Today, I remember my great-grandfather, Hugh Ellis Roberts. He was born on 2 July 1884 in Spring Garden, Jefferson County, Illinois. Hugh married Clora Dell Scott on 6 October 1900 in Jefferson County, Illinois.
He died on 30 August 1908 (of consumption) in Ina, Jefferson County, IL, at the age of 24, and was buried at Hammond Cemetery, Sesser, Franklin County Illinois. He left behind four children, twins Harry & Carrie, my grandfather Bert, and a daughter Mabel.
If you have an image of Hugh or know more about his life, I would love to hear from you. If Hugh Ellis Roberts is your ancestor, I would love to share information with you. Please let me know how we are related.
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 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.
Irene Maheu, Student Nurse, circa 1934.
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Irene Maheu, Me Eye & Ear Infirmary #233.”
Irene Maheu, Student Nurse, circa 1934.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Irene Maheu, a student nurse at 79 Bramhall (Maine Eye & Ear Infirmary).
The 1940 US Census lists Irene [Annette] Maheu, the 27-year-old daughter of Alfred and Julia Maheu, living with her parents in Waterville, Kennebec County, Maine. She is a Dentist-Assistant and was born in Maine. She married Frank Siviski, (Siwicki) Jr., in 1942.
I believe this is the correct Irene Maheu; however, I cannot prove it to my satisfaction because a dental assistant is not a regular transition from the Eye & Ear Infirmary, and there are alternate individuals possible.
Alternate Individuals.
There was another Irene Maheu, the 31-year-old wife of Andrew Maheu, living in Waterville, Maine. In 1940, this Irene had five children and worked as a marker in the laundry industry and is not likely the woman in this photo.
There was an Irene M Maheu who married Alfred F Nadeau on 24 October 1938. In 1940 she was living with her husband, Antonio Nadeau, and 4-year-old daughter in Lewiston.
I have added a photo of Irene Maheu to Dead Fred and a second photo of her to my Flickr Photostream. Hopefully, a family member will find her picture and confirm her identity.
Charles and Zilla Maddox, circa 1936.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. A. E. Maddox, 14 Caldwell St #461.”
Why I believe this to be the individual.
Charles and Zilla Maddox, circa 1936.
The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Arthur E and Verna I Maddox living at 14 Caldwell.
Ancestry Trees suggest that Arthur Elmer Maddox had three children. Charles, Carol, and Zilla. Carol died about 1931, which means the two children in the photo must be Charles and Zilla
Charles Arthur Maddox was born on 27 January 1929 in Portland, and Zilla Jean Maddox was born on 18 April 1932. Based on the Photo Number (#461), this photo was taken about 1936, when Charles was about seven, and Zella was about four.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Geo Magelas, 8 Catherine St #190.”
Why I believe this to be the individual.
Richard & William Magelas, circa 1936.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists George and Marie A Magelas living at 12 Catherine.
George and Marie were difficult to find in the 1940 Census. I finally found George and Marie McGiles still living at 12 Catherine. With them are their daughter and two sons, Pheodra (10), William (9), and Richard (6).
William was born on 2 March 1931 to George and Marie (Macarrick) Magelas. Richard was born in November 1934.
This is a photo of William and Richard Magelas, the two sons of George and Marie (Macarrick) Mageles, about 1936 when William was about five and Richard about three.
Ancestry does not appear to have any public trees that refer to William, Richard, or their parents. Family Search has a profile L2YQ-CK1 for William but does not appear to have a profile for Richard. I have uploaded a photo of the two boys to William’s Family Search Memories.
Gloria Frances Marrone, circa 1936
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. John Marrone, 163 Cumberland Ave #532.”
Why I believe this to be the individual.
Gloria Frances Marrone, circa 1936
The 1940 Census lists John Marrone and his wife, Irene, living at 163 Cumberland. With them are their nine-year-old daughter, Gloria, and their three-year-old son, John.
