Ethel Wight Collection – Part 20

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Don Taylor

Chaltas, Constantine, Cook, Corbin, Corson, & Karakas

Photo Friday
Ethel Wight Collection
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.This week for Photo Friday, I try to 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 important to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the images with family members who may have never seen the image.

Athena & Vassar Chaltas, and their cousin, Trenton Karakas, circa 1937

The envelope this negative was in says, “Constantine Children #351.”

The “Constantine Children,” Athena & Vassar Chaltas, and their cousin, Trenton Karakas, circa 1937.

This photo doesn’t indicate an address or the first name of the person who ordered the photo. However, the photo appears to be of a boy, about 12-years-old, and two girls, ages 15 &17. Maybe I can figure it out by looking at the census records.

1930

The 1930 Census indicated there were 2 Constantine households in Portland, Maine.

Head of Household Household Makeup
Peter K. Constantine Parents; Costas & Pinola, Sister-in-law, Helen, and two nieces, Athena & Vassi, ages 10 and 8.
James Constantine Wife: Bessie

1940

The 1940 Census indicated there were 6 Constantine households in Portland, Maine.

Head of Household Household Makeup
Peter K. Constantine Two daughters, Athena & Vassa; a sister, Helen; and a nephew, Trantoe [Teantor] Karakas.
James Constantine Wife: Bessie
Louis Constantine Wife: Philanthy
Margaret Constantine No other people (Cashier).
Hattie Constantine Son,
George K. Constantine Wife: Nellie, Daughter: Dionisia

Only the Peter K. Constantine household has children fitting the image. Although the 1940 Census suggests Athena and Vassa are Peter’s children, further research yielded:

    • Athena Constantine (Athena Chaltas) was born on 16 Feb 1920 in Portland. Her parents were Pericles and Helen Chaltas.
    • Vassar Chaltas was born 20 March 1922 in Portland to Pericles “Perry” E. and Helen (Constantine) Chaltas.
    • The 1940 Census indicates that Trantoe Karakas was born in Massachusetts about 1925, so his being an actual nephew makes sense.

I believe this photo contains Athena and Vassar Chaltas (ages 17 & 15), the daughters of Pericles “Perry” E. and Helen (Constantine) Chaltas. And their cousin Trenton Karakas (age 12) circa 1937

I was unable to find a profile for Helen, Athena, or Vassa in Family Search. Peter K Constantine may have a family search profile, but it doesn’t identify his parents or siblings.

There are three trees on Ancestry, which include Helen Constantine, born circa 1900 and who had a husband surnamed Chaltas. I have posted the photo to Dead Fred and have Ancestry messaged the three tree owners.

Genevieve Cook (1920-1996), circa 1937

The envelope this negative was in says, “Genevieve Cook. 14 Westcott St. #1071 – DSCN2996

Genevieve Cook, circa 1937

The 1936 Portland, Maine, City Directory lists Carroll Cook and his wife Jennie, living at 14 Westcott. The 1937 Portland City Directory shows that Carroll and Jennie had moved to 70 Pleasant Ave. Further research yielded that Genevieve Ray Cook was born 2 March 1920 to Carroll Hubert and Genevieve (McDonald) Cook in Portland, Maine. Genevieve Rae Cook died on 24 February 1996.

Family Search identifies Genevieve R. Cook, Carroll Herbert and Jennie McDonald Cook’s daughter as ID L5TY-SY1. I am confident this is Genevieve about 1937. I have uploaded two photos of her to her Family Search profile.

Merle Weston Cook, circa 1937 (age 4)

Merle Weston Cook, circa 1937 (age 4)

The envelope this negative was in says, “Mrs. Geneva Cook – 108 Presumpscot St., Portland #792. The negatives include one pose of a boy about four years old.

The 1937 Portland City directory lists Merle W. Cook and his wife Geneva A. Cook living at 108 Presumpscot.

The 1940 US Census enumerated Merle W. Cook, his wife Geneva, and his son, Merle W. Cook, Jr. Merle Junior was six-years-old during the 1940 Census. Further research found Merle Weston Cook, Jr, born 7 July 1933 and died 12 June 2012.

Family Search identifies Merle W. Cook, born 7 July 1933, as ID G9KK-4WL. I am quite sure this is Merle, Jr., about 1937. I have uploaded a photo of him to his Family Search profile. Merle appears in eight Ancestry Family Trees. I have informed several of the tree owners of this post.

