Donna 100 Years ago – Harris Theater, Pittsburgh, PA.

Posted on February 26, 2022 by Don Taylor

By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.“Donna 100 years ago” reviews my grandmother’s vaudeville life. Madonna Montran, aka Donna Montran & Donna Darling, had an exciting career during the 1920s. A definite headliner, she crisscrossed the country with her many shows.

Since Donna’s show at the Chestnut Street Opera House in Sunbury, PA, she zig-zagged through three states. Her first stop was the Strand Theatre in Shamokin, PA, then the Place Theatre in Olean, NY. I don’t know where she played from February 16th to 18th. But then on to Wheeling, WV, and on again to New Castle, PA, and finally the Harris Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to play three days, February 27th to March 1st at the Harris Theater.

 On Sunday, February 26th, 1922, the Pittsburgh Press reported the following:

HARRIS—Vaudeville

At the Harris theater this week the nine acts of popular priced vaudeville will be headed by “Donna Darling and Boys.” This offering is a revue in which Miss Darling will repeat portions of her many musical comedy successes. Another laugh act will be that ofRose and Ashton in an offering called “The Holdup.” Mark Twain’s two famous characters, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, will be portrayed by two young men in a singing and comedy offering, who are playing a repeat engagement at the earnest solicitations of numerous patrons. The Jameson Trio are funmakers of the new school type. A surprise act will be that of The Little Big Girl, making an initial appearance in Pittsburgh. Lew Hoffman is known as “The Mad Hatter.”

Along with the “article” was modest advertising for the show.

On Tuesday, February 28th, 1922, the Pittsburgh Press ran a follow-up article.

HARRIS—Vaudeville

Vaudeville at the Harris theater yesterday afternoon was headed by Miss Donna Darling and her dancing boys in an interesting offering of song and dance. The laugh hit of the bill was scored by Ross and Ashton in “The Surveyor.” Another comedy success was that of, The Big Little Girl.” Mark Twain’s famous characters Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer were portrayed by two young men in a most wholesome manner. The Jameson Trio, Polli Dassi I Co., in a comedy act. Lew Hoffman, The juggling pestor, Levine and Walters sensational gymnastics and a comedy screen feature “Table Steaks” completed the bill.

One hundred years ago, Donna finished up the month of February at the Harris Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

About the Harris Theater, Pittsburgh, PA

I immediately thought Harris Theater, Pittsburgh Press Paper, the theater must be in Pittsburgh.

    1. Harris Northside Theatre opened as the William Penn Theater in 1914. It reopened as the Harris Northside Theater in 1943.[i]
    2. Harris Theatre opened in 1931, was renamed the Art Cinema in 1935, and reopened as the Harris Theatre in 1995.[ii]

Neither of them appeared to be correct, so I expanded my search. There were 25 Harris Theaters in the United States; 15 in Pennsylvania. Besides the two identified above, there were the following:

    1. Beechview (Harris) Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA – Opened in 1930.
    2. Family Theatre, Pittsburgh, opened in 1908 as the Liberty Theatre, renamed Harris-Family Theatre in 1932.
    3. Gateway Theatre, Pittsburgh, opened in 1891 and was renamed the J. P. Harris Theatre in 1942.
    4. Harris Memorial Theater, McKeesport – Opened in 1929.
    5. Harris Musee Theatre, McKeesport, PA – Exclusively films after 1905.
    6. Harris Theatre, Donora, PA – Opened as the Grand Theatre in 1911 and renamed the Harris Theatre in 1930.
    7. Harris Theatre, Dormont, PA – Opened in 1927.
    8. Harris Theatre, McKeesport, PA – Opened in 1908 and renamed Harris Theatre in 1920. – McKeesport is about 16 miles southeast of Pittsburgh and is possibly the correct theatre.
    9. Harris Theatre, Pittsburgh, opened in 1911 renamed Casino Burlesk Theatre in 1936. Possible, but appears to have switched to burlesque.
    10. Harris-Denis Theatre, Mount Lebanon, PA – Opened in 1938.
    11. Harris-Dubois Theatre, DuBois, PA – Opened in 1937.
    12. Harris-Perry Theatre opened in 1938.
    13. Nixon Theater, Pittsburgh, opened in 1913 as the Victoria Theatre, became the Sam Shubert Theater about 1920, and became the Harris Senator Theatre sometime in the 1940s.

Thanks to comments from Kevin Koontz (see below), I learned #9. Harris Theatre, Pittsburgh, is likely the correct theatre.

Finally, several comments indicate that the Mount Oliver Theatre was once known as the Harris Theatre because of the owner.

The 1921 Julius Cahn—Gus Hill Theatrical Guide and Moving Picture Directory lists the Harris Theatre, managed by C. H. Preston, in Pittsburgh, but there is no information about the theatre. Finally, several of the Julius Cahn guides indicate there was a Harris Theatre in Pittsburgh, but either no info is given about the theatre, or there is mention that the theatre failed to respond to queries regarding their statistics or specifications.

So, I’m not confident regarding which Harris Theatre Donna played at 100 years ago today.

Endnotes

[i] Internet: Cinema Treasures – Harris Northside Theatre – https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/64368

[ii] Internet: Cinema Treasures – Harris Theatre – https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/5481

Posted in Donna Darling & Boys (1922), Donna Montran | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 69

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Don Taylor

Kane, Kapsemalis, & Karantza

Photo Friday
Ethel Wight Collection
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 contain the names 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 unite the photos with family members, some of whom may have never seen the image.

Eleanor Kane, circa 1934

This negative envelope says, “Miss Eleanor Kane, 17 Bradford St #417.”

Eleanor Kane, circa 1934

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1937 and 1938 Portland City Directories indicate that George W Butts lived at 17 Bradford St.
  • The 1936 Portland City Directory indicates that Ralph V. Cox lived at 17 Bradford St.
  • The 1934 Portland City Directory indicates that 17 Bradford St. Was vacant.
  • The 1933 Portland City Directory lists Coleman J Kane, Jr. and his wife Ella M. lived at 17 Bradford.
  • Various Ancestry family trees indicate that Eleanor Barbara Kane, the daughter of Coleman and Ella Kane, was born on 25 Aug 1920.

This photo was taken about 1934 before the Kane family moved from Bradford Street.

Ancestry has 19 public trees that refer to Eleanor. FamilySearch has a profile for Eleanor, So I  have uploaded a photo of her to profile LBPV-KX9.

Confirmed to be Eleanor Kane by a close family member.

John Gerald Kane, circa 1936

This negative envelope says, “ Mr. John Kane, 36 Waterville St #591.”

John Gerald Kane, circa 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1936 Portland City Directory lists John G Kane residing at 36 Waterville. There is also a John F and his wife Alice M, living at 36 Waterville. There are also three additional John J Kane’s listed.
  • The 1930 US Census lists John F Kane, his wife Alice, and his 16-year-old son living at 36 Waterville.

I am sure this photo is of John Gerald Kane, the son of John F and Alice M Kane, about 1936 when John was about 22 years old.

Ancestry has four public trees that refer to John Gerald Kane, born 18 Dec 1913. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for John Kane, born 18 Dec 1913, so I have added his photo to Dead Fred and a second photo of him to my Flickr photostream. 

A nephew said, “It sure looks like him.”

Eva Karantza, circa 1935

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Eva Karantza, 136 Cumberland Ave #243.”

Eva Karantza, circa 1935

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1934 Portland City Directory places Eva Karantza at 136 Cumberland Ave. Also living at 136 Cumberland are Albert, James, John D, John’s wife Elizabeth N, and Theresa.
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory indicates that the Karantza family moved to 3 Elmwood Place.
  • The 1930 US Census enumerated John and Alice Karantza and their ten children, including 12-year-old Eva, at 8 Riverside Street, Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts.

This photo is of Eva about 1935 before the family moved from Cumberland Avenue.

Ancestry has 18 public trees that refer to Eva Karantza. Family Search has profile GH18-4JP for Eva, so I uploaded two photos to her Family Search Memories. 

James Richard Kane, circa 1937 (Age 6)

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. J.C. Kane, 16 Lucas St, #1057.”

James Richard Kane, circa 1937 (Age 6)

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1936 Portland City Directory lists James C and his wife Isabelle T Kane living at 16 Lucas.
  • The 1940 US Census lists James Karl Kane, his wife Isabelle, and his son James Richard Kane living at 861 Brighton. James is eight years old.
  • James Richard Kane, son of James Carlos “Karl” and Isabelle Blackmore (Testa) Kane, appears in one Ancestry Family Tree. He was born 5 October 1931 in Lewiston, Androscoggin, Maine.

Family Search identifies James Richard Kane, son of James Carlos and Isabelle B. (Testa) Kane, as ID GW83-TZP, and I uploaded a photo of him to his Family Search Memories. 

Teresa/Tacea Kapsemalis, c. 1936

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Thresa Kapsemalis, 291 Brackett #400.”

Teresa/Tacea Kapsemalis, c. 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists four individuals with the Kapsemales surname all living at 291 Bracket. They include:
  •    Charles C. is a clerk at 387 Congress.
  •    John, and his wife Maxine, who is a shoeshiner at 601½ Congress
  •    Teresa M, a clerk at 387 Congress.
  • The 1930 US Census lists John and Mata Kapsemales living with their children Charles, Tacea, and Thomas. Tacea was born about 1914 in Massachusetts.
  • The 1938 Portland City Directory indicates that Teresa married Albert J Karantza and moved to Brunswick.
  • Maine Marriage Index, 1892-1996 indicates Theresa Kapsemales married Albert J Karantza on 11 Jul 1937. It appears that Albert J Karantza is the sister of Eva Karantza identified above.

Tacea Kapsemales, daughter of John and Mata Kapsemales, who married Albert Karantza, is identified in three Ancestry public trees. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Teresa/Tacea; however, her father, mother, and brother, Charles, do have Family Search Profiles.

I added a photo of her to Dead Fred; I also uploaded a second photo of Teresa to my Flickr photostream.

Conclusion

  • I fully identified all five Three of them have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories.
  • Two did not have a Family Search profile but did appear in Ancestry trees, so I posted their images to Dead Fred.

Notes

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.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr are a higher image quality than the images posted 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.

Posted in Ethel Wight Studio, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

William Lister & the 1830 Census

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Don Taylor

Census Sunday
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.Following families in the early census records is always tricky, and when a census’s information is entirely unexpected, it makes things difficult. During my review of the life of 3rd great-grandfather, William Lister, I realized that I had William in a different location and with a different family than many other researchers.

William Lister and Nancy Strain married on 17 June 1822 in Highland County, Ohio.[i] William was 29, and Nancy was about 15. Their first child, my second great-grandfather Nimrod, was born between 1824 and 1827 in Pickaway County, Ohio. Their second child was Sarah, who was born about 1831 and wouldn’t have been enumerated in the 1830 Census.

1830 Census – Pickaway County

My finding for William Lister placed him in Walnut Township, Pickaway County. The entry reads:

Wm Lister[ii]

  • Males Under 5           1       [Presumed to be Nimrod, age 3 to 6.]
  • Males 20 thru 29        1       [Presumed to be William. Age 37]
  • Females 10 thru 14   1       [Unknown Female]
  • Females 20 thru 29   1       [Presumed to be William’s Wife, age 23.]

I figured William’s age was incorrect in the Census, and the unknown female was probably a sibling of either William or his wife. Possibly the daughter of a previous wife as William would have been between 23 and 27 when the unknown female was born. However, I have not seen any other evidence of a daughter this age, so I just considered her an “unknown female.”

1830 – Ross County

Many researchers find Wm Lister in Deerfield, Ross County. That entry reads:

Wm Lister[iii]

  • Males under 5             1          [Presumed to be Nimrod, age 3 to 6.]
  • Males 10 thru 14        1          [Unknown male]
  • Males 15 thru 19        1          [Unknown male]
  • Males 30 thru 39        1          [Presumed to be William, age 37]
  • Females under 5         1          [Possibly Sarah, age 0]
  • Females 20 to 29        1          [Presumed to be wife, Nancy, age 23]

Deerfield township is about 180 miles from Monroe Township, whereas Walnut Township is about 45 miles from Monroe Township. Monroe Township is where William lived when his son William Marcus was born in 1832. In this case, William, Nancy, and Nimrod are enumerated and are the correct age.

1840 – Pickaway County

I haven’t found William Lister in the 1840 Census in Pickaway County. An Aaron Lister and an Eliza (or Elza) Lister live in Pickaway County. Neither household consists of a family that fits William Lister and his family.

1840 – Ross County

William Lister[iv]

  • Male under 5              1          [Possibly James, age about 0]
  • Male 5 thru 9              1          [Probably William, age 7]
  • Male 10 thru 14          1          [Probably Nimrod, age 13 to 16]
  • Male 15 thru 19          1          [Unknown male]
  • Male 20 thru 29          1          [Unknown male]
  • Male 40 thru 19          1          [Probably William, age 47]
  • Female 10 thru 14      1          [Possibly Sarah, age about 10]
  • Female 20 thru 19      1          [Unknown female]
  • Female 30 thru 19      1          [Nancy age 33]

So, all of the known Lister family unit individuals living in 1840 can be accounted for in this enumeration. There are some unknown people who might be anyone; lodgers, nieces, or nephews are all possible.

Sadly, Nancy died in 1844, William remarried in 1846, then died in 1848. It is clear the household was dispersed by the 1850 Census.

I also noted there were no changes in the boundaries of Pickaway between its creation in 1810 and 1843 when “Pickaway lost small area in the town of Adelphi to Ross County.”[v]

Conclusion

I don’t have enough evidence to prove to me which William Lister in the 1830 census is my 3rd great-grandfather. It could be the Ross County or the Pickaway County William Lister. To ascertain which is which, I think I’ll try a study of his 1830s Pickaway neighbors and see where they were and who their neighbors were in 1840. If needed, I’ll also try to review property transactions in Pickaway County from 1830 thru 1848 for William.

Endnotes:

[i] Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016, Family Search, Highland County Marriage Records 1821-1837, vol 1-2, Page 180 – #600 – William Sister [Lister] & Nancy Strain – Issued 17 June 1822. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:ZZ5F-7T6Z.

[ii] 1830 Census (A) (NARA), Ancestry.Com, Walnut, Pickaway, Ohio; Series: M19; Roll: 138; Page: 50; Family History Library Film: 0337949. 16th name down, Wm Lister. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/27472134?h=cac284&utm_campaign=bandido-webparts&utm_source=post-share-modal&utm_medium=copy-url.

[iii] 1830 Census (A) (NARA), Ancestry.Com, Walnut, Pickaway, Ohio; Series: M19; Roll: 138; Page: 50; Family History Library Film: 0337949. 16th name down, Wm Lister. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/27472134?h=cac284&utm_campaign=bandido-webparts&utm_source=post-share-modal&utm_medium=copy-url.

[iv] 1840 Census – Deerfield, Ross, Ohio; Roll: 424; Page: 413; Family History Library Film: 0020175. 11th from bottom – William Lister. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/27472171?h=02f56c&utm_campaign=bandido-webparts&utm_source=post-share-modal&utm_medium=copy-url.

[v] Internet: The Newberry – “Ohio: Individual County Chronologies – Ohio Atlas of Historical County Boundaries.” https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/OH_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies.

Posted in Censuses, Roberts-Barnes | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 68

Posted on February 18, 2022 by Don Taylor

Jones, Jordan, Joyal, Kaler, & Munro

Photo Friday
Ethel Wight Collection
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 contain the names 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.

Margaret B Jones, circa 1936

The envelope this negative was in says, “Margaret Jones ℅ Mrs. E. W. Jones, 390 Cumberland Ave, #916.”

Margaret B Jones, circa 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1937 Portland City Directory indicates that 390 Cumberland was home to Cumberland Ave Market Grocery, Leonidas Nicholas, Lawrence L Dow, and My Lunch.
  • The 1940 US Census lists 51-year0old Everett W Jones, his 46-year-old wife, Margaret, and his daughter, 23-year-old Margaret Jones, living at 20 Eastwalk in Cape Elizabeth. Everet was the proprietor at a Poultry Farm. Daughter, Margaret V., was a 23-year-old Private Nurse. In 1935 they lived in Portland.
  • The 1937 Portland City Directory lists Everett W Jones as the proprietor of the Kenmore Café at 106 Oak and 147 Commercial.
  • The 1930 US Census lists 41-year-old Everett W Jones, his 35-year-old wife, Margaret, and his 13-year-old daughter Margaret B in Hartford, Connecticut.
  • My review of Ancestry family trees suggests that this is Margaret B Jones, born about 1917 in Maine, the daughter of Everett Wilbur Jones and Margaret Jacques.

Ancestry has two public trees that refer to Margaret B Jones. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Margaret, so I have added her photo to Dead Fred. 

Althea Jordan, nurse, circa 1936

This negative envelope says, “Miss Althea Jordan, ME Gen. Hospital #238.”

Althea Jordan, circa 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1936 Portland City Directory lists Althea Jordan as a student nurse at 22 Arsenal (Maine General Hospital).
  • The 1937 Portland City Directory lists Althea as a supervisor at 22 Arsenal.
  • The 1938 Portland City Directory indicates Althea married Thurlow D Poland.
  • A review of Ancestry family trees suggests this is Althea Mae Jordan, born 28 October 1914 in New Hampshire and who married Thurlow D Poland on 29 May 1937.

I believe this to be a photo of Althea about 1936, when she graduated from nursing school.

Ancestry has 29 public trees that refer to Althea. Family Search has a profile for Althea, so I  have uploaded two photos of her to her Family Search profile: GHYK-2Q2.

Nurse Bertha Joyal, circa 1936

This negative envelope says, “Miss Bertha Joyal, Children’s Hospital #760.”

Nurse Bertha Joyal, circa 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • There were three Bertha Joyal’s listed in the 1930 US Census.
    • New Hampshire’s Bertha A Joyal, the 21-year-old daughter of Thomas and Delvina Joyal.
    • Rhode Island’s Bertha Joyal, the 28-year-old wife of Paul Joyal.
    • Rhode Island’s Bertha Joyal, the 38-year-old daughter of Joseph & Elizabeth Joyal.
  • There were four Bertha Joyal’s listed in the 1940 US Census.
    • New Hampshire’s Bertha A Joyal, the 31-year-old daughter of Thomas and Cleoma Joyal. Bertha works as a Nurse.
    • Rhode Island’s Bertha Joyal, the 38-year-old wife of Paul Joyal.
    • Rhode Island’s Bertha Joyal, the 36-year-old daughter of Joseph Joyal.
    • Massachusetts’ Bertha B Joyal, the 29-year-old maid in the James T Cronk household in Granby, Hampshire County.
  • Nurse Bertha Joyal appears in the 1934 and 1936 Biddeford City Directories living and working at Webber Hospital.
  • There was a Bertha E. Joyal who lived in Somersworth, NH, in 1936 and was a student.

I believe that the Bertha Joyal in this photograph is the daughter of Thomas and Delvina Joyal of Somersworth, NH taken about 1935.

Ancestry has NO public trees that refer to Bertha; however, Family Search has a profile for Bertha A Joyal, the daughter of Thomas and Marie Elmire Delvina (Couture) Joyal. So, I have uploaded two photos of her to her Family Search profile, L16K-SLZ.

Rosalind May Kaler (Student Nurse), circa 1937.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Rosalind Kaler, State St. Hospital #862.”

Rosalind May Kaler (Student Nurse), circa 1937.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1936 Portland City Directory lists Rosalind Kalor, a student nurse at 62 State (State Street Hospital) and residing at 52 State. Rosalind does not appear in the 1937 Directory.
  • Maine Marriage Index indicates that Rosalind M Kaler married John Newbig on 10 April 1937. She was from Waldoboro, Maine.
  • Maine Birth Records indicate Rosalind M Kaler was born 20 Feb 1913 in Waldoboro, Lincoln County, Maine.

This photo is of Rosalind E Kaler, the daughter of Walter E. and Mary (Cheney) Kaler, about 1937 before she married John Newbig.

Ancestry has 25 public trees that refer to Rosalind May Kaler. Family Search has a profile for Rosalind M. Kaler, born 20 February 1913, so I uploaded her photo to profile KT49-1RJ Family Search Memories. 

Confirmed to be Rosalind by a granddaughter.

Elsie (née Munro) Jones and her two sons, Hollis, Jr. and Gordon, circa 1936

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. H.W. Jones, 26 Brentwood St #808.”

Elsie (née Munro) Jones and her two sons, Hollis, Jr. and Gordon, circa 1936

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Hollis W and his wife Elsie N, Jones residing at 26 Brentwood.
  • The 1940 US Census lists Elsie N Jones living at 26 Brentwood with her two sons, 14-year-old Hollis Jr., and nine-year-old Gordon.

This is a photo of Elsie with her two boys about 1936 when Elsie was about 39, Hollis was about 10, and Gordon was about five years old.

Elsie Munro, the wife of Hollis W Jones, is found in ten Ancestry public trees. She also has a Family Search Profile, G99J-MHP. I have uploaded this photo to Elsie’s Family Search Memories.

Ancestry has two public trees that refer to Hollis Willard Jones, born 1925. Although his parents do, Hollis, Jr. does not appear to have a Family Search profile. Gordon does not appear in any Ancestry Public Trees, nor does he have a Family Search profile.

Conclusion

I fully identified all seven of the individuals in these photos. Four of them have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories. Two individuals did not have Family Search profiles; however, the photo was with their mother, which I did post to Family Search. Finally, I identified one individual that did not have a Family Search profile but did appear in Ancestry trees, so I posted her image to Dead Fred.

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

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 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Ancestor Sketch – Annie Smythe

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Don Taylor

Bradley-Hingston Project
Hingston-Smythe Line
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.Annie Smythe is an immigrant ancestor. She was born in England to Irish parents. She immigrated to the United States, located to Peabody (near Boston), Massachusetts, and married an Irish immigrant. They had six children, including one stillborn. She was widowed at 40 and never remarried. She died at age 50.

Anna (Annie) Smythe is found in 25 Ancestry Public Trees. However, several trees appear to have the wrong husband for her. Family Search has profile KF5Z-LPD for Annie/Anna.

Roberts/Brown – Ancestor #13

List of Grandparents

  • Grandfather: William Robert Hingston (1889-1954)
  • 1st Great-grandmother: Annie Smythe (1859-1912)
  • 2nd Great-grandfather: Robert Smythe (___-___)

Anna/Annie Smythe (1859-1912)

Birth

Annie was born on 2 June 1869 to Robert and Mary (Lyons) Smythe. It is unclear where Annie was born. Some records indicate she was born in England; others indicate Ireland. Because Ireland was part of the “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland” in 1869 and because both of her parents were born in Ireland, I suspect Annie was born in Ireland. Additionally, I can’t find a record for Annie’s birth in England, and (sadly) Irish birth records through their General Records Office aren’t available until 1864.

Immigration – 1881

Annie came to the United States aboard the S.S. Wyoming, out of Liverpool. The Gulon Line ship’s fare was $80 for a cabin and $30 for steerage. The trip took nine days, seven hours. The SS Wyoming was primarily used for the emigrant trade from Liverpool to New York. Emigrants from Ireland and the continent would come to England through various ports and take emigrant trains to Liverpool. The trains consisted of only third-class carriages and wooden seats. It had to have been a difficult trip, particularly alone. Among the more than 900 passengers on the ship, there were 645 Mormons on board that were heading for Salt Lake City. The ship arrived in New York on 13 September 1881[i]; Castle Garden processed the immigrants.

Marriage

Annie Smythe married Freke Hingston on 2 September 1884 in Peabody, Essex County, Massachusetts. Rev. George Walker of Peabody performed the ceremony. It was the first marriage for both bride and groom.

 The six children of Freke W. and Annie (Smyth) Hingston.

Name Born Married Died
Mary Ellen 7 October 1884 Martin Joseph Quinlan July 1969
(No Name) 11 March 1888 n/a Stillborn
William Robert 29 January 1889 Florence Reid 8 February 1954
James Edward 6 July 1890 9 April 1913
Joseph Freke 19 November 1894 16 November 1976
Florence Louise 5 August 1896 FNU Atwood 2 August 1948

All children were born and died in Peabody, MA.

Adulthood

On 2 January 1899, Annie’s husband Freke died of pneumonia, leaving her a widow with five children.

1900 Census

The 1900 Census finds Annie and her five children living in Peabody. She owns her home at 250 Washington Street, although it is mortgaged. She keeps house, but her fifteen-year-old daughter, Mary, is a suspender maker. William, James, and Joseph are all attending school. They have two boarders, Richard Daley and Patrick Driscoll.

1910 Census

The 1910 Census finds Annie and her five children still at 250 Washington Street. Annie is listed as a nurse who has been out of work for 24 weeks. Twenty-four-year-old Mary works in a Bleachery, and William is a machinist at a machine shop. James was a carpenter and had been out of work for 20 weeks. Fifteen-year-old Joseph worked as a bleacher at a bleachery and attended school; little Florence only attended school.

Death/Burial, etc.

Annie (Smythe) Hingston Died on 23 May 1912 at the age of 50 from “fatty degeneration of the heart.” She was buried on 25 May 1912 at Cedar Grove Cemetery In Peabody. She was preceded in death by her husband and one stillborn child. Her other five children survived her.

Events by Location

  • England (probably Ireland) – Birth (1859).
  • Massachusetts, Peabody – Marriage (1884), 1900, 1910, Death (1912).
  • New York, New York, Castle Garden – Immigration (1881).

Sources

  • 1900 Census, 1900 Census – Annie Hingston. “United States Census, 1900”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:66JQ-H6ZY : 26 January 2022), Annie Hingston, 1900.
  • 1910 Census (FS), Family Search, 1910 Census – Annie Hingston, Peabody, Esses, MA (FS). “United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2JN­FF1: accessed 12 March 2018), William R Hingston in household of Annie Hingston, Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 443, sheet 30A, family 479, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 587; FHL microfilm 1,374,600.
  • Find a Grave Memorial, Find a Grave, Annie Smyth Hingston (1859-1912). Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/222462384/annie-hingston : accessed 25 December 2021), memorial page for Annie Smyth Hingston (2 June 1859–23 May 1912), Find a Grave Memorial ID 222462384, citing Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA ; Maintained by Thomas F. Scully (contributor 46818179).
  • Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915, Family Search, Florence Louise Hingston – 5 August 1896. “Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXXZ-4JJ : 20 February 2021), Florence Louise Hingston, 5 August 1896, Peabody, Massachusetts; citing reference ID #Vol. 457, Page 539, Massachusetts Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 1,843,692.
  • Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915, Family Search, Joseph Freke Hingston. Joseph Freke
  • Massachusetts Deaths, 1841-1915, 1921-1924, Death Certificate: Annie Hingston. “Massachusetts Deaths, 1841-1915, 1921-1924,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N474-RYB : 2 March 2021), Annie Hingston, 23 May 1912; citing Peabody,,Massachusetts, 100, State Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 2,399,102.
  • “Massachusetts Marriages, 1841-1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NWYV-2HT : 10 March 2021), Freke Hingston and Annie Smith, 2 September 1884; citing Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States, State Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 1,432,997.
  • “Massachusetts Marriages, 1841­-1915,” Family Search, Martin Joseph Quinlan – Mary Ellen Hingston – 21 April 1915. “Massachusetts Marriages, 1841-1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N4XC-SYV : 10 March 2021), Martin Joseph Quinlan and Mary Ellen Hingston, 21 April 1915; citing Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States, State Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 2,411,235.
  • “Massachusetts Marriages, 1841­1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N46B­91L: 18 January 2018), William R Hingston and Florence Reid, 24 February 1914; citing Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States, State Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 2,409,947.
  • Massachusetts State Vital Records, 1841-1920, Family Search, Joseph F Hingston – Death 6 May 1920. “Massachusetts State Vital Records, 1841-1920”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23TL-YHZ : 1 September 2021), Joseph F Hingston, 1920.
  • Massachusetts: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Records, 1789-1920 (NEHGS, 2019), American Ancestors, Baptism – Mary Ellen (Hingston) Quinlan. https://www.americanancestors.org/DB2726/i/61210/40/10001937420.
  • New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1891, Family Search, Annie Smith – 1881 – Line 684. – Wyoming. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVPN-JX11.
  • S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.Com, Salem, MA (Peabody) – 1906 – Page 1042 – Hingston. Salem, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1906.
  • S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.Com, Salem, MA (Peabody) – 1908 – Page 1088 – Hingston.
  • S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.Com, Salem, MA (Peabody) – 1912 – Pages 40 & 1099 – Annie Hingston. Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database online]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

Endnotes

[i] New-York Tribune (New York, New York) · Wed, Sep 14, 1881 · Page 8 – “ARRIVAL OF MORMONS”

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