Author Archives: Don Taylor

Asa Taft (1774-1839) – Ancestor #84

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Don Taylor

Roberts-Brown ProjectRoberts-Barnes-Taft LineBy Don Taylor Asa Taft is my double-fourth great-grandfather. He was born in Uxbridge, Mass., in 1774. He had between 10 and 12 children and two wives, Sarah and Lucy. He moved west to Partridgefield (now Hinsdale), Mass, … Continue reading →

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Beckwith Theatre, Dowagiac, MI, 19 Feb 1920.

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Don Taylor

In the News, 105 Years AgoVaudeville/Chin-ChinCassopolis Vigilant (Cassopolis, MI)By Don Taylor My grandmother was a vaudeville star. I am following her career and learning about her many performances. In October 1919, she joined the cast of the Charles Dillingham production … Continue reading →

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Photo Friday – Moody & Rounds

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Don Taylor

I identified five people in the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection:
Major Francis “Frank” Moody (1830-1888),
Julia Ann (Harmon) Moody (1833-1906),
Elinor “Nellie” S Moody (1868-1956),
Harriette “Hattie” Moody (1865-1944), &
Mettie Rounds (1878-1965). Continue reading →

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Donna & Crescent Theatre in the News

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Don Taylor

Donna Darling performed with the “California Bathing Beauties” at Crescent Theatre in Pontiac, MI on February 13 & 14, 1925, as uncovered in a Pontiac Daily 1925 clipping by her grandson. This new find adds to Madonna Montran’s documented vaudeville career. Continue reading →

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Photo Friday – Libby, Plummer, Roberts

Posted on February 7, 2025 by Don Taylor

I identify six people from the Linwood Dyer Collection:
Addie Libby
Annie Libby
Ella Libby
Forest Libby
Sarah Elizabeth Plummer &
Blanche Plummer Roberts. Continue reading →

Posted in Linwood Dyer Collection, HOD WRIGHT JPD LIZ OTHERS Album, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment