Salisbury High School Graduation June 25 1883

From Ruth Stearns family William Dennett Stearns, son of Joseph Oliver Stearns and Helen “Nell” Dennett from Salisbury High School, June 1883 

Burbank Collection Family Photos and Art Collection Leonard Burbank

A Share from Ruth Stearns Another link to 
Joseph Oliver Stearns and Hellen Louise "Nell" Dennett 

The Stearns genealogy references Oliver Stearns and Dorcas Varnum (parents Charles Oliver Stearns), and their oldest child Anne Dorcas Stearns who married Freeman Huggins of Saco, ME, daughter Frances Anne Huggins, born July 19, 1833, who married Leonard E. Burbank.  He is second cousin of William Dennett Stearns. Helen Louise Dennett Stearns’ parents were John Dennett and Louisa Frost Dennett.   Louisa had a brother, Morrill Frost married Eliza Wadsworth.
John Dennett and Louisa Frost--oldest child was Ann May Dennett who married Elbridge Cushing Sawyer.  They had a child, Ida Sawyer, born around 1861 or so, and they all visit the Dennett’s in the 1880’s per Joseph Oliver Stearns diary entries (since he lives with the Dennett’s) The Swayer's lived in Beverly.  Ida was the only child of six of John and Louisa who survived her parents. 
Worthen Dennett married Lorana Congdon, child Alice Louisa Dennett born in 1868.  Worthen died three years later and Lorana remarried to Charles Kennard and had a son named Charles Kennard.   
Alice Dennett married Milton Kendall, and had five children, including Ada Kendall.  According to Ancestry.com, Ada died in Amesbury in 1965, married to William Grieve Carter. Alice died in Putnam, CT in 1952. Leonard Freeman Burbank was the son of Frances Anne Huggins and Leonard E. Burbank. 
Willie 2nd cousin. Frances was the daughter of Anne Dorcas Stearns Huggins and Freeman Huggins. JOS 1st cousin. Anne was the daughter of Oliver and Dorcas Varnum Stearns…sister of Charles Oliver Stearns.

Frances Ann Huggins Burbank, first cousin of Joseph Oliver Stearns and niece of Charles Oliver Stearns.  

Ada Kendall

                                                                   

Ann May Dennett Sawyer

                                                         

Elbridge Sawyer

                                                                  

Morrill Frost

                                                     

Eliza Wadsworth Frost

                                                             

In October, 1897, Mrs. Eliza W. Frost of Winthrop offered $10,000 toward the erection of a library building, to cost at least $20,000, and to be called the Frost Public Library, in memory of her husband, the late Morrill Frost. Efforts to raise by subscription the amount needed to make the gift available proving unsuccessful, Mrs. Frost's proposition was brought before the town at the annual meeting in March, 1898; the town unanimously voted $10,000 toward the building, and also purchased a lot of land on which to erect the same; ground was broken for this purpose Aug. 29, 1898.

The exterior of the building is classical in design. The base is of Deer Isle granite, the cornices, belts and trimmings of entrances and windows, are of Indiana lime stone. The outside walls are of gray speckled bricks laid in light mortar. The roof is slated with Vermont green slate, with copper gutters and trimmings. The main building has a frontage on the park of seventy feet and a depth of thirty feet. The stack room extends northerly from the center of the main building forty feet, with a width of twenty-seven and one-half feet. The entrance is into an outer vestibule opening into an inner hall. The vestibules have mosaic floors of special design, marble bases with paneled oak walls. From the vestibule one enters the delivery room, to the right of which is the general reading-room; on the left is a reading-room for children and a room for books of reference. On the same floor are also rooms for the trustees and librarian. The second floor is reached by two stairways from the delivery room. Here are three rooms which will be used for the exhibition of pictures, historical relics and other articles of interest.   From The Free Public Libraries of Massachusetts on 1962 Frost Public Library, Winthrop, Massachusetts  by Mark Jackson Article Telegraph, Nashua, April 14, 1988

During his lifetime, businessman Leonard Burbank surrounded himself with beautiful artwork and after he died he made certain that other Nashuans could do the same.

A living legacy of original artwork available to patrons of the Nashua Public Library will get special recognition this month when the Burbank Collection goes on exhibit at the Library.

Included in the exhibit will be original illustrations from children’s books that will be on permanent display in the Children’s Department.  The remainder of the artworks form part of the library’s circulating art collection.

The Burbank Fund is named for Leonard Freeman Burbank.  At the time of his death in 1932 he left $5000 to a body of associates to invest for 50 years with the stipulation that, at the end of that time, the principal and interest would become a permanent trust fund to purchase “pictures, paintings and works of art of then-living artists, for display in schools, libraries and public buildings, and for public exhibitions in the state.”.

The impact of the Burbank legacy is not to be dismissed lightly.  The businessman and lawyer, who also enjoyed painting landcapes, was closely associated with Nashua nearly all his life.

He was born in Melrose, Mass., on Nov. 11, 1859, to Leonard E. and Frances A Burbank.  The following year, the family moved to Nashua, where Burbank senior manufactured overalls in a factory on Merrimack Street in partnership with Fred Buxton, father of Mrs. Laurence A Barker, one of the original advisory group members.

After graduating from Nashua High School in 1878 and Boston University Law School in 1881, the young Burbank worked briefly as a lawyer in both Nashua and Atlanta, GA.

His tastes, however, were more inclined to the arts.  He had a fundamental, intelligent interest in art in addition to being a painter himself.  Burbank also wrote for newspapers and magazines and is credited with writing the centennial history of the First Unitarian Society in 1926. 

Agnes Barker knew Burbank as a neighbor and as a businessman involved in their father’s overalls business.  She recalls:  “He loved his cup of tea, his paintings, and his garden… He was an artistic gentleman.  I always remember him going off to the country with his easel to paint.”.

Burbank, a lifelong bachelor, traveled considerably, including a trip to Europe in 1893.  Perhaps as a result of that voyage he built an English-style cottage at 7 Columbian Av., complete with elaborate flower garden.

Ever a lover of beauty, Burbank maintained the garden with great care and was not averse to putting his love of nature before his health. After he died, a group called the Burbank Associates, led by Fred D. Cross of the then-Second National Bank of Nashua, oversaw the investment of funds until 1973, when the group was dissolved and the Hillsborough County Superior Court ordered the assets, by then totaling some $25,000, turned over to the Board of Trustees of the Nashua Public Library. As of March 1988, Burbank’s original $5000 had grown to more than $106,000. 

(article continues with info on the trustees, the Burbank Advisory Group, and the art collection).  From the Telegraph Thursday April 14, 1988.

Bossy Gills Tells His Story Newburyport 1928

From The Archives I can email full article pdf if you would like send me an email

William Johnson Colby: A Remarkable Life Remembered

From Wicked Local Newburyport Current Article Book chronicles a 'remarkable' seafaring life by Melissa D Berry
In 1630 the Winthrop Fleet ferried the first Colby to New England shores. His name was Anthony and the ship befittingly was titled the Confidence. Birthed from this one courageous colonial are several descendants anchored in the chronicles of maritime and pioneer antiquity. See The vibrant energy of the Colby family

Captain Mark Colby, a 10th generation descendant of Anthony, recently launched a narration of the life of his grandfather in his book: "A Remarkable Life Remembered."

Mark Colby’s account of William J. Colby’s momentous journey is blended with ancestors oral and written accounts as well as archival records gathered from research and family contributions. The real-life dramas of these brave, undefiled master mates and "indomitable, fierce spirited" matriarchs illustrate colorful, intriguing insights into decades of history from the American Revolution to the Great Depression.

Among William J. Colby’s familial lines noted are Loyalist Dr. Azor Betts and Caleb Haskell Sr., a Patriot of the Revolution who records the events of the Quebec expedition with Benedict Arnold. Caleb Jr., his grandson son married Fanny Matilda Bett’s the daughter of Dr. Azor. 

Mary Amelia Haskell Colby

The reader will step on board the H G Johnson with Captain Isaac N. Colby and Mary Amelia Haskell and the amazing illustrations painted by artist Elizabeth Cushing Colby compliment Mark’s intriguing tales. Other family members will disclose private moments and candid memories promising to engage the reader. Mark notes that despite the heritage it was his father, Robert Colby, an accomplished writer of memoirs that prompted him to pursue this project. Robert, headmaster of the Hinckley School and commander of the Wawenock Power Squadron, instilled the seeds of passion for both history and maritime.

sketch of WJC by sister Elizabeth 1892 aboard ship H G. Johnson

William J. Colby’s bio starts in the Port at the home of his grandfather Caleb Haskell, Jr. where he was born. Within a few years William would be sailing the world with his family and his "diary offers a fascinating insight into the life of a ten year old boy while on a working voyage aboard his father’s merchant vessel."
The middle years are William’s service in the Spanish American War and his vocational pursuits. Although hindered physically from war and economically crippled from the Depression, William will not give power to any menacing albatross. His stamina, like his Colby predecessors can weather storms and ride out turbulent waves.

The later years William spent with his family in Cozy Harbor Maine. Mark presents a beautiful account of the loving family ties and warm friendships fostered in a small community.
It is certain that families around the globe will identify with the intimate details shared in this book. An invitation is extended to the reader to surrender to all the imperfections of the human condition where joy and sorrow coexist; such as child rearing, sending a son to war, spiritual strife, economic hardship, and loss of loved ones.

William J Colby’s life will also bridge locations From Newburyport, Boothbay Harbor, and ports around the world. Area locals around the Merrimac will relish the countless references to familiar names and hot spots.
For example, the H G Johnson was the largest barque ever forged along the banks of the Merrimac and "there was never a mean vessel sent from the seas," winning "high repute around the world." The notable names of Currier, Jackman, Noyes, Lord, Goodwin, and Rolfe had a hand in her wide birth are still echoed among folks today.

Fanny G Bray, like William, was another sea urchin born in the Port. In 1854, she sailed the world with her parents Stephen and Elizabeth and her exotic encounters of far way lands stirred a course for her to remain forever one with the oceanic exploration. Fanny became a life long member of the American Seamen's Friend Society and the Port Bethel Society. These organizations provided humanitarian and spiritual support to local seamen. One of the paramount objectives of the Societies would be the establishment of libraries for ships.

In 1877, Fanny sent a correspondence to Capt. Isaac noting a gift of 75 volumes of books "hoping that some good seed may bear fruit, even in the forecastle" of his journey and wished him a "heart God speed" in his new start.

Another Colby connection with the Bray family is the amazing journal kept by Elizabeth Bray on the sailing adventures aboard the Violant. In November, Custom House Maritime Museum will feature a commissioned musical performance of Elizabeth’s remarkable narrative treasure.

Alex Haley once said: "In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past and a bridge to our future." For the Colby’s, Anthony’s hardy link began the sturdy bridge which Mark Colby has secured for a few more generations. This is why New England families maintain their strong character and continue to record their histories.

William Johnson Colby - David's Island c. 1950s

Purchase a copy of "A Remarkable Life" contact Mark Colby directly at captmarkcolby@gmail.com. Copies are $20 each.

See Also Preserving family history in paperback by
KATRINA CLARK, Staff Reporter Bootbay
More Sources & Links
Anthony Colby Turn the Hearts
Anthony Colby Great Migration Begins
Colby Family Genealogy 
Colby Family Assoc  
Dr. Azor and Gloriana Purdy Betts: Loyalists and Hearty Pioneers
Dr. Azor Betts vs Smallpox and George Washington
History of the Marine society of Newburyport, Massachusetts, from its incorporation in 1772 to the year 1906: together with a complete roster and narrative of important events in the lives of its members.
Newburyport and the Civil War By William Hallett 
Colby descendants make mark as social reformers
Clipper Heritage Trail 

Comfort Bag Letters from Old West Newbury

From Archives Sea Breeze Magazine Volume 13 Would love to identify names of these children in West Newbury MA. Please post your comments or contact me. 
 

 

Newbury's 100th Year Celebration

From Theater Magazine feature article  

 August 24 1919

A Shakespearean intrigue: George Lowther and Eileen Herrick

 December 8,  1939

The Boston Herald November 14 1939 was one of several newspapers to cover this bizarre story. The reports splashed headlines all over the country on the high society families who were at war. George Lowther and Eileen Herrick were modern day Romeo and Juliet...here's the scoop....Shakespearean intrigue:
George boiling in lust, love, and longing for daddy's girl debutante was willing to to go to any measures to gain accesses. Eileen's daddy was not so keen on George so he kept his daughter locked up at home. On a writ of habeas corpus George haled Eileen & father into court (TIME, Nov. 27),  and got legal sanction for his courtship. However daddy Herrick did not concur with judge's decision to free Eileen so he whisked his daughter away which naturally left George frustrated, but delighed Manhattan's millions along with the rest of the country.
The hot determined couple managed to elope, after George stormed her Manhattan manor, but within six years time all the fire burned out and couple split giving the country more drama and a definite tragic ending. 

 Thursday, November 16, 1939
Paper: State Times Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)

Friday, January 5, 1940 Paper: Dallas Morning News (Dallas, TX)

 

September 24, 1946 LA Times