Patrick Burneson

Song sheet photograph of Madge Evans (1909-1981) - American Actress was born as "Margherita Harrison Evans" on 1 July 1909 in Manhattan, New York to parents Arthur John Evans (1874-) and Maud Mary Harrison (1878-). Madge Evans began her career as an infant model and a popular child actress. By the age of ten she had appeared in about thirty films and was identified as the most photographed child of her time. She was pictured on Fairy soap advertisements and song sheets as well as having her own brand of girl's hats. She also appeared on Broadway with John Barrymore in the 1917 production of "Peter Ibbetson".

While working on stage in 1927 she was signed by MGM Studios. As an adult performer she went on to make more than seventy two films and numerous stage appearances. In adult roles, by her own admission, she was usually typecast as the "ingenue". In 1939 she married playwright, Sidney Kingsley (born Sidney Kirschner) (1906-1995) in York Village, Maine. After her marriage she retired from the film business, but made a few radio and television appearances in the 1950's. She died on 26 April 1981 in Oakland, New Jersey aged 71.

additional information:

The Dramatists Guild Fund in conjunction with the Kingsley Estate administrate the "Madge Evans and Sidney Kingsley Award for Excellence in Theater". This annual award goes to a playwright and an actor for their body of work.

I've "rescued" an old photograph of Opyl BLESSING which was taken at the Bryant's Studio in Indianapolis, IN in the early 1900's. Opyl appears to be less than one year old at the time. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding Opyl and her family:

OPYL BLESSING was b. 24 Feb 1903 in Marion, IN to parents William A. BLESSING (1869-1927) and Mary Grace STOUT (1876-1924). Opyl had one sister, Phyllis BLESSING (1905-1974). Opyl married Walter Edgel KIMSEY (1901-1988) and together they had four children including, Edgel D.; David Leon; Mary Ellen; and Esther A. KIMSEY, all born between 1923 and 1933. Opyl died 19 Apr 1978 in Pueblo, CO and is buried in the Imperial Memorial Gardens in Pueblo, CO. Her daughter Mary Ellen KIMSEY (1928-2016) is also buried in the same cemetery. It appears that Opyl may have been married more than once.

Census records provide the following details:

1910 census of Indianapolis, IN:

William BLESSING, age 40, married 9 years, born IN, parents born VA/KY, a School Teacher
M. Grace BLESSING, wife, age 32, married 9 years, 2 children/2 living, born IN, parents born IN
Opal BLESSING, dau, age 7, born IN
Phyllis BLESSING, dau, age 5, born IN

1920 census of Wayne, IN:

William A. BLESSING, age 50, born IN, parents born VA/KY, a Grade School Teacher
Grace BLESSING, wife, age 43, born IN, parents born IN
Opyl BLESSING, dau, age 16, born IN
Phyllis BLESSING, dau, age 15, born IN

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

Thanks,
Shelley

A photo of Florence Annette Smithson (1882-1936) - British Soprano and Stage Actress - "The Welsh Nightingale" was born on 13 March 1882 in Leicester, Leicestershire to parents theatrical manager, William Smithson (1859-1927) (formerly Smith) and Laura Mary Courts (1865-1947). She was raised mostly in Wales where her father owned and managed the "New Theatre Royal and Opera House" in Merthyr Tydfil which opened in 1893.

After attending The London College of Music, Florence was performing with a small opera company in "La Fille Du Regiment" when she was spotted by impresario, Robert Courtneidge (1859-1939). She toured with his company as "Nanoya" in "The Cingalee" and made her London debut in 1905 at The Lyric Theatre as "Chandra Nil" in "Blue Moon". In what is regarded as the highlight of her celebrated career she appeared as "Sombra" in "The Arcadians" which ran for a remarkable 809 performances. Twice touring in Australia (1914 and 1923) she also visited South Africa in 1926. She formed her own theatre company in 1928 in a production called, "Evening Stars" and last appeared on stage in 1932.

Florence first married George William Robinson in 1901. They had one son William Robinson born in 1903. She then married comedic actor, Alfred Herbert Taylor aka Dan Rolyat (1879 – 1927) in 1904. They had one daughter Florence Lilian Rolyat born in 1907. Florence Smithson died following an operation on 11 February 1936 in Cardiff, Wales aged 53.

additional information

Thanks to enthusiasts, a number of Florence Smithson recordings can still be found on the internet including; The Waltz from Tom Jones, Temple Bell, Sings My Samisen and others.

Snow on High Street in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio in 1938 on the east side of Hamilton. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument can be seen in the background. On the other side of the monument is the Great Miami River and the west side of Hamilton. The man in the photograph has not been identified. He is walking in front of the courthouse.

A photo of a dog show in 1920; Franklin D. Roosevelt & his eldest - daughter, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt.