The Heer Surname: Origins & Ancestors

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Don Taylor

Darling-Huber-Trümy-Öertli-Vordermann-Müller-Heer Line
Darling-Huber-Trümy-Öertli-Heer-Vordermann-Heer Line
Darling-Huber-Trümy-Öertli-Heer Line
By Don Taylor

Name Origin

The surname Heer originates from a term historically used to denote respect or rank, similar to “lord” or “sir.” In some cases, it referred to someone of noble birth or a landholder. Etymologically, the word may trace to the Germanic root “hēr”, meaning “army,” and was possibly used to describe someone who served as a soldier.

Geographical

According to feedback I’ve received, Canton Glarus, Switzerland is home to many individuals, (close to 50 families) bearing the Heer surname. Data from Forebears.io indicates that worldwide, only an estimated 6,532 people bear the surname and reports it is most common in:

  • Pakistan
  • India
  • United States (approx. 46 individuals), primarily in:
      • California
      • Texas
    • New York

Direct Heer Ancestors

All known ancestors bearing the Heer surname in this line were born and lived in Canton Glarus, Switzerland. The lineage follows:

  • Florence Wilma Huber Darling (1908-1934) – Grandmother
  • Bertha Barbara Trümpi Huber (1884-1968) – Great grandmother
  • Bernhead Trumpi (1844-1913) – 2nd Great Grandfather
  • Anna Maria Öertli (1823–1896) 3rd Great-grandmother
  • Sarah Heer (1788–1843) – 4th Great-grandmother
  • Abraham Heer (1760–1807) – 5th Great-grandfather
  • Euphrosina Vordermann (1761–1807) – 5th Great-grandmother
  • Anna Vordermann (1739–1802) – 6th Great-grandmother
  • Felix Heer (1725–1878) – 6th Great-grandfather
  • Georg Vordermann (1730–1799) – 6th Great-grandfather
  • Regina Heer (1734–1766) – 6th Great-grandmother
  • Elisabeth Müller (1706–1765) – 7th Great-grandmother
  • Abraham Heer (1687–1767) – 7th Great-grandfather
  • Barbara Heer (1693–1759) – 7th Great-grandmother
  • Fridolin Heer (1693–1770) – 7th Great-grandfather
  • Anna Heer (1670–1748) – 8th Great-grandmother
  • Niklaus Heer (1648–1708) – 8th Great-grandfather
  • Andress Heer (1650–1712) – 8th Great-grandfather
  • Kaspar Heer (1669–1760) – 8th Great-grandfather

Heer Descendant Statistics:

In my Darling-Huber family tree, I’ve identified 174 Heer Descendants including:

  • 35 Trumpi/Trümpi
  • 11 Trumpie/Trumpe
  • 11 Fuchs
  • 11 Heer
  • 11 Howell
  • 10 Karch
  • and more.

Endnotes

  1. Heer surname etymology from public domain linguistic sources.
  2. Geographical statistics from Forebears.io, accessed July 2025.
  3. Genealogical data compiled from personal family tree records and Canton Glarus civil/church archives.

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Faces of Portland’s Graduates: Jack, Jackson, McCarthy, Roberts & Temple

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Don Taylor

Linwood Dyer Collection (Part 077)
By Don Taylor

This week, I explored five more graduation portraits from the Linwood Dyer Collection, all taken at studios in Portland, Maine. Two of these beautiful keepsakes are imprinted “Portland High School, ’19,” one says “Deering High School, ’18,” and two others are identified by inscriptions for 1918 and 1923.

Graduates Featured

Elizabeth Jack — Portland High School, Class of 1919

Photo of Elizabeth Jack, 1919
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4″ x 5½”).
  • Studio: Hanson Studio, Portland, Maine.
  • Imprint: “Portland High School — ’19” (bottom of photo).
  • Inscription: “Yours in 1919, Elizabeth Jack.”
  • Research Notes:
    Elizabeth Jack was on the 1918–1919 Portland High School Girls’ Basketball Squad. She served on the committee for a sketch, A Day at Altamont, which followed the play Mrs. Oakley’s Telephone, coached by Sadie W. Holden. She also performed at the War Camp Community Services Club in September 1919.

FamilySearch ID: G9PK-TNQ — (portrait added).

Esther McCarthy — Deering High School, Class of 1918

Photo of Esther McCarthy, 1918.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4″ x 5½”).
  • Studio: Kennedy’s Studio, Portland, Maine.
  • Imprint: “Deering High School — ’18” (on cover).
  • Inscription: “??more speed, Esther McCarthy.”
  • Research Notes:
    Esther Evelyn McCarthy appears in Deering High School’s list of 1918 graduates.

FamilySearch ID: LK9B-LFP — (portrait added).

Helen Merrill Roberts — Portland High School, Class of 1918

Photo of Helen Roberts, 1918.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4″ x 6″).
  • Studio: None marked.
  • Imprint: None.
  • Inscription: “Yours in the class of ‘18, Helen Roberts.”
  • Research Notes:
    Helen Merrill Roberts graduated from Portland High School in 1918.

FamilySearch ID: GZKT-PYP (portrait added).

Helena Ruth Jackson — Portland High School, Class of 1923

Photo of Helena Ruth Jackson, 1923.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (2½” x 4½”).
  • Studio: C. R. Smith, Portland, Maine.
  • Imprint: None.
  • Inscription: “P.H.S. ’23 — Sincerely Helena.”
  • Research Notes:
    Helena Ruth Jackson appears in the 1923 Portland High School yearbook (page 36) — the same photo is printed there (reversed).

FamilySearch ID: L1K2-9T4 (portrait added).

Lillian Temple — Portland High School, Class of 1919

Photo of Lillian Temple, 1919.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4″ x 6″).
  • Studio: Hanson Studio, Portland, Maine.
  • Imprint: “Portland High School — ’19.”
  • Inscription: “Just to remember the happy days spent in Room 111 with Miss Doughty, Lillian Temple.”
  • Research Notes:
    Lillian Temple graduated from Portland High School and intended to attend Bates College in the fall.

Unfortunately, I haven’t found a FamilySearch or Ancestry profile for her yet.

Preserving Connections Across Generations

These portraits are more than photographs; they are bridges that connect us to moments of youthful optimism and accomplishment. For many families, these may be the only formal images of a loved one from that time.

If you recognize anyone pictured here — or can help solve an identification mystery — please share your insights in the comments below. I’m always glad to provide copies of inscriptions or additional details to family researchers.

All photos are available for personal genealogical use.
Please credit: Photo courtesy Scarborough Historical Society, Scarborough, Maine.

Sources:

[i] Portland Evening Express – Jun 24, 1918, Page 6 – “Record P. H. S. Class.”
[ii] 1923 Portland High School – The Totem – Page 36 (via Classmates.Com)
[iii] Portland Evening Express, June 10, 1918 – “P. H. S. Graduates Chose Colleges.

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Donna in the 1949 Documentary “Down Memory Lane” (?)

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Don Taylor

Last week, I looked at a letter from my Uncle Russ that included some photos of Donna during her Mack Sennett Bathing Beauty days. I came across another “Xerox copy photo” which I received from my mother. This image was later used as part of the publicity for Down Memory Lane, a nostalgic film compilation hosted by Steve Allen in 1949. The film featured clips from early silent movies, including Mack Sennett’s famous Bathing Beauties.

This photo shows nine of the Bathing Beauties from the 1910s.

This particular photo shows nine of the Bathing Beauties from the 1910s.
Photo Source: IMDB.com — “Down Memory Lane” (1949) IMDB link

Both my mother and Uncle Russ believed Donna is the woman front and center. I’ve seen other photos of Donna wearing a swim cap with feathers, similar to the one in this shot. She always liked being in the center, so her placement and demeanor fit — and it looks like her to me as well.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a complete copy of the original 1949 film. I did locate a version on YouTube, but it’s a shortened cut that doesn’t seem to include any scenes with the Bathing Beauties. (It runs about 18 minutes shorter than the original release.) Hopefully, the full version will surface someday and wasn’t lost like so many other films. I’ve added it to my IMDB watchlist and I’ll be notified it becomes available again in the future.

