Tracing Reuben Sutherland – From Horseneck to Charlemagne

Posted on November 1, 2025 by Don Taylor

Charlemagne Project
Roberts-Barnes-Taft-Sutherland Line
By Don Taylor

Several years ago, I discovered that Charlemagne might be my wife’s 34th great-grandfather (see my post of February 26, 2021). Earlier this year, I learned that Charlemagne might also be my 32nd great-grandfather. How fun, if true. I’ve heard that most people with Western European ancestry can trace their ancestry back to Charlemagne, but now that my wife and I might be cousins, I suppose I’ll examine that possible lineage a bit more closely.

Actually, it appears our most distant common ancestor might be Charlemagne’s granddaughter, Gisela Carolingian (Gisela from Cysoing), making my wife and me 32nd cousins, twice removed. My wife descended from Gisela’s son Berengar I (who became the King of Italy) and descended from Gisela’s daughter Heilwig (or Hatwige).

Roberts/Barnes – Ancestor #86

Reuben Sutherland (c. 1755-1799)

I get the sense that there may be a couple of Reuben Sutherlands being confused by different researchers. So, many of the “facts” I am finding about my 4th G-Grandfather, Reuben C. Taft, are confusing.

Birth

Ante 1755 – Horseneck, New York.

The History of Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan, has an excellent profile of Justus B. Sutherland.[1] Justus was the son of Reuben C. Sutherland and probably had direct knowledge of his father’s birthplace. He said Reuben “was born at Horse Neck, on the seacoast, in the State of New York.” Horseneck, New York, was a contested area that is now Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut. Although in a 1731 agreement, New York gave up its claim to the “Connecticut panhandle,” and New York was granted a strip of land known as “The Oblong” that consisted of Winchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties, but it was still a source of disorder and local disputes between the two colonies in 1755. The final legal status of the land wouldn’t be fully settled until 1881.[2]

Ante 1755 – Greenwich, Fairfield, New York.

Several researchers indicate that he was born in Greenwich, Fairfield County, CT, which makes sense, as Horseneck was incorporated as the Borough of Greenwich in 1854.

c. 1768 – New York.

Some researchers suggest that Reuben was born in 1768, as a 71-year-old Reuben Sutherland died in Canandaigua, New York, on June 1, 1839. However, that would have made him eight years old when he enlisted in the 6th regiment in 1776. Also, Justus indicated his father lived at Horse Neck, where he “grew to manhood” and located to Dutchess County at his majority (age 21). His residing in Dutchess County when he enlisted on 1 April 1776 suggests he was born before 1755.

I prefer using the name of a location when an event took place, so I prefer Horse Neck, NY, as Reuben’s birthplace, and his birth is sometime before 1755.

A Minuteman (statue)

Military Service

Rufus enlisted on 1 April 1776 in the town of Dover, Dutchess County, N.Y., in Capt. Child’s Co., in the 6th regiment (commanded by Col. Henry Livingston), where he served until 1 January 1777.[3]

He enlisted again on 1 August 1781 at Dover, Dutchess County, N.Y., in Capt. Chepherd’s Co., 6th regiment (commanded by Col Weisenfelt) until 1 January 1782.

Marriage

Reuben C Sutherland married Mary Lewis (c. 1771-c. 1809) on 11 May 1788 at the First Stanford Baptist Church in Bangall (hamlet), Town of Washington (now Stanford[4]), Dutchess County, New York.[5]

Children of Reuben C and Mary (Lewis) Sutherland

NameBornMarriedDied
David1785*Rachel Atwater1841
Elizabeth1787**1831
Josiah1789Eunice Spencer1875
Candice1789Jacob Fuller1847
Phineas1791Dorcas (LNU)1825
Lot John1793Lydia Bliss
Sarah Wheeler Jakway		1866
Eliza1795David Brown1866
Tamise (Fanny)1796Joel Cruff Taft Manoah Sullivan1864
Justus1799Elmira Bliss
Esther Bliss		1880

Death/Burial, etc.

Reuben C. Sutherland died on 10 September 1799 in Broome County, New York.

Events by Location

  • New York, Broome County – Death 1799.
  • New York, Dutchess County, Dover – Military Enlistments 1776, 1781.
  • New York, Dutchess County, Washington Town, Bangall (hamlet) – Marriage 1788.
  • New York, Horse Neck, New York – Birth – ante 1755.

Conflicts

Need to confirm that David Sutherland (b. 1785) was born before Reuben and Mary were married in 1788.

Need to confirm that Elizabeth Sutherland (b. 1787) was born before Reuben and Mary were married in 1788.

Conclusion.

Reuben C. Sutherland lived a life that bridged the tumultuous era of colonial unrest and the birth of a new nation. Born before 1755 at Horse Neck—now Greenwich, Connecticut—he came of age amid frontier disputes and political uncertainty. His service as a militiaman in the 6th Regiment of the New York Line during the Revolutionary War reflects both his courage and commitment to independence. Following the war, he built a family with Mary Lewis in Dutchess County, raising children who would spread across the growing nation. His death in Broome County, New York, in 1799 marked the end of a man whose life mirrored the early American experience—rooted in perseverance, faith, and the promise of a new beginning.

His story adds another step along my path to Charlemagne.

Actions / Follow-up

  • Confirm the BMD information of Reuben’s children.
  • Find Reuben (& Mary) in the 1790 Census.
  • Do a deep dive into Reuben’s life (will, property, etc.).
  • Confirm Elizabeth never married.

Endnotes

[1] The History of Allegan and Barry counties, Michigan (Philadelphia, PA, D.W. Ensign & CO., 1880), Internet Archive, Page 236 – Justus B. Sutherland.

[2] Akin Free Library (Pawling, NY) website. “The Oblong” https://www.akinfreelibrary.org/2019/12/03/the-oblong/

[3] New York in the Revolution as colony and state (Albany, N.Y., Press of Brandow Printing Co., 1898), Internet Archive, Page 247 & 251 – Dutchess County Militia (Land Bounty Rights) — Sixth Regiment – Sutherland, Reuben.

[4] Wikipedia “Bangall, New York” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangall,_New_York.

[5] Sutherland Records, Douglas Merritt (1918), Page 50 & 51Reuben Sutherland (Chapter: William Sutherland of Chatham, N. Y.).; Various, Google Books (https://books.google.com/books?id=C01WAAAAMAAJ).

Posted in Roberts-Barnes, Genealogy Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Faces from the Past – Palladino, Pederson, Lerman, Michaud, & Rosen

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 005
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has a large collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at five photos from that collection.

Mary Pederson, SHS Class of 1927.

Photo of Mary Pederson, circa 1927
Mary Pederson, SHS Class of 1927

Photographer: The Albert Studio, 463 Congress St., Portland, ME.
Inscription: Beneath photo: Mary Pederson Campbell  ’27.  The ’27 is in a different hand and pen from the name.

SHS Accession: #2001.38.17
Description: A young woman in what appears to be a graduation photo.
Research:

  • The Albert Studio was a well-known photography studio in Portland during the 1920s and 30s.
  • The Four Corners for 1927 lists Mary Pederson, as class valedictorian, and class president.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Mary Libby Pederson, born on 23 May 1909 in Scarborough, Maine, to Selius Eleonard and Ruhamah “Amy” (Cook) Pederson.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Margaret “Polly” Palladino, 1933.

Photo of Margaret Palladino
Margaret “Polly” Palladino, 1933.

Photographer: The Albert Studio, 463 Congress St., Portland, ME.
Inscription: To Miss Pederson, Sincerely, Margaret Palladino.
SHS Accession: #2001.38.09.
Description:
Research:

  • U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016 on Ancestry shows the same woman, Margaret Adele Palladino as a senior at Gorham Normal School, Gorham, Me., in 1933. Known as “Polly,” she attended Mansfield High School, Mansfield, Mass.
  • The 1930 US Census, lists Margaret Palladino living with her parents Patrick & Ida Palladino in Mansfield, Mass.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Margaret Adele Palladino, born 31 August 1907 to Pasquale and Ida (Montelatici) Palladino.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Susan Rosen, Deering HS, 1963

Photo of Susan Rosen, 1963
Susan Rosen, Deering HS, 1963

Photographer: Jackson Studios Exclusive Portrait, Portland.
Inscription: [Lengthy thank-you to Miss Nisson and Miss Jackson] Susan ’63.
Description: Apparent high school photo of a young woman with short hair.
Research:

  • A search of 1963 Portland High School Yearbooks found this exact photo identified as Susan J. Rosen in the Deering High School class of 1963. According to the yearbook, “Dramatics is Sue’s forte,” she was National Thespian Society and treasurer of the school’s Dramatic Club.
  • The 1950 US Census listed 4-year-old Susan J Rosen living with her parents Percival and Lillian Rosen at 283 Falmouth in Portland.

Jodi A Lerman, Deering HS, 1971.

Photo of Jodi A Lerman, Deering HS, 1971.
Jodi A Lerman, Deering HS, 1971.

Photographer: Loring Studios.
Inscription: To Miss Jackson, [thank you for all she taught] Jodi.
Description: Young woman with curly hair.
Research:

  • My Ancestry.com search for Jodi, born about 1953 living in Portland, Maine found the same photo of Jodi A Lerman, 1971 Deering High School whose interests included dancing and Theater East.

Sharon Michaud, Gorham HS, 1969.

Photo of Sharon Michaud, 1969.
Sharon Michaud, Gorham HS, 1969.

Photographer: Loring Studios
Inscription: Mrs. Nissen & Miss Jackson, [a lengthy thank you for the teaching they did] Sharon.  There is a “Class 1969” sticker on the inside cover.
Description:
Research:

  • I found a photo of the same person, Sharon Ann Michaud, a senior at Gorham HS, class of 1969. Her interests included Dramatics.

Conclusion

I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may never have seen them.

Posted in Photo Identification, Maine History, Scarborough Historical Society and Museum, Maine High Schools, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

4th Great Uncle – Asa Perry Taft, Jr. (1794-1880)

Posted on October 29, 2025 by Don Taylor

Roberts-Barnes Project
Roberts-Barnes-Taft Line
Ancestor #82a & #84a
By Don Taylor

Asa Taft is a double 4th great-grandfather. Joel Clinton Barnes’ (1857-1921) paternal great-grandfather is Asa Taft (1774-1839), and his maternal great-grandfather is also Asa Taft (1774-1839).

Two of Asa’s children, Lucy Wilson Taft and Joel Cruff Taft, are both 3rd great-grandparents. My initial work suggested that Lucy and Joel were half-siblings, but other records suggest they are full siblings. As such, I wanted to look closely at Asa Taft, his three wives, Sarah, Lucy, & Lucy, and his children. I am pretty sure that Asa had 9 children, but he may have had 12 children. The oldest of these children is Asa Perry Taft, Jr. (Ancestor 82a), whom I look at here.

Asa Perry Taft, Jr. is found in my Roberts-Barnes Ancestry Public Tree, and is Family Search profile LH5J-3MQ.

List of Grandparents

Childhood

Birth – 22 Sep 1794, Partridgefield, Berkshire, Mass. Several researchers indicate that Asa Jr., was born in Peru, Mass. However, the location was called Partridgefield from 1771 to 1804. The name changed to Peru in 1804.

1800 Census – Appears to be one of two males under 10 in the household of Asa Taft in Sharon, Schoharie, NY.

1807 – His father relocated from Schoharie County, NY to Triangle, Broome County, NY.

1810 – I’ve been unsuccessful in finding either Asa Sr. or Asa Jr. in the 1810 Census.

Marriage 1

1816 – Asa Jr., married Irene Day in Lisle[1], Broome County, NY.

Children of Asa Perry Taft, Jr., and Irene (Day) Taft

NameBornMarriedDied
Clarendon Brooks1814  
FNU (female)1816-1820[2]  
Lewis1818 1898
Lucy Ann1821 1872
Ira David1922Prudence Marvin (unk date)1886
Claredonc. 1825  
FNU (female)[3]1826-1830  
Mary Eliza1828 1884
Asa Pc. 1830Miranda [Taft] 
Clayestonc. 1830[4]  
Cyrena[5]c. 1830  
Electa[6] (?)C. 1833  
Sarah1838Eathan Whipple1884

I have much more work to do to fill in the rest of this table.

Adulthood

1820 Census – Asa, Jr., with apparent wife and son age 0-9.

1820 NY Census – Asa, Jr., with apparent wife, three sons, and one girl.

1830 Census – Asa, Jr., with apparent wife, three sons, and three girls.

1831 Event – Triangle, NY, formed from the town of Lisle.

1840 Census – Asa, Jr., with apparent wife, four sons and five daughters.

1850 Census – Asa, Jr., wife Sarah, one boy (Asa P) and four girls (Claruida, Cyrena, Electa Olmstead, & Sarah.

1852 Event – Asa’s first wife Irene, died.

Marriage 2

Sometime after Irene’s death, Asa married Cynthia Baker. She died before Asa.

1860 Census – Asa is father of Clayeston (Head) Taft. Asa is 63, Clayeston is 25 and Clayeston’s wife if 23. [7]

1870 Census – Asa is head of household. Living with him are an apparent daughter Sarah, grandson, Cyrus, and a nine-year-old girl, Lena Taft (possible granddaughter).

1880 Census – Asa T (sic) Taft lives with his wife Miranda, son Charles D., and his father Asa P Taft.

Death/Burial, etc.

Asa Died on 27 December 1880 in Triangle, Broome County, New York. He was buried in the Taft Cemetery, Triangle, Broome County, New York.

Events by Location

Massachusetts, Berkshire, Partridgefield – 1794 – Birth

New York, Broome County, Lisle           1825 to 1830

New York, Schoharie County, Sharon    1800

New York, Broome County, Triangle     1840 to 1880

Conflicts

The 1860 Census may be in error. Although the names and dates are correct, Asa’s birthplace is recorded as Rhode Island, which would be an error. All other records indicate he was born in Mass.

Conclusion.

The records confirm the dates the Taft family moved to New York. They also confirm Asa Jr.’s mother was Sarah/Sally Whitney.

Actions / Follow-up

  • Continue with the children of Asa Taft, Senior; Luransa Taft is the next oldest child.
  • Confirm that Asa Taft, Jr., was unique and there are no other Asa Tafts in the area during the 1860 Census

Sources

Endnotes

[1] Some records indicate Triangle and not Lisle, however, Triangle was created from Lisle in 1831. I prefer using the name of locations at the time of the event.

[2] The 1820 Census reported Asa’s household had one female under 10 years of age in 1820.

[3] The 1830 Census reported Asa’s household had one female under 5 years of age in 1830.

[4] Clayeston was 25 years old during the 1855.

[5] Cyrena – Presumed daughter from 1860 Census.

[6] Electa Olmsteat – Possible daughter – Living with Asa Taft Jr during 1850 Census.

[7] The 1860 Census may be in error. Although the names and dates are correct, Asa’s birthplace is recorded as Rhode Island, which would be an error.

Posted in Ancestor Sketch, Massachusetts Genealogy, Roberts-Barnes, Genealogy Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Bessey Graduates 1954, Dunstan Students, c.1952, Libby, & Wood.

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 004
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has an extensive collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at four pictures from that collection.

Perley Britt Wood, c. 1902.

Photo of Perley Britt Wood, 1886
Perley Britt Wood, 1886

Photographer: Unknown
Inscription: On back – Perley Britt Wood b. Feb 13, 1886, son of Charles & Marjory Wood of Rockland, Maine, in July 30, 1934, lives at 376 Broadway, So. Portland, Bess his wife, Junior 10, Josephine 8, Patricia 4, John Marles  1 yr brother.
Description: The image is an oval vignette mounted on a cream-colored, matte card with notable foxing (brown age spots) typical of photographs from the turn of the 20th century. The young man appears to be in his late teens or early twenties. He is posed in a studio setting against a neutral background, looking slightly to the right of the camera.
Research: Ancestry Family Trees identified Perley Britt Wood, born 13 Feb 1886 in Rockland, Knox County, Maine. He married Marie Hortense Richards in 1908. She died in 1919. He remarried Bessie Marles in 1922. He and Bessie had four children: Perley (b. 1924), Josephine (b. 1927), Patricia (b. 1930), and John (b. 1933).

Estimated Date: Based on the hairstyle, clothing, and mount style, the photo was likely taken between 1898 and 1905.

I added this photo to the Linwood Dyer Collection on Ancestry.com.

