Ethel Wight Collection – Part 33

Posted on June 18, 2021 by Don Taylor

Collver, Comas, Conley(2), & Costello

Photo Friday
Ethel Wight Collection
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.

Harriett Collver, circa 1937 (age 66)

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Harrie Collver – Trelawny Bldg #849.”  (Note: The Trelawney Building is 655 Congress Street, Portland.)

Harriett Collver, circa 1937

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Harriett R Collver as an Artist employed at 225½ Middle, whose home was at 655 Congress, Room 328.
  • The 1940 Census indicates that Harriet was born in 1905 in Ohio and lived in the same house during 1935.
  • However, the 1930 Census indicates that Harriett was born about 1891 in Ohio and lived at 655 Congress Street. Her father was born in New Jersey, and her mother was born in Ohio.

Ancestry Family Trees suggests that Harriett Russell Collver, the daughter of David Jayne and Isabelle (Russell) Collver, was born on 2 December 1871.

Family Search identifies ML8W-MM7, daughter of David Jay and Isabel (Russell) Collver, born 2 December 1871 in Green Creek, Sandusky County, Ohio.

Although the age of Harriett appears to have shifted significantly (born in 1905 in 1940 and born thirty-six years earlier, I am confident this is the same person. These photos were taken about 1936. This photo appears to be a woman in her sixties, much older than a woman about 30.

I have uploaded two photos of Harriett to her Family Search Memories profile. I also have uploaded one additional photo of her to my Flickr photostream.

Catherine Conley, c. 1937 (age 19)

This negative envelope says, “Miss Katherine Conley, 35 Stone St, Portland #790.”

Catherine Conley, c. 1937

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1938 Portland City Directory reports Catherine Conley residing at 35 Stone. Additionally, the Directory reports Michael J Conley, a longshoreman, living with his wife Kathleen at 35 Stone.
  • The 1940 Census reports Michael Conley, his wife Catherine, and daughter Catherine A. Conley living at 35 Stone. Catherine, the daughter, was born in Maine; Catherine, the wife, was born in Canada. Michael and his wife Catherine are 45 years old. Catherine, the daughter, is 22 and is the oldest of six children living at home. Notably, there are 11 Michael Conley’s living in Portland during the 1940 Census.
  • The 1930 Census reports six Catherine Conley’s. Four of them were born in Maine.
  • Catherine Agnes Conley was born in Portland on 21 November 1917 to Michael Joseph and Catherine (McMahon) Conley.

Alternative individuals

According to the 1940 Census, there were six other Catherine Conley’s living in Portland.

  1. Catherine Conley, Age 17 (b. 1923), daughter of Mary Conley.
  2. Catherine M. Conley, Age 44, (b. 1896), daughter of Michael E. Conley.
  3. Catherine M. Conley, Age 58, wife of Edward Conley.
  4. Catherine E. Conley, Age 30, niece of Mary E. Conley.
  5. Katherine Conley, Age 7, daughter of Michael S. and Annie F. Conley.
  6. Katherine A. Conley, Age 41, wife of Thomas A. Conley.

None of these appear to be the Miss Katherine Conley in this photo.

Family Search identifies L16K-LKK as Catherine Agnes Conley, the daughter of Michael Joseph and Catharine (Mahon) Conley. Because of the linkage to the address, I am sure this photo is of Catherine about 1936 when she was about 19 years old. Catherine is identified in seven Ancestry Family Trees.

I have uploaded two photos of Catherine to her Family Search Memories. I have also uploaded one additional photo of her to my Flickr photostream.

George P. Comas, c. 1936 (Age 25)

The envelope this negative was in says, “Mr Geo. Comas, 1 Shepley St, Portland #607.”

George P. Comas, c. 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists George P Comas as a clerk at 570- Congress, residing at 1 Shepley.
  • The 1936 Portland City Directory indicates that he had moved to 204 B.
  • In 1937, the Directory indicates he had married Lucille) and was living at 2 Gray, Apt 6.
  • In 1940, 29-year-old George and his wife Lucille were living at 449 Main in South Portland. George had been born in Maine.
  • In the 1930 Census, the 19-year-old George Comas lives with his parents, Peter and Mary Comas, in Newburyport, Essex, Massachusetts.

Family Search identifies GQRX-NZP as the son of Peter George and Mary (Stylianakos) Comas. He was born on 27 March 1911. Because George moved from Shepley about 1936, I am quite sure this was George when he was about 25. Fourteen trees at Ancestry.Com refer to George P Comas.

I have uploaded two photos of George to his Family Search profile.

Therese Leonne Conley, circa 1936 (age 7)

This negative envelope says, “Mrs Catherine Conley, 35 Stone St. Portland #710.”

Therese Leonne Conley, circa 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The Michael Conley family, who lived at 35 Stone Street in Portland during the 1940 Census, included his wife and seven children. The two youngest daughters were Therese, age 12, and Ruth, age 15.
  • This photo was taken before the picture of Miss Catherine Conley reviewed above or about 1935 or 1936. Therese would have been about 5 or 6, while Ruth would have been about 10 or 11. The child in this photo is clearly younger than 10, so I am convinced it was a photo of Therese when she was about seven years old.

Family Search does not have a profile for Therese Leonne Conley, daughter of Michael Joseph and Cathleen (McMahon) Conley. However, Therese is found in five trees at Ancestry.Com.

Besides this photo of Therese, I have uploaded a second photo of her to Dead Fred.

Margaret Costello, circa 1935 (age 27)

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Margaret Costello, 13 Stetson Court, Portland #259.”

Margaret Costello, circa 1935

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Margaret C. Costello residing at 13 Stetson Ct. It also lists Hannah, widow of Patrick, whose home was at 13 Stetson Ct. Additionally, Miles E. J. Costello resided there.
  • The 1930 Census shows 21-year-old Margret Costello living with her parents, Patrick and Hannah Costello, in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.
  • Further research indicates that Margaret Costello was born on 27 May 1907.

Margaret Costello, the daughter of Patrick and Hannah Costello, does not appear to have a Family Search profile. However, Margaret “Peg” Costello is found in nine trees at Ancestry.Com.

I have uploaded her photo to Dead Fred.

Conclusion

I had:

    • Three successful identifications that I could post to Family Search.
    • Two successful identifications that I had to post to Dead Fred because Family Search did not have a profile for the individual.
    • I was able to find all five individuals in Ancestry Trees. Hopefully, I will receive confirmations on some of these identifications.

Final Note

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.

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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Will & Probate for Edward Lamb of Sanford, England – 1894

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Don Taylor

Amanuensis[i] Monday
Darling, McAllister, Lamb
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

The 1894 Last Will and Testament of Edward Lamb shows the rift that occurred in the Lamb family. Sometime between 1861 and 1871, the Lamb family blew apart. During the 1871 Census, Edward was enumerated living with his mother and two sisters. His wife, Isabella, and son, Edward, went off to parts unknown, to be found in 1881 in Lancashire. His daughter Margaret left Westmorland and headed to Workington, Cumberland, England, where she married. She then emigrated to the United States in 1884. His son, James Cooper Lamb, appears to have had a stint in jail, cleaned his act up, and joined the military, where he was when Edward completed his will.  So, although his wife, daughter, and two sons were living, he gave everything he had to James.

Edward Lamb’s Probate Document*

BE IT KNOWN that at the date hereunder written the last Will and Testament of Edward Lamb of Sanford in the parish of Warcop in the county of Westmorland, farmer, deceased, who died on the first day of November 1893 at Sanford aforesaid and who at the time of his death had a fixed place of abode at Sanford aforesaid within the District of the Counties of Cumberland and Westmorland was proved and registered in the District Probate Registry of Her Majesty’s High Court of Justice at Carlisle and that Administration of the personal estate of the said deceased was granted by the aforesaid Court to James Cooper Lamb of Linen Hall Barracks in the city of Dublin Sergeant in the 4th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, son of the said deceased, the sole executor. Named in the said will he having been first sworn well and faithfully to administer the same.

Dated the 10th day of July 1894

Gross value of Personal Estate ÂŁ22.10.0
33rd Section

Extracted by John Bell
Solicitor Appleby.

Edward Lamb’s Will*

 

This is the Last Will and Testament of me, Edward Lamb of Sanford in the parish of Warcop in the county of Westmorland, Farmer. I appoint my son, James Cooper Lamb sole executor of this my will I give and bequeath all my money, securities for money nd all my household stores and articles of consumption, linen, furniture and other effects of household use or ornament articles and implements of every kind and description and all other goods and chattels of which I may be entitled to dispose by this my will to the said James Cooper Lamb for his own use absolutely I give and devise my to freehold messuages or dwelling houses situate at Sanford in the township of Sanford in the parish of Warcop in the said County of Westmorland with the yards, gardens and appurtenances hereunto belonging and the field thereunto adjoining commonly call or known by the name of Mosey Dale and also all that my open and unenclosed Dale situate in Sanford Mise in the said township of Sanford and Parish of Warcop to the said James Cooper Lamb absolutely and I give devise appoint and bequeath all other my real and personal estate whatsoever and wherever and whether in possession reversion remainder of expectancy unto my said son James Cooper Lamb for his own use absolutely and I declare this only to be my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I the said Edward Lamb have herein to set my hand this eighteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and ninety three.

Signed and declared by the said Edward Lamb the         {
testator as and for his last will and testament in the      {
presence of us, present at the same time, who at his      {
request, in his presence and the presence of each other{
have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses         {
the works “all my having first been inserted between   {  the third and fourth lines from the top hereof.                 {

            Est. Lonsdale Nankon of Appleby Solicitor
            Mary Lamb, Sanford

            On the tenth day of July 1894 Probate of this will was granted at Carlisle to James Cooper Lamb, the Executor.

Discussion

James Cooper Lamb owned a house and land freehold in Sanford from 1895 until he died in 1898, even though he was in the military and stationed in Ireland.

Follow-up

Determine exactly what property was Edward Lamb’s that transferred to his son in 1894.

Endnotes

[i] John Newmark started the “Amanuensis Monday” category in 2009 on his Blog,  Transylvanian Dutch  and many bloggers have followed suit using the tag. Google provides the following meaning for amanuensis: “A literary or artistic assistant, in particular one who takes dictation or copies manuscripts.”

* Images available through GOV.UK — Probate Search — Service — “Find a will”  — https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/#wills

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Ethel Wight Collection – Part 32

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Don Taylor

Cohen, Colby(2), Colcord, and Corbin

Photo Friday
Ethel Wight Collection
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.

Bernice Colby, circa 1935

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Bernice Colby, Me Eye & Ear Infirmary, Portland #234.”

Bernice Colby, circa 1935

I was unable to fully identify Bernice Colby, however I found:

  • The 1934 Portland City Directory shows Bernice Colby as a student nurse at 79 Bramhall (Maine Eye & Ear Infirmary) and living at 804 Congress Street.
  • 1937, 38, 39, 40, and 41 Portland City Directories show Bernice Colby working as an Assistant Technician at 79 Bramhall and residing at 792 Congress.
  • I was not successful in finding her in the 1940 Census.

Alternative individuals?

  • The 1930 Census reports three different Bernice Colby’s living in Maine. One was born in 1929 and cannot be this Bernice Colby. Two live in Bath, Maine, — Bernice E and Bernice M. Bernice E was the ten-year-old daughter of Charles H and Vinettie Colby and is too young to be this Bernice. Bernice M. Colby was the fifteen-year-old niece of George and Annie Chase. There are twelve other Bernice Colby’s
  • There was a Martha Bernice Colby, born 3 August 1914 in South Portland to Herman Colby and Ethel Giggle. She married Thomas Robert Ahern on 15 June 1938 in Manchester, New Hampshire. She died on 15 November 1996. The 1940 Census indicates she and Thomas were living in Augusta in 1935.