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Hanson Studio Graduation Portraits — Linwood Dyer Collection (Part 076)

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Don Taylor

Anderson, Goff, Tarbox, & Woodill

By Don Taylor

This week, I explored five more graduation portraits from the Linwood Dyer Collection, all taken at Hanson Studio in Portland, Maine. Four of these beautiful keepsakes are imprinted “Portland High School, ’18” and one is from “Deering High School, ’18.” Each image offers a glimpse into the pride and promise of the Class of 1918.

Graduates Featured:

Bertha M Tarbox, Portland HS, Class of 1918.

Photo of Bertha Tarbox, 1918.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4x 6”).
  • Studio: Hanson, Portland, Maine.
  • Imprint: Portland High School – ’18 (on the bottom of the photo).
  • Inscription: “Memories of 1918, Bertha M. Tarbox.
  • Research Notes: Bertha Mae Tarbox graduated from Portland High School in 1918.[i] A photo of her appeared in the Portland Sunday Telegram on June 30, 1918.[ii]

Family Search ID: LR1H-X3X – I posted this photo to her profile.

Fran ___, Portland HS, Class of 1918.

Photo of a young woman named Fran. Portland High School 1918.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4x 6”)
  • Studio: Hanson, Portland, Maine
  • Imprint: Portland High School – ’18 (on the bottom of the photo).
  • Inscription: Will you be my Teddy B – Fran.
  • Research Notes: Despite searching, I was unable to positively identify this student. Several classmates named Frances did not match the photo:[iii]
    • Mary Frances Levecque – Not a match.[iv]
    • Bella Frances Rich – Not a match.[v]
    • Dorothy Frances Thuss – Not a match.

If you can help identify “Fran,” please let me know!

Possibly Hazel [Woodill], Portland HS, Class of 1918.

Photo of a young woman named Hazel, Portland High School, 1918.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4x 6”)
  • Studio: Hanson, Portland, Maine
  • Imprint: Portland High School – ’18 (on the bottom of the photo).
  • Inscription: Yours in those Happy School Days – Hazel
  • Research Notes: There were multiple Hazels in the PHS Class of 1918:[vi]
    • Hazel Goold Dyer, Hazel Jennie Kingston, Cora Hazel Letteney, Hazel Althea Speed, Dorothy Hazel Wheeler, and Dorothy Hazel Whitten do not match the photo.[vii]
    • Hazel Mae Woodill – A similar photo strongly suggests this is her, though I’m not 100% certain.

If you can confirm or refute this identification, please comment below.[viii]

Margaret Anderson, Portland HS, Class of 1918.

Photo of Margaret Anderson, 1918.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4x 6”)
  • Studio: Hanson, Portland, Maine
  • Imprint: Portland High School – ’18 (on the bottom of the photo).
  • Inscription: To remind you of Margaret Anderson.
  • Research Notes:
    • Margaret Alice Anderson graduated from Portland High School in 1918.[ix]
    •  A photo of her appeared in the Portland Sunday Telegram.[x]

FamilySearch ID: GQDW-21H — This portrait is now on her profile.

Robert F Goff, Deering HS, Class of 1918.

Photo of Robert Goff, Portland High School, 1918.
  • Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4x 6”)
  • Studio: Hanson, Portland, Maine
  • Inscription: Robert F Goff
  • Research Notes:
    • Robert Fiske Goff is listed among Deering High School’s 1918 graduates.[xi]

FamilySearch ID: G7HY-8Z7 – This photo is now on his profile.

Preserving Connections Across Generations

These portraits are more than photographs; they are bridges that connect us to moments of youthful optimism and achievement. For many families, these may be the only formal images of a loved one from that time.

If you recognize anyone pictured here — or can help solve an identification mystery — please share your insight in the comments below. I’m always glad to provide copies of inscriptions or additional details to family researchers.

All photos are available for personal genealogical use. Please credit: Photo courtesy Scarborough Historical Society, Scarborough, Maine.

Endnotes

[i] Portland Evening Express – Jun 24, 1918, Page 6 – “Record P. H. S. Class.”
[ii] Portland Sunday Telegram – Jun 30, 1918, Page 14 – “Graduating Class of P. H. S., 1918, Largest in History of School.
[iii] Portland Evening Telegram – Jun 24, 1917, Page 29 – “Students Deering High School Graduating.”
[iv] Portland Sunday Telegram – Jun 30, 1918, Page 15 – “Nearly 250 Join alumni of Portland High School The Past Week.
[v] Portland Sunday Telegram – Jun 30, 1918, Page 14 – “Graduating Class of P. H. S., 1918, Largest in History of School.
[vi] Portland Evening Telegram – Jun 24, 1917, Page 29 – “Students Deering High School Graduating.”
[vii] Portland Sunday Telegram – Jun 30, 1918, Page 15 – “Nearly 250 Join alumni of Portland High School The Past Week.
[viii] Portland Sunday Telegram – Jun 30, 1918, Page 14 – “Graduating Class of P. H. S., 1918, Largest in History of School.
[ix] Portland Evening Express – Jun 24, 1918, Page 6 – “Record P. H. S. Class.”
[x] Portland Sunday Telegram – Jun 30, 1918, Page 14 – “Graduating Class of P. H. S., 1918, Largest in History of School.
[xi] Portland Evening Telegram – Jun 25, 1918, Page 18 – “D. H. S. Graduation.”

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Donna and the Bathing Beauties: Uncovering My Grandmother’s Vaudeville Ties

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Don Taylor

A riverboat letter, a vaudeville memory, and two iconic photos help unravel my grandmother Donna’s ties to Mack Sennett’s Bathing Beauties — and her surprising connections to Helen Kane and Stuart Erwin. This piece combines family lore with fresh finds that bring Donna’s showbiz days back to life.

Family Connections in Show Business

I’ve long known that my grandmother, Donna, was one of Mack Sennett’s famous Bathing Beauties and that her connections in show business ran deep. For example, my uncle’s godparents were Helen Kane and Stuart Erwin — the latter best known as the star of The Stu Erwin Show.

Recently, I found a letter written by my uncle, Russell, nearly 20 years ago. Along with the letter were two printouts of photos and an article about Helen Kane.

Russell’s Letter

[Written on Delta Queen Steamboat Company stationery. Undated, but likely from 2007 when he and my mom took a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi.]

Letter from Russell Kees about 2007 regarding Donna's connections to Mack Sennett, Helen Kane, & Stu Erwin.

Hi Don —

I always knew about the Helen Kane godmother bit but was unsure about the “Erwin” origin, though I thought I had a small remembrance associated with Stu, Helen, and Donna at the Palace in New York. Found the enclosed literature — guess there really was a connection between my memories of these folks. Think I’ve cleared up another small question mark now. Sylvia and I sort of agree that Donna might be the 4th from the left in the color picture and 4th from the right in the black and white one. I sent another one to Sylvia that she said was almost certainly Donna on account of a special pair of boots she was wearing and used to talk about. I didn’t keep a copy of it, but maybe she can forward it to you.

Am still digging into vaudeville history literature trying to find out more. Was in Chicago a couple weeks ago — took some snaps of the tenement building we used to live in. (It gets torn down next spring.)

Best to y’all,
Russell

When Comedy Was King

One of the images was a lobby card from the 1960 documentary When Comedy Was King, which celebrated the great clowns of silent comedy and included the Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties.

Lobby card from “When Comedy Was King” (1960) — According to family memories, Donna is the fourth from the left.

Sennett Bathing Beauties

The second image Russell sent was another well-known photo of the Sennett Bathing Beauties, which is also available on Wikimedia Commons.

MackSennetBathingBeauties

Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons — Donna is believed to be the fifth girl from the left.

The Helen Kane Connection

The article Russell included was from Vaudeville Times (Volume VI, Issue 2, Summer 2008), written by Frank Cullen, covering the life of Helen Kane. I know that Donna played at Proctor’s Palace Theatre in Yonkers in 1922. That same year, Helen Schroeder — who later became famous as Helen Kane — landed a job in New York in On the Balcony.

The article also notes that Helen Kane co-starred with Stuart Erwin in the 1930 film Dangerous Nan McGrew. Both Helen and Stuart were from New York City, and Donna lived in New York on and off between 1919 and 1930, spending much of that time touring. She married Sammy Amsterdam, also of New York, in 1926. Given this overlap, it’s very likely that Sammy and Donna knew both Helen Kane and Stuart Erwin personally. So, having them as Russell’s (born in 1927) godparents make sense. Hopefully, further research will confirm these connections.

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