Students line up at Dunstan School, early 1950s

Inscription: On back –Michael & Marcy Milliken @ foreground of Dunstan School
Description: The photo shows a large group of children and several adults gathered outside Dunstan Grammar School in the 1950s. The group appears to be lining up or entering the building, possibly at the start of the school day.
Research:

  • The Dunstan School’s (brick building) first classes started in September 1945.
  • Marcia Milliken graduated from SHS in 1961, suggesting the photo predates 1956.
  • Michael Milliken was born in 1947, suggesting the photo was taken after 1952.
Students lining up to enter Dunstan School in the early 1950s.
Students line up at Dunstan School, early 1950s

Since this photo focuses more on the school and the students than on Marcia and Michael, I’m only including it here and in the Scarborough Historical Society, Dunstan School photo collection.

Graduates – Scarborough High School – 1954

Photographer: Unknown
Inscription: On back – Robert Foley – Class Marshall
Description: About forty young men and women are arranged in two neat rows. The men wear dark caps and gowns; the women wear light-colored or white gowns and mortarboards. At the very front, kneeling at the center, is a person in a dark gown who appears to be the class marshal holding a staff. The building behind is Scarborough High School (Bessey School).

Research:

  • Robert Francis Foley graduated from Scarborough High School in 1954. The yearbook indicates he was born on May 10, 1936, in Lawrence, Mass.
Graduates, in cap & gown, Scarborough High School (Bessey School) 1954
Graduates – Scarborough High School – 1954

Since this photo focuses more on the school and the students than on Robert Foley, I’m only including the image here and in the Scarborough Historical Society’s Dunstan School photo collection.

Carol Libby, SHS Class of 1956.

Carol Libby, in cap and gown, Scarborough High School Class of 1956.
Carol Libby, SHS Class of 1956

Photographer: Unknown
Inscription: On back – Carol Libby
Description: The graduate stands confidently with her hands relaxed at her sides. She wears a white cap and gown and white shoes. The brick building behind her appears to be consistent with Scarborough High School (Bessey School) during the 1950s.
Research: Carol Ann Libby was a graduate of the 1956 Scarborough High School.

  • She was born on 16 Oct 1938 in Portland, Maine
  • The 1940 US Census places her living with her parents, Norman F and Eleanor R Libby, on Prouts Neck Road.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Conclusion

I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may have never seen the image.

Posted in Scarborough Historical Society and Museum, Maine History, SHS Photo Collection, Maine High Schools, Genealogy Research, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Hodgkins, Howatt, Hurd, Johnson, & Sullivan

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 003
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has a large collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at five photos from that collection.

Frank Hodgkins, circa 1889-1895.

PHOTO OF Frank-Hodgkins-c.-1890s
Frank-Hodgkins-c.-1889-1895 (ChatGPT enhanced)

Photographer: Colpitts & Co., Photographic Art Studio, 514 Congress Street, Portland, ME.
Inscription: Handwritten on back, “Frank Hodgkins”
Description: Formal cabinet card portrait of a young man, identified as Frank Hodgkins. He is posed in three-quarter view, facing slightly right. He wears a dark suit coat, a matching vest, a white shirt, and a large textured cravat typical of late-1880s to early-1890s men’s fashion. The “Copyrighted 1889” notice on the back dates the photo after that date.

Research:

  • The photographic style and the man’s clothing suggest the photo was most likely taken in the early 1890s. Also, Portland City Directories suggest Colpitts & Co., operated at 514 Congress St. until 1898.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggests three candidates for Frank Hodgkins:
      • Frank Owen Hodgkins, b. 18 Feb 1874, Damariscotta, Maine, d. 11 Jun 1927, Portland, ME. Although married in Boston, He appears as a nurse at Maine General Hospital in the 1895 Portland City Directory.
      • Frank Dewey Hodgkins, b. 1870 in New York. Born Frank Henry Dewey, he changed his name to Frank Dewey Hodgkins when he was adopted in 1878. He married Fannie Isabella Osborne in Portland, ME, on 11 April 1896.
      • Capt. Franklin Milon “Frank” Hodgkins, b. 12 Feb 1863, d. 13 Mar 1917 in Harpswell, ME. He married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Mariah Dyer on 21 Dec 1887 and lived in Portland during the 1910 Census.

