Nields)

This negative envelope says, “Nildes.”

I could not find anyone with the Nildes surname in the Portland City Directories for 1934-1936.

Private Nildes, USA

There was a Harry C Nields, Jr, of Pasadena, California, in Army during 1943. He was born on 15 April 1907 in Pasadena. I haven’t found any info that would connect this person to the person in the photo.

I have not identified this individual, so I only include the individual’s photo here.

Conclusion

I fully identified four of the five individuals. Two of them have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories. Two individuals did not have a Family Search profile and did not appear in any Ancestry trees. Still, I feel comfortable with the identification, so I uploaded those photos to Dead Fred. One photo was not identifiable.

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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Abbreviated Sketch –Thomas Valentine Rooney (1887-1960)

Posted on November 20, 2022 by Don Taylor

007-H(2) – The 2nd Husband of Madonna Mae Montran

Brown-Montran Line
Montran Married Roone
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.My research into my grandmother’s life has been filled with surprises. None so much as learning of her many marriages. She was married twice before she married my uncle’s father, Sammy Amsterdam. First, she married Chester Fenyvessey in 1911. Then she married Thomas Valentine in 1915. Neither marriage were known about by either my mother or my uncle. After her time with Chester in Rochester, New York, she headed to California to be one of Mack Sennett’s Bathing Beauties. In 1914 Donna was in the silent movie “Birth of a Nation,” which was filmed in California. After “Birth,” she located to Boston, Massachusetts, where she promoted the film through a Biplane Flight over Revere in July 1915. On 24 November 1915, Donna married Thomas Valentine Rooney in a ceremony performed by T. Brosnahaw in Waltham, Massachusetts.

The “Husbands” of Madonna Mae Montran

1st Husband – Chester Fenyvessey (1911)
2nd Husband – Thomas Valentine Rooney (1915)
3rd Husband – Samson Clark Amsterdam (1926) – Russell’s father.
1st Significant Other Clifford Brown (1931)- Sylvia’s father.
2nd Significant Other– Russell Harrison Kees (1936)
3rd Significant Other – Henry Rossburg (c. 1950)

Thomas Valentine Rooney (1887-1960)

BMD

Birth

Thomas Valentine Rooney was born on 29 January 1887 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, the second child of Neil H and Mary E (Fahey) Rooney.

Marriage 1

Thomas’ first marriage was to my Grandmother, Madonna Mae Montran, on 24 November 1915. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, by T. Brosnashaw, a priest. Witnesses were James Downey and Hazel McCary.

Cropped image of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Records, 1789-1920 - St. Mary (Waltham) Marriages, 1891-1920 showing the marriage of Thomas Rooney & Donna Montran.

Source: American Ancestors (NEHGS) – St. Mary (Waltham) Marriages, 1891-1920, Page 354. Thomas Valentine Rooney & Mae Donna Montran 24 Nov 1915.

The marriage record for Thomas and Madonna includes an entry I don’t quite understand. I’ve previously seen Catholic marriages with a Dispensatio: mixta religio (mixed religion dispensation) entries. In this case, there is a date entered of 1915-39. Thomas and Madonna were married in 1915. Does the 39 mean the mixed marriage dispensation lasted until 1939, suggesting the church recognized the marriage until then? Donna married Sammy in 1926, and Thomas married Daisy in 1928. Neither subsequent marriage was in the Catholic Church, so I suspect that Thomas and Donna weren’t formally divorced, and the Catholic Church still recognized their marriage until 1939. Very Interesting. I’d love to hear from you if you have a different interpretation of the record.

Marriage 2

Thomas’ second marriage was to Daisy Elizabeth Ford on 12 April 1928 in Manhattan, New York City, New York. Daisy was an actress, and Thomas was a theatrical manager. Although they were married at the Municipal Chapel at the City Clerk’s office, they planned to have a religious ceremony by Father Leonard of St. Malachy’s Church in Rochester, New York.

Death

Thomas died on 29 April 1960 of an aortic aneurysm. He was preceded in death by his wife, Daisy. His death certificate indicates he was buried at the San Fernando Mission Ceremony; however, he does not appear in the memorials at Find-a-Grave for that cemetery.

Censuses

1900 Census

13-year-old Thomas lived with his parents, Neil & Mary, his paternal grandmother, Annie Rooney, his three brothers (John, Neil & James), and his sister, Mary.

1910 Census

22-year-old Thomas lived with his widowed mother, Mary, his three brothers (John, Neil & James), his sister-in-law, Mary (Neil’s wife), and his nephew, Joseph (Neil’s son). Thomas was a commercial traveler in the root beer industry.

1920 & 1930 Censuses

I have not found Thomas in the 1920 or 1930 Censuses. On January 1st, 1920, Donna was with the “Chin Chin” show playing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I doubt he and Donna made the tour together.

1940 Census

Thomas and Daisy were living at 22 Crescent Heights Blvd, Los Angeles. Thomas was a theatrical talent manager. Daisy was a motion picture actress.

1950 Census

Photo of 7515 De Longpal, Los Angeles Today

7515 De Longpal, Los Angeles – Today

Thomas and Daisy were living at 7515 De Longpal, Los Angeles. Thomas was an actor’s agent for motion pictures. Daisy doesn’t have an occupation listed.

Children

It does not appear that Thomas had any children with either Donna or Daisy.

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Ethel Wight Collection – Part 107

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Don Taylor

Photo Friday – Nicholson, Nickerson (née Wolfe), & Nielsen.

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.

 Anne D Nielsen, circa 1936.

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss A. D. Nielson, State St Hospital #1037.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Photo of  Anne D Nielsen, circa 1936.

    Anne D Nielsen, circa 1936.

    No one named A. D. Nielson in the 1935-1938 Portland City directories.

  • However, the 1938 Portland City Directory lists Anna D Nielsen, as a telephone operator who resides at 45 Johansen. Also at 45 Johansen are Carl G, Christian, George Jr, Kay D, and Rigmor C Neilsen.
  • The 1937 Portland City Directory lists Anna Nielsen, as a dental assistant at 565 Congress, Room 204, residing at 45 Johansen.
  • Ancestry Family Trees indicate that Anna D Nielsen was born on 2 Dec 1911 in Portland. Her parents are Christian and Laurine Neilson. Her siblings include Kay, Rigmor, Carl, and Christian G (George), Jr.
  • Anna Damesholte Nielsen appears in the 1930 Portland High School yearbook. In it, she indicates her college preference is St. Barnabas Hospital, suggesting that she was interested in a medical profession. Additionally, the photo of her in the yearbook appears to be of the same young woman.

I believe this is Anna Damesholte Nielsen about 1936 when she attended school at the State Street hospital and became a dental assistant.

Ancestry has two public trees that refer to Anna D Nielsen. Family Search has profile GXYN-PYG for Anna D. Nielsen (1911-1980). I have uploaded two photos of Anna to her Family Search Memories.
 

Edith Nickerson, Nurse, circa 1935

 This negative envelope says, “Miss Edith Nickerson, Me Gen Hospital #620.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Photo of Edith Nickerson, Nurse, circa 1935

    Edith Nickerson, Nurse, circa 1935

    The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Edith Nickerson, a student nurse at 22 Arsenal (Maine General Hospital).

  • The 1940 US Census lists Edith Nickerson, a 24-year-old trained nurse in private duty living at 254 Spring St, a boarder with Martin and Annie Campbell. Edith was born in Canada and lived in Portland in 1935.
  • Edith Estella Nickerson, of 254 Spring St., a registered nurse, declared her intent to become a US Citizen. Edith was born on 31 Jul 1915 in Gardners Mills, Nova Scotia.

I am sure this is Nurse Edith Nickerson, circa 1935, when she was about 20 years old.

Ancestry has 40 public trees that refer to Edith Estella Nickerson (1915-2003). Family Search has profile LT77-5N6 for Edith Estella Nickerson. I have uploaded two photos of Edith to her Family Search Memories.

Helen Nicholson, circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Helen Nicholson, 338 Danforth St #384.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Photo of Helen Nicholson, circa 1935.

    Helen Nicholson, circa 1935.

    The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Helen F Nicholson, a clerk who resides at 238 Danforth. Also at that address are Charles D and his wife, Nellie P Nicholson.

  • The 1940 US Census lists Charles and Philomena Nicholson living with their daughter, 27-year-old Helen, at 238 Danforth St.

I believe this photo is of Helen Nicholson, daughter of Charles and Philomena Nicholson.

Ancestry has one public tree that refers to Helen F. Nicholson, born on 4 Feb 1912 to Charles and Philoman (Perrin) Nicholson. Family Search has profile G811-QST for Helen Frances Nicholson (1912-1978). I have uploaded two photos of Helen to her Family Search Memories. 

Norman Grant and Mary Alice (née Wolf) Nicholson, circa 1935 (wedding photos).

This negative envelope says, “Mr. and Mrs. N G Nicholson, 209 Stevens Ave – Wedding pictures – #1076.”

Why I believe this to be these individuals:

  • Photo of Norman Grant and Mary Alice (née Wolf) Nicholson, circa 1935 (a wedding photo).

    Norman Grant and Mary Alice (née Wolf) Nicholson, circa 1935 (wedding photos).

    The 1936 Portland City Directory lists Norman G and Mary A Nicholson living at 209 Stevens.

  • Massachusetts Marriages indicate that Norman G Nicholson and Mary Alice Wolf married in 1935 in Winthrop, MA.
  • The 1940 US Census places Norman and Mary living in Freeport, Maine. Norman was 34, and Mary was 29 years old. Both were born in Massachusetts. Mary lived in Winthrop, MA, in 1935.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest these are Norman Grant Nicholson (1906-1983) and Mary Alice Wolf (1911-1997)

I believe these photos are of Norman and Mary, about 1935 when they married.

Photo of Mary Alice (née Wolf) Nicholson, circa 1935.

Mary Alice (née Wolf) Nicholson, circa 1935.

Norman Grant Nicholson appears in 35 Ancestry Public Trees. Family Search has profile LVKT-G79 for Norman Grant Nicholson (1906-1983).

Mary Alice “Babs” Wolf Nicholson appears in 9 Ancestry Public Trees. Family Search has profile LLMS-KGS for Mary Alice Wolf (1911-1997).

I have uploaded one photo of Norman and Mary to their Family Search Memories.

I uploaded one more photo of Mary alone to her Family Search Memories. I also uploaded one more photo of Mary and two more of the couple to my Flickr photostream.

 

Richard Nielsen, circa 1935 (age 7)

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Harry Nielson, 17 Amhurst St, Woodfords #980.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Photo of Richard Nielsen, circa 1935 (age 7).

    Richard Nielsen, circa 1935 (age 7)

    The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Harry A and Addievilla Nielsen living at 17 Amherst.

  • The 1950 US Census lists Harry and Addivilla Nielsen living at 17 Amherst with their 22-year-old son, Richard J. Richard, who was born in Michigan.
  • The 1940 US Census lists Harry and Addivilla J Neilsen living at 17 Amherst with their 12-year-old son, Richard. There are no other children in the household.

I am confident this is a photo of Richard Jewett Neilsen, born 22 December 1927 to Harry Albert and Addievilla Dresser (Jewett) Neilson in Flint, Michigan.

Some Ancestry Public Trees suggest Richard Jewett Nielsen was born in Waterville, Maine, to Charles Henry Marcia and Lucy Elmie Jewett; however, I am confident Richard’s parents are Harry and Addievilla. Ancestry has 24 public trees that refer to Richard Jewett Nielsen; however, several of those 24 trees indicate different parents. Family Search has profile G4YL-19Q for Richard Jewitt Nielsen. I uploaded one photo of Richard to his Family Search Memories.

 Conclusion

  • I fully identified all five All of them have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories
  • The one couple with wedding photos had three additional images, which I uploaded 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.

Posted in Ethel Wight Studio, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

James Walter & Ohio’s Revolutionary War Roster.

Posted on November 13, 2022 by Don Taylor

Part 3 of 3 – of my Margaret Ann Swann – Do Over.

Darling Research
Darling-Swayze-Walter Line
By Don Taylor

(Part 1 is here.)
(Part 2 is here.)

The third source I want to examine is The Official Roster of the Soldiers of the American Revolution Buried in the State of Ohio[i] – Page 385 – Walter, James (Fairfield Co.) The book indicates:

          WALTER, JAMES (Fairfield Co.)