I suspect that this is Bernice Martha (Colby) Ahern; however, I am unable to confirm that

This is a photo of Miss Bernice Colby, a nursing student who later worked at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary about 1934 or 1935. Besides this photo, I have added one additional photo of her to Dead Fred. Additionally, I added one more picture of her to my Flickr Photostream.

Bernice Colby, circa 1937

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Bernice Colby, Me Eye & Ear Infirmary, Portland #924.”

Bernice Colby, circa 1937

This is clearly the same individual as reviewed above. Again, I suspect that this is Bernice Martha (Colby) Ahern, probably about 1937 or 1938 before she married.

This is Miss Bernice Colby, Technician at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary about 1937 or 1938. Besides this photo, I have added one additional photo of her to Dead Fred.

 

Marjorie Grace Corbin, circa 1936

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Marjorie Coburn, M. Gen Hospital #560.”

Envelope Writing appears to be Marjorie Coburn.

Initial searches for Marjorie Coburn were not successful. Finally, I searched for Marjorie, a nurse in Portland, Maine, and found Marjorie Corbin, a student nurse at 22 Arsenal, residing at 22 Arsenal. No other Marjorie’s with a surname beginning with a “C” appeared, so I believe this is the correct name for the individual in this photo.

Marjorie Grace Corbin, circa 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • Marjorie G. Corbin appears in the 1940 Census as a 24-year-old registered nurse living at 271 Vaughan Street in Portland, Maine.
  • Marjorie G. Corbin is listed in the 1934 and 1936 Oakland (Kennebec County) Maine Directories as a student residing at 293 Fairfield.
  • Marjorie G. Corbin appears in the 1930 Census as a 15-year-old “roomer” with Everett N. Brown in Farmington, Franklin County, Maine.
  • Marjorie G. Corbin appears in the 1920 Census as the four-year-old granddaughter of Edward H and Amelia M. Corbin living in Pownal, Cumberland County, Maine.
  • Finally, Maine Birth Records show Marjorie Corbin, daughter of Edgar and Blanche Corbin, was born 9 December 1915 in Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine.

Family Search does not have a profile for Marjorie; however, ten trees at Ancestry.Com refer to Marjorie Grace Corbin. Besides this photo, I have added one additional photo of her to Dead Fred. Additionally, I added one more photo of her to my Flickr Photostream.

Barbara Cohen, circa 1937

The envelope this negative was in says, “Mrs. B. Cohen, 482 Woodford St, #1058.”

Barbara Cohen, circa 1937

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory indicates that Benjamin and Bailee J. Cohen live at 482 Woodford. Benjamin was a Boston salesman.
  • The 1940 Census reports Benjamin and Bessy Cohen live in Dunmore, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. However, it indicates they lived in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, in 1935. They have two daughters, Barbara and “Harrette.” Harrette is only three years old and can’t be this girl. Barbara is seven in 1940 and born in Massachusetts,

I could not find either a Family Search profile or an Ancestry Tree that contained either Barbara or her parents. I uploaded her photo to  Dead Fred.

Dorothy (Burgess) Colcord, circa 1937

The envelope this negative was in says, “Mrs. Dorothy Colcord, 142 High St., Portland #1093.”

Dorothy (Burgess) Colcord, circa 1937

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Dorothy Colcord, a hairdresser employed at 142 High, Room 226, living at 214 High.
  • The 1930 Census lists Dorothy Colcord living at 130 Brackett Street in Portland. She was born about 1896 in Maine and was a widow.
  • The 1920 Census lists Dorothy L. Colcord living with her husband, Everett S. Colcord, in Benton, Kennebec County, Maine.

Family Search identifies Dorothy Louise Burgess, wife of Everett Stacy Colcord, with ID LB51-7CH. Ancestry.Com has 23 trees that refer to Dorothy “Dora” Louise Burgell Colcord.

I have uploaded two photos of Dorothy to her Family Search profile.

Conclusion

I had:

    • One successful identification which I posted to Family Search
    • Four partial identifications I posted to Dead Fred.

Final Note

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.

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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Sketch – Edward Lamb (b. 1864)

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Don Taylor

Edward Lamb (1864-___) – son of 2nd great-grandparents Edward and Isabella (Atkinson) Lamb

Darling-McAllister-Lamb
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.During my Isabella (Atkinson) Lamb research, I found I needed to look more closely at her children in hopes to understand her life better. Following her son Edward, I was able to add more information about Isabella’s life.

Relationships

What I Know

Birth – Edward was born between 1 April and 22 May 1864 (Christening date) in Kendal, Westmorland, England.[ii]

Christening – Edward was Christened on 22 May 1864 in Kendal, Westmorland, England. His father is Edward Lamb, who was an innkeeper and whose abode was Exchange Inn. Vicar John Cooper performed the ceremony. His mother was Isabella [Lamb].[iii]

Military Service – Family tradition indicated that Margaret Lamb had a brother who was an officer in the Indian Army, British Service. Subsequent research showed the brother mentioned was likely James Cooper Lamb and not Edward.

What Others Think They Know

Family Search ID is 9KKX-M2Q.

Ancestry: Edward is not in any trees except for mine.

My New Research – Ancestry

1901 Census

The 1901 Census record appears to be a key document in understanding much of Edward and his mother’s life. It shows that both Edward and his mother were mobile, as the 1901 Census finds them 40 miles from Appleby-in-Westmorland in Broughton, Lancashire, living at 6 Kenneth Street. The household consists of:

Name Relationship Age Occupation Born
Edward Lamb Head 34 <unreadable> Westmorland, Kendal
Isabella Lamb Mother-Wid. 64 Housekeeper (Domestic) Westmorland, Knock
Isabella Jeffrey g. Daur 21 Paper Bag Maker Lanca[shire], Manchester
Lily Jeffrey g. Daur 14 Llandaff, Wales
William Carruthers Border 63 Joiner Cumberland, Carlisle

Clearly, 34-year-old Edward is not old enough to have two granddaughters, so it appears that the relationship must not be with the “head;” instead, it must be with his mother, Isabella.

Isabella had three known daughters. Margaret married Peter McAllister in 1878, so 14-year-old Lily can’t be her daughter. So, Isabella and Lily Jeffrey must be the daughters of either Jane, Ann, or a heretofore unknown daughter.[iv]

1891 Census

Finding Edward and his mother, Isabella, made it easy to find them in the 1891 England Census. Again, they live at 6 Kenneth Street, Broughton (Near Salford), Lancashire, England. However, this time William Carruthers is both the husband of Isabella and the “father” of Edward. Eleven-year-old Isabella Jeffrey is listed as the daughter.

Name Relationship Age Occupation Born
William Carruthers Head 55 Joiner C Cumberland, Upper Down
Isabella Lamb Wife 55 Westmorland, Knock
Edward Lamb Son 27 Builders Labourer Westmorland, Kendal
Isabella Jeffrey Daur 11 Scholar Lanca[shire], Manchester

Of course, this Census makes me wonder where Lily Jeffrey is. I also wonder if this family unit was ever “legal” or was it an “apparent relationship.” With so many relationships inconsistent between the 1891 and 1901 censuses, the data is suspect. Further clarification is needed.

I believe William and Isabella were living together and just said they were married. This is particularly interesting because Edward’s actual father (Edward Lamb Sr.) was still living.

1881 Census

The 1881 Census is again a confusing set of relationships. It indicates that Edward the head of the household, even though he is only 17-years-old. They live at 109 Charlotte Street, Broughton in Salford, Lancashire.

