Photo Friday – Reilly, Renell, Reynolds, Rhoads, & Rhodes.

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Don Taylor

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 124
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. As such, it is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.

Nurse Catherine Reilly, circa 1924.

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Catherine Reilly, Queens Hospital #276.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Nurse Catherine Reilly, circa 1924.
Nurse Catherine Reilly, circa 1924.
  • 1933, 1934, and 1935 Portland City Directories list Catherine Reilly as a student nurse at 218 State (Queen’s Hospital) and residing at 681 Congress.
  • The 1936 Portland City Directory available at Ancestry is missing pages 716 thru 719, which would include Reilly.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest that Catherine Frances Reilly was born on 5 May 1913 in Bangor, Maine. Ancestry Trees indicate that she was a nurse at Queen’s Hospital in 1934 and 1936. They also show she married Maurice Alva Moriarty in 1937.

This photo was taken of Catherine Frances Reilly (1913-1988) in 1934 as a student nurse at Queen’s Hospital in Portland, Maine.

Alternate Individuals.

The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Catherine E Reilly residing at 29 School. Also at 29 School is James J Reilly. The 1937 directory only lists Catherine E Reilly.

Determination

Ancestry has 14 public trees that refer to Catherine Frances Reilly. Family Search has profile GMQJ-59G for Catherine Reilly (1913-1988). I have uploaded a photo of Catherine to her Family Search Memories.

Confirmed to be Catherine Reilly by a niece. She was also in the military as a nurse.

Madge Rhoads, circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Madge Rhoads, 124 Bradley St #903.”

Photo of Madge Rhoads, circa 1935.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1930 US Census lists Michial and Camelia Rhodes living at 124 Bradley St in Portland, Maine.
  • The 1936 Deering High School yearbook shows Madge D. Rhodes in the same dress as in this photo.

This photo is of Madge D Rhoads, daughter of Michial and Camilia Rhoads, circa 1935.

Ancestry has five public trees that refer to Madge Dunn Rhodes (1918-2012). Family Search has profile G9WF-R26 for Madge Dunn Rhoads. I have uploaded a photo of Madge to her Family Search Memories.

Phyllis Rhodes, circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Phyllis Rhodes, 30A Preble St #583.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Phyllis Rhodes, circa 1935.
Phyllis Rhodes, circa 1935.
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists John A and Lillian I Rhodes living at 30a Preble, apt 26.
  • The 1930 US Census lists John, Lillian, and their seven children, including 12-year-old Phyllis living at 703 Stevens Ave. Phillis was born in Massachusetts; her father was born in Canada, and her mother in New York.

I am sure this is a photo of Phyllis A Rhodes (b. Aug 1917) about 1935 when she was about 18 years old.

Ancestry has 11 public trees that refer to Phyllis A Rhodes. Family Search has profile LX4M-X73 for Phyllis A Rhodes (1917-___). I have uploaded a photo of Phyllis to her Family Search Memories. I also added a second photo of her to my Flickr Photostream.

Gordon Renell, circa 1936.

This negative envelope says, “Mr. Gordon Renell, 105 Illsley St #1079.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Gordon Renell, circa 1936.
  • The 1939 Portland City Directory lists Gordon E Renell living at 105 Illsley in Portland. Also at 105 Isley are Barbara Renell, a teacher; George A C, a driver, and Mrs. Carlene Renell, a bookkeeper.
  • The 1940 US Census lists Donald G Renell living at 105 Illsley with his mother, Carlene, sister Barbara, and grandmother Nellie Coombs. Donald and Barbara were born in Maine, and his mother and grandmother were born in New Hampshire. The family lived in the same house as they did in 1935.
  • The 1936 Portland High School yearbook shows a photo of Gordon Ellsworth Rennell, which is clearly of the same young make taken on the same day.

I am confident this is a photo of Gordon Ellsworth Renell/Rennell taken about 1936. Gotfon was born on 25 Nov 1917 in Portland, Maine to George and Harriet Carlene (Coombs) Renell.

Ancestry has 27 public trees that refer to Gordon Ellsworth Renell. Family Search has profile L1KW-DQC for Gordon. I uploaded a photo of Gordon to his Family Search Memories.

Robert Ralph Reynolds, circa 1934 (age 2)

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. R. P.. Reynolds, 25 Washington Ave #427.”

Photo of Robert Ralph Reynolds, circa 1934 (age 2)
Robert Ralph Reynolds, circa 1934 (age 2)

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • A search for R. P. Reynolds failed to return any candidates.
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Charles H Ready and Mrs. Isabelle M Jackson living at 25 Washington Ave. The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Charles H Ready residing at 25 Washington.
  • The 1930 US Census listed Charles Ready as living at 25 Washington. With him is a wife, Delia, two sons, and a 16-year-old daughter Mary. Mary was born in Maine.
  • Ancestry Trees indicate that Mary was married to Ralph Plaisted Reynolds.
  • The 1940 US Census indicates that Mary Reynolds was divorced and living with her parents, Charles and Delia Ready, at 25 Washington.  Also with them is Mary’s son, Robert R. Reynolds. Robert is six years old and was born in Maine.
  • Mary Ready also married Earl James Maguire in 1949.
  • Find-a-Grave indicates that Robert Ralph Reynolds, the son of Ralph P Reynolds and Mary E Maguire, was born on 12 April 1933 and died on 17 Dec 2016.

I am sure this photo is of Robert Ralph Reynolds, circa 1934, when he was about two years old.

Ancestry has two public trees that refer to Robert Reynolds (1933-2016). Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Robert. I uploaded a photo of Robert photo to Dead Fred.

Conclusion

  • I identified all five individuals. Four have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories. One did not have a Family Search profile, so I uploaded his photo to Dead Fred.

I will 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.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr have higher quality than those linked here.

For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.

Endnotes

[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.

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

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Photo Friday: Ramsdell, Ramsell, Rankin, & Reed

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Don Taylor

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 123
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. As such, it is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.

Doris Rankin, circa 1936

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Doris Rankin, 414 Stevens Ave #1082.” It appears to be a woman in her 40’s, taken about 1936.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Doris Rankin, circa 1936.
Doris Rankin, circa 1936.
  • The 1940 US Census enumerated Doris Rankin, age 43, living with her parents, Noah E and Emma F Rankin, at 414 Stevens Ave.

This photo appears to be of Doris Rankin, born in April 1896 to Noah e and Emma (Flint) Rankin when she was about 40.

Ancestry has 15 public trees that refer to Doris Rankin. Family Search has profile KC1Z-PJQ for Doris Rankin. I have uploaded two photos of Doris Rankin to her Family Search Memories.

Lillian Ramsell (later Green), circa 1934.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Lillian Ramsell, Me. Gen. Hospital #315.” This 1934 photo appears to be of a woman in her twenties in a nurse’s uniform.

Why I believe this to be the individual/

Photo of Miss Lillian Ramsell, Me. Gen. Hospital circa 1934.
Lillian Ramsell, circa 1934.
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Lillian Ramsell, a student nurse at 22 Arsenal (Maine General Hospital.
  • The Maine Marriage Index indicates that Lillian C Ramsell of Waterboro, Maine, married Wilton Green, Jr., on 8 February 1936.
  • Maine Birth Records indicate that Lillian Clara Ramsell was born in Waterboro, Maine, on 27 October 1915 to George and Lena (Haley) Ramsell.

I am sure this is a photo of Lillian Clara Ramsell (later Green) about 1934 when she was at nursing school in Portland.

Ancestry has eight public trees that refer to Lillian Clara Ramsell. Family Search has profile LJPZ-L45 for Lillian Clara Ramsell. I have uploaded a photo of Lillian to her Family Search Memories.

Edith Rankin (née Ingalls), circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Mr. L. R. Rankin, 71 Concord St #579.” This 1935 photograph appears to be of a woman in her 40’s.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Edith Rankin
Edith Rankin
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Edith G Rankin living at 71 Concord.
  • The 1933 Portland City Directory lists Lester R and Edith G Rankin living at 274 Park, Apt. 2.
  • Ancestry Public Trees suggest this is Edith Gertrude Rankin (née Ingallis), born on 28 Jun 1894, who married Lester Regent Rankin on 17 Nov 1927.

I am sure this photo is of Edith Gertrude Rankin (née Ingallis) circa 1935 when she was about 41 years old

Ancestry has 32 public trees that refer to Edith Gertrude Ingallis. Many of those trees indicate her surname is Ingalls. Family Search has profile LKTW-6KR for Edith Gertrude Ingalls (later Rankin). I have uploaded a photo of Edith to her Family Search Memories.

Earl Reed, circa 1935

This negative envelope says, “Mr. Earl Reed, 3 Colonial Rd #421.” The photo appears to be of a teenager and may be a school photograph.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Earl Reed, circa 1934.
Earl Reed
  • The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Earle A and Dorothy M Reed living at 3 Colonial Rd.
  • The 1940 US Census lists Earl & Dorothy living in Augusta with their 22-year-old son, Earl.
  • Maine Birth Records indicate Earl D Reed was born on 10 Sep 1917 in Lewiston, Maine, to Earle A and Dorothy (Cox) Reed.

I am sure this photo is of Earl Duncan Reed, son of Earl & Dorothy (Cox) Reed.

Ancestry has seven public trees that refer to Earl Duncan Reed. Family Search has profile GSV9-MSZ for Earl Duncan Reed. I have uploaded a photo of Earl to his Family Search Memories.

Alvin L. Ramsdell, Jr., circa 1934 (Age 3)

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Alvin L Ramsdell, 419 Woodfords St #188.” The photo appears to be of a child about three years old. (Sadly, the original image is slightly out of focus.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Alvin L Ramsdell, circa 1935.
Alvin L Ramsdell, circa 1935.
  • The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Alvin L and Edith C Ramsdell living at 419 Woodford.
  • The 1950 US Census lists Alvin L and Edith C Ramsdell living in Boston, Mass. Living with them is their 16-year-old son, Alvin L Ramsdell.

As Ancestry public trees suggest, I believe this is a photo of Alvin Lawrence Ramsdell, Jr., born on 24 Nov 1931 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.

Ancestry has four public trees that refer to Alvin Ramsdell. Family Search has profile GHHT-WW1 for Alvin L Ramsdell, Jr.

Confirmed to be Alvin L Ramsdell, Jr. by one of his children.

Conclusion

  • I identified all five individuals. All have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories.

I will 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.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr have higher quality than those linked here.

For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.

Endnotes

[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.

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

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Donna & Orpheum Theatre – In the News

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Don Taylor

“Darling Revue” at Orpheum Theater, Tulsa, OK,
Aug 8 thru 11, 1926.

Donna in the News
by Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

“Donna in the News” reports newly found newspaper articles and advertisements regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling). I am always excited when I find a new venue for my grandmother’s exciting show business career of the 1910s and 1920s. 

This week from the Morning Tulsa Daily World (Tulsa, OK) newspaper, dated Aug 8, 1926, I learned that Donna played at the Orpheum Theater in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Orpheum

There is plenty of variety on the new bill opening at the Orpheum today.

…

Donna Darling heads a song and dance revue that is as colorful as it is novel and entertaining. She is supported by a capable cast of entertainers, and it is one of vaudeville’s fasting moving song and dance offerings.

…

Ad from Tulsa World
8 Aug 1926

Also on the bill are the following:

  • Bernard Weber “Popular Radio Entertainers”
  • Zeck & Randolph “Grooming the Groom:
  • Sie-Te-Har Troupe (Daredevil Feats)
  • The McCreas
  • The movie, Scarlet Saint

Because of those newly available online articles, I was able to add another venue for Donna’s exciting vaudeville career.

New information added to her career list:

Endnotes

My thanks to Newspapers.com for providing access to this clipping.

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Reuben Fugate’s marriage to Katherine Smallwood

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Don Taylor

After learning that Pocahontas might be my 12th great-grandmother, I feel pursuing that part of my Brown ancestry should be a top priority.

Further review of my tree and the proposed tree does have a potential error in either my tree or the proposed tree. We both see Ruben Fugate’s father is Josiah, and Josiah’s father is Randolph. My tentative research indicates that Randolph’s mother is Mary Martin (1692-1757), and the proposed mother of Randolph is Martha Martin (1692-1757). It seems like a small difference, particularly when the birth and death dates are the same.

It is tempting to jump right to Martha/Mary Martin and see what is right. However, I have a process I follow to make me sure of a particular line. So, I need to review Reuben Fugate, Josiah Fugate, and Randolph Fugate before I tackle Martha/Mary Martin and continue to Pocahontas.

Reuben Fugate’s marriage to Catherine Smallwood

Reuben was married at least twice—once to Mary (Last Name Unknown) and once to Catherine Smallwood. Mary died in 1814, and Reuben married Catherine Smallwood 14 months later. I have yet to find a marriage record; however, his Marriage Bond holds several details.

Kentucky, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1783-1965 – Reuben Fugate – Katherine Smallwood Marriage Bond – Transcription by Don Taylor.

Marriage Bond – Reuben Fugate
and Katherine Smallwood – 28 Feb 1816

Know all men by these presents that we Reuben Fugate and Beane Smallwood are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the just and full sum of fifty pounds to which payment will and true to be made & bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators and assigns jointly and severally firmly by these present seals and dated this 28th day of February 1816.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas their is marriage intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound Reuben Fugate and Katherine Smallwood of this county is therefor if there be no lawful cause to obstruct the same they the obligation to be void also to remain in full force & virtue in law.

                                    Reuben Fugate   (Seal)
                                    Beane Smallwood (Seal)

Test. Samuel Willson 

Via Ancestry.com

It appears that Reuben signed the bond on his own behalf. Beane Smallwood signed for Katherine. Beane must be a close relative, probably her father or a brother. The bond was signed on 28 Feb 1816, making their wedding day either February 28th or sometime after.

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Photo Friday – Pulkin, Putnam, Quimby, & Quinn

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Don Taylor

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 122
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. As such, it is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.

Elsie Pulkin, (later Anderson) circa 1934.

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Elsie Pulkin, 792 Congress St #512.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Elsie Pulkin, (later Anderson) circa 1934.
Elsie Pulkin, (later Anderson) circa 1934.
  • The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Elsie L Pulkin residing at 792 Congress.
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory indicates that Elsie L Pulkin married Warren Anderson.
  • Family Search indicates that Elsie Lempi Pulkkinen married Lars Warren Anderson on 4 December 1934 in Conway, Carroll County, New Hampshire. Elsie was born on 12 August 1909 in Hancock, Michigan.
  • According to New Hampshire Marriage and Divorce Records, Elsie and Warren resided in Portland, Maine, and were 25 years old.
  • Ancestry public trees indicate that Else Pulkenen married Lars Warren Anderson.
  • It appears clear that various researchers found Elsie’s names as Elsie, Elsa, and Else in multiple records. Her surname was also spelled Pulkin, Pulkkinen, and Pulkenen.

I am sure this photo is of Elsie Pulkin about 1934, shortly before her marriage to Warren Anderson.

I have not found Elsie directly referred to using Ancestry tree search algorithms; however, I have found her husband, Lars Warren Anderson, in 24 public Ancestry trees. Two of those trees refer to Else or Elsie. Family Search has profile G49C-C5X for Elsie Lempi Pulkkinen. I have uploaded a photo of Elsie to her Family Search Memories.

Nurse Kathryn Quinn, circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Kathryn Quinn – St Barnabas Hospital #925.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Nurse Kathryn Quinn, circa 1935.
Nurse Kathryn Quinn, circa 1935.
  • The 1936 Portland City Directory lists Kathryn M Quinn as a student nurse at 231 Woodford (St. Barnabas Hospital).
  • The 1940 US Census lists Catherine Quinn, a 23-year-old Maine-born nurse, lodging at 1 Grant in Portland.

Alternate Individuals.

  • Do not confuse with Katherine L Quinn, the superintendent of nurses at Portland City Hall.
  • Do not confuse with Catherine M Quinn, the wife of Edward P Quinn.
  • Do not confuse with Katherine W Quinn, who in the 1940 US Census is the 55-year-old mother of three children living at 75 Clinton Street, Portland.

I have not found Kathryn M Quinn in Ancestry trees. Likewise, Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Kathryn M Quinn, born about 1916 in Maine. I uploaded a photo of Kathryn to Dead Fred.

Marie Quimby, circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Marie Quimby, ME Gen Hospital #907.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Marie Quimby, circa 1935.
Marie Quimby, circa 1935
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Marie Quimby as a student nurse at 22 Arsenal (Maine General Hospital).
  • The 1939 Portland City Directory lists Marie E. Quimby as a graduate nurse at 46 Bramhall.
  • Maine Marriage Index indicates that Marie E Quimby married Cedric H Thomas on 6 Dec 1940.

I am confident this is Marie Edna Quimby, born 28 Mar 1915 in Caribou, Aroostook County, Maine, and married Cedric Thomas on 6 Dec 1940.

Ancestry has 18 public trees that refer to Marie Edna Quimby. Family Search has profile GMPN-DDH for Marie. I uploaded two photos of Marie to her Family Search Memories.

Confirmed to be Marie by a niece.

Walter and Carrie (née Danico) Putnam, circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Mr & Mrs. Walter Putnam, 13 E Kidder St #978.”

Why I believe this to be these individuals.

Photo of Walter and Carrie Putnam, circa 1935.
Walter and Carrie (née Danico) Putnam, circa 1935.
  • The 1940 US Census lists Walter A and Carrie F Putnam living at 13 Kidder Street, Portland, Maine. Walter is 69 and Carrie is 66.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Walter Adelbert Putnam, born 31 Oct 1870 in Nashua, New Hampshire, and his wife, Carrie Frances (Danico) Putnam. Carrie was born on 5 Jun 1873 in Benton, Maine.

I am sure this photo is of Walter and Carrie in 1935 when they were about 64 and 61 years old.

Ancestry has ten public trees that refer to Walter Adelbert Putnam; 15 trees refer to Carrie Frances Danico. Family Search has profile 9MS4-J8C for Walter and profile G452-DV6 for Carrie F Denaco. I have uploaded two photos of the couple to their Family Search Memories.

Carolyn May Putnam, circa 1936 (age 2) 

This negative envelope says, “Mr. Harold Putnam, 13 Kidder St #1031.”

Why I believe this to be the individual.

Photo of Carolyn May Putnam, circa 1936 (age 2)
Carolyn May Putnam, circa 1936 (age 2)
  • The 1940 US Census places Walter A Putnam as the head of household living at 13 Kidder. Living with him is his wife, Carrie, son Alfred H Putnam, daughter-in-law Gladys S Putnam, and five-year-old granddaughter Carolyn M Putnam. Carolyn was born in Massachusetts, while Carrie, Alfred, and Gladys were born in Maine.
  • Ancestry Trees suggest that Harold Alfred Putnam, son of Walter and Carrie (Danico) Putnam, was born on 14 Jan 1900. They also suggest that Carolyn May Putnam was born in May 1934 in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

This photo was taken in 1936 when Carolyn was about two years old.

An Ancestry search for Carolyn May Putnam, born in Massachusetts in 1934, fails to return any results. However, her father, Harold Arnold Putnam, born 14 Jan 1900 in Fairfield, Maine, appears in 10 public trees. One of those trees refer to his daughter Carolyn, but probably in error. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Carolyn May Putnam either. As such, I uploaded a photo of Carolyn to Dead Fred.

Conclusion

I identified all six individuals. Four have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories. Two did not have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their photos to Dead Fred.

I will 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.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr have higher quality than those linked here.

For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.

Endnotes

[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.
[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.

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