Researching the Genealogy and Family History of Orphan Heirlooms
Search our archive for Bibles, autograph albums, IDed photos, documents, correspondence, and other treasures from the past that may relate to your family or area. This project is ongoing, so please visit often.
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Monday, September 30, 2013
Appeal of Thankful Babcock that She be Accepted into the Church, Despite Her Life of Sin
Old manuscript, approximately 12" x 7-1/4", in which Thankful Babcock made an appeal to be worthy of entering a church, despite her life of sin.
The page is a bit too large for my scanner, but all the text appears in the image above.
The reverse shows only her name.
Transcript
I desire to thank God that I was born in a Christian land where the glad tidings of the gospel have been continually sounding in my ears. It pleased God to deprive me at an early age of my parents. My Mother, sensible of the worth of my immortal soul, dedicated me to the Lord in baptism. From my grandparents I received many good instructions but I disregarded them and went on pursuing the ways of sin and vanity until a little more than a year since God was pleased to call up my attention to the one thing needful. I felt myself a great sinner and found that I had been continually violating God's holy law which commanded me to love the Lord with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength for I had lived without him in the world. I tried many months to do something whereby I might recommend myself to God but was at last brought to see that I could do nothing to merit salvation and to accept of Jesus Christ for my only Saviour. And I do now in the presence of God offer myself to this church and humbly beg of them to accept of me and pray for me that I may prove faithful to my divine master and become a humble follower of Jesus Christ.
Sadly, there's no date or place noted on the document, but I would imagine it dates from the late 18th or early 19th century.
There are quite a few women named Thankful Babcock in that time frame, just in New England alone. Many of these Thankfuls, however, had at least one parent who lived a long life. Adding to the difficulty of identifying the author of the plea, Thankful's birth name may not have been Babcock.
I hope that Thankful received the validation she sought. Perhaps she had to mend fences in order to marry a "pillar of the community"?
Thanks for stopping by!
Scrap of Wood from the 1904-1905 Building of the Roosevelt, the Vessel Commissioned by Arctic Explorer Robert Peary
Scrap of wood, a bit less than 3" x 3", left over from the building of the Roosevelt, the arctic-worthy vessel that was commissioned by Robert E. Peary for his expeditions in search of the North Pole.
Text wood burned into the scrap:
Souvenir
of Peary's Arctic Ship
built 1904-05 at
Verona
opp. Bucksport, Me.
McKay & Dix Shipyard began construction began on the Roosevelt on 15 October 1904; she was launched on 23 March 1905. The vessel participated in several expeditions, including the one in which, on 6 April 1909, Peary claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole.
After the Roosevelt passed out of Peary's hands, she was used for a time by wealthy Brooklyn, New York, merchant John Arbuckle as a tug for use in salvaging wrecked vessels. Eventually, the she passed into the ownership of the Bureau of Fisheries and was refitted for duty in Alaska. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a biography of the Roosevelt online, with photographs during and after construction and a recounting of some of the her more harrowing adventures.
Robert Peary retired to Eagle Island in Casco Bay, near Portland, Maine. His home was given to the State of Maine in 1955 and is now operated by the Friends of Peary's Eagle Island. Their site also has information on the Roosevelt.
If you have additional information to share, please leave a comment or contact me directly. Thanks!
Verona Island, Maine
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Eagle Island in Harpswell, Maine
View Larger Map
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1901 Graduation Photograph of Marcus Gilbert Strout from East Corinth Academy
Graduation photograph of a young man identified on the reverse as Marcus Strout, E. C. A., 1901. The institution was East Corinth Academy in Corinth, Maine.
The year appears to be 1901, but there's a crinkle in that corner of the photograph that makes the last digit of the year hard to decipher.
Even though Marcus, born in 1887, would have been a young graduate in 1901, that year makes more sense than 1907 or 1909. Marcus became a school teacher, so perhaps he was a good student who had skipped a grade or two.
From online research, hopefully correct: [corrections and additions welcome!]
Marcus Gilbert Strout (1887-1921) was born 11 January 1887 at Bradford, Maine, son of Albion and Olive (Speed) Strout, who were both Bradford, Maine, natives.
On 20 September 1916 at Waltham, Maine, Marcus married Vivian B. Kemp, daughter of William and Dora (Davis) Kemp, who were born in Stroud, England, and Aurora, Maine, respectively. Vivian was born at Aurora, Maine, on 29 April 1897.
The couple had a daughter Fern Stella Strout, born 30 August 1917. Fern would marry Woodrow W. Archer.
Sadly, Marcus Gilbert Strout died at Kingsbury Plantation, Maine, on 30 December 1921. I haven't yet found a death record for him or an explanation for his death. Kingsbury Plantation is located in Piscataquis County, along the remote part of Route 16 that connects Routes 15 and 201.
In 1925, Vivian married Aldis H. Williams, the widower of Ethel J. (Haslam) Williams. I found them in the 1930 Census of Bradford, Maine, and in the 1940 Census of Eastbrook, Maine. Maine. Vivian and Aldis had a daughter, Althea, born about 1930.
If you have corrections and/or information to share, please leave a comment for the benefit of other researchers.
Friday, September 27, 2013
1870s Autograph Album of Minnie R. Hopkins of Orland, Maine; many autographs collected at East Maine Conference Seminary at Bucksport, Maine
1870s autograph album of Minnie Ruth Hopkins of Orland, Maine, with many of the autographs collected while she was apparently studying at East Maine Conference Seminary at Bucksport, Maine.
The autograph album measures approximately 7-1/2" x 5" and contains the sentiments of 125 of Minnie's relatives, fellow students and friends. An alphabetical list of the signers appears at the end of this post.
From online research, hopefully correct: [corrections and additions welcome!]
Minnie Ruth Hopkins was born at Orland, Maine, on 21 August 1862, the daughter of Joshua Hopkins and Harriet J. (Brown) Hopkins.
Minnie's mother signed a page in her album, at Orland, Maine, on
January 12, 1877. The message:
Minnie,
There is only one sure way to succeed, and
That is the way of patient industry and a
Thorough and intelligen
Business or profession that may be chosen.
Your Mother
Minnie's paternal grandparents were Ephraim D. and Ruthey R. (Downes) Hopkins. Her maternal grandparents were Phineas and, I think, Dorcas M. (York) Brown.
On 23 June 1883 at Orland, Maine, Minnie married Augustin Mason, son of Thomas and Drusilla (Harriman) Mason. Although two people named Mason signed pages in Minnie's album, Augustin was not one of them. He was born 6 February 1850 at Orland, Maine.
Sadly, both Minnie and her infant daughter died in 1896, perhaps as a result of the daughter's birth. Whether or not the couple had any children previously, I don't know. In the 1900 Census, there were no children living with Augustin, not that there couldn't have been children living with relatives.
If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, or information on any of the signers listed below, please leave a comment or contact me directly.
One of the signers was Massachusetts native Reverend Richard M. Wilkins, whose wife also signed a page. She was Carrie W. (Hutchinson) Wilkins of Brooksville, Maine. They were married in 1876 at Brooksville, Maine, perhaps when Rev. Wilkins was a pastor in the area. The two pages have faint handwriting.