Alphonse “Alfred” Corbin (1893-1941) circa 1935

Alphonse Corbin, circa 1935

This negative envelope says, “Mr. Al Corbin, 179 Franklin St. Portland #369.” The contents include one negative of a man in his early 1940s in profile.

The 1934 and 1935 Portland City Directories list Alphonse L. Corbin living at 179 Franklin. Page 234, which should include Al Corbin, is missing from the 1936 Portland Directory that I have access to. The 1937 Directory again lists Alphonse living with his wife, Delia, at 139 Franklin. The 1930 US Census enumerated 37-year-old Alphonse living with his wife, Epernia, and six children in Portland. He was born in Maine.

Family Search identifies Alphonse L. Corbin (1893-1941) as ID 9XPK-724. I am quite sure this is ALPHONSE about 1936. I have uploaded his photo to Family Search. He also appears in 72 Ancestry Trees. I have informed several of those tree owners of this post.

Marjorie Bertha Corson (1918-2008), circa 1936

Majorie Bertha Corson, circa 1936

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Marjorie Corson, 29 Bancroft St., Portland #1083.”

This photo is clearly is the same person as Marjorie B. Corson from Deering High School, class of 1936. Even the dress appears to be the same. Marjorie Bertha Corson was born 29 September 1918, the daughter of Harold O and Alice M (Bridges) Corson.

Family Search identifies Marjorie Bertha Corson, the daughter of Harold O. and Alice M. (Bridges) Corson. as ID 2C54-7S2. This is a photo of her about 1936. I have uploaded two photos of her to her Family Search profile. I uploaded two more photos of her to my Flickr Photostream.

Conclusion

I had:

    • Four successful identifications where I could post to Family Search
    • Three probable identifications – I contacted other researchers for confirmation.

Final Note

If any of these photos are of your family member, I would love to hear your reaction to these photos. I’d especially like to hear if these are 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 their great aunt’s collection.

[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera, and computer software.

Posted in Ethel Wight Studio, Faces from the Past | 1 Comment

Ancestor Sketch – William S. Taylor

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Don Taylor

Bradley-Hingston Project
Bradley-Taylor
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.William S. Taylor lived his youth in the historic place where Washington crossed the Delaware. He made a short foray out west, where he married, then returned to Philadelphia with his new bride. After his second marriage, he located to Norfolk, Virginia, where he lived until his death.

Bradley-Hingston – Ancestor #BH-10

List of Grandparents

  •  Grandmother: Magdalen Polk Taylor (1890-1970)
  • 1st Great-grandfather: William S. Taylor (1856-1928)
  • 2nd Great-grandfather: Jacob H. Taylor (1822-___)

William S. Taylor (1856-1928)

Vital Records

William S Taylor was born on 28 December 1856 in Taylorsville[i], Bucks County, Pennsylvania as the first child of Jacob H Taylor and Rebecca L Pittman. He had six siblings, namely: Lydia M, Lizzie W, Florence, Annie, Justice P, and Burnard.

When he was 30, he married Maria Louisa Polk on 17 January 1887 in Jackson, Missouri, USA (at St. Joseph Church by J. J. Kennedy).

When he was 54, he married Mary Ella Rulon, daughter of David O Rulon and Bridget McWerty [?], on 22 November 1911 in New Castle, Delaware, USA (Geo. Lewis Wolfe officiated. Kath Convey & Clifford Williams were witnesses).

He died on 25 September 1928 in Norfolk, Virginia, USA (of Cancer of the esophagus. Medical Code: 44).

Childhood

When William was born, he had four older siblings

    • Lydia M. – About nine years older (born c. 1847)
    • Justice P. – About seven years older (born c. 1849)
    • Burnard – About three years older (born c. 1853)
    • Lizzie W.– About six year older (born c. 1845)

His sister Florence was born about 1859 when William was about three.

1860

The 1860 Census found three-year-old William living with his parents and five siblings in Taylorsville, Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His father was a lumber merchant. Living with them were his grandmother[i], Matilda Pittman, and two hired servants, Mary Wellah from Ireland and Mary Fells from New Jersey.

His sister Annie was born about 1863 when William was about seven.