Name Relationship Age Occupation Born
Edward Lamb Head 17 Brewery Man Westmorland
William Carruthers Border (Mar. 45 Joiner Cumberland
Annie Jeffey Dau. (Mar.) 22 Laundress Westmorland
Isabell Jeffey GrandDau 2 Lancaster

 Although some of the relationships don’t make sense, it is clear that little two-year-old Isabel is the daughter of Ann, and Ann was likely married a [FNU] Jeffey. It also keeps the question alive, where was Isabella, the wife of Edward Lamb, in 1881 if not with her husband and not with her son Edward?

1871 Census

A further search for Edward Lamb, born in Westmorland, failed to yield any results. There was an 8-year-old Edward Lamb, the son of Joseph and Ellen Lamb, living in Lancashire. However, this is an unlikely match.

Conflicts / Do not confuse with

Do Not Confuse with:

    • Edward Lamb, born Oct 1864, Chorlton, Lancashire.
    • Edward Lamb, born Jan 1864, Salford, Lancashire.
    • Edward Lamb, born Oct 1863, Bolton, Lancashire.

I find many of the relationships reported in the census records confusing and conflicting. I do discuss some of the relationships in the above texts.

Conclusion

Thanks to my tracing Edward, the son, I found Isabella in the 1901 and 1891 censuses.

Follow-up – Plans

Perform a similar search of Isabella (Atkinson) Lamb’s other children.

Endnotes

[i] Some would say Edward is a Third-Great Uncle. I prefer 2nd great-granduncle. To me the brother of a parent is an uncle. The brother of a grandparent is then a grand uncle and the brother of a great-grand parent would be a great-grand uncle.

[ii] England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008, Family Search, Edward Lamb – 1864 – Keldal, Westmorland, England. “England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2XM7-1M6 : 1 October 2014), Edward Lamb, 1864; from “England & Wales Births, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (https://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Kendal, Westmorland, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2XM7-1M6.

[iii] England Births and Christenings, 1538-­1975, Family Search, Edward Lamb – Kendal, Westmorland, England – 1864. “England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J7FS-B8Y : 10 February 2018, Isabella in entry for Edward Lamb, ); citing – 2:2ZKX01V, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 1,471,686. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J7FS-B8R.

[iv] The 1881 Census helped provide clarification regarding the Jeffey girls.

 

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Ethel Wight Collection – Part 31

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Don Taylor

Surnames: Clark (4), Merrill

Photo Friday
Ethel Wight Collection
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.

Wilson Duhamel and Jessie (Pultz) Clark, circa 1934

The envelope this negative was in says, “Mr. & Mrs. Wilson D. Clark, Eastland Hotel, Portland #169.”

Wilson Duhamel and Jessie (Pultz) Clark, circa 1934

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1937 Portland City Directory lists Wilson D (and wife Jessie P) Clark residing at the Eastland Hotel and their summer residence Ocean House Road in Cape Elizabeth.
  • The 1930 US Census lists Wilson, and his wife Jessie R., Clark as lodgers at 157 High Street in Portland. That is the address for the Eastland Hotel. (Today, his is the Westin Hotel.) According to the Census, Wilson is 69, and Jessie is 66. Both of them were born in Massachusetts.
  • Photo #169 was probably taken about 1934, so this photo was taken when Jessie was about 71 and Wilson was about 74.

Family Search identifies Wilson Duhamel Clark (1860-___) as ID KG54-WH2. They also identify his wife as Jesse Pultz (1863-___) as ID LVSB-D31. I am quite sure this is Wilson and Jessie about 1934.

Eleven public trees at Ancestry.Com refer to Wilson Duhamel Clark.
Eight public trees at Ancestry.Com refer to Jessie F. Pultz, wife of Wilson Duhamel Clark.

I uploaded one photo of the two of them together to each’s Family Search profile. I uploaded two additional photos of the couple to my Flickr Photostream.

Wilson Duhamel Clark (1860-___) circa 1934

This negative envelope says, “Mr. Wilson D. Clark, Eastland Hotel #171.”

Wilson Duhamel Clark, circa 1934

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • See comments for Wilson Duhamel and Jessie (Pultz) Clark above.

I have uploaded two photos of Wilson Duhamel Clark to his Family Search profile, KG54-WH2.

Jesse F. (Pultz) Clark (1860-___), circa 1934

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Wilson D. Clark, Eastland Hotel #170.”

Jesse F. (Pultz) Clark, circa 1934

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • See comments for Wilson Duhamel and Jessie (Pultz) Clark above.

I have uploaded two photos of Jesse F. (Pultz) Clark to her Family Search profile, LVSB-D31.

 

James Clark, circa 1934

This negative envelope says, “Mr. James Clark, 25 Wood St, Portland #281.”

James Clark, circa 1934

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1933, 1934, and 1935 Portland City Directories all have James C. Clark living at 25 Wood Street in Portland. The 1936 City Directory shows James married to Frances and residing at 20 Gilman.
  • The 1940 US Census shows James, and his wife Francis, living on Powsland in Portland. James is 26 years old and was born in Maine.
  • The 1930 Census shows 16-year-old James living with his parents, James A and Eliza Clark, and three siblings at 1003 Congress Street, Portland.
  • Based on the number of the film package (#281) and James’ marriage and move date, I’m sure this photo was taken in 1934 or 1935 when he was about 21 years old.

Family Search identifies James Cragin Clark, the son of James A. and Eliza M (Coffen) Clark, as profile LBK1-3NG.  Eight trees at Ancestry.Com refer to James C. Clark.

I have uploaded two photos of him to his Family Search profile.

Phoebe Clark & Julia (Brown) Merrill

The envelope this negative was in says, “Mrs. Phebe C. Clark, 230 Main St, Amesbury, Mass & Mrs. John F. W. Merrell, Haverhill Ro, Amesbury, Mass.”

The two photos in this envelope are a different size and format than Ethel Wight’s studio photos, so these two appear to be reproduction photos from another time.

Phoebe Clark & Julia (Brown) Merrill

Mrs. Clark

The 1935 and 1939 Newburyport City Directories list Mrs. Phoebe Clark residing at 230 Main in the Amesbury general Directory. In 1936 and 1937, 230 Main Street was where the Religious Society of Friends met for Bible school and meeting. It was known as the Huntington Home. Based upon reading newspaper articles from the mid-1930s to the mid-1940s, it appears several people lived at Huntington Home, the Quakers met there regularly, and talks, concerts, and other activities took place there throughout the years that Mrs. Clark was living there.

Today, 230 Main Street in Amesbury is a five-bedroom, single-family home built in 1710.

I have not successfully found Mrs. Phoebe Clark in any censuses or any documents that might provide a relationship of Phoebe to other family members.

I have added this photo to Dead Fred.

Mrs. Merrill

The 1930 US Census enumerated John F. W. Merrill and his 58-year-old wife Julia B Merrill living in Amesbury, Essex, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Marriage Records indicate that John F. W. Merrill and Julia Ann Brown married on 10 September 1893. Julia’s parents were Edwin and Mary Harford. She was 21-years-old (c. 1872) and was born at Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.

I am reasonably sure one of the women in this photo is Julia Ann (Brown) Merrill. Julia B, Merrill of Amesbury, MA. Julia died in 1944.

Family Search identifies Julia Anna Brown, wife of John Francis Winkley Merrill, as profile 9KZW-G7V.  Two trees at Ancestry.Com refer to Julia Anna Brown.

I uploaded two photos of her to her Family Search profile.

If you can identify which woman is which in the photo, I would love to hear from you.

Conclusion

I had:

    • Four successful identifications that I could post to Family Search
    • One partial identification that I posted to Dead Fred.

Final Note

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.

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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