Ancestry trees suggest Gloria Frances Marrone was born on 1 December 1930 to Giovanni (John) and Irene (Blake) Marrone.
This photo is of Gloria about 1936 when she was about five years old.
Ancestry has nine public trees that refer to Gloria Marrone, daughter of John and Irene Marrone. Although John and Irene are found in Family Search, Gloria does not appear to have a profile, so I uploaded her photo to Dead Fred.
Lillian (Small) Mansfield, circa 1934.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Roy Mansfield, 390 Cumberland #127.”
Why I believe this to be the individual.
Lillian (Small) Mansfield, circa 1934.
The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Roy D and Lillian C Mansfield living at 384 Cumberland.
The 1935 Portland City Directory indicates Roy was living at 97 Elm, and Lillian is not listed.
However, the 1936 Portland City Directory lists Roy and Lillian residing at 150b Free. Lillian is working as a maid.
Ancestry Public trees suggest this is Lillian Coombe Small, born 30 January 1912 and married Roy Daniel Mansfield on 22 April 1934.
This photo was taken about 1934, while Lillian and Roy lived on Cumberland Ave.
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.
Donna In the News – Evansville, IN – 27 September 1922
Donna in the News
by Don Taylor
“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 to find a new venue for my grandmother’s exciting show business career of the 1910s and 1920s.
This week from the Evansville Journal (Evansville, IN), dated 27 September 1922, on Page 12, I learned that Donna was coming to the Victory Theater and opening on Thursday (28 September).
VICTORY VAUDEVILLE BILL CHANGES THURSDAY
Ad showing Dona Darling & Co. playing at the Victory Theatre – The Evansville Courier, 28 September 1922, via Newspapers.Com
— A new bill opening Thursday consists of “The Runaways”; Twyman and Vincent, “Pancakes and Flapjacks”; Casson and Clem, “Mirth Melody and Song”; Dona Darling Co., “As You Like it”; Cantwell and Walker, “Vou vez vous”; and Carl Emmy’s “Mad Wags.” Trained pets.
The following day, September 28th, the advertisement for the show included Dona Darling & Co.
Because of those newly available online articles available through Newspapers.com, I was able to add another venue for Donna’s exciting vaudeville career.
New information added to her career list:
September 28-30, 1922 – Evansville, Indiana – Victory Theatre “As You Like It.”
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 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.
Eula S. MacWilliam, circa 1934.
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Eula McWilliam, 492 St. John St, #168.”
Eula S. MacWilliam, circa 1934
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1940 Portland City Directory list Eula S MacWilliam, a mail, living at 492 St. John. Also living at 492 St John are John F, Edna A, and Norman D. MacWilliam.
Eula MacWilliam, daughter of John Franklin and Edna Amy (Ellis) MacWilliam, was born on 28 April 1913 in New Hampshire.
This photo is of Eula in 1934 when she was about 21.
This negative envelope says, “Miss Theda Maddocks, ME Gen Hospital #915.”
Theda Maddocks, Student Nurse, circa 1936.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1937 Portland City Directory lists Theda Maddocks as a student nurse at 22 Arsenal and residing at the same place.
The 1934 Wilton Academy yearbook shows Theda Mae Maddocks. The photo of her there suggests this photo is of her a couple of years older.
A review of Ancestry Public Trees suggests that this is Theda M Maddocks, daughter of Harry Anderson and Etta (Springer) Maddocks, born 21 Jul 1917.
She married Herbert Alonzo Marble on 11 July 1937.
I’m sure this is a photo of Theda Mae Maddocks about 1936.
Ancestry has 17 public trees that refer to Theda M Maddocks. Family Search has profile GD6G-HX8 for Theda M Maddocks. I uploaded s photos of Theda to her Family Search Memories.
The 1936 Portland City Directory lists J. Everett, and his wife Ethel G., McMannis living at 14 Alder.
The 1940 US Census lists Joseph E and Ethel G McMannis living at 12-14 Alder, in Portland, Maine. Living with them is their eight-year-old daughter, Evelyn R McMannis.
I am confident this is Evelyn Regis McMannis, daughter of Joseph Everett and Ethel G (Millett) McMannis, born on 27 February 1932, about 1936, when she was about four years old.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. H McNeill, 21 Summer St (Mary McNeill) #690.”
Kathleen Marie McNeill, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1936 Portland City Directory lists Herbert A and Delia A, McNeill living at 21 Summer.
The 1940 US Census lists Herbert McNeal living at 21 Summer with his two sons and two daughters,15-year-old Kathleen and 11-year-old Mary.
When this photo was taken, about 1935, Kathleen would have been about ten and Mary about six. The girl in the picture appears to be much older than six, so I believe this is likely Kathleen, although the envelope says “Mary McNeill” give me some doubt. Kathleen’s Christian name is Marie, so I believe this is a photo of Kathleen Marie McNeill about 1935 when she was about ten years old.
Ancestry has nine public trees that refer to Kathleen Marie McNeill. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for her. Because of that, I have uploaded a photo of Miss McNeill to Dead Fred.
Conclusion
I identified all five of them. Four have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories
One individual did not have a Family Search profile, so I posted her image 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.
Raidt-Langford Project
Raidt-Gleason Line
By Don Taylor
Addie Beatrice Gleason is my son’s maternal great-grandmother. She was born on 4 November 1896 in Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota. Her father, John Michael Gleason, was 42 and her mother, Addie Jane Raymond, was 29. She had four sons and one daughter with Gilbert F. Raidt. She lived her entire life in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She died on 7 April 1896 and was buried in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Addie Beatrice Gleason was born on 4 November 1896.[i] Most of the records she appears in indicate she went by Beatrice. She was the oldest of four children of John M and Addie (Raymond) Gleason. Her father was married before and had five children with Fidelia[ii] Ethlyn Lucia, so Beatrice had five older half-siblings, John Lucia, Mary Fidelle, Caroline, Clara, and Helen. Fidelia died in 1893.
Children of John M and Addie (Raymond) Gleason (Full Siblings)
Name
Born
Married
Died
Beatrice A
1896
Gilbert Raidt
1962
Grace Catherine
1898
Harold Hawley
1986
Raymond A
1901
1938
Alma Magdalene
1903
P. J. O’Hanlon
1987
Childhood
1900 Census
The 1900 US Census found John and Addie Gleason living at 2617 16th Ave So., Minneapolis, Minnesota. The household consisted of John’s seven oldest children, his sister-in-law, Caroline Branchard, and a 20-year-old servant girl. John owned his home free and was an undertaker.
1905 Minnesota Census
Minnesota held a census in 1905. Eight-year-old Addie was attending school. Her half-sister Helen was still at home, but her other half-siblings had moved out of the house.
1910 Census
The 1910 Census indicates that John and Clara had moved back home, making the household:
The 1920 Census indicates that the family was much the same. John L was also working as an undertaker. Clara was a school teacher. Also living in the household was Beatrice’s maternal grandmother, 81-year-old Emily Raymond.
Beatrice was an Alpha Gamma Delta sorority member and graduated from St. Clara’s college, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, and the University of Minnesota, Class of 1920.
Marriage
Beatrice married Gilbert Frank Raidt on 13 October 1920 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Minneapolis. by Rev. J. P. Valley at 10 o’clock. Her sister, Grace, was the maid of honor. Harold Hurd Hawley, later to be Grace’s husband, was Gilbert’s best man.
Children of Gilbert and Beatrice (Gleason) Raidt
Name
Born
Married
Died
Francis Joseph
1921
2005
Jerome Gilbert
1924
Elenor Langford
1994
Mary Beatrice
1926
Paul Theurer
2008
Richard John
1928
Audry Schaeffer
2001
Robert R
1930
1955
Adulthood
The 1930s
The 1930 Census finds the Raidt family living at 4215 Stevens Ave. Robert was born shortly after the enumeration date. Gilbert is a building contractor who owns his home.
Beatrice’s mother died in October 1932.
Beatrice was also a member of the Incarnation Women’s Club.
The 1940s
The 1940 Census found the Raidt family still at 4215 Stevens Ave. Francis is working as a bookkeeper for a grain Elevator company. The other children are at home and are attending school.
Gilbert’s Draft Registration Card mentioned Mrs. G. F. Raidt (Beatrice) in 1942.
The 1950s
315 Diamond Lake Rd, E., Minneapolis.
The 1950 Census found the Raidt family still at 4215 Stevens. Mary, Richard, and Robert are still at home. Mary is a nursery school teacher at a private school, Richard is a truck driver for an oil co-op, and Gilbert is still a building contractor.
It appears the Raidt home on Stevens was taken to make way for Interstate 35W in South Minneapolis because today, the site of their home is a sound suppression wall. In any event, between 1950 and 1962, the Raidts moved from Stevens Ave to 315 E. Diamond Lake Road, a 1547 square foot, three-bedroom home
Death/Burial
Beatrice (Gleason) Raidt died on 7 March 1962. Her obituary mentions that besides her membership in the Incarnation Women’s Club, she was also a member of St. Mary’s Friends of the Sick Poor and the Altar and Rosary Society of Annunciation Catholic Church.
She was buried at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Events by Location
Minnesota, Hennepin, Minneapolis – All known events in Beatrice’s life took place in Minneapolis.
Sources
1900 Census, Various, John Gleason – Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota, ED 76, Sheet 15B. “United States Census, 1900,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9SN-GW2 : accessed 17 June 2022), John Gleason, Election District 3 Minneapolis city Ward 7, Hennepin, Minnesota, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 76, sheet 15B, family 308, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,768.
1910 Census (NARA), Family Search, John M Gleason – Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota. (Accessed 17 June 2022), John M Gleason, Minneapolis Ward 7, Hennepin, Minnesota, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 120, sheet 10B, family, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 703; FHL microfilm 1,374,716. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M257-N7Y.
1950 Census, Com, 1950, Gilbert F Raidt – Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota. The United States of America, Bureau of the Census; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790-2007; Record Group Number: 29; Residence Date: 1950; Home in 1950: Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota; Roll: 3852; Sheet Number: 71; Enumeration District: 89-853. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29052751?h=4a8758.
Find a Grave, Internet, Beatrice Marie Gleason Raidt – Memorial #157188096. Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 29 July 2018), memorial page for Beatrice Marie Gleason Raidt (4 November 1896–7 March 1962), citing Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA; Maintained by Matt (contributor 47205810).
Minnesota Births and Christenings, 1840-1980, Family Search, Addie Beatrice Gleason, 1896 – No Image. Addie Beatrice Gleason, 4 November 1896 (accessed 17 June 2022). https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FDSF-GJC.
Minnesota Death Index, 1908-2002 (Minneapolis, Minnesota Department of Health), Family Search, Beatrice G Raidt (née Raymond). Accessed 17 June 2022 – Beatrice G. Raidt, 7 March 1962; Ancestry; citing Hennepin, Minnesota, record 1494631, certificate number 023149, Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V4ZW-HRD.
Minnesota Deaths, 1887-2001, Family Search, Death – Robert R Raide – 25 March 1955 – No Image. Accessed 17 June 2022 – citing Death, Minnesota State Department of Health, St. Paul. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:W532-9HT2.
Minnesota Official Marriage System (https://moms.mn.gov/, ), MN.GOV, Gilbert F Raidt & Beatrice Gleason.
Minnesota State Census, 1905, Family Search, Addie B Gleason – Minneapolis Ward 7, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Addie B Gleason, Minneapolis, Ward Number: 07, Hennepin, Minnesota; citing p. 171, line 2, State Library and Records Service, St.Paul; FHL microfilm 928,785. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SP39-PBN.