1870

The 1870 Census reports 13-year-old William living with his parents and four siblings.  His two older brothers, Justice and Burnard, are not in the home. All of the children are attending school, and William’s father, Jacob, is still a lumber merchant. Living with them is Ellen Berry, a 17-year-old domestic from Ireland.

Adulthood

By 1880, 23-year-old William had left home.  He lived and worked with a crew for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He boarded at 34 Lancaster, Philadelphia. This address doesn’t make sense in today’s streets, but because he and 20 other boarders at the same place working for the railroad, I would expect it was close to the train station (30th Street?).

Marriage 1

William married Maria Louisa Polk on 17 January 1887 at the St. Joseph Church in Kansas City, MO. J. J. Kennedy performed the ceremony. Maria was from Arkansas.

William and Maria had three children[ii]

  • Dorothy                         Born January 1888 in Pennsylvania
  • John                                     Born July 1889 in New York
  • Magdalen Polk Taylor Born 31 December 1890

1900 Census

The William Taylor family is one of the few cases where a family was enumerated twice.

The family appears in Philadelphia, ED 159, Sheet 3A, Lines 29 through 34, living on Chestnut Street. William and Maria had been married for 13 years, and Maria had had three children, all of whom were living. William was working as a Cashier, the three children were attending school, and they had a 30-year-old servant, Margaret Raby.

The family also appears in Cape May, Middle Township, New Jersey. Again, William, Maria, Dorothy, John, and Magdalene are present. Living with them is a boarder, 80-year-old John W. Polk, and a housekeeper, Margarette Rabey. Because Maria’s maiden name was Polk, I suspect this 80-year-old is Maria’s father. Also, the servant appears to be the same person. Margaret/Margarette – Raby/Rabey.

1910 Census

I found William living at 32 South 17th Street, Philadelphia. He is a lodger and is working as an accountant at a brewing company. The household head is Mary R Tabor. Also, Mary R. Tyson is a lodger at the address. Daughter Magdalene had married by this time and was living with her new husband. I haven’t researched the other two children yet.

Marriage 2

William S. Taylor married Mary Ella Rulon on 22 November 1911 in New Castle County, Delaware. George Lewis Wolfe officiated, and Kath Convey and Clifford Williams were witnesses. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Norfolk, Virginia, by 1912.

1920 Census

William (age 63) and Mary (age 56) appear in the 1920 Census living on 35th Street in Norfolk, Virginia. None of the children are living with them.

Death

William died 25 September 1928 in Norfolk from esophageal cancer.  His death certificate indicates that the “Place of burial, cremation, or removal” was Philadelphia, PA. Additionally, Quaker meeting records indicate that William S. Taylor’s burial at Westminister, Cemetery. Finally, Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records indicate that William S. Taylor was buried 27-28 September 1928 in Westminster Cem. Southampton[iii], Bucks County, PA.

William did not have a memorial on Find-a-Grave, so I created memorial 223082720. I also requested a photo of the marker.

Events by Location

Delaware, New Castle County Marriage 2 (1911)
Missouri, Jackson County, Kansas City Marriage 1 (1887)
New Jersey, Cape May, Cape May 1900
Pennsylvania, Bucks County Lower Makefield 1870
Pennsylvania, Bucks County, Southampton Burial (1928)
Pennsylvania, Bucks County, Taylorsville Birth (1856)
Pennsylvania, Bucks County, Upper Makefield 1860
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia 1880, 1900, 1910
Virginia, Norfolk (Independent City) 1920, Death (1928)

Locations in the life of William S. Taylor

Further Actions / Follow-up

  • The 1870 Census reports Justice and Burnard are not in the Jacob H. Taylor household. Research to determine if they passed or were enumerated elsewhere.
  • Research exactly where 34 Lancaster, Philadelphia would have been in 1880 and what is there now.
  • Research the potential that William S. Taylor had a son, William S. Taylor, Jr.