Sgt “Forage Master.” Br Maryland, 1759. Mar Margaret Ann Levan, of Maryland, after the Revolutionary war, date not known. Children: Nancy, mar Leevir; Elkanah, mar Rachel Decker ; Catherine Ann Dent, mar David Levayzee;  Eliz, mar Chas Stockard 1, James Gurley 2; James, mar Polly ___; John, mar Belinda Reese. D May 10, 1838, Lancaster, O. Bur Old Methodist Cem and City Burial Plot Lancaster, O. Cem converted into park, bodies moved to new Cem in Lancaster, marking on head stone obliterated and identification impossible. MI: “James Walter, died May 10, 1838, aged 80 years, 2 mo, 23 da.” Jan 4, 1804, received transfer of 400 acres in Ky for serv in Rev War. Deeded in Frederick Co, Va. His name appears on a muster roll of a detachment of artillery commanded by Capt Lt Booker, belonging to the 1st Regt, dated Camp near Bacon Bridge, Apr 2, 1782, covering the months of Jan, Feb and Mch, 1782, which shows that he enlisted for the war. Ref: Natl No 12581 James Lincoln (Capt) Mass. Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly Vol 3, p 74. Letter fr War Dept signed “Lutz Wahl, Brigadier Gen, Acting the Adj Gen, by E. W. M.” Fur infor War Dept The Adj Gen Office Washington.

This book entry has some transcription errors. It clearly was transcribed from other sources, and the original must have included S’s that looked like L’s and w’s that looked like ev’s. I note the following errors:

  • Margaret Ann Levan should be Margaret Ann Swan.
  • Nancy married Leevir should be Nancy married Lewis.
  • Catherine Ann Dent married David Levayzee should say she married David Swayze.

It also gave me 21 facts about James Walter, his wife Margaret, and their children. Other than the transcription errors, it is a great source.

The book also provides two other sources to review:

  • The Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly Vol 3, p 74.[ii]
  • Letter fr War Dept signed “Lutz Wahl, Brigadier Gen, Acting the Adj Gen, by E. W. M.

Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly

Title page – The “Old Northwest” Genealogical Quarterly – 1900 – Volume III.

The Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly Vol 3, p 74, includes entries of “Monumental Inscriptions Within the Old Methodist Cemetery and City Burial Plat, in Lancaster, Ohio. Several of the Walter family members are mentioned, including:

  • John S. Walter – died May 17, 1849
  • James Walter – Died May 10, 1938, aged 86 yr. 2 mo. 23 da.
  • Mary Jane Water – dau. John S. & Bolinda[iii] Walter, d. Apr. 26, 1837 age 5 yr. 4 mo. 14 da.
  • Infant son of John S & Bolinda Walter d. Apr 20, 1827.

This source provided new information (to me) regarding John Walter’s death and two of his children. From the 1830 Census, I knew John had two daughters that were born before 1830. I now knew he also had a son (unnamed) and another daughter, Mary Jane, who was born 12 Dec 1831 and died at the age of 5.

Letter fr War Dept signed “Lutz Wahl, Brigadier Gen.

My initial searches have been unsuccessful in finding the Lutz Wahl letter from the War Department. I’ve added this search to my further research task list.

Conclusion

Now that I have had a chance to clean up some of my sources, I am ready to return to researching Margaret Ann (Swan) Walter.

Endnotes

[i] Available at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/officialrosterof1929ohiorich/page/385/mode/1up.

[ii] Available at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/oldnorthwestgene03oldn/page/n181/mode/2up.

[iii] Other sources suggest her name was spelled “Belinda.”

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Veteran’s Day – 2022

Posted on November 11, 2022 by Don Taylor

Updated for 2022
By Don Taylor

Don Taylor in uniform, Barracks, Naval Station Treasure Island (San Francisco) ca. May 1969.

Today, I remember my ancestors that served in the military. I served during Vietnam and my ancestors served during every generation and many of our wars – Korea, both World Wars, the Civil War, the War of 1812, Revolutionary War, the French and Indian War, and even peacetime. I know of seven ancestors who served during the Revolution and four who served during the Civil War for the Union.

To all veterans, “thank you” for taking the oath. It is one of the most life-changing events of your life, I remember mine, and I’m sure you remember yours. I encourage everyone to use Veterans Day as a motivation to learn more about your ancestors that have worn the uniform of the United States.

New

Flag of the United States (1795-1818)In the past year, I’ve learned of another ancestor that served, my 3rd great-grandfather, William Lister (1793-1848). He served in Capt. Alexander Robinson’s company during the War of 1812. He was a private in the Army. He also served in Capt. George Yocums Company of the Ohio Militia.

Korean War

My Uncle – Russell Kees (1927-2016) fought during the Korean War.

World War II

My stepfather, Edgar Jerome Matson fought in Europe during World War II

1928-1931 – Peacetime Service

Clifford (Dick) Brown – 3rd from left, back row – Corozal (Panama) Basketball Champions – 1928.jpg

My Grandfather – Richard Earl Brown (aka Clifford Durwood Brown, aka Richard Earl Durand) (1903-1990) My maternal grandfather “Dick” served in the Army. Little is known about his peacetime military service.
In 1928, he was in the army stationed in Panama. He was a member of the base’s champion basketball team (See: Article).
In 1930, he met my Grandmother in Panama.  It appears that he was discharged in 1931.

World War I

My step-grandfather Sammy Amsterdam served during World War I.

Civil War – Grand Army of the Republic

My 2nd great-grandfather, Franklin E Barber (1836-1917), enlisted for three years into  Company I, 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery on 22 February 1864. He mustered out on 20 August 1865 at New Orleans.

My 2nd great-grandfather – John William Manning (1846-1888).
On 29 Aug 1863, John enlisted in the GAR, at the age of 17, into the 45th Regiment of Kentucky. His father, Enoch Mannin, gave his consent for young John William to enlist. Sometime between May and June of 1864 he was captured by the South (Morgan).
He mustered out on 30 Dec 1864.

My 3rd great-grandfather – Enoch Mannin (1823-1907)
On 29 Aug 1863 – Enoch enlisted (at the same time as his son John) in the 45th Regiment of Kentucky.
Between May and June of 1864, he was captured by the South (Morgan)
He was discharged on 29 Dec 1864 at Catlettsburg, KY.

My 2nd great-grandfather – Asa Ellis Roberts (1835-1887)
On 15 Aug 1861, Asa Joined the Union – Company I, 31st Regiment, Illinois Volunteers for 3 years. He was discharged early due to chronic pericarditis.

War of 1812

15 Star flag War of 1812

My 3rd great-grandfather – John Calvin Roberts (1795-1873)
John C. Roberts was a veteran of the War of 1812, serving in Captain Chiles & Lieutenant Conway’s Company of Tennessee Militia. He enlisted Sep. 20, 1814 at Kingston, TN and was discharged there on May 1, 1815, serving 224 days. He received a pension for his War of 1812 military service.

My 3rd great-grandfather, William Lister (1793-1848) served in Capt. Alexander Robinson’s company during the War of 1812. He was a private in the Army. He also served in Capt. George Yocums Company of the Ohio Militia.

Revolutionary War

My 7th great-grandfather – Grover Buel (1732-1818)
Revolutionary War (DAR – Patriot # A016639
He was a soldier of the Dutchess Co. New York Militia 6th Regiment.
He received Land Bounty Rights after the war.

My 6th great-grandfather – John Maben (1753-1813)
(DAR – Patriot # A072838) Private – 1st Claverack Batt, 9th Regt.
Private – Capt Hawley, Col Van Ness; Albany Co. Mil/New York

My 6th great-grandfather – John Parsons, Sr (1737/1738-1821)
DAR – Patriot# A088240
Lieutenant – Second LT in Capt Samuel Wolcott, 10th Co, 1st Berkshire Cnty Regt of MA Militia.
Lieutenant – Also Lt. Cap. Elijah Daming, Col Ashley.

My 6th great-grandfather – Wicks Weeks Rowley (1760-1826)
(DAR – Patriot # A09932). Private – New York Militia.

Minute Man – Lexington, Massachusetts

My 6th great-grandfather – Stephen Taft (1710-1803).
Stephen was a Lieutenant of Massachusetts Militia. He was a Minute Man at the Lexington Alarm.

My 5th great-grandfather – Silas Taft (1744-1822)
Serviced under Capt. Bezaleel Taft and Col. Nathan Taylor. He responded to the “Lexington Alarm.”

My 6th great-grandfather – Samuel Wolcott (1736-1802)
(DAR Patriot # A127434)
Captain – 10th Co, 1st Regt, Berkshire Co Militia; Col Hopkins Regt to Highlands.

French and Indian Wars

Colonial Ensign

My 8th great-grandfather – Samuel Wolcott (1679-1734)
“He commanded a military company.”
According to “The Family of HENRY WOLCOTT” by Chandler Wolcott. See: https://archive.org/details/wolcottgenealogy00wolc “He probably served in either King Williams War 1688-1697 or Queen Ann’s War (1702-1713). These wars were the first two of the four French and Indian Wars, which pitted New France against New England.

I know I have more to discover and more to learn about their service, but 18 veteran ancestors is a great beginning.

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