Linwood Dyer Collection, Part 091
SHS Accession #2026.01.06[i]
By Don Taylor
Introduction
The Scarborough Historical Society maintains several important photographic collections documenting people, places, and events. In this installment of Faces from the Past, I examine six photographs from the Linwood Dyer Collection—specifically from the Nellie Plummer Roberts album
Alvin C. Roberts (1868–1938) and Nellie A. (Plummer) Roberts (1868–1955)
Photo: circa 1898–1905
Process: Tintype (Ferrotype)
Inscription: Separate slip of paper reading, “Al & Nell Roberts.”
Description
- Dark metallic image with irregular trimmed edges (common with hand-cut tintypes).
- A seated couple.
- The man wears a three-piece suit consistent with late 1890s fashion and appears approximately 30–40 years old.
- The woman wears a long dress with a fitted bodice and high collar. Her hat features an elevated crown and decorative plume (or fabric adornment), fashionable in the late 1890s and early 1900s.
Research
- Portland Daily Press, Oct. 27, 1891, p. 4: Alvin C. Roberts and Miss Nellie A. Plummer were married in Scarborough on Oct. 24 by Rev. A. Redlon.
- Portland Evening Express, Nov. 5, 1938, p. 14: Alvin’s obituary reports he died at his home, Elevation Farm, in Scarborough. Born in Brooks, Waldo County, Maine, he was the son of Ezra and Susan (Cook) Roberts.
- Portland Evening Express, May 31, 1955, p. 2: Nellie’s obituary reports she was born March 10, 1868, daughter of David O. and Nellie Hunnewell Plummer. She was interred at Black Point Cemetery on June 1, 1955.
- Find a Grave Memorial #108080352 confirms Alvin Charles Roberts (Mar 1868 – 4 Nov 1938), buried at Black Point Cemetery.
From previous research on the Linwood Dyer family, I learned that Nellie A. Plummer was his half-great aunt. Alvin and Nellie had one daughter, Blanche T. (Roberts) Laidlaw.
The estimated photo date (circa 1898–1905) aligns well with their ages and attire.
Charles Burnham (Unidentified)
Photo: circa 1890 (±3 years)
Type: Carte de Visite (CDV)
Studio: Lamson, Portland, Maine
Inscription: “Charles Burnham.”
Description
A young man wearing a stiff collar and narrow necktie, typical of late 1880s–early 1890s fashion.
Research
- Lamson operated in Portland from approximately 1871 to 1910.
- The CDV format declined after the early 1890s, suggesting a date before 1895.
- The subject appears 18–22 years old.
Taken together, I estimate a photo date of circa 1890 (±3 years).
Because there is no 1890 U.S. Census, I reviewed the 1900 Census and city directories:
1900 Census Candidates:
- Charles Burnham (b. June 1870), Biddeford
- Charles F. Burnham (b. Jan 1873), Bath
- Charles Burnham (b. c. 1866), Brunswick
1890 Portland Directory:
- Charles E., clerk, 4 Fremont Place
- Charles E., farmer, Summit
- Charles F., carpenter, 66 Quebec
My current Linwood Dyer genealogy includes no Burnham connections. At present, I am unable to positively identify which Charles Burnham is depicted.
Daniel W. Plummer (1824–1892) & Lydia (Libby) Plummer (1832–1895)
Type: Tintypes
Studio: E. S. Wormell’s Picture Gallery, 316 Congress Street, Portland
Daniel Plummer
Inscription: “Daniel Plummer.”
Description: A man wearing a chin curtain beard, small bow tie, vest, and coat. The photo appears across the album page from another labeled “Lydia Plummer.”
Research:
- E. S. Wormell operated at 90 Middle Street in 1866 and at 316 Congress Street by 1869. The studio is no longer listed after 1872.
- Clothing and beard style suggest late 1860s–early 1870s.
Estimated photo date: 1866–1872.
Estimated age: mid-40s (suggesting birth c. 1824).
Lydia (Libby) Plummer
Inscription: “Lydia Plummer.”
The facing tintype also bears the Wormell imprint. The woman appears approximately 30–40 years old, suggesting a birth between 1824 and 1842 (most likely c. 1832–1834).
An Ancestry search identified Daniel W. Plummer (1824–1892) and Lydia (Libby) Plummer (1832–1895), born, married, and deceased in Cape Elizabeth.
Given the studio date, estimated ages, and family connections, I am quite confident these images represent Daniel and Lydia.
Further research shows Daniel W. Plummer was a first cousin twice removed of Nellie Plummer Roberts. Additional research is needed to clarify Libby-line relationships.
Seth L. Plummer (1835-1916) & Susan (Stone) Plummer (1849-1899)
Type: Miniature tintypes
Inscriptions: “Seth Plummer” and “Susan Stone Plummer.”
Description:
A second, more damaged tintype of Seth exists in the album, clearly taken at the same sitting. I digitally reduced scratches and surface damage to better view the image while preserving original features. Opposite Seth’s image is a miniature tintype labeled “Susan Stone Plummer.”
Research
Susan Stone married Seth Plummer on June 26, 1867, in Cape Elizabeth. She was 18 years old.
Miniature tintypes were especially popular during the 1860s. Susan appears approximately 17–20 years old in the image. The format and her apparent age strongly suggest these photos were taken around the time of their marriage.
Estimated photo date: circa 1867.
This photograph has been added to the Linwood Dyer Collection on Ancestry.com.
Conclusion
If any of the individuals shown here are familiar to you, I would be pleased to hear from you. Many photographs in the Scarborough Historical Society’s collections lack personal identification. Even a small detail may help restore a name or story.
My continuing goal is to reconnect these images with the families and communities to whom they belong—ensuring they are preserved, understood, and shared for future generations.
ENDNOTES
[i] All photos courtesy Scarborough (Maine) Historical Society.
Disclaimer: This article was researched and written by the author. ChatGPT was used as a research and drafting aid, and Grammarly was used for editorial review and copy editing.
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