Sources

  • 1860 Census, NARA, 1860 Census – Jacob K Taylor – Upper Makefield, Bucks, Pennsylvania (PO: Taylorsville). Year: 1860; Census Place: Upper Makefield, Bucks, Pennsylvania; Page: 737; Family History Library Film: 805083.
  • 1870 Census, NARA, 1870 – Jacob H Taylor – Lower Makefield Township, Bucks, Pennsylvania. “United States Census, 1870”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1: 13R: 4 January 2021), Jacob H Taylor, 1870.
  • 1880 Census, NARA, 1880 – William Taylor – Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. “United States Census, 1880,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWJ5-XPR : 13 November 2020), Wm. Taylor in household of J. L. Worrell, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America; citing enumeration district ED 485, sheet 33B, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,182. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWJ5-XPR.
  • 1900 Census, 1900 Census – William S Tayler, Jr – New Jersey, Cape May, Middletownship, Angelsea borough, Wildwood borough, Avalon Borough. “United States Census, 1900,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9NR-RYH : accessed 23 August 2018), William S Tayler Jr., Middle Township Angelsea borough, Wildwood borough, Avalon Borough, Rio Grande Village, Cape May, New Jersey, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 107, sheet 12A, family 308, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,960.
  • 1900 Census, 1900 Census – William S Taylor, et al – Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1900; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 9, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 0159; FHL microfilm: 1241455. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2442/records/25439613/.
  • 1910 Census (FS), Family Search, 1910 Census – William Taylor – Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. “United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGWN-5R4 : accessed 17 February 2021), Wm Taylor, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 480, sheet 5A, family 87, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1397; FHL microfilm 1,375,410.
  • 1920 Census (FS), Family Search, William S Taylor Norfolk Monroe Ward, Norfolk (Independent City), Virginia.
  • Delaware Vital Records, 1650-1974, Family Search, William S Taylor & Mary E Rulon. “Delaware Vital Records, 1650-1974,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1: L8PW : 8 November 2020), William S Taylor, 22 November 1911; citing Marriage, Delaware, United States, Delaware Public Archives, Dover; FHL microfilm.
  • Find a Grave Memorial, Find a Grave, Magdalen T. Bradley (1890-1970). Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 25 August 2018), memorial page for Magdalen T. Bradley (31 December 1890–24 November 1970), Find A Grave Memorial no. 182390190, citing Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA ; Maintained by DAO (contributor 47943782). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182390190.
  • Jackson County, Missouri, US Marriage Records, 1826-2014, Jackson County, MO – Official Website, William Taylor & Marie Polk – 17 January 1887. https://www.jacksongov.org/.
  • Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1669-2013, Ancestry.Com, Burial – William S Taylor, Jr. 25 September 1928. Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records; Reel: 194.
  • S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935, Ancestry.Com, William S Taylor – Death 25 September 1928. Source Citation: Swarthmore College; Swarthmore, Pennsylvania; Quaker Meeting Records Source Information, Ancestry.com. U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Original data: Swarthmore, Quaker Meeting Records. Friends Historical Library, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. North Carolina Yearly Meeting Minutes. Hege Friends Historical Library, Guilford College, Greensboro, North Carolina. Indiana Yearly Meeting Minutes. Earlham College Friends Collection & College Archives, Richmond, Indiana. Haverford, Quaker Meeting Records. Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania.
  • Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987, Family Search, William S Taylor, Sr. “Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVR X55W : 16 August 2019), William S Taylor Sr, 25 September 1928; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, entry #, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.
  • Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014 (Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Department of Health), Ancestry.Com, Magdalen T. Bradley
  • Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014 (Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Department of Health), Ancestry.Com, William S Taylor Sr – 25 September 1928. Virginia Department of Health; Richmond, Virginia; Virginia Deaths, 1912-2014.

Endnotes

[i] Taylorsville is now “Washington Crossing” an unincorporated village in Bucks County. It is the location where Washington Crossed the Delaware during the Revolutionary War.
[ii] The 1860 Census does not show the relationships between individuals. Jacob’s wife, Rebecca, maiden name was Pittman. The 77-year-old Matilda is presumed to be Rebecca’s mother but has not been proven.
[iii] William may have had another son. When William was buried he was identified as William S. Taylor, Sr. Being a “Senior” suggests that there was a Junior. I haven’t found evidence of a William Junior yet, but it is possible.
[iv] Southampton is an unincorporated community in southeastern Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Posted in Bradley-Hingston Project | Tagged | Leave a comment

Ancestor Sketch – Rella May Sauve

Posted on March 7, 2021 by Don Taylor

Halcro/Sauve
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.Overview

Rella May Sauve was born on September 28, 1892, in Tilbury, Ontario, Canada, a child of Richard Sauve and Annie Brenneau. She had thirteen (nine known) siblings: Susan, Bertha, William, Joseph Dennis, Mary, Niana, Richard, Anna, and Minnie. When she was 23, she married Andrew James Halcro, son of William Francis Halcro and Harriet Park, on June 24, 1916, in Restigouche, New Brunswick, Canada (In a ceremony performed by Rev. E. P. Wallace of Campbellton). Andrew died in 1925. When she was 53, she married Harry Squires on February 11, 1946, in Pawtucket, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. She and Harry divorced on June 7, 1955. She died March 16, 1984, in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine (At age 91).