Alphabetical list of signers: [Note: given names within a specific surname may not be in alphabetical order.]
- Name is erased out. Signed at Bucksport, Maine, on January 6, 1877
- George L. [can't decipher last name] of South Bucksport, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, on May 26, 1879; possibly George L. W. Miners
- Arthur W. M* of what I think is Maitland, Nova Scotia, signed on March 31, 1878. His surname runs into the spine area, which has been reglued.
- P. N. W., signed on March 3, 1877
- O. W. Alley of Bar Harbor, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on April 24, 1879, on a page shared with L. H. Tapley of West Brooksville, Maine
- Harry Ames of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 23, 1877; middle initial could be H or F
- Flora E. Atwood of Orrington, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on December 15, 1878. Minnie's note: Married Benjamin Sowle
- Mary E. Blaisdell of Orland, Maine, signed on August 17, 1877. Minnie's note: Married John Gross [John W. Gross]. Another note in a different pencil reads: Died 188 [no last digit]
- Lillian J. Brewster, signed on March 4, 1878
- Fred P. Briggs, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, at Bucksport, Maine, on January 9, 1879
- Hiram W. Brown, signed at Bucksport, Maine, on January 7, 1877; Minnie's uncle. "Be obedient to Thy Parents, Your Uncle"
- Annie E. Brown of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 14, 1877.
- Crossed out: Irving L. Brown of Bucksport, Maine, signed at Bucksport, on January 7, 1877
- I. L. Browne of Bucksport, Maine, signed on September 16, 1878; Minnie's cousin. I think he was Irvin L. Brown, who added the e for effect.
- Grace I. Burrill of Orland, Maine, signed on August 23, 1877
- Dora M. Burrill of Orland, Maine
- Lottie Carleton or Orland, Maine, signed on August25, 1877. Minnie's note in pencil: Married, March 1883
- Miss Mary L. Carleton of Orland, Maine, signed on August 18, 1877
- Idora N. Chipman of Bucksport Centre, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on April 23, 1879
- Annie M. Coffin of Orland, Maine, signed on April 25, 1877. Minnie's note: Married Frank Eldridge [Annie M. Coffin married Frank A. Eldridge at Orland, Maine, on 4 November 1879.]
- Lizzie F. Condon. Minnie's note: Married Frank Conary
- Gertie A. Condon, signed at Orland, Maie, on March 29, 1877. Minnie's note: Married Alvin Soper [Abigail Gertrude Condon married Albion Roberts Soper at Orland, Maine, on 17 December - records show same day and month but several different years in the early 1880s.]
- Alberta E. Coombs of Bucksport, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on January 7, 1879. Minnie's note: Married
- Charlie Cotton, signed on March 7 [no year written]
- Nina Crosby of Orland, Maine, signed on February 12, 1878. Minnie's note: Married Sewall Wasson [He was John Sewall Wasson of Brooksville, Maine.]
- Alexander A. DeWitt of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 19, 1877
- Florence L. Dorr of Orland, Maine, signed on January 29, 1878
- Frank E. Dorr, signed on January 30, 1878. Minnie's note: Married Frank Thompson [Frank E. Dorr was a female, daughter of George and Susan (Keyes) Dorr]
- Eugene L. Dorr of Orland, Maine, signed at Orland, Maine, on March 7, 1878. Minnie's note: Married Flora Leach
- Mary P. Dresser of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 6, 1877
- Jennie M. Dutton of Stillwater, Maine, signed on July 31, 1882. Full page of sentiments. Minnie's note in pencil: Married July 1882
- E. W. Eldridge of Bucksport, Maine, signed on January 13, 186 [either missing a digit or two digits merged] Victorian scrap pasted on the page
- D. B. Eldridge
- Albert B. Emerson of San Francisco, California, signed on September 18, 1878. [Likely Albert Brooks Emerson, born 1864 at Surry, Maine, son of Loring G. and Mary (Moriarty) Emerson.]
- Fannie D. Folsom of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 17, 1877 on a page shared with Alice S. Howes of Bucksport, Maine
- Annie E. Foster of Milbridge, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, on January 14, 1879
- Annie M. Gardner of Orland, Maine, signed on June 5, 1877
- A. D. Gilley of Bucksport, Maine, signed February 8th [no year written]
- Lydia J. Gilley, signed on February 8, 1877
- Norris E. Ginn, signed at Orland, Maine, on March 12, 1878. He sketched a bird in one corner. Minnie's note: Married
- Carrie E. Gray of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 23, 1877. She drew birds in two corners. Sadly, Minnie's note" dead
- Emily C. Grey of Bucksport, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, on April 10, 1879
- Inie M. Grey of Bucksport, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, on April 10, 1879. Minnie's note: Married. [I think her name was Inie, and there was an Inez M. Gray in the area.]
- E. M. Grey of Orland, Maine, signed on August 223, 1877. Minnie's note: married Will Snowman [She was Ethel M. Grey, who married William Snowman.]
- Eliza A. Grindle, signed September 6, 1878. She wrote Hampden in one corner and Blue Hill in another. Minnie's note: Married Tyler Hinckley [She was Eliza Ann Grindle, born 1858 at Blue Hill. He was Obed Tyler Hinckley, born 1842 at Blue Hill, Maine.]
- James S. Grindle of Bangor, Maine, signed at Orland, Maine, on September 4, 1878; Minnie's cousin. Minnie's note: Married
- Albert J. Gross of Orland, Maine, signed on February 26, 1878
- E. A. Harriman of Orland, Maine, signed on April 25, 1877. Minnie's note: Married Mattie. He is likely Erastus A. Harriman, who married Martha J. Dolan in New Hampshire. Son of Henry and Olive Harriman of Orland, Maine.
- E. A. Harriman of Orland, Maine, signed on May 17, 1877
- May Harrison, signed August 2, 1882. "Remember the days we spent at Bar Harbor." Minnie's note in pencil: Married fall, 1882
- Cora Haskell of Union, Maine
- Ella M. Hatch of Orrington, Maine, signed at Bucksport, Maine, in May 1879. Minnie's note: Married 1882
- Lillian A. Hill of Bucksport, Maine
- Mary A. Hooper of Bucksport, Maine, signed on April 20, 1877
- Phebe J. Hooper of Bucksport, Maine, signed on April 15, 1879. She pasted on a Victorian scrap.
- Minnie Ruth Hopkins of Orland, Maine; album owner
- Mrs. Mary C. Hopkins, signed at Verona, on September 6, 1878. She was the wife of Minnie's paternal uncle Ephraim Hopkins.
