What a Shame Wednesday: Unknown Couple #2, Manitowoc, WI, circa 1920s

Last week I posted a photo from the Julia Lotten collection of photographs.  Julia was a teacher at Quarry School in Rockland Jt. 4, Manitowoc County sometime prior to 1907. This picture is from the same grouping of photos.  It is not identified, but was taken at the Glander Studio in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

February 23, 2012 Update:  I am happy to report that this photograph, though still unidentified, has been claimed by a descendant of Julia Lotten, along with 13 other photographs from the Lotten collection. 

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph Reichelt, 1859-1918, Kulawa, Saskatchewan

I made one of my regular antique store stops this afternoon and was surprised to find open boxes on the floor, scattered throughout store.  The boxes were full of household items from an estate that the antique shop owner had sorted through to find the collectible pieces.  The items that were of little or no commercial value were to be re-boxed and likely discarded.  There wasn't much of interest in these boxes from a genealogical standpoint either, with the exception of this one postcard.

The gravestone is marked "Joseph Reichelt, 1859-1918."  From scrounging through the estate boxes, I had seen a few bills and envelopes with a Saskatchewan address.  I thought it was likely this grave was located in Saskatchewan.

In the 1916 Canada Census, I found a Joseph Reichelt, born 1859 in Austria, living in Kulawa, Saskatchewan with his wife, Bertha (45), and children:  Joseph (22), Bertha (20), Barbara (19), Fred (15), Gus (12), and twins Walter and Herman (8).  All of the children were born in Austria, with the exception of the twins, who were born in Saskatchewan. 

According to the census, Joseph Reichelt came to Canada in 1905.  I confirmed this by finding his passenger record on Ancestry.  He and his family arrived in Quebec on the 10th of May 1905 on the ship "Montrose" from Antwerp, Belgium.

The Kulawa district is just outside the Village of Raymore, SK.  A look at the local history book, "From Prairie Wool to Golden Grain: Raymore & District, 1904-1979" provided a wealth of information on this family, and confirmed that this Joseph Reichelt died in 1918.  It also tells us that Joseph (Josef) and Bertha had two older children who did not show up in the 1916 census at home:  Edward, born 1888; and Katherine, born 1891.

Joseph's wife, Bertha Baumel Reichelt died in 1943, so this postcard probably dates prior to 1943, as her name and dates have not been added to the marker.  This gravestone can be found in the Raymore Cemetery.

Mr. J. B. McRae, Ottawa, Ontario, 1904

William James Topley was one of Canada's most significant and sought-after portrait photographers in the latter part of the 19th century, and in the early years of the new century.  He photographed all of the Prime Ministers of Canada who were in power during his career, as well as other notable political figures of the day.  His studio was one of the busiest in the country.

Library and Archives Canada has digitized many of Topley's photographs and they can be accessed at  http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca.  I found other portraits of J. B. McRae on this site.

John Bell McRae, born 10 Aug 1874, was the eldest son of John W. and Catherine McRae of Ottawa, Ontario (1901 Canada Census).  John had five siblings:  James, Margaret, Mary and Joseph (Percy).  I also have in my collection, an 1895 Topley photograph of the youngest brother, Percy.

According to Ontario Canada marriages, 1801-1928, John Bell McRae, 33, married Jessie Henderson, 32 in Carleton County, Ontario on 21 October 1908.  John's parents are listed as John William McRae and Catherine Wallace.  Jessie's parents were Alexander Allan Henderson, a medical doctor, and Elizabeth Susan Smith.

I believe that the Topley Collection at Library and Archives Canada has a portrait of the bride and groom, taken shortly after their marriage.

As far as I can tell, the couple did not appear to have any children.  Jessie Henderson McRae died on June 4th, 1934 and John Bell McRae died on the 8th of April, 1940. Both are buried in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa.

Super Sleuth Saturday: A Faded Cabinet Card and Baskets of Flowers

Here's today's Super Sleuth photograph.  What can we derive from the photo itself?  Any ideas of date?  Occasion?  And what do you make of the names on the reverse? (below)

I'm looking forward to getting your help on this one.  Hope you give it a try.

A Nice Garten Mit Flowers: Postcard to Grover Hootman, Plainsfield, OH

We've been enjoying spring-like weather here on the island lately, which does tend to lift one's spirits after the winter rain.  The snowdrops are up and the daffodils and tulips have poked their way through the mulch and will be blooming before you know it.  I found this Little Dutch Girl postcard last week and had to share it. 

Mr. Grover Hootman of Plainfield, Ohio received this card from his aunt, "Missorie"  Oddly, the postmark doesn't carry the year, so I don't know the exact date, but there are a few clues to go on.  First of all, the reverse of the card is divided.  Prior to 1907, the back would not have a dividing line, separating the address from the body of the message.  When the US entered the war in 1917, the price to mail a postcard was increased to 2 cents.  After the war, it was reduced back to 1 cent.  So we can guess that the postcard dates between 1907-early in 1917, or perhaps after 1918.

I found Grover's birth record in Ohio, Births and Christenings Index, 1800-1962.  He was born in Linton Township, Coshocton, June 26, 1884 to Andrew Hootman and Sarah A. Magness.  I found Sarah in the 1880 census for Linton, Ohio, and she did, indeed, have a sister named Missorie Magness (b.1856).  Sarah and Missorie were the daughters of James and Rebecca Magness.

In the 1900 US Census, Grover is living in Linton, Coshocton with his father Andrew H. Hootman, 41, widowed, and his siblings Mary, 17; Frederick, 10; and Walter.  He died the 17th of June 1973 at the age of 89, in Coshocton.

A Photograph from Sidwell Street, W. S. Dinham King, Exeter, Devon, 1918

This young soldier has kindly signed this portrait, "Yrs sincerely, W.S. Dinham King -- 8. 1. 18," taken at the H. Hall & Co. Studio, Sidwell Street, Exeter, England during the last year of  The Great War.

A search of the 1901 England and Wales Census found one close match in Exeter:  William S. King, age 1, living at the home of his grandfather, Alfred R. L. Perkins, a surgeon, age 54.  William's parents are there as well, William R. (41, a bank manager) and Winnie King (27).  The family is living at 29 St. Sidwell Street, Exeter, Devon.  Coincidentally (or not), this is the same street as where the photographer's studio is located.

I'm not absolutely certain that this is the same fellow, but following the paper trail, I found an entry in the England & Wales Free BMD Index, 1837 - 1915 in Exeter, Devon, Apr-May-June of 1900, for William Samuel D. King.

I thought I would have a closer look at the uniform W.S. Dinham King is wearing in the photograph, particularly his cap badge for additional clues.  I found a database of World War I cap badges. The one he is wearing appears to belong to the Devonshire Regiment, an infantry regiment in the British Army. I tried to find army or pension records on Ancestry to no avail, but on the National Archives (UK) Campaign Medals Index on their Documents Online site, I found a listing for William Samuel Dinham King, 2nd Lieutenant, Devonshire Regiment.  While it doesn't list his enrollment date it shows he also was part of Inns of Court Officer Training Corps, Reg. #12949 as a private.  I suspect he enlisted in 1918 because the birth information we found indicates he would have turned 18 that year.

In the England & Wales Death Record Index there is a William S. D. King, born abt. 1900 who died in 1937 in Devon at the young age of 37.  The England and Wales National Probate Calendar, 1861-1941 shows an entry for William Samuel Dinham King of Inglewood, Brixham Rd. Paignton, (Devon) who died June 11, 1937 at the Paignton & District Hospital.  Probate in London on 13 September to Marjorie Noreen Robinson King, who was probably his wife.

What A Shame Wednesday: Unknown Couple #1, Manitowoc, WI, 1920s

There are no identifying notations on this beautiful wedding portrait.  I can tell you, however, that it was found in a collection of photographs belonging to Julia Lotten of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.   Julia Lotten, according to A centennial history of the Manitowoc County school districts and its public school system, 1848-1948  by Joseph J. Rappell, was a teacher at Quarry School in Rockland Jt. 4, Manitowoc County sometime prior to 1907.

This photograph was taken at the Glander Studio in Manitowoc.  Judging by the type of wedding dress, I'd date this sometime in the late-1910s or 1920s. 

Glander Studios was operated by John A. Glander (1887-1953).  Glander began his career as a photographer in 1902 when he began to apprentice with A.J. Packard in Manitowoc.  He worked there for six years and then in 1908 opened his own studio at 904 Washington Street.  A year later he moved down the block to 918 Washington Street.  In 1925 a son, Henry J. Glander, began to work at the studio and took over the business after his father died. 

Wouldn't it be great if someone recognized the bride & groom?

February 23, 2012 Update:  I am happy to report that this photograph, though still unidentified, has been claimed by a descendant of Julia Lotten, along with 13 other photographs from the Lotten collection. 

With a Bow in Her Hair: Ethel Glass, Allegheny, PA, ca. 1906

In yesterday's post, I focused on the photograph of this young girl's mother, Lizzie Mehrmann Glass.  Today, it's little Ethel Lenora Glass' turn.

Ethel was born on the 2nd of January 1902.  This photograph, along with a baby picture of Ethel, was found in a grouping of pictures and bible records of the Glass family.

Ethel and her parents, Roy and Elizabeth Glass, along with siblings Mary and Hazel, lived in Westmoreland and Beaver counties in Pennsylvania.  Her father, Roy, lived in Washington County, PA as a child, and her mother Elizabeth Mehrmann, grew up in Allegheny.  In 1920 Ethel, age 17, is living in Beaver, PA with her parents.

According to the bible records, when Ethel died on May 27, 1929 her married name was Patterson.  I haven't been able to find Ethel in the 1930 US census yet, nor locate a marriage record, death record or obituary.

UPDATE  March 10, 2012:  It's another Family Photo Reunion!  One of Ethel's nieces has claimed this picture, along with 7 other photographs from the Glass family collection.  These will be heading back home shortly.

Oh, Those Sleeves! Lizzie Glass, Allegheny, PA circa 1895

This photograph is inscribed on the back, "Aunt Lizzie Glass," and was produced by the J. E. Sonnenberg Studio in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania.  The photographer's imprint provides us with two address, 136 Ohio Street and 67 Cedar Avenue.  Sonnenberg worked out of these locations from roughly 1881 to 1897.

There are a lot of clues to help date this cabinet card,  from Lizzie's enormous gigot sleeves to the pinked edges on the cabinet card.  I would date it sometime around 1895-96 when women's sleeves reached their fullest size at the shoulder.

Another help in identifying Lizzie is that this photograph came with a collection of Glass family photos, including one of "Aunt Lydia, "Ethel Glass," "Hazel Glass" and "Grandpa Mason."  All were taken in Allegheny, PA.  And even better, the photographs were found with a bible, complete with birth information on some of the Glass family members, including:

Ethel Elizabeth Glass, born Jan. 2, 1902
Mary Louis Glass, born Sept. 4, 1906
Hazel Lenora Glass, born 21 April 1910
Ethel Elizabeth Glass Patterson, d. May 27, 1929

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Glass, according to the bible, died December 30, 1945.  I found an obituary index listing for Elizabeth Glass who died in Butler Co., PA on this date.  Her maiden name is listed as Mehrmann.  I don't have access to the obituary so I can't provide details on its contents, but this information fits with the specifics I've uncovered in my research.

Elizabeth Mehrmann, daughter of Frank and Margaretta Mehrmann of Allegheny, married Roy E. Glass on the 27th of April 1898 in Allegheny.  In the 1900 US census, Elizabeth (b. 1874) and Roy (b. 1867) are living in Oakmont, Allegheny, PA with Roy's brother, Harry Glass (born 1877).

By 1910 the family has grown, and they are now living in W. Newton Ward, Westmoreland, PA.  Roy and Elizabeth have three children at this time:  Ethel, 8; Mary 3, and a newborn.  In the 1920 census for Beaver Ward, Beaver, PA we discover the newborn's name is "Hazel."

I will post the photographs of Ethel, and Hazel in an upcoming post.  I also discovered who "Aunt Lydia" is, and will be covering that in a future post as well.  I am still working on "Grandpa Mason."

UPDATE  March 10, 2012:  It's another Family Photo Reunion!  One of Lizzie's granddaughters has claimed this picture, along with 7 other photographs from the Glass family collection.  These will be heading back home shortly.

A Photo Stamp and Cabinet Card of Mrs. Clarabell Webster, Lawrence, Mass., ca. 1895

This is Clarabell Webster, friend of Mary Harrison and the writer of a letter from 1894 that I described in my recent post, The Correspondence of Mary E. Harrison.  When she wrote her letter, Clarabell was a just a newlywed of three months.  She laments, "Poor me, will have to stay at home same as all the married women do," after describing Mae & Minnie B's plans to spent time in Hampton Beach the following week.

This image was taken at the Leck Studio, in Lawrence, Mass in the mid-1890s.

Additionally, I discovered a postage stamp-sized portrait of Clarabell, which was gummed on the reverse (below).  After some research, I learned mini portraits of famous people date back to the 1860s, but they were essentially just small photographs.  Two stamp portrait machines were patented in 1887 that used gummed and perforated photo paper.  Quite a number of  Victorian-era photographers in the US made these stamps available to their clients in the late 1880s and 1890s.  George H. Leck, of Lawrence, was one of those photographers.  Even though the portrait stamp is not signed with his name, I believe he made this stamp from the cabinet card sitting with Clarabell, as she has the exact hairstyle and is wearing the same dress.

Photo stamp of Clarabell Webster next to a Canadian quarter.

According to Massachusetts Marriages, 1841-1915, Clarabell Hatch, daughter of Frank and Martha Hatch, married Dean K. Webster, son of Henry K. and Elsie A. Webster,  in Lawrence, Mass., on the 31st of May 1894 in Lawrence. 

Clarabell and Dean had two children:  Dean K., Jr., born 1898 and Walter Neal, born 1903.
Along with the photograph of Clarabell, I also found a cabinet card of Dean K. Webster, Sr. as well as  one of their their youngest child, (Walter) Neal Webster.

Philippine-American War Soldier: To Mrs. D. De Garino, W. Covina, CA

This is another unidentified photograph, except for an address written in pencil on the the reverse of the card:  "Mrs. D. De Garino, 1248 Primeaux, W. Covina, Cal. 91790."  The inscription is fairly recent, as the 5 digit zip code system in the US came into use in July of 1963.

The photograph was taken at "Centro Artistico, Fotografia Espanola, Escolta 9, Manila."  I believe this soldier served in the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) or the Spanish-American War (1898).  I'm a little puzzled by his uniform.  The cap looks to be infantry.  The rest of his uniform is quite basic and doesn't appear to have any insignias.

Comparing Notes: Is this Jessie Bucke and Daughters, London, Ontario?

This started out as a "What a Shame" post, since the photograph isn't properly identified but perhaps there is hope we can discover who the three women are.  There is a photographer's imprint:  Frank Cooper, 169 & 173 Dundas Street, London, Ont."  And, it does have an inscription on the back that looks like "L. Brooch," "2 Brooch" or "L. Burch." 

I didn't have much luck finding a suitable match in the Canada Census for "Brooch."  I then moved on to the photographer and found a wonderful collection of Frank Cooper portraits on the London Public Library Image Gallery.

Frank Cooper (1845-1914) opened his studio in 1868 on Richmond Street.  Between 1884 -1907 he operated on 169, 171 & 173 Dundas, and in 1908, at 330 Dundas.  This photograph probably dates to the late 1890s.

I was hoping to find an identified copy of this image on the site, but sadly, I did not.  I found two interesting portraits, though, the subjects of which have similarities to the older woman in my photograph.  What do you think?  Are these the same woman?

Image Courtesy of London Public Library Image Gallery:

http://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca

Then there is this portrait by the Edy Brothers in London, Ontario (below), on which the London Public Library archivist has asked the question "Is the couple Dr. Richard Maurice Bucke and his wife Jessie Bucke?"  Richard Maurice Bucke was a noted psychiatrist and close friend of Walt Whitman.  He died in 1902.

Image Courtesy of London Public Library Image Gallery:

http://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca

What do you think?  Are either of these images the same person as in my "Mystery Brooch" portrait?  Or is it just a matter of similar headwear and clothing?

Happy Birthday, Emma Ealey: Clay Co, Indiana, 1892

Today's photograph is a baby portrait of Emma Ealey, taken at the H.T. Biel studio in Terre Haute, Indiana.  I've posted other items relating to the Ealey family in past posts.  So I already knew that Emma was the daughter of George and Phoebe (Loveall) Ealey, of Jackson, Clay County, Indiana.  What I didn't know when I scheduled this post that I was publishing this item on her birthday!  Emma was born the 15th of February, 1892.

Emma F. Ealey trained and worked as a nurse in Indiana and California. She died in June of 1975 in Indianapolis.

Update November 2012: This item has been reunited with a descendant in Missouri

Fond Heart at Your Feet: Kenny McIntosh, Thornhill, Manitoba

Kelowna Feb. 11 1916

Master Kenny McIntosh
Thornhill, Man.
 
Dear Kenny -
Are you to (sic) busy doing no work to write to me?  Have you those moccasins wore out yet?  I suppose the ??n  is too deep for coasting.  What do you want me to bring home for you.  With Love, Lizzie.

Kenny McIntosh, born June 1909 was the son of John Andew (b. 1861, Ontario) and Mary Jane McIntosh (b. Aug 1878).  The family lived in Thornhill, Lisgar District in Manitoba.  The family appears on the 1901 Canada Census living in Morris, Provencher, Manitoba and on the 1911 & 1916 Census, in Lisgar District.

Kenny (Kenneth) had two siblings that I've been able to find:  Laura Belzoa (Zoa) McIntosh born 1899, and William Edgerton McIntosh, born 1903.  All of the children were born in Manitoba.

I purchased this postcard at an antique store, along with a few others addressed to Kenneth.  I know that "Lizzie" is Kenneth's aunt because the handwriting matches the other postcards sent by "Aunt Lizzie."  On a birthday card mailed in 1924, Lizzie appears to live in Saskatoon, SK.  Kenneth is living in Morden, MB.

From the Bretzman Studio, Indianapolis: Unknown Boy, circa 1901-1904

I just love this image and wish I knew the name of this young man.  Provenance may help identify him someday.  The portrait was found with photographs and documents belonging to the Ealey family of Clay County, Indiana.  Some of the collateral lines of this particular Ealey family were Muncie, Kolcheck, and Presnell.  Perhaps there is some connection with one of these families.

The photographer was Charles F. Bretzman (1866-1934), working out of his studio at 142 S. Illinois Street, Indianapolis.  Bretzman came to Indianapolis at the turn of the century and opened his first studio at this location in 1902.  He moved to a new studio in 1905 at 22 1/2 N. Pennsylvania Street, which tells us this photograph was taken sometime between the years 1902 and 1904.  There are a number of photographs by Bretzman on the Indiana Historical Societies' Photographer collection, donated by Charles' son, Noble Bretzman, who was also a well-known and respected portrait photographer.  I searched through the collection online but did not find this photograph there.

Edward A. Fix, Cincinnati, Ohio, ca. 1902-1908

I believe this is a graduation portrait.  I can't identify the lapel pin "Edward A. Fix" is wearing.  The photograph was taken at the Carl & Young Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Carl & Young were in operation between 1895 and 1915 on 7th & Vine.

I searched Ancestry for anyone by the name of  Edward A. Fix, which was written on the front of the picture.  I only found one consistent and persistent match in Hamilton County: Edward Anthony Fix, born December 6, 1883 (or perhaps 1884) in Cincinnati.  According to the 1900 US Census, he was the son of Alois (b.1848) and Mary (b.1851) Fix.  Edward is one of seven children living at home.  The only boy, in fact.  His sisters are:  Anna, 28; Clara, 20; Josephine, 18; Celia, 13; Amanda, 11; and Alvina, 8.  In the 1880 census, the Alois Fix family is living on Harrison Avenue. 

Edward owned a cigar manufacturing company and lived at 1399 Harrison, which I believe is the family home.  Sisters Anna and Alvina are living with Edward at that address in 1930.   Edward is living at that address in 1958.  The home, which is still standing, was built in 1881, according to current real estate information on the house. 

In the Buggy: Beert and Grace Den Herder, Sioux County, Iowa, 1920s

Even though the focus of this snowy snapshot seems to be the horses, the folks in the carriage are identified;  the horses are not.  "Grace and Bert Den Herder" has been written on the back.  I discovered this photograph among the photos belonging to the Colenbrander and Lammers families from Iowa.   The photograph is likely from the 1920s.

A quick search of the 1930 census shows Grace (b. 1878, Iowa) and Beert (b. 1874, Holland), living in West Branch, Sioux Center, Iowa.  Beert is a dairy farmer.  On his WW1 Registration card, his address is listed as RR, Sioux Center, Iowa. 

It is too bad the photo has suffered some water damage, and a corner tear.  Still, it`s quite a nice glimpse into the by-gone buggy days.

A Cabinet Card Portrait: Mary E. Harrison, Portsmouth, NH circa 1890s

Earlier this week, I posted information about a number of old letters I found, written to Miss Mary E. Harrison of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  Today, you get a glimpse of Mary.  I was lucky enough to find this photograph alongside the letters.   The reverse of the cabinet card is clearly labelled, "Mary E. Harrison, Portsmouth N.H."  I just love the lace and bead work on Mary's collar.

The portrait was taken by at the L.V. Newell & Co. Studio on Congress Street, Portsmouth.  Layfayette V. Newell (1833-1914) was a prominent photographer in the Portsmouth area.  J. Dennis Robinson of SeaCoastNH wrote an interesting article The Day History Died about the destruction of Newell's Civil War soldier photographs. 

In 1888, Newell's studio was located at No. 1 High Street.  By 1890, he had moved to the 31 Congress location.   The photo dates to the mid-1890s.

Half an Imprint: Young Genevieve E. Lynch, Boston, 1902.

I didn't botch the cropping job on today's photograph, I really didn't.  The corners and edges were trimmed this way, probably to fit an odd-shaped frame.  The young girl in the picture is identified as "Genevieve E. Lynch." on the reverse.  Unfortunately, a place or a date is not provided.  Normally, at this point, I would move to the photographer's imprint to see what I can learn about their dates of operation.

What to do when the photographer's name is almost gone?  Well, I thought I would see if I could make sense of the half-imprint.  The first two letters look like stylized Ts or Fs to me.  There seems to be a surname after two initials, beginning with P or D.  I see the last letters, "hee." And, a street address:  22 Winter St. Then, it looks like A.E. -and I can't make out any more.  But the big clue is "22 Winter Street."  I googled the word "photographer" along with the address.  It appears there were a number of photographers at that address in Boston, MA.  With a little more digging I found an imprint that matched exactly.  "F.F. Dunshee & A.E. Hill of 22 Winter Street, Boston."

Fredrick Fargo Dunshee and Alfred E. Hill were photographers who formed a partnership around 1893.  Dunshee had a partnership with F. H. Maxwell prior to  Hill.  Dunshee & Hill operated until around 1904-05.

So we know the photograph was taken somewhere between 1893 and 1905.  I studied a few of the imprints for this company, and this particular one seems to date from the later years of the company.  The style of the card seems to be turn-of-the-century to me.

A search of the US Federal Censuses found two possibilities in Boston.
1) Genevieve E. Lynch, born 1901 in Massachusetts, daughter of Mark and Mary Mason Lynch.  They lived in Ward 22, Boston.
2) Genevieve E. Lynch, born 1893, in Massachusetts, daughter of Sarah J. Lynch Conboy and living with step-father Patrick Conboy in 1910 in Connecticut.

I'm inclined to think it is probably #1.  But, of course we'd need more proof to be absolutely certain.

Brother & Sister: Ruth and Louis (Francis) Flaugh, Cuyahoga County, Ohio; circa 1921

This is Francis F. L. Flaugh and his sister Ruth H.C. Flaugh.  Their names were written tidily in the inside flap of the portrait folder.  On the front we find the photographer's imprint:  Dietrich Studio, Collinwood, Ohio.

I found two-year-old Francis F. Flaugh in the 1910 US Federal Census, in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio, living with his parents Lewis. F. (36) and Sara F. Flaugh (34).  Sister Ruth has not yet been born. 

I thought it would be easy to find them in the 1920 census, but after trying every name combo and search strategy I could think of, I had to give up.  I must be missing something.  Something fairly obvious, probably, but I will leave it for now and try again later.

By the 1930 census, the Flaugh family has moved to Parma, Cuyahoga, Ohio and are living on Springdale Avenue.  "Francis" is now 22 years old and goes by the name Louis; Ruth is 16.  The birth record for Francis shows that he was actually born "Louis Flaugh" in Cleveland, on the 30th of October 1907. 

Louis died in Parma, at 90 years of age in 1998.  His mother's maiden name is recorded as "Fackler."  I haven't discovered what became of Ruth.

The Correspondence of Mary E. Harrison, Portsmouth, NH, & Maccan, NS, 1890s

I found a stack of letters at an antique shop not too long ago, all addressed to Miss Mary E. Harrison, #5 Brewster Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dating between 1894 & 1897.  I stood reading the letters in the shop for a good long while, not sure if I should buy them.  I wanted them, but they were priced quite high for letters, but in the end I decided to splurge.  Surely, someone would appreciate them.  In addition to the four letters, there was also a receipt from 1871 for a real estate transaction.

Letter #1.  Written by Clarabell Webster of Lawrence, Mass., dated Aug 22, 1894.  Clarabell and husband, Dean Webster, appear in the US Federal Censuses for 1900 through 1930.  Clara was born about 1873 in Massachusetts.   The letter is of the type written to a friend.  There are a few snippets of hometown news about mutual friends and as well as a thank you for a bon-bon dish that Mary gave Clarabell as a gift. 

Letter #2.  Written by Mabel, from Maccan, Nova Scotia, January 1895.  The letter has the postmark, "Harrison Road, NS, Jan 14 95."  The Harrisons were a fairly large family in Maccan, NS.  Mabel, I discovered, is a sister of Mary's.  The letter is very chatty and chock-full of town gossip.

Letter #3.  Written by Mary's sister, Mabel, Maccan, NS, February 12, 1897.  Also postmarked, "Harrison Road."  Another chatty letter with mentions of many family members including "Uncles Alex & Mat," "Aunts Cassie & Maggie," and news about the upcoming Baptist box social and visitors to the area.

Letter #4.  Written by Mary's Father, and signed "Your affectionate Parents."  Dated, Maccan, Feb 14, 1897, probably posted in the same envelope as Mabel's letter. Mention of the snow that year, getting ready for "sugaring" and also seed-buying for the upcoming growing season.

Receipt from 1871:  Maccan, March 10th 1871.  Received from Samuel Harrison the sum of $50.00 Fifty Dollars part payment on Marsh.  Alexander Harrison.

Mary Elizabeth Harrison was the daughter of Samuel (b. 1839) and Catherine (b.1840) Harrison, born the 10th of August 1862.  She can be found in the 1891 Canada Census for River Hébert, Cumberland, Nova Scotia with her parents and siblings:  Bernice, b. abt. 1866; Stubbard, b. abt 1870; Edgar Amos, b. abt 1872; Mabel Catherine, b. abt. 1875 (who wrote Mary two of the letters) and Fred, b. abt. 1879.

While Mary appears in the 1871, 1881 & 1891 Canada Censuses, she also resided in the US for some time.  I believe she lived in Lawrence, Massachusetts for a while in the 1880s.  Then, after the 1891 census moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  Perhaps she had family members in New England.

(For more information on Mary E. Harrison, head to my post Cabinet Card Portrait of Mary E. Harrison)

The School Uniform of May Yapp, Los Angeles, 1906

To me, this looks like a school picture; perhaps a Christian school because the girl's necklace appears to have a cross on it.  She is also wearing a pin on the bodice of her outfit which I can't make out.  The photograph is identified with a name, May Yapp, and a date, September 1906.  The photographer's imprint reads, "Steckel, Los Angeles."

I believe the photographer may have been George Steckel (1864-1938), a well-known, award-winning Los Angeles photographer, probably most famous for his almost nude photograph of body-builder Eugen Sandow in 1894.   His studio was located at 220 S. Spring Street,  "across from L.A. Theater & Hollenbeck."  Author John Steven McGroarty provides a short biography of George Steckel in the second volume of his book, Los Angeles from the Mountains to the Sea.

There is only one May Yapp in the 1900 US Federal Census, living in Los Angeles and she was born in California, July 1887.  Her parents are Fred Yapp, b. 1832 N.Y., and Agnes Yapp, born 1859, District of Columbia.

By 1910 May's father, Fred, has passed away.  The 1910 census tells us that Agnes is now a widow, and 22-year old May is still living at home, and working as a book-keeper at a dry goods store.  Janet Lambie, 54, a sister of Agnes' now lives with the family in Los Angeles. 

In 1920, May works as a book-keeper for a wholesale music house and still living with her mother and aunt.  Agnes' sister-in-law Antoinette Lambie is also living in the household now.

May is employed as a typist in 1930 and still resides with Agnes and Janet.  A nephew of Agnes, Thomas H. Harris, has moved in as well.
 
May died on 1 October 1974 in Orange County, CA at age 87.  Her birth date is given as 22 Jul 1887 in the California Death Index.  

Might anyone recognize the uniform, if it is indeed a uniform?  I tried to find early Los Angeles school yearbooks online, but didn't have any luck.  I know Immaculate Heart opened its doors in 1906, but of course, it could be any number of schools.

If I have the correct May Yapp, she would have been 19 years old in this photograph.

William Calvin Presnell and Claudie Moon, Marriage Portrait, Danville, Indiana, 1897

In a previous post, The Marriage of George Ealey and Malissa Rader, I researched the bride and groom's respective family trees.  Through this research I learned that George Ealey was the son of William and Wealthy Hicks Ealey.  One of the items I found along with George and Malissa's marriage license was a photograph labelled in pencil, "Willey Presnol & wife, first cousin of mom."

I recalled seeing a similar surname in one of the books I had consulted on the Ealey family.  I went back to A Standard history of Champaign County, Illinois : an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, civic and social development, a chronicle of the people, with family lineage and memoirs. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1918.  William Ealey moved to Champaign County in 1891 and received an extensive biographical entry in volume 2 of the book.  The biography included information on William Ealey's children and told me that George Ealey's brother, William M. married Louisa Presnell, of Clay County, Indiana.  I also discovered in the Indiana Marriage Index, that George's sister Sarah Ann Ealey, married Louisa Presnell's brother, John R. Presnell.  The 1870 US Census for Jackson, Clay County shows the family of Calvin and Jane Presnell, with brother and sister, John R., 15 and Louisa F., 12, along with 5 other siblings.

John R. and Sarah Presnell, had a son named William Calvin, born 9th of April 1878.  The family lived in Sugar Ridge, Clay County, Indiana.  William or "Willey" Presnell married Claudie Ethel Moon on the 27th of July, 1898 in Danville, Indiana.  I believe this is who we see in the picture above.

According to the 1906 Canada Census for Manitoba, William C. and Claudie Presnell moved to Saskatchewan in 1905 and lived in the Humboldt area.  William's mother Sarah Ann Ealey Presnell remarried after her husband John died, and  moved to Humboldt as well.  Her second husband, Mr. Barnett passed away shortly after arriving.  She, and a few other Presnells from Clay County can be found in Humboldt on the 1906 census as well.

So who owned this photograph?  The question makes my head hurt just a little bit, but I believe "Mom" is Ora Ealey Kolcheck, daughter of George and Melissa Ealey.  William Calvin Presnell would be Ora's first cousin.  The grouping of artifacts I found seem to have Ora as the main link to all of the artifacts.  So it's my belief that one of her children wrote the notation, with the mispelled surname, on the back of this photograph.

Update: November 2012
This image has been reunited with a descendant in Missouri.

Super Sleuth Saturday: Florie and Margaret, Newport

Here's your chance to test your photo-sleuthing and photo-dating skills.  This is the photograph,  front and back.  Can you follow the clues the photo gives you?  Or will this one remain a mystery?

Sallie Richardson, Philadelphia, circa 1875-1880

This photograph is identified "Sallie Richardson."  The photographer's name is imprinted on the reverse side of the photo:

My first thought was that Chas. J. Richardson, of Philadelphia may be a relative of Sallie's.  I searched the 1880 Census for Philadelphia and found a Sallie S. Richardson, age 19, daughter of Joseph Richardson, 62 and wife Charles (?) G Richardson, 57.  I've heard of a boy named "Sue," but has anyone heard of a girl named "Charles?"  I had a look at the 1870 Census and found Joseph with wife, "Charlotte," so I am fairly sure it was just a case of sloppy handwriting.

There are four Sallie/Sally Richardson's in the 1880 census.  There are 15 in Pennsylvania State.  I have not accounted for S. Richardsons.  I am also operating on the assumption that Sallie is not married.  She seems too young in this picture.  However, women married early back then, so it is possible that Richardson is her married name. 

I tried to find out more about our other Richardson:  Charles J., the photographer.  Using Philadelphia City Directories from this period, I discovered that Mr. Richardson had his studio at 244 N. 8th Street in Philadelphia from approximately 1875 to 1880.   That fits with my first impression that this was a cdv from the late 1870s or early 1880s.  I was disappointed that I could not find Charles J. in the 1880 US Census.  I suspect there may be a spelling variation I am missing in my search.  

I found Charles J. Richardson in the Philadelphia, PA Death Certificate Index, 1803-1915.  He was born circa 1827 Philadelphia and died 2 Dec. 1896 in Philadelphia.  His occupation is listed as photographer.  He was a widower.

Unfortunately I can't narrow this one down more than this:  Sallie Richardson's photograph was taken by Chas. J. Richardson in Philadelphia around 1875-1880.  Perhaps she was the child of Joseph and ?? Richardson, but we can't be sure.

From Your Loving Wife, Nora Allen & Baby, c. 1899, Calgary, NWT

When I found this cabinet card photograph of Nora Allen and her baby in an antique store I knew the image must have been recorded prior to 1905. The photographer's imprint on the front indicates that it was taken in Calgary, Northwest Territories.  After Alberta became a province in 1905 the imprint would read "Calgary, Alberta."  The photograph was seems to have been displayed on a wall.  There is a large pinhole in the middle upper edge. 

  As you look this photo over

  as its stories bright unfold

  May your loving eyes discover

  Our love for you will neer grow cold.

  From Mother and Baby to Dear Father

  [--dunna forget?]

The photograph was taken by the C.W. Binkley Studio, likely in the late1890s, judging by the mutton sleeves on Nora's dress.  Sadly, the little baby has faded quite a bit.  I'm glad that the photo has been scanned, and that we'll at least have this version before the picture fades any further.

I found an Allen family in the 1901 Census of Canada, The Territories, Banff District:


George A. Allen, 30, born Feb 1871, England
Nora Allen, 26, born March 1875, Ireland
Trisa Allen, 3, born Sept 1898, Alberta
Lillian G. Allen, 1, born Nov 1900, Yukon

According to Canada Marriages, 1661-1949 on Familysearch.org, George Arthur Allen, son of William and Mary Ann Allen,  married Nora Theresa Stack, daughter of Thomas & Mary Stack, on 22nd October 1896 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Calgary.

I stumbled upon a wonderful picture of Nora Allen's husband, George Arthur Allen, taken at Banff in 1892 on the RCMP Graves blog, which honours members of the North West Mounted Police and The Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  I went through George Arthur's NWMP Personnel Records at  http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca and learned that he served from March 17, 1892 through to January 31, 1900.  Two of those years were spent in the Yukon.  In 1940, he signed up as a RCMP Special Constable in Victoria, BC for a term of six years.

In the NWMP engagement papers for 1898 that I found online, George lists his nearest kin as being "Nora Allen, c/o Mr & Mrs. Wm. Allen, 2 Onslow Street, Leicester, England."  It would appear that Nora is living in England with her in-laws at that time.  She is not living with them by the time the 1901 England Census rolls around.

Nora died in 1960 in Victoria, BC, and George Arthur, in 1962 in Vancouver.  While I am not absolutely positive this is the same Nora Allen featured in the photograph, I feel it is entirely plausible.  These photographs were found on Vancouver Island, just north of Victoria and all of the information seems to fit, but it sure would be nice to locate another photograph of her to be certain.

Update February 6, 2016:  This photograph has been reunited with a family member in BC.

What A Shame Wednesday: The Young Man from Davenport, IA and the Huebinger Brothers

I guess we should be grateful that there's a photographer's imprint on this card, because there isn't a speck of information anywhere else on this cabinet card.  So identifying this young man is highly unlikely.

Let's look instead at the photographer.  Huebinger Bros seems to have been in operation from around 1884 to 1893 in Davenport.  In 1886 they posted a want ad for a retoucher in Anthony's Photographic Bulletin.

The Huebinger Bros. were Melchoir and Adam Huebinger.  Melchoir was a map-maker and surveyer and Adam, a photographer.  Melchoir was responsible for producing a number of atlases covering the midwest US including the Huebinger’s Automobile and Good Road Atlas of Iowa.  The brothers produced First album of the city of Davenport, Iowa (1887) which is available on Internet Archive in its entirety.

Adam Huebinger, his wife Sophia and children moved to Peoria, IL where he operated a photographic studio at 600 Main.   Melchoir appears to have divided his time between Peoria and Des Moines for a while and then moved to Peoria as well.   I found a write up in the Oelwein Daily Register (Fayette Co., IA)  about Melchoir's death in 1923, which claims that the map-maker died of an infection from ill-fitting shoes.

According to the Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947 database Melchoir was born in Limburg, Germany to Henry and Katherine Huebinger on New Year's Day, 1854.  He died in Peoria, May 8, 1923.  He was survived by his wife Anna & children.

Adam Huebinger, died that same year on the 1st of December.  According the Illinois Death Index, Adam was born Christmas Day, 1843.  Both men were buried in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.