I believe this photo could be of any of the three individuals listed here, but most likely is either Frank Owen or Frank Dewey, who both appear in Portland in 1895-96. As such, I’m posting this photo to Dead Fred.

Niels Johnson, SHS Class 1938.

Photo of Niels Johnson, 1938
Niels Johnson, SHS Class of 1938

Photographer: Unknown.
Inscription: Handwritten on back “Niles Johnson ‘38”.
Description: Apparent high school graduation photo of a young man.
Research:

  • The 1938 Four Corners (Scarborough High School yearbook) shows the same photo of Niels Sofus Johnson, Jr. “Junior.” He was born February 12, 1922. His hobbies were stamps and astronomy.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Helene May Howatt, SHS Class of 1938

Photo of Helene Mae Howatt, 1938
Helene Mae Howatt, SHS Class of 1938 (ChatGPT enhanced)

Inscription: Handwritten on back “Helene Howatt ‘38”.
Description: Apparent high school graduation photo of a young woman.

Research:

  • The 1938 Four Corners (Scarborough High School yearbook) shows the same photo of Helene Mae Howatt, born November 6, 1919. She was known as “Howie,” and her hobby was horses.
  • Ancestry Family Trees identify Helene Mae Howatt, born 6 Nov 1919 in Bangor, Maine to William Melville and Ethel Lewis (Clifford) Howatt. Helene lived in Scarborough during the 1930, (1935), & 1940 Censuses. She married Raymond C. Field in 1946 and lived in Scarborough during the 1950 Census.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Unidentified Union Officer inscribed “Van L. Hurd” or “Wm L. Hurd,” ca. 1863–1865

Photo of an Union Army officer, Civil War Period
Unidentified Union Officer inscribed “Van L. Hurd” or “Wm L. Hurd,” ca. 1863–1865

Inscription: Handwritten at bottom, “Yours Truly, Van L. Hurd” or possibly “Wm L. Hurd”
Description: Carte de visite photo of a Union Army officer, common during the 1860s. His double-breasted frock coat with officer’s shoulder straps and a sheathed officer’s sword identifies him as an officer.
Research:

  • My review of the Maine Bugle, January 1894, found Corp. Samuel Hurd as the only Hurd in that book still living. (A Josiah E Herd was killed at Petersburg.)
  • The National Park Service, Soldier list has
    • William Hurd – A Private with the 15th Regiment, Maine Infantry.Martin Van Buran Hurd – A Private with the 6th Regiment, Maine Infantry.
    • Sumner L Hurd – A Corporal with the 22nd Regiment, Maine Infantry.

Because I found no apparent matches in Maine, I’m only including this photo here.

Robert Leland Sullivan, 1930

Photo of a baby, 6 to 9 months old, sitting holding a stuffed toy.
Robert Leland Sullivan, 1930 (age 6 to 9 months) – (ChatGPT Enhanced)

Photographer: Roger Paul Jordan (193 Middle St., Portland, Maine, c. 1930)
Inscription: Inside – “Robert Sullivan” also, beneath photo, signature “Roger Paul Jordan, ’30.”
Description: Studio portrait of an infant likely 6 to 9 months old.
Research:

  • The 1930 Census lists a five-month-old child, Robert Sullivan, living with his parents, Charles J and Caroline Sullivan, at 119 Morning St., Portland, Maine. Charles was born around 1896 in Massachusetts, and Caroline was born around 1908 in Maine.
  • The Portland Press Herald, Nov 24, 1929, Page 28, reports that Charles and Caroline (Babb) Sullivan of Morning Street named their son, Robert Leland Sullivan.
  • U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2020 lists Robert Leland Sullivan, born 9 Nov 1929, enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and spent 22 years in the service. He died on 10 Feb 2009.
  • The 1940 Census finds Robert living with his parents in Lexington, Mass. along with a six-year-old sister, Ann Sullivan.  Further research failed to find a family tree that includes Robert.
  • The 1950 Census lists Robert with his parents in Lexington. He is a radio in the Ship industry.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest that Robert’s mother is Caroline Adelaide Babb (1908-1998) and his father is Charles J Sullivan (1896-1969)

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com

Conclusion

I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may have never seen the image.

Posted in Scarborough Historical Society and Museum, Maine History, SHS Photo Collection, Genealogy Research, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment