Hattie Waterman and daughter, Nettie Waterman, circa 1905 (obverse)

This small portrait photograph was purchased June 29, 2018, from Tinker's Barn Antiques, Sourh Hero, Vermont. The fountain pen writing on the reverse claims them to be "Hattie Waterman and Daughter, Nettie". There is no photographer's name or logo to provide a geographic reference, and of course, no date. There many other confusing annotations on the back written in pencil; mostly numbers. One of the penciled notes is a name and address. "Mrs | |. H Hobbs, Lyme Rd., Lyme Center". Using Lyme, New Hampshire, as a geographic reference, I searched the censuses for Hattie Waterman as I searched the antique shop for a stronger internet connection.

Hattie Waterman, age 39, appeared in the 1900 census with her husband, Ernie, age 47, and daughters, Jessie, age 13, and Nettie, age 4. They were living in the household of Ernie's parents, Daniel and Roxana Waterman, in Thetford, Vermont, 5.6 miles west of Lyme, New Hampshire. Based on this finding, I bought the photograph; hoping I could determine if this was the same Hattie and Nettie.

The 1910 Thetford census showed Erni Waterman as a farm owner. Hattie and Nettie were still with him, but Jessie had moved out.

The 1920 Thetford census had big changes. Erni had remarried and his wife was listed as Ella. His daughters appeared in the household under their married names, Jessie Hobbs, and Nettie Wheelock. Their husbands were not listed with them.

Hattie Amelia Roberts Waterman was born June 22, 1861, the daughter of Thomas F. and Caroline Smith Roberts. On June 28, 1912, the United Opinion newspaper of Bradford, Vermont, ran this item.

Mrs. Erni Waterman celebrated her 51st birthday at E. L. Eastman's the 22d. Her family and several friends and relatives were present. Dinner was served on the lawn. Music etc. helped to make it a pleasant occasion.

Seven months later, February 15, 1913, she died and was interred at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, North Thetford.

Jessie Hobbs also appeared in the 1920 census with her husband Hervey H. Hobbs, and son, in Lyme, New Hampshire. I believe the pencil address on the back of the photo refers to Jessie. The two vertical lines after the word "Mrs." is likely a capital letter "H" without the horizontal crossbar.

Nettie Wheelock was also counted twice in the 1920 Thetford census, appearing with her husband, Marcellus Wheelock and (likely) stepchildren.

Nettie appeared in the 1930 Thetford, Vermont, census with her husband, Marcellus, and three children of her own, Linwood C., age 9, Robert F., age 3, and Evelyn M., age just over one month.

By the 1940 Thetford census, Linwood had left and Nettie had another child, Royal H., age 6, misidentified in the census as a son.

I am seeking descendants.

A high resolution digital copy can be downloaded at this link.

Taken on: July 2, 2018

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Sets appears in: • Rescued photos

Groups appears in: • Vermont People and Places • Old Photos more » • Found Photographs • Genealogy • 100 years old • The Museum of Found Photographs • Old Photographs • Vermont • Found Photos • Photographs with writing on back • Vintage Vermont « less

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