Halcro Project – Ancestor #5

List of Grandparents

    • Grandmother: Rella May Sauve (1892-1984)
    • 1st Great-grandfather: Richard Sauve (1849-___)

Name

Rella May Sauve has one of those names that seem to be different in every record I encountered.

  • Orella        1900 Census
  • Mary O.     1910 Census
  • Rella          1905 Rhode Island Census, 1921 Canada Census, 1930 Census,
    Marriage 1 (1916)
  • Rella M.    1940 Census, Death Index (1984)
  • Rella May Son Lawrence’s Draft Registration (1940), Naturalization (1961)
    [i]

Certainly, she was also known as Rella Mae. For example, her son, Robert J. Halcro, was the president of a business in Alaska named the Rella Mae Corp. Presumably named after his mother Rella Mae is also seen in several other documents.

Because I have not found an original birth record, I cannot be sure of her birth name, but I suspect it was Mary Orella Sauvé, which, over time, morphed into Rella May.

Events

Birth

The 1900 and the 1910 Censuses indicate that Rella’s mother, Annie Brennneau Sauve, had 14 children, 10 of whom were still living.  I have identified the names of 10 of her children. Rella was the youngest of the 10.  Rella was born on September 28 1892, in Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. Her ten known siblings include:

Name Birth
Anna c. 1874
Mary May 1876
Minnie c. 1878
Niana Jun 1880
Richard Oct 1882
Bertha Oct 1884
William Jun 1886
Susan May 1888
Joseph Dennis May 1891
Rella May 28  Sep 1892

Childhood

Rella’s life in Ontario was short-lived. In 1895 the family immigrated to the United States.

The 1900 Census finds six-year-old Orella (Rella) living with her parents and seven of her siblings at 716 Weeden Street, Pawtucket (Ward 4), Rhode Island. Her father is a mill laborer and five of her siblings are laborers; four were bleachers (including 13-year-old William), and one was a dyehand. Only she and her two youngest siblings are attending school and not working.

In 1905, Rhode Island conducted a state census. Rella was enumerated living at 195 Francis Ave, Pawtucket, RI, and was attending school.

The 1910 Census finds  Mary O. (Rella) still at home with her parents and her brother Joseph. She was not attending school, nor was she reported as working.

Marriage 1

Rella Married Andrew James Halcro on 26 June 1916 in Restigouche, New Brunswick, Canada. Rev. E. P. Wallace of Campbellton performed the ceremony. She and Andrew located to Montréal, where Andrew was from.

Together they had five children, namely:

Name Born
Lawrence A. 10 Aug 1917
Robert J. 10 Jul 1919
Horace J. 3 Dec 1920
Russel D 15 Dec 1921
Mary R. 26 Dec 1925

Andrew died 15 July 1925, while Rella was pregnant wiAndrew’s

After Andrew’s Death

The following year, on May 1st, 1926, Rella immigrated to the United States a second time.

The 1930 Census finds Rella living at 203 Francis Ave. in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, with her 77-year-old mother, her five kids, and a niece, Bernice Cote. Also living in the “household” is a “boarder.”

856 Weeden Built in 1920 – as seen today – courtesy of Google Maps.

In 1935, the widow Rella Halcro was living at 856 Weeden in Pawtucket, Providence County, Rhode Island.

The 1940 Census finds Rella living at 443 Columbus in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Columbus. All of her children are still at home.

Marriage 2

On 11 February 1946, Rella married Harry Squires in Pawtucket, Providence County, Rhode Island. They split and sometime in 1954 the two filed for divorce in Florida. The divorce became final on 7 June 1955.  Shortly after the divorce Rella relocated to Maine.

Naturalization

On 25 September 1961, Rella applied to become a US citizen. Mable B. Bouchard and Theresa A. Byram of South Portland were witnesses and swore they knew Rella since 1956.

A description of Rella said the 5’4” ear-old was 5’4”, 117 lbs., gray eyes, light brown hair with medium Complexion. She had a mole on the back of her neck and scars on the palm of each hand.

