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Massey Family photo collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 071

Scope and Contents

Copy negatives are available for several of the photos.

Dates

  • 1900-1910

Biographical / Historical

Bits and pieces of information exist on the back of the photographs, allowing for the construction of some basic family genealogy. However, some of this information may include misidentifications.

Charles Massey married Sarah Nowqueskwa Massey and they had a son Francis. Francis is seen in various images cutting timber, at a grocery store in Burt and in various other activities. Charles' parents were Joseph Massey and Mary Mosier Massey, who migrated from Canada. Charles is shown in one photo with a group of Cheboygan Co. Supervisors, Oct. 1910.

Some images show Charles and Sara with Henry Massey, not Francis. Joseph and Mary Massey are given as grandparents of Henry, but not Francis. One family photo lists Esther Martell Massey, Margaret Massey later Swartout (daughter of Henry and Esther), Henry J. Massey (son), Charles Massey, Francis Massey (son), Sarah Nawqueskwa Massey wife of Charles. A family group photo shows Henry and Esther with their daughters Margaret and Anna. Joe Massey, son of Henry is shown as a boy with friends. Charlie and Jerry Massey are shown in uniform at St. Ignace, Mi.

Another family photo shows Louis Massey, older brother of Henry (is that 3 sons for Charles?), with Mary Massey, and their children Walter, Lucy, Lena and Leona. Catherine Martell Neshaw, sister of Esther Martell Massey, is shown with Jerry Neshaw (husband?). Cecilia and Ruben Martell, niece and nephew of Esther Martell Massey are shown as children. Mary Moses, Jane Martell and Elizabeth Martell are shown with an unidentified woman. Jerry Martell is shown with a friend and Abe Martell is shown with Robert Coby.

Two different photos of the Louis Moses (Native American) family are shown, also Zach Moses as a child. Eva Leo, daughter of Catherine and Jerry Neshaw is show alone, but in another photo with Helen (?). Sam Leo is shown with a friend.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (One box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The small Massey Family photo collection contains black and white copy photographs of primarily African American and Native American families from the Burt Lake, Michigan area. The images depict various family members and activities from circa 1900.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Margaret Swarthout, January 21, 1986; accession number 1986.045

Related Materials

See also the African American Clipping Index and file.

See also Collection 249.

Title
Finding aid for the Massey Family photo collection
Status
Completed
Date
May 1988
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository

Contact:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497