- Page signed by Minnie's mother Harriet J. (Brown) Hopkins, at Orland, Maine, on January 12, 1877. "Minnie, There is only one sure way to succeed, and That is the way of patient industry and a Thorough and intelligent mastery of the trade, Business or profession that may be chosen. Your Mother"
- Alice S. Howes of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 17, 1877 on a page shared with Fannie D. Folsom of Bucksport, Maine
- Flora Hutchings of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 23, 1877
- Benjamin F. Johnson, signed at Orland, Maine, on March 24th [no year written]
- Nellie F. Jones of Orland, Maine, signed on February 26, 1878. Minnie's note: Died Jan 1884
- Austin Keyes, "Semper idem"
- Inez Keyes, signed at Orland, Maine, on August 16, 1877. Minnie's note: Married [There's a Maine Marriage record where Inez married David O. Paterson at Orland, Maine, on 22 October 1881.]
- E. M. Keyes of Orland, M aine, signed on March 6, 1878. Minnie's note: Married
- Galen Kingsbury of Hampden, Maine, signed on February 6, 1877
- Henry L. Kingsbury of Hampden, Maine, signed on September 13, 1878. Minnie's note: Married Minnie Knowles; dead
- John Lewis of Orland, Maine, signed on February 28, 1877. His middle initial might be P
- Susie Littlefield of Hampden, Maine, signed on September 10, 1878
- Vina Longfellow of Orono, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on May 30, 1879
- Will L. Luce of Bucksport, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, Spring Term '79. Minnie's note in pencil: Married 1882
- Mann
- Lucie Marks of Orland, Maine, signed on February 6, 1878; Minnie's friend and schoolmate. Minnie's note in pencil: married
- Marietta P. Marks of North Penobscot, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, on April 7, 1879. Minnie's note: Married Howard Dorr
- Susie H. Marks of Orland, Maine. Minnie's note: Married All Turner. He was William A. Turner
- Thomas F. Mason of East Orland, Maine, signed on January 31, 1878. Minnie's note: Married Oct. 30, 1882, Alberta Dunbar
- George W. Mason of Orland, Maine. Minnie's note: Married Stell Carter [she was Estella C. Carter or Clara Estelle Carter, according to her birth record.]
- Possibly, George L. W. Miners of South Bucksport, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on May 26, 1879. Not sure of surname
- Belle M. Moore of Bucksport, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on January 7, 1878
- Ada E. Myrick of Bangor, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, on April 24, 1879. Minnie's note: Married Rufus Gardner; dead
- N. Augusta Newman, signed Feb.1, 1878; Minnie's note in pencil:"married"
- Harrie W. Norton of Penobscot, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, on Janyart 15, 1879; Minnie's schoolmate. Possibly Harry W. Norton, born about 1855. Minnie's note: Married
- Lizzie A. Page, signed at Bucksport, Maine, on January 28, 1877. Minnie's note in pencil: Married Melvin Henry
- Charles W. Page, signed at Bucksport, Maine, on February 5, 1877
- Calvin O. Page, signed at Bucksport, Maine, on January 21, 1877; Minnie's cousin. In addition to his formal sentiment, he wrote in a corner: "My ears tingle yet. Do you wonder?"
- Josie D. Page, signed at Bucksport, Maine, on January 7, 1877. Della Josephine Page, I believe. Minnie's note: Married Rufus Turner
- Rufus Page of Bucksport, Maine, signed on January 13, 1877. Minnie's note: married Cad Rideout. [Cad was Clarinda S. Rideout, marriage of 16 July 1878 at Bucksport, Maine]
- Fred Page of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 5, 1877. Minnie's note: Married
- Clara J. Page of Bucksport, Maine, signed on January 28, 1879
- Jennie Parker of Bucksport, Maine, signed on January 28, 1877. She pasted on a little scrap. Minnie's note: Married Dow
- H. K. Partridge of Orland, Maine, signed on February 9, 1877. Minnie's note: Died Oct 17 1880. drowned in Alexandria Pa.
- Hattie L. Partridge of Orland, Maine, signed on February 26, 1878. Victorian scrap pasted on the page.
- Carrie E. Pendleton of Bucksport Centre, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on April 24, 1877
- Minnie F. Perkins of Penobscot, Maine, signed on March 23, 1879
- Harry H. Rich of Bangor, Maine, signed on May 1, 1881. Minnie's note: died Nov. 1883
- Carrie M. Richardson of Bangor, Maine, signed on March 13, 1879
- Miss George E. Sanford of Litchfield, Minnesota. Minnie's note: Married; dead
- J. W. Saunders of Orland, Maine. Minnie's note: dead
- L. B. Saunders, signed at Bucksport, Maine, on February 15, 1877. "Aged 64 years June 29, 1877" [Likely Levi B. Saunders, born 1813; died 1887]
- Alice E. Sawyer of Milbridge, Maine, signed at Bucksport, Maine, on January 14, 1879
- Emma C. Shedd, signed at Orland, Maine,on August 26, 1877
- Laura H. Shedd of Orland, Maine, signed on August 24, 1877
- Fannie Skinner of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 17, 1877
- A. M. Smith of New York City, signed at Sem [presumably East Maine Conference Seminary], on January 10, 1879
- Carrie L. Smith of Bucksport, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary on January 8, 1879
- Jennie C. Snow, signed at Orland, Maine, on February 27, 1878; Minnie's schoolmate. Minnie's note: Married
- Miss Maggie G. Soper of Orland, Maine, signed on April 1, 1877
- Angie E. Spooner of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 21, 1877
- Delle A. Starr, at High School, Orland, Maine, signed on March 20th 1877. Minnie's note: Married Quinn
- L. H. Tapley of West Brooksville, Maine, signed at Bucksport, Maine, on April 24, 1879, on a page shared with O. W. Alley of Bar Harbor, Maine
- Ida M. Teague of Warren, Maine
- Hattie E. Turner of Bucksport, Maine, signed on January 17, 1877
- Mary D. Viles, signed on August 17, 1877. Image is very faint. "Wisdom is better than rubies." Minnie's note: Married. [Mary D. Viles married Brooks D. Stewart at Bucksport, Maine, on 2 June 1880.]
- Charlie Wasson of Bucksport, Maine, signed on January 19, 1877; tiny Victorian scrap on page.
- Nancy H. Webster of Bucksport, Maine, signed on February 8, 1877. She drew a maple leaf.
- C. W. Weeks of Barre, Massachusetts, signed on June 4, 1877
- Charlotte E. Weeks of Orland, Maine, signed on May 3, 1877
- A. Weeks, signed at Orland, Maine, on May 3, 1877
- Frank S. Wentworth of Orland, Maine. Minnie's note: drowned
- Clarence T. Wentworth of Orland, Maine, signed on June 6, 1878
- Laura B. Wentworth of West Waterville, Maine, signed at Orland, Maine, on August 29, 1878
- S. Wentworth, signed at Orland, Maine
- Nettie C. White of Orland, Maine, signed at East Maine Conference Seminary, on February 4, 1879. Minnie's note: Married
- Laura L. White of Orland, Maine, signed on February 28, 1878; Minnie's schoolmate
- Ruthie A. Whitten of Bucksport, Maine, signed on January 20, 1877
- Mrs. C. W. Wilkins, signed at Brooksville, Maine, on January 7, 1878. Handwriting is extremely faint, but I think the name and date are correct. [She might have been Mrs. Carrie W. (Hutchinson) Wilkins, who married Richard M. Wilkins at Brooksville, Maine, on 29 November 1876.] Rev. R. M. Wilkins also signed a page.
