Today I took a closer look at my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) connections as part of my ongoing effort to break down a long-standing genealogical brick wall: Fanny Taylor (1806–1889). Despite multiple attempts to trace Fanny’s female descendants, I’ve yet to uncover the next generation back.
My Maternal Line – Madonna Montran to Fanny Taylor
This time, I reviewed three of my exact mtDNA matches (0 distance) to investigate whether their maternal lines might intersect with mine—or at least point toward surnames or geographic origins that connect to Fanny. I was especially interested in surnames like Taylor, Baldwin, Barber, Blackhurst, Brownell, Clough, Earl, or Magennis, or any ancestral ties to Yorkshire, England, where Fanny was from.
While I didn’t find any immediate links, I was able to trace each of these matches back four generations and identify their maternal surnames:
MA: Lusk, McClure, O’Reilly
KB: Whitten, Rice, Card
KM: Dillon, O’Brien
The O’Brien line caught my interest, especially a “Kate O’Brien” whose maiden name is still unknown. Determining her identity will require more in-depth research, but she remains a possible lead worth exploring further.
Currently, I have 31 exact mtDNA matches, though many of these lack publicly available tree data. I plan to review another three matches during my next dedicated mtDNA research session. My ultimate goal is to use mitochondrial DNA evidence to uncover Fanny Taylor’s maternal ancestry and move past this long-standing research roadblock
Note: “This blog post was reviewed and edited by AI (ChatGPT & Grammarly) for improved clarity and flow.”
I returned to reviewing the white, 3-ring binder labeled “South Portland” (2025.02.10) from the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection.
These people lived in Cape Elizabeth & South Portland, Maine. I hope to connect these historical photos with descendants who may have never seen these images of their ancestors. The Scarborough Historical Society maintains the original pictures in the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection.
Ernest H Dyer, circa 1913.
Ernest H. Dyer, forground, righthand side with pipe and Mustache.
Page 9 of this album includes one large, 7¾ by 9¾ photo showing 21 men outside a building. A typed label attached to the image reads, “ERNEST H. DYER, foreground, righthand side with pipe and mustache.”
Ernest H Dyer was born on 28 March 1878 in Cape Elizabeth, the son of Howard and Ella (Adams) Dyer. Sadly, he was burned about his face about the face, side, and arm when pipe ashes set his bedclothing afire on 19 November 1962. He died on 6 December 1962 in a Portland hospital. He lived in Scarborough for 54 years and spent 25 years with the Animal Protection Society. He was a state humane officer for 18 years.
Although there is no identification of who this group of men is, I suspect it is some type of animal protection or humane group.
Ernest appears to be in his 30s in this photograph, suggesting it was taken about 1913.
Edmund, Maxamilla (Purrington), & Mary Estelle Dyer
Page 13 is a treasure trove consisting of 5 tintype photos with a typed card describing several people in the photo. The card says the tintypes are from Mary Dyer 1-4-2-6-1-1-7-2.
Edmund Henry & Maxamilla (Purington) Dyer, et al.
Edmund & Maxamilla Dyer on extreme right.
1 – “Lighthouse picture, extreme right Edmund Henly Dyer & Maxamilla in front of him.
Edmund Henry Dyer married Maximilla Purington on 11 December 1886. Edmund was born on 2 February 1863 in Cape Elizabeth. Maxamilla was born on 20 December 1869 in Portland.
Maxamilla is the daughter of James Henry and Prudence Oliver (Lowell) Purington. She had six siblings, including four brothers: Henry Bradford (1871-1954), William Lowell (1875-1959), James Ellis (___-___), and James Henry (1880-1937).
Maximilla (Purington) Dyer, et al.
2 – “Picnic basket scene – Maxamilla with open basket.”
Maxamilla Dyer is holding the basket.
Maximilla (Purington) Dyer, et al.
Maximilla (Purington) Dyer, et al.
3 – “Ladies & Children – Maxamilla in front holding baby.”
Maxamilla Dyer holding baby in front row.
Maximilla Dyer had three children: Alfred (b. 1890), Mary (b. 1893), and Irving (b. 1905).
Maximilla is likely holding one of her children. I don’t know which of them she is holding. I date the photo between 1891 & 1906.
Maximilla (Purington) Dyer, et al.
Maxamilla Dyer, front left corner.
4 – “7 ladies – Maxililla in front left corner.”
Mary Estelle Dyer et al.
5 – “3 young girls – Mary Dyer & two cousins.”
This photo doesn’t identify which of the three young girls is Mary. I suspect it is the tall girl in the back. Edmund & Maxamilla Dyer had a daughter, Mary Estelle Dyer, born on 24 January 1893. The girls all appear to be about 12 years old, dating the photograph about 1905.
Maxamille (Purrington) Dyer & Ervin H Dyer, circa 1889.
Maxamilla, Ervin H. Dyer, et al.
Page 8 shows six people outside of a house. The photo is badly faded. The back of the photo has several names which are cut off. However, on page 7 of the album, a notecard describes the photo. It says:
OVER – 1-5-6-3-1-1-7
Someone cut down this picture before it was given to me 2 February 1986 by Mary Dyer. On the back is marked:
Smith E Dyer (Perhaps Nellie Dyer) Dyer behind fence Dyer (Edmond Dyer’s youngest brother Purington
The lady is Maxamille (purrington,) wife of Edmond Dyer. Edmond’s youngest brother was Ervin H. Dyer
House – now demolished was on Preble St SP
Edmond Dyer’s youngest brother, Ervin, was born in 1872. He would be about 17 in 1889, which seems consistent with the older boy in the photo, who appears to be in his late teens.
Maxamilla (Purington) Dyer was born in 1869. She married Edmond in 1886. The lady in the photo appears to be in her early 20s, which dates the photo to 1889.
I can’t date the woman in the hat. Edmond’s sister, Nellie Dyer, would have been about 23 in 1889, which is certainly possible.
Based on the notecard and the writing on the back of the photo, I feel comfortable saying this is a photo of six people outside a house. One person is Maxamille (Purrington) Dyer, and one person in the picture is Ervin Henry Dyer. The other identifications are purely speculation.
Jim Purington
Jim Purrington & Roger Stevens.
Page 7 consists of one photo of a 2-story house with two people standing before it. With it is a typed note.
This house is located on Preble Stret[sic], near the water. The boys pictured are Jim Purington and Roger Stevens (Gift of Mary Dyer 1-4-3-1-1-7-2).
My quick view of Google Maps and Preble Street in South Portland suggests this may be the house at 11 Preble Street.
The 1920 US Census lists 17-year-old James E. F. Purrington living with his parents, Harry & Eva Purrington, at 70 High Street, South Portland.
Ancestry suggests this is James Edmund Floyd Purrington, born 29 June 1902 in South Portland, Maine. James’ father is J. Henry Purrington, the brother of Maxamilla (Purrington) Dyer, making him Maxamilla’s nephew. So, a photo including him in front of Maxamilla’s house when he lives only about two blocks away makes sense.
The 1910 US Census lists Harold O Dyer living at 174 Front Street.
Harold’s Draft Registration Card indicates he lives at 170 Front Street.
The 1920 US Census lists Harold as residing at 113 Preble Street.
The 1930 YS Census lists Harold living at 170 Front Street.
The 1940 US Census lists Harold as residing at 113 Preble Street.
It appears that all of Harold O Dyer’s house addresses were at the curve where Front Street turns into Preble Street.
I would be delighted to hear from anyone who recognizes these individuals as their ancestors, particularly if these photographs represent previously unseen images of your family members.
Please feel free to incorporate these photographs into your genealogical research, citing “Photo Courtesy: Scarborough Historical Society.”
My grandmother was a vaudeville star. I am following her career and learning about her many performances. In October 1919, she joined the cast of the Charles Dillingham production of “Chin-Chin” “Chin-Chin” played in the US and Canada until June 1920. I monitor several newspaper services watching for new venues that the show played at while she was a cast member.
This week’s entry is from page 12 of The ZanesvilleSignal dated 9 April 1920 via Newspapers.Com.
“CHIN CHIN” WILL BE HERE TUESDAY
“Rich in color, pretty girls, artistic setting and the playfulness that goes with good musical comedy is “Chin Chin” which comes to the Weller theater on Tuesday evening.
The Zanesville Signal, April 12, 1920, page 9.
A testimony of its worth is supplied by its past record of a solid two year run at the Globe theatre in New York City, and the summing up of the box office receipts in both the Metropolis and on tour are convincing proofs of public estimation.
Ivan Caryll, composer of the music, is also responsible for the music of “The Pink Lady” and “The Little Café.” Anne Caldwell and R. H. Burnside wrote the libretto; Walter Wills and Roy Binder will be seen in the leading roles.
In this gigantic production of “Chin Chin,” Charles Dillingham the producer, offers more for the admission price than any other dozen musical shows ever seen.
New Venue Added:
13 April 1920 – Zanesville, OH – Weller Theatre, “Chin-Chin.” (In the News)
Donna Darling Vaudeville California Bathing Girls By Don Taylor
Thanks to my Uncle Russ’s research, we know Donna played in Rushville, IN, on March 26th, but we do not know where she was for the 10 days from the 27th to April 5th.
Preshow Advertising
The Sheridan News and the Noblesville Ledger advertised Donna’s show on April 3rd, reporting that the Wild Opera House would have her “Girl Revue” show on April 6th & 7th. The show featured “Donna Darling and her Life Guards,” 12 People, with “Singing, Dancing, and Music with Plenty of Comedy.” It is reported to be “one of the most Classy Girl Shows on the Road.”
Show Advertising
The April 5th Ledger had a large ad that included a photo of Donna (on the left) and named nine of the 12 people in the show.
It transitioned into a mix of live shows and silent films by 1925. The theatre transitioned to movies and was renamed the Wild Theatre in 1934. It closed as a movie theatre in 1936. In 1959, the city purchased the theatre and demolished it to make way for a parking lot.[I]
The location today
53 S. 9th Street, Noblesville, IN 4606
Endnotes
[i] Cinema Treasures – Wilds Theatre, https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/56860 [ii] The Julius Cahn–Gus Hill Theatrical Guide 1913-1914.
As part of my ongoing work with the Linwood Dyer Collection, I’ve recently identified individuals from a loose envelope from the Dyer House attic.” These people lived in Biddeford, Saco, & Scarborough, Maine, as well as Boston, Lexington, and Newton, Massachusetts. I aim to connect these historical photographs with descendants who may have never seen these images of their ancestors. The Scarborough Historical Society maintains the original pictures in the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection.
Marion Harriet Milliken (later Dow) – c. 1911.
Marion Harriet Milliken, circa 1911.
This photo is a profile of a young woman wearing a plaid dress with a bowtie in her hair. The studio, Brandt Studio, Biddeford, ME, is imprinted on the front. Handwritten on the back is “Marion Milliken Dow.”
The Brandt Studio operated in Biddeford in 1911.[i]
The 1910 US Census lists Marion H Milliken living in Scarborough, Cumberland, Maine, with her parents, Ezra C and Laura G Milliken. The 14-year-old has two brothers, Alfred (10) and Henry (19).
I am confident this is a photo of Marion Harriet (Milliken) Dow taken about 1911, when she was about 15 years old.[ii]
Harry Ansel Phelps (1876-1961), circa 1904
Harry Ansel Phelps circa 1904
This photo is of a young man, about 30. The picture was taken at Elmer Chickering studio in Boston. Handwritten on the back is “Harry Phelps m. Cora Milliken | Aunt Jane | Woodman Milliken.
Elmer Chickering Studio began business in Boston, MA, in 1884. Although Elmer died in 1915, his studio continued to operate for a few years after his death, closing around 1920.
FamilySearch suggests this is Harry Ansel Phelps (1876-1961). Harry was about 29 when he married Cora Cluff Milliken on 16 Sep 1905. Cora’s parents were Eliza Jane Spear and Woodman Sewall Milliken.
Harry was born in Lexington, MA, and lived in Boston in 1880 and 1900.
I am confident this photo is of Harry Ansel Phelps, circa 1905.[iii]
Cora Cluff Milliken (later Phelps), circa 1882.
Cora Cluff Milliken (later Phelps), circa 1882.
This photo is of a young teenage woman. The studio’s name, “Elmer Chickering,” and location, “21 West Street, Boston, are embossed on the front. Handwritten on the back is “Cora Milliken Phelps | daughter of Aunt Jane.”
The “Photographers’ Identities Catalog” at the New York Public Library indicates Walter Elmer Chickering’s studio was at 21 West Street, Boston, from 1882 to 1883, which dates the photo to 1882.
Cora Cluff Milliken was born on 15 Feb 1866 in Newton, MA, the daughter of Eliza Jane (Spear) Milliken. In 1883, she would have been about 17 years old, which fits the age of the person in this photo.[iv]
Frank & Calesta Morse’s Children, Christmas 1910.
Frank & Calesta Morse’s Children, Christmas 1910.
This photo of five children of various ages was taken at Brandt Studio, Biddeford, ME. Handwritten on the back is, “With love to Aunt Laura and Uncle Ezra. 25 Dec, 1910. In another hand, written on the back is “Children of Catherine & Frank Morse.”
The Brandt Studio operated in Biddeford in 1911,[v] which is consistent with a Dec 1910 photograph.
Ezra Carter Milliken (1852-1925) had two siblings:
Harriet Milliken (1850-1875) only had one child.
Joshua D Milliken (1854-1927) appears to have had only one child.
Laura Georgieanna Morse) 1859-1915) had seven siblings:
Emma Augusta Morse (1861-___) does not appear to have had any children.
Alfred Otis Morse (1865-1889) does not appear to have had any children.
Frank E Morse (1867-1953) married Calesta Milliken on 23 Nov 1896 in Portland, ME. They had five children:
Dorothy Martha Morse (1893-___).
Donald C Morse (1896-1969)
Ruth Edna Morse (1898-1917)
Katherine E Morse (1903-1980)
Phyllis Frances Morse (1909-___)
Emma Boyden Morse (1867-1926) appears to have had one son, Walter George Talbot.
William H Morse (1869-___) had no children
Robert Henry Morse (1874-1935) had one son, Robert Sibley Morse (1898-1952)
Curtis Gay Morse (1875-___) had no children.
Laura and Ezra would be the aunt and uncle to any of Frank & Calista’s five children[vi]. I am confident this Christmas 1910 photo depicts:
Dorothy Martha Morse (1893-___) seated.
Donald C Morse (1896-1969) standing.
Ruth Edna Morse (1898-1917) standing back row.
Katherine E Morse (1903-1980) standing middle row.
Phyllis Frances Morse (1909-___) seated in front.
I believe the second writing on the back is in error, and it should read “Children of Calista” rather than “Children of Catherine.”
Invitation
I would be delighted to hear from anyone who recognizes these individuals as their ancestors, particularly if these photographs represent previously unseen images of your family members. Please feel free to incorporate these photographs into your genealogical research, citing “Photo Courtesy: Scarborough Historical Society.”
[i]McArthur Library Archives & Special Collections – Photographers + Studios – BRANDT, E.R. 169 Main Street, Biddeford – 1911 [ii] See FamilySearch profile LBNM-9JZ Marion Harriet Milliken of Scarborough & Saco Maine [iii] See FamilySearch profile 9W18-CH5 – Harry Ansel Phelps of Lexington, Boston, & Newton, Mass. [iv] See FamilySearch profile 9492-FJS – Cora Cluff Milliken of Newton, Mass. [v]McArthur Library Archives & Special Collections – Photographers + Studios – BRANDT, E.R. 169 Main Street, Biddeford – 1911 [vi] See FamilySearch profiles GV4X-J2R, LT2Y-GZJ, LT2B-MSR, LT2Y-GB4, & LT2B-C6L.