Rella May Squires took the Oath of Allegiance on 11 December 1961.

Death & Burial

Illustration Photo by “msimonds” via Find-a-Grave

Rella May Squires died on 16 March 1984 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine. She was 91. She was buried at Scarborough Memorial Cemetery, Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine. Her son, Horace A. Halcro, shares a marker with her.

Events by Location

Location Event(s)
Canada, New Brunswick, Restigouche Marriage (1916)
Canada, Ontario, Chatham-Kent, Tilbury Birth (1892)
Canada, Quebec, Longueuil, Jacques-Cartier 1921 Census
Maine, Cumberland, Portland Naturalization (1961), Death (1984)
Maine, Cumberland, Scarborough Residence (1984),Burial (1984)
Rhode Island, Providence, Pawtucket 1900, 1905, 1910, 1930, 1940 Censuses
Vermont, Orleans, Newport Immigration (1926)

Further Actions / Follow-up

  • Locate Richard and Annie Sauve (including Rella) in the 1911 Canadian Census.
  • Do a newspaper survey for Rella during her “Squires Years” (1946-1984)
  • Do a newspaper survey for Rella during her “Halcro Years” (1916-1946)
  • Do a newspaper survey for Rella during her “Sauve Years” (1892-1916)
  • Search for Rella in School records during her “Sauve Years.”

————–  Disclaimer  ————–

Sources

  • 1900 Census, Various, Richard Scovee [Sauve] Head. Year: 1900; Census Place: Pawtucket Ward 4, Providence, Rhode Island; Page: 11; Enumeration District: 0159; FHL microfilm: 1241511, Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twel. https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/69435187:7602.
  • 1930 Census, Various, Annie Sauve, Head – Pawtucket, Providence “Rhode Island. “United Stat” s Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMZB-B9P : accessed 20 February 2021), Annie Sauve, Pawtucket, Providence, Rhode Island, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 268, sheet 19B, line 66, family 470, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2174; FHL microfilm 2,341,908. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMZB-B9P.
  • 1940 Census, Various, Halcro, Rella – Pawtucket, Providence, Rhode Island. Year: 1940; Census Place: Pawtucket, Providence, Rhode Island; Roll: m-t0627-03768; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 4-200.
  • Acadia, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1757-1946 (Drouin Collection), Ancestry.com, Marriage – Andrew J Halcro & Rella Sauve – Page 84, #149. Ancestry.com. Acadia, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1757-1946 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007.
  • Canada Census, 1921, Library & Archives of Canada, Andrew Halcro – Wife, Rala, & three children. Montreal West, Family 101, Page 10. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1921/Pages/item.aspx?itemid=8230623.
  • Maine, U.S., Death Index, 1960-1997 (Augusta, Maine, State of Maine Department of Human Services), Ancestry.com, Death – Rella M Squires – 16 Mar 1984. Certificate: 8402606. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/6703/records/254937.
  • Maine, U.S., Federal Naturalization Records, 1787-1991 (Boston, Waltham, Massachusetts, National Archives), Ancestry.com, Rella May Squires – Certificate Number: 12519. National Archives at Boston; Waltham, Massachusetts; Record Group Title: Records of District Courts of the United States, 1685-2009; Record Group Number: RG 21; NAI Number: 6250662; NAI Title: Petitions and Records of Naturalization for Maine, 1945-1991; 1 Jan 1945-31 Dec 1991.
  • Minnesota, U.S., Death Index, 1908-2017 (St. Paul, Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Health), Ancestry.com, No Image – Mary Rella Irene Heil – 10 May 2012. Certificate Number: 2012-MN-014140.
  • Rhode Island State Census, 1905, Family Search, Rilla Sauve – Paw “ucket, Providence County. “Rhod” Island State Census, 1905”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MLJ VQN : 9 July 2019), Billa Sauve, 1905. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MLJR-VQN?from=lynx1UIV8&treeref=LYBX-SXK.
  • S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.com, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, City Directory, 1927 – Page 437 – Halcro.
  • S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.com, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, City Directory, 1935 – Page 301 – Halcro.
  • S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 (NARA), Ancestry.com, Lawrence Andrew Halcro. The National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; WWII Draft Registration Cards for Rhode Island, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 70.

Endnotes

[i] This is a key document regarding Rella’s name. In it she clearly signs her name as Rella May Squires. Both in her application and in her oath of allegiance.

Posted in Halcro-Varone Project | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 19

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Don Taylor

Blaney, Bonney, & Booker

Photo Friday
Ethel Wight Collection
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.This week for Photo Friday, I identified 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 important to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the images with family members who may have never seen the photo.

Alberta Isabell Blaney (1913-2007)

This negative envelope says, “Miss Alberta Blaney – St. Barnabus Hospital #298.”

In the 1934 and 1935 Portland City Directories, Alberta Blaney is a student nurse at 231 Woodford and was residing at 20 Norwood.

On 20 September 1936, Alberta I. Blaney of Portland, ME, married James A. Murry of Portland, Maine. However, on 7 May 1938, Alberta Blarney of Portland married Bruce L Wilson of Portland. The 1930 Census shows only one Alberta Blaney in Maine, a 16-year-old living with her parents, John and Edna (Clark) Blaney, in Baileyville, Washington County, Maine. The 1940 Census indicates Alberta living with her husband at 103 Washington Ave. So, I’m convinced this is the correct person.

Family Search identifies Alberta I. Blaney, daughter of John Lindsay and Edna Elizabeth (Clark) Blaney, as ID LRYX-DCY. I am quite sure this is Alberta, about 1935 or 1936. I have uploaded two photos of her to her Family Search profile.

Bradford Bonney, circa 1935

The envelope this negative was in says, “Mr. Bradford Bonney N. Falmout RFD #5 Woodfords #361.”

During the 1930 Census, 16-year-old Bradford Bonney lived with his parents, Luther C. and Katherine B. Bonney, in Falmouth, Cumberland County, Maine. By 1936 Bradford appears in the 1936 City Directory residing at 113 Glenwood Avenue. That and the photo number of 361 dates the photo circa 1935.

Family Search identifies Bradford Bonney, son of Luther Isaac and Kathryn Bradford (Bigelow) Bonney, as ID 2S4K-FXC. I am quite sure these photos are from about 1935. I have uploaded two pictures of him to his Family Search profile. Additionally, I have uploaded three more photos of him to my Flickr photostream.

Annie Parks Booker – circa 1934

The envelope this negative was in says, “Mrs. Anna Booker – Eastern Prom #649.”

The 1934 Portland City Directory indicates that Mrs. Anna P Booker was the head of household at 166 E Prom (Eastern Promenade). Residing at the same address was Chester H. Booker. The 1935 Portland City Directory indicates that Mrs. Anna P Booker made her home at 197 Spring.

The 1930 US Census indicates that Anna P Booker is a 46-years-old married woman with three children, including Chester H, with Dugan’s surname. Maine Marriage Records show Mrs. Annie Dugan married Walter H. Booker in Lewiston, ME, on 28 July 1909. It was Annie’s second marriage; she was a widow. Her father was John Parks, and her mother was Esther McAnaw.

Annie I. Parks, the daughter of John H and Esther (McAnew) Parks and Walter Bowker’s wife, is ID: LC72-8L7. I have uploaded one photo to Family Search.

Annie (Parks) Booker, circa 1937

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Anna Booker – State St, Portland #50_(?)”.

The 1936 & 1937 Portland City Directories indicate that Mrs. Anna P Booker made her home at 197 Spring. The 1938 Directory shows Anna lived at 32 State. That suggests she moved to State between 1937 and 1938 and that the photo dates from 1937.

The 1930 US Census indicates that Anna P Booker is a 46-years-old married woman with three children. Maine Marriage Records show Mrs. Annie Dugan married Walter H. Booker in Lewiston, ME, on 28 July 1909. It was Annie’s second marriage; she was a widow. Her father was John Parks, and her mother was Esther McAnaw.

Annie I. Parks, the daughter of John H and Esther (McAnew) Parks and wife of Walter Bowker, is Family Search ID: LC72-8L7. I have uploaded two photos of Anna to her Family Search profile. Additionally, I have uploaded four more pictures of Annie to my Flickr photostream.

Chester Booker, circa 1935

The envelope this negative was in says, Mr. Chester Booker, Morning St., Portland #586.”

Chester Herman Booker graduated from Portland High School in 1935. These photos appear to be from the same sitting. Chester was born on 19 February 1915 to Walter and Anna (Parks) Booker. He married Marion Fulton on 10 June 1940. Marion died on 7 November 2006. Her obituary indicated that her first husband, Chester Booker, predeceased her.

Family Search did not have a profile for Chester Booker, so I created GH1V-43M and uploaded two photos to his profile. I also uploaded one photo of him to my Flickr Photostream.

Conclusion

I had an excellent week analyzing photos:

    • Five successful identifications, which I posted to Family Search.

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.

Posted in Ethel Wight Studio, Faces from the Past | 1 Comment

Donna at the State Street Theatre in Trenton, NJ

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Don Taylor

100 Years Ago – March 3rd, 1921

We know Donna played in Amsterdam, NY, in early February but have no shows for her from then until she played at the State Street Theatre in Trenton, New Jersey, from March 3rd through the 5th. The Trenton Evening Times published two brief writeups. The first one, March 3rd, under Theatres and Movies, read:

Trenton Evening Times, 3 March 1921, Page 16 (via  Genealogy Bank)

STATE—FATTY ARBUCKLE

The last half of Banner wee opens today at the State Street Theatre with a complete change of program, embracing six star vaudeville acts and the famous Roscoe (Fatty) Arbuckle in Brewster’s Millions.”

Manager Wahn has also booked Tom Rooney’s and Earl Lindsay’s California Bathing Girls, an attraction of high character, including the noted Donna Montran. “Fatty” Arbuckle in the role….

The California Bathing Girls is a miniature musical comedy, “A Beach Promenade,” and is replete with brilliant songs and appealing musical numbers. There is fun aplenty and a fashion show of 1921 bathing costumes, including the one-piece suits in vogue at the prominent winter resorts. Other vaudeville star acts are….

Interestingly, the article cites Tom Rooney[i] and Earl Linsay as owning the show “their California Bathing Girls.”  I’m sure Donna didn’t like that much. That might be why it was changed in the second listing. which read:

STATE—“FATTY” ARBUCKLE

Trenton Evening Times, 4 March 1921, Page 22 (via  Genealogy Bank)

The last half of Banner Week at the State Street Theatre opened yesterday with capacity crowds. The show in its entirety is a round of riotous laughter, in which the noted Rosco (“Fatty”) Arbuckle is presented in “Brewster’s Millions,” six all-star vaudeville acts and comedy films….

The California Bathing Girls proved a combination of beauty and 1921 bathing suit style show, reflecting those to be worn this season at the popular bathing resorts. The American girl, in a snappy one-piece suit, made a distinct hit. Blair & Crystal appeared….

The other shows on the bill included:

    • Martin Goodwin in “The Union Man”
    • Josephine Lenhardt, diminutive comedienne
    • Harry and Ruth Sullivan in “The Love Nest”
    • Blair Crystal comedy skit
    • Comedy Martinetti in “The Silent Fool.”

The movie playing that week was the 1921 edition of “Brewster’s Millions.” (Not to be confused with 1914, 1935, 1945, or 1985 versions of the film – Or the future “Brewster’s Billions” currently in development.)

State Street Theater, Trenton, New Jersey

The State Street Theatre (Public Domain)

The State Street Theatre (via Cinema Treasures)

The State Street Theatre in Trenton, New Jersey, opened on December 9th, 1903.[ii]

Julius Cahn’s Official Theatrical Guide for 1910-1911 reports that the seating capacity was 2,025. Interestingly the Guide for 1913-1914 indicated that vaudeville and movies played at the theatre but that the theater management ignored repeated requests for corrected details. And the guide for 1921 did not include the theatre.

The theater closed in the early 1950s.[iii]

Specifications for the State Street Theatre[iv]

Seating Capacity: 2,025

Proscenium opening: 39 ft
Footlights to back wall: 40 ft
Between side walls: 75 ft
Between fly girders: 58 ft
To rigging loft: 70 ft
To fly gallery: 25 ft
10 Dressing rooms

Endnotes

[i] Thomas Valentine Rooney was Donna’s second (known) husband. They were married on 24 November 1915.
[ii] “RKO State Theatre In Trenton, NJ – Cinema Treasures”. 2021. Cinematreasures.Org. https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11944
[iii] ibid.
[iv] The Julius Cahn’s Official Theatrical Guide for 1910-1911

Posted in Hollywood Motion Picture Bathing Beauties | Tagged , , | Leave a comment