- Rev. R. M. Wilkins of Reading, Massachusetts. Richard M. Wilkins, born about January 1852 in Massachusetts; pastor of several churches in Maine and Massachusetts. See photograph. His wife, Mrs. C. W. Wilkins, also signed a page.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
1880s Autograph Album of Sadie J. Hubbard of Danville Junction, Maine
1880s autograph album of Sadie J. Hubbard of Danville Junction, Maine, presented to her on July 14, 1885. Danville and Danville Junction are located at Auburn, Maine.
The album is approximately 7" x 4-1/2" and contains pages signed by about 30 people, plus several other pages that contain family information. An alphabetical list of the signers appears at the end of this post.
There's also a loose scrap that explains it was found with the last mitting [knitting ?] of Sadie's mother, Rhoda Jane (Berry) Hubbard, in 1915. Sadly, there was no knitting found with the album.
Sadie's mother Rhoda Jane (Berry) Hubbard signed the first page after the title page, at Danville, Maine, on July 18, 1885.
Several of Sadie's siblings and cousins, and the man she would marry, signed pages in her album.
Sadie's younger brother Freddie signed a page at Wayne, Maine. He was Fred Augustus Hubbard, born 21 September 1872 at Palmyra, Maine.
Interestingly, another post features the autograph album kept by Freddie's daughter Alma M. Hubbard while she was a student at Nasson College in Springvale, Maine, from 1908 on. Aunt Sadie signed a page! She would have been Sadie J. (Hubbard) Lawrence by then. Another of the pages in the album was signed by Alma's grandmother at Danville, Maine, likely Rhoda Jane (Berry) Hubbard. There's another page signed by Grandma, which could have been Rhoda again, or Alma's maternal grandmother.
Back to Sadie's album:
Sadie's sister Alma Ellen (Hubbard) Corson signed a page in Sadie's album. The page contains several notations about visits by Alma to her family after she married Gideon Wells Corson and moved to Wisconsin.
And my favorite page in the album, signed by Sadie's future husband Albion Paris Lawrence, on August 8, 1885.
Other relatives and friends who signed in Sadie's album are listed below.
From online research, hopefully correct: [corrections and additions welcome!]
Sadie Jane Hubbard was born 18 September 1867 at Palmyra, Maine, the daughter of Charles Horace Hubbard and Rhoda Jane (Berry) Hubbard, who were natives of Greene, Maine.
Sadie's paternal grandparents were Philip and Keziah N. (Murray) Hubbard. Her maternal grandparents were John and Sarah (Ramsdell) Berry.
On 18 September 1888 at Auburn, Maine, Sadie Jane Hubbard married Albion Paris Lawrence, son of Alfred E. and Mary (Goodwin) Lawrence. He was born, I believe, on 1 January 1862 at Fairfield, Maine.
No children were listed for Paris and Sadie on any of the Censuses, and I didn't notice a birth record for children with those parents, though I could have missed a record or records. Albion died in 1953, and Sadie in 1956.
If you have corrections to the information above, please leave a comment or contact me directly. Thanks!
Alphabetical list of signers [Note: given names within a specific surname may not be in alphabetical order.]
- Henrietta L. Allen, signed on March 8, 1887 at Fairfield, Maine "When weary of waiting when friends are untrue And heavy the work your hands find to do, You still have the promise forever in ? There is a beautiful "Golden Sometime"
- Fred Allen of Fairfield, Maine, signed on March 8, 1887
- Joseph T. Allen of Fairfield, Maine, signed on March 8, 1887
- Orlando Bowman; lists his death as 28 December 1915
- Abbie A. Clark, signed at Danville Junction, Maine, on August 28,1885. "Your Friend"
- George H. Clark, signed on January 26, 1883 [predates the album - is pasted on a page] "Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it close. Something attempted, something done, Has earned a night's repose - H. W. L. - The Village Blacksmith" [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]
- Alma E. Corson, Sadie's older sister Alma E. (Hubbard) Corson, wife of Gideon Wells Corson, who "Left Danville Junction Nov. 17th 1909. Various notes on the page indicate later dates that Alma visited her sister.
- Tina M. Gee of Portland, Maine, signed on August 28,1886. Possibly Justina M. Gee, daughter of Isaac and Martha Gee "Yours sincerely although merely" [Her name covered by a Victorian scrap]
- Lizzie M. Goss, signed at Danville Junction, Maine, on Sept.3, 1885 "Your Friend"
- Orville P. Goss of Danville Junction, Maine, signed on 27 May 1887
- Sadie J. Hubbard of Danville Junction, Maine, signed 14 July 1885; album owner
- Sadie's mother Rhoda Jane (Berry) Hubbard signed a page at Danville, Maine, on July 18, 1885. "May purities white robe be spread In Ample fullness round thy form. The choicest of earth's gifts be shed. Life's sunshine thine without the storm. Mother"
- Freddie, signed at Wayne, Maine, on 23 November 1885. "Your Brother" Fred Augustus Hubbard, Sadie's younger brother
- Keziah N. Hubbard of Palmyra, Maine - page pasted in the album with her birth and death dates
- Viola E. Hunnewell of South Danville, Maine, signed on April 26, 1887. "To Sadie [underneath a Victorian scrap], When rocks and hills divide us And your form I cannot see, Please take your pen and paper And write a line to me."
- Mary F. H. Jackson of Danville Junction, Maine, signed at South Paris, Maine, on 23/12/85. "May the wing of your happiness never lose a feather. Your friend"
- Georgina Jackson of Danville, Maine, signed on May 27, 1887. "Your loving friend"
- Paris Lawrence, signed at Danville Junction, Maine, on Aug. 8, 1885. A full page of sentiments from Sadie's future husband Albion Paris Lawrence
- Mrs. Lizzie Miller, birth day August 22, was 73 years old, 1912 [not written by Lizzie]
- Lucy Phillips, signed at Danville Junction, Maine, on October 19, 1885. "May your life be long and happy, May your friends be kind and true; May you enter gates of heaven When your work on earth is through. Your Friend"
- William H. Plummer, signed at Auburn, Maine
- Carrie E. Plummer of Auburn, Maine, signed on May 15, 1887 "May your life have enough clouds to make a beautiful sunset"
- Frederic W. Plummer of Auburn, Maine, signed on June 3, 1887
- Edith Foster Pushaw, born May 28, 1871, visited us September 1912, aged 41 years [not written by Edith]
- Abbie Foster Robb, born June 22, 1872 [not written by Abbie]
- Blanch A. Robinson of Danville Junction, Maine, signed on October 19, 1885
- Mary Spollett of Brunswick, Maine; Sadie's cousin. "Forget me not, forget me not, Though severed we will be. The thought that we may meet again Is one bright thought for me. Your Cousin"
- Walter Stinchfield, signed at Danville Junction, Maine, on September15, 1886 "Remember Your Friend" "Friendship"
- Sammie Stinchfield, signed at Danville Junction, Maine "Friendship" [first name under a Victorian scrap]
- Lilla Stinchfield of Danville, Maine, signed on September 15, 1885 "Remember me"
- Anna Symonds of Monroe, Wisconsin, signed on May 1, 1886
- Allie P. Wagg, signed at Danville, Maine, on August 4, 1887 "Your friend"
- Emma Woodbury of Danville, Maine - not sure her first name is Emma
Danville, Maine
Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
1880s Autograph Album of Conrad Andrew Herbert of Alvada, Ohio
1880s Autograph Album of Conrad Andrew Herbert, or Andrew Conrad Herbert, of Alvada, Ohio.
The album is dated December 25, 1884, and was likely a Christmas gift. It's small, approximately 3-1/2" x 2-1/2" and contains 22 pages signed by Conrad himself, his relatives and friends, plus a few pages of doodles and several blank pages.
An alphabetical list of the signers appears at the end of this post.
Several of Conrad's siblings and cousins were among those who signed pages in his album.
His sister Katie (Herbert) Siegchrist signed a page on 28 December 1884. She had married Lewis Siegchrist earlier that year in February.
Sister Ellen signed a page at Alvada, Ohio, on 31 May 1885.
It's possible this same sister signed another page as Ella M. on January 28, 1886 at Alvada, Ohio. If you feel she was another sibling or a sister-in-law, please leave a comment.
Another signer, who called herself Conrad's sister Lucy A., signed on January 20, 1886. Conrad's sister Lucy was born 20 January 1882 and wouldn't seem capable of such grownup handwriting. Perhaps someone else wrote the message on Lucy's fourth birthday. Incidentally, Conrad had a cousin named Lucy A. Herbert, who would have been old enough to write this message.
From online research, hopefully correct: [corrections and additions welcome!]
Conrad Andrew Herbert, or Andrew Conrad Herbert as his birth record shows, was born 18 August 1875 at Bigspring, Ohio, the son of Conrad and Savilla (Fruth) Herbert. The birth record lists Conrad's mother's name as Sebelia Freite. Conrad's parents were German immigrants.
I don't believe that Conrad ever married. He was single up to the time of the 1930 Census. He died in 1931.
If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above or information on any of the people listed below, please leave a comment or contact me directly. Thanks!
Alphabetical list of signers [Note: given names within a specific surname may not be in alphabetical order.
- When you see a toad up a tree, pull his tail and think of me. Comps of your friend, C. D. C. of Fostoria, Ohio
- John or Jonathan, signed at Va Ohio on 28 November 1897. Surname could begin with A. "Remember Sunday Nov. 28th with best wishes of your Friend, Jno. ?"
- Inscribed to Brother Coney, "When you get Old"... unfinished
- Minnie Boley of Alvada, Ohio, signed Dec.29. 1884; Conrad's schoolmate
- Edith Boley, signed Dec.29, 1884. "Conrad, May your joys be as deep As the ocean and your Sorrows as light as its foam. From your schoolmate, Edith Boley
- Nathan Crawford, signed at Alvada, Ohio, on 29 Dec. 1884. "Remember me in care"
- Conrad A. Herbert of Alvada, Ohio, signed 25 December 1884; album owner
- Jacob Herbert, Conrad's uncle - the page is written in German
- Adelheid Herbert, wife of Jacob Herbert; the page is written in German. Americanized, her name was Adeline (Schlemmer) Herbert.
- Conrad's sister Ellen of Alvada, Ohio, signed Sunday, May 31, 1885 "Brother Conny, When this page you chance to look, think of me and close the book. Your sister, Ellen
- Adam R. Herbert of Alvada, Ohio, signed on 29 December 1884. "Compliments of"
- Cousin Lucy, signed at Alvada, Ohio, on Dec. 29, 1884. She was Lucy Herbert. "Cousin Conrad, Long may you live, Happy may you be, When you get Married, Come and see me, from your cousin Lucy"
- Lucy A. Herbert, signed Jan. 20, 1886. "Compliments of Your Sister, Lucy A. Remember this date." Conrad's sister Lucy was only about 5 years old by 1886; the handwriting seems that of an older person. Conrad had a cousin named Lucy A. Herbert, born in 1871. But this person specified "sister".
- Ella M., signed 8 January 1886 at Alvada, Ohio. She called herself Conrad's sister, perhaps Mary Ellen Herbert that some records show as Barbara "To Conrad, Remember me is but A task, remember Me is all I ask. From your Sister, Ella M."
- Mary A. H., signed at Alvada, Ohio, on 31 December 1884. Conrad's cousin. "Compliments of your Cousin" She was likely Mary Ann Herbert
- F. or T. Kepfer or Keffer, signed 23 January 1888. "Compliments of"
- A. J. Morehart of Alvada, Seneca County, Ohio, signed 24 February 1892 "Friend Conrad, When you get old and cannot see, put on your specks and think of me. Complement by A. J. Morehart
- Annie Schira, signed at Alvada, Ohio, on 29 December 1884. "Conrad, Remember me when far away, Remember me when near. Remember on your wedding day And send me a glass of beer"
- Katie Schira, signed at Alvada, Ohio, on December 29, 1884. "From memory's leaves, I fondly squeeze Three little words, Forget Me Not. Your schoolmate, Katie Schira"
- Lizzie Schlemmer of Macedon, Mercer County, Ohio; Conrad's cousin
- Katie Siegchrist, signed 28 December 1884; Conrad's older sister Catherine (Conrad) who had married Lewis Siegchrist earlier in 1884. " Brother Conrad, These few lines to you are tender by a Friend Sincere and true hoping but to be remembered when I am far away from you. Your Sister, Katie Siegchrist"
- Alma Smith of Alvada, Ohio, signed Dec. 29, 1884 "To Cooney, When you get Old and cannot see, Put on your spectacles and think of me."
Alvada, Ohio
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Sunday, September 22, 2013
1904 Graduation Photograph of Nicholas G. Katsonnoff of Sophia, Bulgaria; from Hebron Academy in Maine, USA
This appears to be the 1904 graduation photograph of Nicholas Georgieff Katsonnoff of Sophia, Bulgaria, from, I think, Hebron Academy at Hebron, Maine. The photograph was taken by the Harry L. Plummer studio of Lewiston, Maine.
I found him in a 1908/1909 catalog of Oberlin College in Ohio, where he was a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. It was this listing that gave me his middle name.
Hopefully a reader will provide more information.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Cabinet Photograph of a Man IDed as Orval Bishop; possibly Orison Snow Bishop of Milo, Maine
I found Orval in Census records of Lagrange, Maine, and Milo, Maine, not far from Foxcroft, Maine, and other records for himself and his children; he was listed as Orval in some and Orison in others. Perhaps Orval was Orison Snow Bishop's nickname. If you know that Orval was not Orison Snow Bishop, please let me know.
The identification is written in pencil against a dark background and shows better in oblique light.
From online research, hopefully correct: [corrections and additions welcome!]
Assuming Orval Bishop was Orison Snow Bishop, he was born 22 February 1849 at Lagrange, Maine, the son of James Lindsay Bishop, Jr., and wife Martha Jane (Snow) Bishop.
James Lindsay Bishop, Jr., was the son of Rev. James Lindsay Bishop and his first wife Lois (Whitney) Bishop of Leeds, Maine, and, later, Lagrange, Maine. Martha Jane (Snow) Bishop was the daughter of Stephen and Frances (Page) Snow of Milo, Maine.
On 31 March 1871, Orison Snow Bishop married Harriet Adelaide Sherburn or Sherburne, daughter of John and Abigail (Johnson) Sherburn. Harriet was born 31 October 1851 at Milo, Maine.
Orison and Harriet made their home at Lagrange, Maine, and Milo, Maine, and had, I think, six children: Franklin; Winfred; Melvin; Leonard; Byron; and Emma. Franklin, Winfred and Leonard died young.
Harriet Adelaide (Sherburn) Bishop died 6 August 1904 at Milo, Maine. By the time of the 1910 Census, Orval/Orison had married Margaretta, who was born about 1852 in New York.
In the 1920 Census of Canton, Massachusetts, Orison is shown in the enumeration of the Massachusetts Hospital School, is listed as married, but no wife is shown.
Interestingly, I found the record of a 24 February 1920 marriage on the Maine Marriages online database of an Orrison V. Bishop of Lagrange, Maine, and a Nathalie E. Danforth of Bradford, Maine, but I don't know if this Orison is Orison Snow Bishop.
Amazingly, Orison, at age 81, was still working, as a mechanic, by the time of the 1930 Census of Somerville, Massachusetts. Again, he's listed as married, but no wife is shown with him.
Orison, by then listed as a widower, was still at Somerville, Massachusetts, at the time of the 1940 Census. He died 7 August 1942 at Somerville.
If you have corrections to the information above, especially if Orval and Orison were two different men, please leave a comment or contact me directly. Thanks!
Just in case there is a connection... Found with Orval's photograph was another one by the Chase studio of Foxcroft, Maine, of a baby girl, identified on the reverse as Aunt Emma. Orison Snow Bishop and his wife Harriet Adelaide (Sherburn) Bishop had a daughter named Emma Ethel Bishop, born at Milo, Maine, on 22 December 1888.
Lagrange, Maine [A] and Milo, Maine [B]
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Cabinet Photograph of Unidentified Young Man; F. E. Fairfield studio of Eastport, Maine
Cabinet photograph, possibly a graduation photograph, taken by the F. E. Fairfield studio of Eastport, Maine, of an unidentified young man.
He might have been an Eastport area resident, or he might have been from the Canadian side of Passamaquoddy Bay.
If you recognize him from your family albums or research, please leave a comment or contact me directly. Thanks!
Eastport, Maine
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Monday, September 16, 2013
1869 Letter from George Webster Cushman at Skowhegan, Maine, to his parents at Winslow, Maine
This letter came to me with two others that George wrote to his parents: [click on the date] and a letter that George's cousin, James Walker Austin, wrote to George in 1869:
- May 13, 1867 - a letter which details George's loneliness at leaving home and recounts a fire at a skate factory in which several women were burned, including one fatally.
- February 23, 1868 - a lengthy letter describing how he managed to save the shop during a fire that destroyed several other buildings; the letter seemed to be seeking peace with his parents after what apparently was a rift that caused him to move away, though he indicates that he feels the fault was not his.
- September 21, 1869 - from James Walker Austin at Roxbury, Massachusetts, to cousin George Webster Cushman at Winslow, Maine
This letter tells George's parents of his recent marriage and to expect a visit from the newly married couple.
Skowhegan, June 11th 1869
Dear Mother
As I did not have a chance to tell you all that I wished the other day, will now occupy the few leisure moments which I now have in so doing. I am no longer a single man. We were married Saturday eve. We had no one at the wedding beside Lucy’s folks except Mr. Stinchfield and wife. I shall be at home tomorrow unless it should be stormy or very muddy. We shall come down with a private team so shall not probably be down until afternoon.
We are boarding at Mr. Stinchfield’s. The family are all well. Please excuse all mistakes.
From your Son,
Geo. W. Cushman
From online research, hopefully correct: [corrections and additions welcome!]
George Webster Cushman was born 9 March 1838 at Winslow, Maine, the son of Charles and Jane (Hayden) Cushman. From what I could tell, George's paternal grandparents were Joshua and Lucy (Jones) Cushman, and his maternal grandparents were Charles and Mary Polly (Howard) Hayden.
As another of the letters implies, George married Lucy Jane Ireland on 5 June 1869 in Somerset County, Maine, presumably at Skowhegan or in that area.
Lucy Jane Ireland was born 27 April 1840 at Chester, Maine, the daughter of Eleazer Colburn Ireland and Rhoda B. (possibly Wyman) Ireland. The family subsequently moved to the Skowhegan area where presumably George and Lucy would eventually meet.
The couple had at least two children, sons Alvin W. Cushman and Robert Hayden Cushman.
Interestingly, Alvin was living at Canon City, Colorado at the time of the 1900 Census. His maternal grandparents, Eleazer Coburn Ireland and wife Rhoda and at least two of their sons had moved from Skowhegan to Canon City at some point after the 1880 Census. Eleazer Coburn Ireland and Rhoda died in Fremont County, Colorado in the 1890s.
The 1910 Census of Bingham Canyon, Utah, finds Charles with wife Katie and a son and a daughter, the older of whom, Richard, has the surname Hodgins; he may have been Katie's child from a previous marriage. Katie was Catherine Farrell, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland about 1877. Charles and Katie moved back to Winslow, Maine, not long after that Census enumeration; they would have one more child, a son George.
Joseph Hodgins apparently took Charles' surname at some point; he stayed in Utah and died there in 1970.
The other son of George Webster Cushman and Lucy Jane (Ireland) Cushman, Robert Hayden Cushman married Marie Josephine Fecteau, daughter of Philmon and Amanda (Grenier) Fecteau. Marie Josephine was born at Beauceville, Quebec about 1896. They had at least one child, a daughter Ruth Gertrude Cushman.
I found an online source detailing the Skowhegan area people and families who left Skowhegan for other areas. Lucy's father and two of her brothers are mentioned: Coburn, Alvin (for whom her son was named) and Charles. Brother Prentice also went west but is not mentioned.
A Colorado Ireland relative has graciously forwarded the image of a clipping that indicated that Lucy Jane (Ireland) Cushman had visited her brothers in Ula, Colorado in 1886.
She also provided images of tintypes of Lucy's brothers Prentice Floyd Ireland and Charles Judson Ireland.
Prentice Floyd Ireland was born about 1845 in Maine, and married Mary Frances Presho, daughter of William and Mary (Collins) Presho, in Lancaster County, Nebraska, on 21 September 1877.
Prentice Floyd Ireland
I believe Prentice and Mary Frances had three children; son Rupert died at about age eleven and another daughter may have died in infancy. Daughter Pearl Queen Ireland, born 23 October 1880 in McGregor, Iowa, survived to adulthood. Pearl's own writings give her birth date as 27 October 1880.
Prentice died about 1888 in Colorado, possibly in the Wet Mountain area. His modern day family members have searched in vain for his resting place.
Charles Judson Ireland
Charles Judson Ireland was born about 1851 at Skowhegan, Maine and went west to Colorado with his brothers. While there, he married Hattie, with whom he had three children: David Elton Ireland, born 1 September 1881 in Colorado; Lucy Ireland and Bessie Ireland.
Charles was single and working as a ranchman in the 1880 Census of Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, so his marriage to Hattie, who was born in Nebraska, according to Census records, must have occurred very soon after that enumeration.
Hattie had apparently died or moved away before the time of the enumeration of the 1900 Census of Fort Garland, Colorado, where Charles was living with his three children. I haven't been able to find anything about her, other than from the 1885 Colorado Census in which she indicated that she was born about 1865 in Michigan and that her father was from England and her mother from Wales.
On 8 December 1909 at Winslow, Maine, Charles married Alice Belle Files, daughter of George W. Files and Helen (Smiley) Files. Alice was born about 1860 at Wales, Maine. According to their marriage record, Charles was then living in New Mexico and working as a lumber dealer.
If you have corrections or additions to the information above, please leave a comment or contact me directly. Thanks!
Interestingly, Alvin was living at Canon City, Colorado at the time of the 1900 Census. His maternal grandparents, Eleazer Coburn Ireland and wife Rhoda and at least two of their sons had moved from Skowhegan to Canon City at some point after the 1880 Census. Eleazer Coburn Ireland and Rhoda died in Fremont County, Colorado in the 1890s.
The 1910 Census of Bingham Canyon, Utah, finds Charles with wife Katie and a son and a daughter, the older of whom, Richard, has the surname Hodgins; he may have been Katie's child from a previous marriage. Katie was Catherine Farrell, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland about 1877. Charles and Katie moved back to Winslow, Maine, not long after that Census enumeration; they would have one more child, a son George.
Joseph Hodgins apparently took Charles' surname at some point; he stayed in Utah and died there in 1970.
The other son of George Webster Cushman and Lucy Jane (Ireland) Cushman, Robert Hayden Cushman married Marie Josephine Fecteau, daughter of Philmon and Amanda (Grenier) Fecteau. Marie Josephine was born at Beauceville, Quebec about 1896. They had at least one child, a daughter Ruth Gertrude Cushman.
I found an online source detailing the Skowhegan area people and families who left Skowhegan for other areas. Lucy's father and two of her brothers are mentioned: Coburn, Alvin (for whom her son was named) and Charles. Brother Prentice also went west but is not mentioned.
A Colorado Ireland relative has graciously forwarded the image of a clipping that indicated that Lucy Jane (Ireland) Cushman had visited her brothers in Ula, Colorado in 1886.
She also provided images of tintypes of Lucy's brothers Prentice Floyd Ireland and Charles Judson Ireland.
Prentice Floyd Ireland was born about 1845 in Maine, and married Mary Frances Presho, daughter of William and Mary (Collins) Presho, in Lancaster County, Nebraska, on 21 September 1877.
Prentice Floyd Ireland
I believe Prentice and Mary Frances had three children; son Rupert died at about age eleven and another daughter may have died in infancy. Daughter Pearl Queen Ireland, born 23 October 1880 in McGregor, Iowa, survived to adulthood. Pearl's own writings give her birth date as 27 October 1880.
Prentice died about 1888 in Colorado, possibly in the Wet Mountain area. His modern day family members have searched in vain for his resting place.
Charles Judson Ireland
Charles Judson Ireland was born about 1851 at Skowhegan, Maine and went west to Colorado with his brothers. While there, he married Hattie, with whom he had three children: David Elton Ireland, born 1 September 1881 in Colorado; Lucy Ireland and Bessie Ireland.
Charles was single and working as a ranchman in the 1880 Census of Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, so his marriage to Hattie, who was born in Nebraska, according to Census records, must have occurred very soon after that enumeration.
Hattie had apparently died or moved away before the time of the enumeration of the 1900 Census of Fort Garland, Colorado, where Charles was living with his three children. I haven't been able to find anything about her, other than from the 1885 Colorado Census in which she indicated that she was born about 1865 in Michigan and that her father was from England and her mother from Wales.
On 8 December 1909 at Winslow, Maine, Charles married Alice Belle Files, daughter of George W. Files and Helen (Smiley) Files. Alice was born about 1860 at Wales, Maine. According to their marriage record, Charles was then living in New Mexico and working as a lumber dealer.
If you have corrections or additions to the information above, please leave a comment or contact me directly. Thanks!
1868 Letter from George Webster Cushman at Skowhegan, Maine, to his parents at Winslow, Maine
This letter came to me with two others that George wrote to his parents: [click on the date] and a letter from James Walker Austin to his cousin George
- 13 May 1867 - a letter which details George's loneliness at leaving home and recounts a fire at a skate factory in which several women were burned, including one fatally.
- 11 June 1869 - a letter informing his parents that he has just married and that he and his bride will be visiting soon with a private team.
- September 21, 1869 - letter from James Walker Austin of Roxbury, Massachusetts, to his cousin George
Skowhegan, Feb. 23rd 1868
Kind Parents,
Your kind missive was duly received and read with much pleasure. I can assure you it is with pleasure that I seat myself to pen an answer. I am still in the enjoyment of health, one of the richest of blessings which can be given to man. I was sorry to learn of your illness and wished that I could have rendered you that assistance which you ought to have had, not only then but through the downhill journey of life. I would have been glad to have been your staff and stay in your declining years. It would have been my highest pleasure to have thus made your pathway one of unmingled pleasure and happiness, but such was not in the course of human events to be mine. The reason has been so often a subject of discussion when we have met, not to be fully understood. It has been a source of much unhappiness and has caused me many moments of bitterness. I have spent hours of calm reflection upon the past but I have yet to be convinced that I am in the wrong. We are all liable to err. I wish to cast no reflection upon anyone. I try to look upon it as all for the best. We have had a very long cold winter thus far and the scarcity of water here is full as great as with you. There is much complaint in that respect. Wells and springs that never failed before are now dry. The river is very low. We cannot get power enough to carry the machinery to its utmost capacity. It has put us back a great deal. You seem to wonder that I stay away from home so long. It is not because I do not want to come but you well know that I am dependent upon my labors for my livelihood and therefore I am not my own master but subject to another, but labor, honest labor, is beneath no man’s dignity, although he toils for another. I am still hopeful and trust that better days are before me. The bright star of hope never looked better to me than now. The past few months have been very busy owing to the low state of the water. I could not get much ahead on my part so this must be my reason and excuse for non appearance at home. I hope that I may have a chance before long to make you a visit. Mrs. Drummond’s death must indeed be a sad stroke to her family although the summons came sudden to her yet I trust it found her as it does all true Christians with her lamp trimmed and burning. The ways of providence are indeed mysterious but I doubt not they are all for the best. Doubtless you have seen the account of the fire we had here on the First. It broke out at half past 11 o’clock in the night in a large 3 story wooden building which used to be the excelsior factory, and thence communicated to the machine shop, another large 3 story wooden building. Our shop stood within 20 feet of this last building and had I not persevered and stuck right to our shop it would no doubt shared the same fate with the rest.
I got somewhat schorched myself pretty well but I saved the shop. I was some lame the next day but soon got over it. The buildings and machinery burnt was estimated at $30,000, enough to make one man rich. It also burnt up one half of the toll bridge so that all have to cross on the ice. I hope you will excuse this poor apology for a letter. Remember me in kindness to all inquiring friends. I got the mittens & stockings. I told Edward to tell you. Wishing you all the best of heaven’s blessings, I remain
Your Son
G. W. Cushman
From online research, hopefully correct: [corrections and additions welcome!]
George Webster Cushman was born 9 March 1838 at Winslow, Maine, the son of Charles and Jane (Hayden) Cushman. From what I could tell, George's paternal grandparents were Joshua and Lucy (Jones) Cushman, and his maternal grandparents were Charles and Mary Polly (Howard) Hayden.
As another of the letters implies, George married Lucy Jane Ireland on 5 June 1869 in Somerset County, Maine, presumably at Skowhegan or in that area. Lucy Jane Ireland was born 27 April 1840 at Chester, Maine, the daughter of Eleazer Colburn Ireland and Rhoda B. (possibly Wyman) Ireland. The family subsequently moved to the Skowhegan area where presumably George and Lucy would eventually meet.
The couple had at least two children, sons Alvin W. Cushman and Robert Hayden Cushman.
Interestingly, Alvin was living at Canon City, Colorado at the time of the 1900 Census. His maternal grandparents, Eleazer Coburn Ireland and wife Rhoda and at least two of their sons had moved from Skowhegan to Canon City at some point after the 1880 Census. Eleazer Coburn Ireland and Rhoda died in Fremont County, Colorado in the 1890s.
The 1910 Census of Bingham Canyon, Utah, finds Charles with wife Katie and a son and a daughter, the older of whom, Richard, has the surname Hodgins; he may have been Katie's child from a previous marriage. Katie was Catherine Farrell, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland about 1877. Charles and Katie moved back to Winslow, Maine, not long after that Census enumeration; they would have one more child, a son George.
Joseph Hodgins apparently took Charles' surname at some point; he stayed in Utah and died there in 1970.
If you have corrections or additions to the information above, please leave a comment or contact me directly. Thanks!Interestingly, Alvin was living at Canon City, Colorado at the time of the 1900 Census. His maternal grandparents, Eleazer Coburn Ireland and wife Rhoda and at least two of their sons had moved from Skowhegan to Canon City at some point after the 1880 Census. Eleazer Coburn Ireland and Rhoda died in Fremont County, Colorado in the 1890s.
The 1910 Census of Bingham Canyon, Utah, finds Charles with wife Katie and a son and a daughter, the older of whom, Richard, has the surname Hodgins; he may have been Katie's child from a previous marriage. Katie was Catherine Farrell, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland about 1877. Charles and Katie moved back to Winslow, Maine, not long after that Census enumeration; they would have one more child, a son George.
Joseph Hodgins apparently took Charles' surname at some point; he stayed in Utah and died there in 1970.
The other son of George Webster Cushman and Lucy Jane (Ireland) Cushman, Robert Hayden Cushman married Marie Josephine Fecteau, daughter of Philmon and Amanda (Grenier) Fecteau. Marie Josephine was born at Beauceville, Quebec about 1896. They had at least one child, a daughter Ruth Gertrude Cushman.
A Colorado Ireland relative has graciously forwarded the image of a clipping that indicated that Lucy Jane (Ireland) Cushman had visited her brothers in Ula, Colorado in 1886.
I found an online source detailing the Skowhegan area people and families who left Skowhegan for other areas. Lucy's father and two of her brothers are mentioned: Coburn, Alvin (for whom her son was named) and Charles. Brother Prentice also went west but is not mentioned.
She also provided images of tintypes of Lucy's brothers Prentice Floyd Ireland and Charles Judson Ireland.
Prentice Floyd Ireland was born about 1845 in Maine, and married Mary Frances Presho, daughter of William and Mary (Collins) Presho, in Lancaster County, Nebraska, on 21 September 1877.
I believe Prentice and Mary Frances had three children; son Rupert died at about age eleven and another daughter may have died in infancy. Daughter Pearl Queen Ireland, born 23 October 1880 in McGregor, Iowa, survived to adulthood. Her own writings give her birth date as 27 October 1880.
Prentice died about 1888 in Colorado, possibly in the Wet Mountain area. His modern day family members have searched in vain for his resting place.
Charles Judson Ireland was born about 1851 at Skowhegan, Maine and went west to Colorado with his brothers. While there, he married Hattie, with whom he had three children: David Elton Ireland, born 1 September 1881 in Colorado; Lucy Ireland and Bessie Ireland.
Charles was single and working as a ranchman in the 1880 Census of Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, so his marriage to Hattie, who was born in Nebraska, according to Census records, must have occurred very soon after that enumeration.
Hattie had apparently died or moved away before the time of the enumeration of the 1900 Census of Fort Garland, Colorado, where Charles was living with his three children. I haven't been able to find anything about her, other than from the 1885 Colorado Census in which she indicated that she was born about 1865 in Michigan and that her father was from England and her mother from Wales.
On 8 December 1909 at Winslow, Maine, Charles married Alice Belle Files, daughter of George W. Files and Helen (Smiley) Files. Alice was born about 1860 at Wales, Maine. According to their marriage record, Charles was then living in New Mexico and working as a lumber dealer.
Prentice Floyd Ireland was born about 1845 in Maine, and married Mary Frances Presho, daughter of William and Mary (Collins) Presho, in Lancaster County, Nebraska, on 21 September 1877.
Prentice Floyd Ireland
Prentice died about 1888 in Colorado, possibly in the Wet Mountain area. His modern day family members have searched in vain for his resting place.
Charles Judson Ireland
Charles Judson Ireland was born about 1851 at Skowhegan, Maine and went west to Colorado with his brothers. While there, he married Hattie, with whom he had three children: David Elton Ireland, born 1 September 1881 in Colorado; Lucy Ireland and Bessie Ireland.
Charles was single and working as a ranchman in the 1880 Census of Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, so his marriage to Hattie, who was born in Nebraska, according to Census records, must have occurred very soon after that enumeration.
Hattie had apparently died or moved away before the time of the enumeration of the 1900 Census of Fort Garland, Colorado, where Charles was living with his three children. I haven't been able to find anything about her, other than from the 1885 Colorado Census in which she indicated that she was born about 1865 in Michigan and that her father was from England and her mother from Wales.
On 8 December 1909 at Winslow, Maine, Charles married Alice Belle Files, daughter of George W. Files and Helen (Smiley) Files. Alice was born about 1860 at Wales, Maine. According to their marriage record, Charles was then living in New Mexico and working as a lumber dealer.
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