Going through the stacks of documents I received from my parents house, I found my great grandfather's obituary. He died on October 3rd, 1934. Here is a transcription:
Housatonic
M.L. SMITH, 78, DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS
Native of Tyingham Had Lived in Housatonic for 31 Years
HOUSATONIC, Oct 4.-- Merrick L. SMith, 78, well known papermaker, died at the House of Mercy Hospital in Pittsfield yesterday afternoon after a long illness. Born in Tyringham June 6, 1856, son of Edward and Lydia Kilbourne Smith he had resided in this town 31 years.
The funeral will be held tommorrw afternoon at 2 P.M., in ht Methodist Church with the Rev. Purdy Halstead, assisted by Rev. Edward G. Wahl of Goshen, former pastor here, officiating. Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery, Lee.
Mr. Smith followed the papermaking trade all his life until he retired from active work bout two years ago. He worked at his trade in West Springfield, Lee, and came to Rising Paper Company formally known as the B.D. Rising Company soon after the firm started business in Risingdale. He was for years foreman of the finishing department and was known far and wide for his knowledge of finishing paper products.
While in the employ of the old Rising concern, working for his employer ad those who labored under his orders, he invented a lift which relieved those handling paper rolls of considerable weight. This type of lift, with added features, continues to be used in many paper plants.
Mr. Smith was also engaged in the grocery business with his brother Grove, under the firm name of M.L. Smith & Co. in Risingdale for years, until the business was purchased by Watson Brothers. With Mrs. Smith he conducted the Rising Boarding House. He was also interested in clubs and aided in the organization and served as head of both the old Risingdale Men's and Boy's Clubs. in addition to considerable work in the interest of the Y.M.C.A. when the unit was actively at work in Southern Berkshire.
Active in Church
He was an active member of the Housatonic Methodist Episcopal Church and hled various offices in the church. He helped organize and serve as the first president of the present Methodist Men's Club and through this organization brought back the popular pastime of barnyard golf into this section. After his retirement he built two ranges for this game at his property in Risingdale and opened it for the use of the public. He was also a member of the Cinsinnatus Lodge of Masons.
Last fall Mr. and Mrs. Smith went to Northampton to spend the winter with relatives and while there Mr. Smith suffered a shock. He underwent two operations and recovered sufficiently to return to his Risingdale home early in the spring. He got around the home in a wheel chair. Another operation was deemed necessary more then a week ago. He was taken to the House of Mercy Hospital in Pittsfield and the operation was performed on Friday after which his condition was serious and death came about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Besides his wife, Mr. Smith leaves two daughters, Mrs. Florence Wright, wife of David Wright, the well known athletic director at Northampton High School, and Mrs. Estelle Bradbury, wife of Henry V. Bradbury of Dalton; a sister, Mrs. Lucy Strong of Boston.
Showing posts with label Great Barrington MA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Great Barrington MA. Show all posts
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Elizabeth Vandervere Bradbury(1922-1991), my first cousin, once removed
Elizabeth Vandervere Bradbury(1922-1991)
- Born: December 3rd, 1922 in Great Barrington, MA to Henry Vandermeer Bradbury and Estella L. Smith
- Married Frank Hopkins Cande(1921-2007) in 1944
- Died: June 2nd, 1991 in Bangor, ME
I don't have much info on Elizabeth. Some of the information points to her having two children, but I have not come across any names yet.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Allen Rossman Bradbury(1919-1966), my first cousin, once removed
Allen Rossman Bradbury(1919-1966)
- Born: September 25th, 1919 in Great Barrington, MA to Henry Vanderveer Bradbury and Estella L. Smith
- Married to Phyllis Esther Corey(1924-2012) on May 13th, 1944
- Died: September 12th, 2007 in Dalton, MA
Allen Rossman Bradbury enlisted as a private in the Army on March 25th, 1943 in Springfield, MA. At the time he was working in a machine shop. He was about 5'2" in height and 116 lbs.
He married Phyllis Esther Corey during the war and died in Dalton, MA on September 12th, 2007. They had a son, and three daughters It would be fun to research his life, but I wont be getting to it soon.
You can read a biography at find a grave.
You can read a biography at find a grave.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Estella L. Smith(1886-1955), my Great Aunt
Estella L. Smith(1886-1955)
- Born: August 15th, 1886 in Lee, MA to Merrick Luther Smith and Catherine Ellen McCann
- Married Henry Vanderveer Bradbury(1886-1966) on June 1st, 1918 possibly in Great Barrington, MA
- Death: December 24th, 1955 in Pittsfield, MA
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| Wedding of Estella Smith and Henry Bradbury. |
Estella was my Great Aunt. She lived with her parents until her marriage to Henry Vanderveer Bradbury on June 1st, 1918. The 1920 U.S. Census shows her living with her husband on Park Street in Great Barrington, MA. Her parents lived next door and her husband worked as a foreman in the paper mill. By 1930, the family had moved to 91 Ashvelot St., Dalton, MA where Henry worked as a generator operator for General Electric.
She died in Pittsfield, MA on December 24th, 1955.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Catherine Ellen McCann (1861-1937) S3
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| Catherine Ellen McCann |
Birth: June 3rd, 1861 in Lee, MA.
Father: John McCann (1831-1910) S6
Mother: Mary Clasby (1834-1880?) S7
Married: Merrick Luther Smith (1856-1934) S2 on October 18th, 1883 in Lee, MA
Children:
Estella L. Smith (1886-1955)
Female Child Smith (1889-1889)
Florence Edna Smith (1892-1937) S1
Death: November 30th, 1937, Northampton, MA
1861-1880
Catherine Ellen McCann was born to John McCann and Mary Clasby in Lee, MA. I have gotten a hold of her birth certificate, but need to scan it, so will post it another day. We believe that she was the third of four children but have some conflicting information. He little sister Lizzie Ann was born sometime in 1862 and her father, John, Enlisted in the northern army on July 17th, 1862.
Catherine and the other children drop out of the records after John enlists. The only sign of any of the family is Mary Clasby living alone in the 1865 Massachusetts census. The family legend says that some of the children where adopted out to some of John's sibling and Catherine was bound out to a cook. Given that she was three or four when this occurred, It is likely that she wouldn't even remember her parents.
Catherine does not show up again until the 1880 census under the nickname of Kate McCann. She is living in Lee, MA as a boarder with a family consisting of Edward Dowd, Laura Down and their two children. She is listed as working in a paper mill. This is likely how she met her future husband. As a interesting note, her mother is listed as being from Ireland. Some of the other census records say that she was from Massachusetts.
1881-1900
On October 18th, 1883 she married Merrick Luther Smith in Lee, MA. The marriage was conducted by Reverend D. McCartney, pastor of the Methodist Church. Merrick is listed as being a mill operator, likely at a paper mill. Their first child, Estella L. Smith was born in Lee, MA on August 15th, 1886. By 1889, the family had moved to West Springfield, MA and are living at 73 Front Street, in the Mitteneague neighborhood.
On June 23rd, 1889, they lost a baby daughter in childbirth. Their last daughter, Florence Edna Smith, was born in West Springfield on March 19th, 1892. The 1900 U.S. Census and the 1900 City Index shows that family still living at the 73rd Front Street address. The census states that By 1901, they had moved to Housatonic village of Great Barrington, MA.
The 1910 U.S. Census shows the family renting a house on Park Street with a lodger, Margaret Scenlon. The 1920 U.S. Census shows them still living on Park Street.
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| Merrick Luther Smith and Catherine Ellen McCann and eight grand children |
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| 306 Maple Street house |
By 1926, Catherine and Merrick had moved to a house on Maple Street. The 1930 U.S. Census shows Merrick owning a house at 306 Maple Street, Housantonic, MA. Merrick passed away on October 3rd, 1934 in Pittsfield, MA.
Catherine moved in with her daughter, Florence Edna Smith at the 67 West Street house in Northampton, MA. She lived there until her death on November 30th, 1937. She is buried with her husband in Fairmont Cemetery, Lee, MA.
So, what happened to Catherine and her siblings during the lost years? I'll try and figure some off it out as I work through her parent's lives, but may never be able to answer that question.
- 1880 United States Federal Census, Year: 1880; Census Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 521; Family History Film: 1254521; Page: 215D; Enumeration District: 051; Image: 0432
- 1900 United States Federal Census, Year: 1900; Census Place: West Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts; Roll: 653; Page: 24B; Enumeration District: 0612; FHL microfilm: 1240653
- 1910 United States Federal Census, Year: 1910; Census Place: Great Barrington, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_572; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0036; FHL microfilm: 1374585
- 1920 United States Federal Census, Year: 1920; Census Place: Great Barrington, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_679; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 18; Image: 1130
- 1930 United States Federal Census, Year: 1930; Census Place: Great Barrington, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 884; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 0016; Image: 133.0; FHL microfilm: 2340619
- Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988, Year 1861, Volume 141
- Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915, Merrick Smith and Kate McCann, October 18th, 1883
- Massachusetts, Death Index, 1901-1980, Volume Number 71, Page number 121, Index Volume Number 99, Reference Number F63.M363 v.99 1937 - Northampton - 71 121
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Find a Grave
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Merrick Luther Smith (1856-1934) S2
Though I have a lot of information on my different ancestors, every time I go to put a writeup together I find something new to track down. That why there can be a delay between post. In this post I want to give you some of the information I have on my Great Grandfather Merrick Luther Smith.
Merrick Luther Smith (11856-1934) S2
Birth: June 6th, 1856 in Lee, MA.
Father: Edward B. Smith (1815-1863) S4
Mother: Lydia Edna Kilborne (1814-1898) S5
Married: Catherine Ellen McCann (1861-1955) S3 on October 18th, 1883 in Lee, MA
Children:
Estella L. Smith (1886-1955)
Female Child Smith (1889-1889)
Florence Edna Smith (1892-1937) S1
Death: October 3rd, 1934 in Pittsfield, MA
1856-1880
Merrick Luther Smith was born to Edward B. Smith and Lydia Edna Kilborne on June 6th, 1856 in Lee, MA. He was the 9th of ten children. His father was a paper maker as were many of his siblings. He was living with his parents and his seven surviving siblings in 1860 according to the U.S. census.
His father joined the army during the civil war and died of consumption in Lee, MA on September 3rd, 1863. His oldest brother, Franklin Adelbert Smith also joined up and died in Memphis,TN on July 1st, 1864. He was a Sargent in Company C of the 19th Pennsylvania Calvary. I'll do some research and post about his Civil War experience in another post.
According to the 1865 Massachusetts Census, Merrick was still living with his mother and 6 siblings in Lee, MA. The 1870 U.S. Census shows only four other siblings and his mother living in the house. He is attending school. By 1880, he has left school and is now working with in a paper mill. He is still living with his mother and three of his siblings.
1881-1900
On October 18th, 1883 he married Catherine Ellen McCann (1861-1937) S3 in Lee, MA. She was the daughter of John McCann and Mary Clasby and was born on January 1st, 1861 in Lee, MA. The marriage was conducted by Reverend D. McCartney, pastor of the Methodist Church. Merrick is listed as being a mill operator, likely at a paper mill.
Their first child, Estella L. Smith was born in Lee, MA on August 15th, 1886. Merrick is still listed as a paper maker. By 1889, the family had moved to West Springfield, MA and Merrick is working as a paper maker for the Southworth Co. He continued working there until sometime in 1900. The are living at 73 Front Street, in the Mitteneague neighborhood of West Springfield.
On June 23rd, 1889, they lost a baby daughter in childbirth. Their last daughter, Florence Edna Smith, was born in West Springfield on March 19th, 1892. Merrick's mother passed away on September 10th, 1898 in Lee. His brother, Grove moved in with the family soon after this. Grove seems to have been a grocery store merchant.
The 1900 U.S. Census and the 1900 City Index shows that family still living at the 73rd Front Street address. Merrick is shown to be renting the property, and working as a Calendar Man which is a part of the paper making process. He, and many others, appears to be out of wok because the census lists him as zero months employed. This must have been a very difficult time for the family. By 1901, they had moved to Housatonic village of Great Barrington, MA.
The 1910 U.S. Census shows the family renting a house on Park Street with a lodger, Margaret Scenlon. He is working as a Calendar Man at a paper mill. the 1920 U.S. Census shows him now working as a foreman for the mill. The 1923 city index lets us know the house was near the corner of Mountain and Park and the paper mill was owned by RPCo. I believe that RPCo stands for the Rising Paper Company which ran the mill across the street from where Merrick lived. The mill still stands today and is currently being run by the Hazen Paper Company. Looking at the maps, it is likely that the house still stands as well.
Merrick was initiated into the Cincinnatus Lodge of the Masons in Great Barrington on October 25th, 1912. He passed on November 22nd, 1912, was raised and became a member on January 3rd, 1913.
By 1920, the children had moved out, but Grove was still living with them. Grove passed away on December 19th, 1921. The 1923 City Index shows that Merrick is not only working in the stockroom of the RPCo but also owns Smith M.L. & Co, a grocery and provisions store. The store is being run by H.V. Bradbury, who I believe is Merrick's son-in-law through Estella. I haven't had time to validate this theory yet.
By 1926, Merrick is listed as being an employee in the finishing room at RPCo. He and Catherine had moved to a house on Maple Street. The 1930 U.S. Census shows Merrick owning a house at 306 Maple Street, Housantonic, MA. The house is listed as being worth $5,000. Looking at the ariel photo of the area, I think the house is still there.
Merrick passed away on October 3rd, 1934 in Pittsfield, MA. He is buried next his wife in Fairmont Cemetery, Lee, MA.
Sources:
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| Merrick Luther Smith around 1925 |
Birth: June 6th, 1856 in Lee, MA.
Father: Edward B. Smith (1815-1863) S4
Mother: Lydia Edna Kilborne (1814-1898) S5
Married: Catherine Ellen McCann (1861-1955) S3 on October 18th, 1883 in Lee, MA
Children:
Estella L. Smith (1886-1955)
Female Child Smith (1889-1889)
Florence Edna Smith (1892-1937) S1
Death: October 3rd, 1934 in Pittsfield, MA
1856-1880
Merrick Luther Smith was born to Edward B. Smith and Lydia Edna Kilborne on June 6th, 1856 in Lee, MA. He was the 9th of ten children. His father was a paper maker as were many of his siblings. He was living with his parents and his seven surviving siblings in 1860 according to the U.S. census.
His father joined the army during the civil war and died of consumption in Lee, MA on September 3rd, 1863. His oldest brother, Franklin Adelbert Smith also joined up and died in Memphis,TN on July 1st, 1864. He was a Sargent in Company C of the 19th Pennsylvania Calvary. I'll do some research and post about his Civil War experience in another post.
According to the 1865 Massachusetts Census, Merrick was still living with his mother and 6 siblings in Lee, MA. The 1870 U.S. Census shows only four other siblings and his mother living in the house. He is attending school. By 1880, he has left school and is now working with in a paper mill. He is still living with his mother and three of his siblings.
1881-1900
On October 18th, 1883 he married Catherine Ellen McCann (1861-1937) S3 in Lee, MA. She was the daughter of John McCann and Mary Clasby and was born on January 1st, 1861 in Lee, MA. The marriage was conducted by Reverend D. McCartney, pastor of the Methodist Church. Merrick is listed as being a mill operator, likely at a paper mill.
Their first child, Estella L. Smith was born in Lee, MA on August 15th, 1886. Merrick is still listed as a paper maker. By 1889, the family had moved to West Springfield, MA and Merrick is working as a paper maker for the Southworth Co. He continued working there until sometime in 1900. The are living at 73 Front Street, in the Mitteneague neighborhood of West Springfield.
On June 23rd, 1889, they lost a baby daughter in childbirth. Their last daughter, Florence Edna Smith, was born in West Springfield on March 19th, 1892. Merrick's mother passed away on September 10th, 1898 in Lee. His brother, Grove moved in with the family soon after this. Grove seems to have been a grocery store merchant.
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| Calendar Machine |
The 1910 U.S. Census shows the family renting a house on Park Street with a lodger, Margaret Scenlon. He is working as a Calendar Man at a paper mill. the 1920 U.S. Census shows him now working as a foreman for the mill. The 1923 city index lets us know the house was near the corner of Mountain and Park and the paper mill was owned by RPCo. I believe that RPCo stands for the Rising Paper Company which ran the mill across the street from where Merrick lived. The mill still stands today and is currently being run by the Hazen Paper Company. Looking at the maps, it is likely that the house still stands as well.
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| Rising Paper Company, Housantonic, MA |
Merrick was initiated into the Cincinnatus Lodge of the Masons in Great Barrington on October 25th, 1912. He passed on November 22nd, 1912, was raised and became a member on January 3rd, 1913.
By 1920, the children had moved out, but Grove was still living with them. Grove passed away on December 19th, 1921. The 1923 City Index shows that Merrick is not only working in the stockroom of the RPCo but also owns Smith M.L. & Co, a grocery and provisions store. The store is being run by H.V. Bradbury, who I believe is Merrick's son-in-law through Estella. I haven't had time to validate this theory yet.
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| Merrick Luther Smith and Catherine Ellen McCann and eight grand children |
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| 306 Maple Street house |
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| Merrick Luther Smith |
Merrick passed away on October 3rd, 1934 in Pittsfield, MA. He is buried next his wife in Fairmont Cemetery, Lee, MA.
- 1860 United States Federal Census, Year: 1860; Census Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: M653_487; Page: 716; Image: 717; Family History Library Film: 803487
- Massachusetts, State Census, 1865, Household Number 662, Reel Number 2, Volume Number 3
- 1870 United States Federal Census, Database online. Year: 1870; Census Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: M593_; Page: ; Image: .
- 1880 United States Federal Census, Database online. Year: 1880; Census Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 521; Family History Film: 1254521; Page: 214B; Enumeration District: 051; Image: 0430.
- 1900 United States Federal Census, Year: 1900; Census Place: West Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts; Roll: 653; Page: 24B; Enumeration District: 0612; FHL microfilm: 1240653
- 1910 United States Federal Census, Database online. Year: 1910; Census Place: Great Barrington, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_572; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0036; Image: ; FHL microfilm: 1374585.
- 1920 United States Federal Census, Database online. Year: 1920; Census Place: Great Barrington, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_679; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 18; Image: 1130.
- 1930 United States Federal Census, Database online. Year: 1930; Census Place: Great Barrington, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 884; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 16; Image: 133.0; FHL microfilm: 2340619.
- U.S. City Directories, West Springfield-1889, 1890, 1891, 1900, Springfield, MA-1896, 1897, 1899, 1901, Great Barrington-1923, 1926
- Massachusetts, Birth Records, 1840-1915, Merrick L Smith, June 6th, 1856
- Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915, Merrick Smith and Kate McCann, October 18th, 1883
- Massachusetts, Death Index, 1901-1980, Volume Number 70, Page number 357, Index Volume Number 93, Reference Number F63.M363 v.93 1934 - Pittsfield - 70 357
- Massachusetts, Mason Membership Cards, 1733-1990, Name Merrick Luther Smith, Birth Date 6 Jun 1856, Birth Place Lee, Death Date 3 Oct 1934, Last Residence Place Great Barrington, Lodge Cincinnatus, Occupation Paper Maker
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Find a Grave
Monday, April 18, 2016
Florence Edna Smith (1892-1937)-S1
Now let's talk about my grandmother Wright, Florence Edna Smith. I wish I had more information to pass along, but will include what I have. If anyone has additional information, please pass it along!
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| Florence Edna Smith |
Birth: March 19th, 1892 in Mitteneague, West Springfield, MA
Father: Merrick Luther Smith (1856-1934) (S2)
Mother: Catherine Ellen McCann (1861-1937) (S3)
Married: David Sanders Wright (1887-1967) (S1) on August 16th, 1919 in Great Barrington, MA.
Children:
Living Daughter
David Joy Wright (1922-1991)
Charles Merrick Wright (1924-2008)
Living Son
Living Daughter
Death: November 28th, 1937 in Northampton, MA
1892-1900
Florence Edna Smith was born in Mitteneague, West Springfield, MA on March 19th, 1892 to Merrick Luther Smith and Catherine Ellen McCann. We have one document that lists her birth location as Somerville, MA but that doesn't match with where the family was living at the time. She had an older sister, Estella L. Smith.
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| Florence Edna Smith |
1901-1910
Sometime between 1901 and 1910 the family moved to Great Barrington, MA. The 1910 census
shows them renting on Park Street. Florence's father, mother, sister and uncle are still living with her. The household also has a lodger, Margeret Scanlon, living with them.
1911-1920
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| Florence Edna Smith graduation photo |
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| Mount Holyoke 1915 Yearbook |
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| Mount Holyoke parade, 1914 |
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| Mount Holyoke Graduation-1915 |
After graduation, Florence went back to Great Barrington to teach. This is where she met David Sanders Wright. They were engaged before he shipped off to serve in World War I and married after he returned on August 16th, 1919.By 1920, they had moved to Northampton, MA. According to the 1920 Census they where renting at 101 West Street. They then moved to 67 West Street.
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| Florence Edna Smith with her youngest daughter |
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| Florence Edna Smith and her youngest son |
1931-1937
Florence was very active during the Great Depression. We know she invited people into the house to teach them how to can and encouraged people to grow vegetable gardens. We also know she was the head of the Woman's group at their church.
Unfortunately, her life was cut short. On November 28th, 1937, she passed away from pneumonia leaving her five children to be raised by David Joy Wright and his brother. She is buried at Bridge Street Cemetery in Northampton, MA.
Sources:
- 1900 Untied States Federal Census: Year: 1900; Census Place: West Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts; Roll: 653; Page: 24B; Enumeration District: 0612; FHL microfilm: 1240653
- 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Great Barrington, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_572; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0036; FHL microfilm: 1374585
- 1920 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1920; Census Place: Northampton Ward 2, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_705; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 165; Image: 646.
- 1930 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1930; Census Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 912; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 27; Image: 638.0; FHL microfilm: 2340647.
- Massachusetts, Death Index, 1901-1980: Vol 71, Page 117, Index Volume Number 99, Ref Number Massachusetts, Death Index, 1901-1980
- Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988:
- Mount Holyoke College 1913 and 1915 Yearbooks
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