William W. Calkins

I've "rescued" an old photograph of William W. CALKINS which appears to have been taken in the 1870's. William appears to be in his teens or 20's at the time it was taken. An obituary is attached on the back which indicates that William died 26 Oct 1884 of consumption at the age of 32. Based on limited research I was able to locate the following information regarding William and his family:

William W. CALKINS was b. abt 1852 in Illinois the son of Isaac Gurnsey CALKINS (1825-1902) and Ann Martin BRIGGS (b. 1827). William was one of 4 children born to this couple including, William W.; Elmina G. “Minnie”; Mattie; and Norman CALKINS, all born between 1852 and 1871. William was the first telegraph operator in Idaho. William was married to Jane W. “Jennie” ALLINGTON (1861-1935) and had a son, Gurnsey Allington CALKINS (1884-1950). William died 26 Oct 1884 in Boise, ID and is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery in Boise. After his death his son Gurnsey was adopted by his step-father Daniel FRENCH. Gurnsey died in 1950 and is also buried in the same cemetery as his father William.

Census records provide the following details:

1860 census of Western, IL:

Isaac G. CALKINS, age 35, a Farmer
Anna CALKINS, wife, age 33
William CALKINS, age 8
A. CALKINS, age 6
Charles CALKINS, age 7 months
Mary GORDIN, age 18

1870 census of Chicago, IL:

Isaac G. CALKINS, age 44, an Agent, born NY
Anna M. CALKINS, age 43, Keeping House, born ME
William CALKINS, age 18, a Telegraph Operator, born IL
Minnie CALKINS, age 16, at School, born IL
Mattie CALKINS, age 2, at Home, born IL

1880 census of Boise City, ID:

William CALKINS, age 28, a Merchant, born IL, parents born NY/MA

I am hoping to locate someone from William’s family so that this wonderful old photograph can be returned to the care of his family. If you are a member of his family or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley