The Damon Family Reunion 1896

Summer of 1896 in Charlotte, Maine, many Damon family members met together for a reunion, seen below and colorized with artificial intelligence.

In the summer of 1896, the Damon family orchestrated a memorable reunion at their time-honored farm nestled within the scenic environs of Charlotte, Maine. The journey to the estate was a delightful procession, with the family members arriving in horse-drawn carriages that meandered through the picturesque countryside. The rhythmic trot of horses against the rustic roads invoked a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of bygone days.

Once assembled at the family farm, the air was charged with an atmosphere of conviviality and shared history. Classic outdoor games such as croquet graced the lawn, eliciting both friendly competition and laughter. The tranquil pond on the property invited members to explore its waters aboard boats, fostering moments of relaxation and connection amidst nature's splendor.

As the sun set, the family congregated beneath the sprawling canopy of an ancient oak tree, the same that had witnessed generations of their kin. Anecdotes about their forebears were recounted, intermingling historical facts with cherished family legends, weaving a tapestry that bound the present to the past.

A sumptuous dinner awaited them, served within a grand tent adorned with a tasteful fusion of Victorian elegance and modern comforts. The meal showcased an amalgamation of timeless Victorian recipes and contemporary culinary delights, symbolizing the harmonious blend of heritage and innovation.

As the evening unfolded, discussions blossomed within the familial circle, spanning a range from thought-provoking philosophical explorations to captivating visions of what lay ahead. The gathering of intellects interwove strands of contemplation regarding the prevalent zeitgeist with reflections on their own time and place. The dialogues seamlessly intermingled reflections on Victorian ideals and aspirations, fusing the spirit of their era with insightful contemplations on their immediate reality.

Under the vast expanse of the night sky, a bonfire was kindled, casting dancing shadows and a warm glow upon the faces of the kinfolk. The crackling flames symbolized not only the endurance of the Damon lineage but also the perpetual renewal of connections that transcended time.

As the reunion concluded, the Damon family departed the farm with hearts enriched by the shared experiences of the weekend. The event had fortified the bonds that tied them to their past while instilling a collective sense of anticipation for the uncharted terrain of the future. In the aftermath of the gathering, the echoes of laughter, conversations, and cherished moments reverberated in the air, etching this reunion into the annals of the family's history.

 

 my great grandparents on my paternal side

Walter Francis Damon was born on February 13, 1920, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada to John Francis (Frank) Damon and Gladys Marie Wanamaker. Walter was the first child of Frank and Gladys and he had seven younger siblings: Florence, Ronald, Dorothy, Hazen, Robert, Ken, and Douglas.

As a young boy, Walter grew up in St. John, New Brunswick and attended school there. He was a hardworking and responsible young man and helped his parents raise his younger siblings.

On November 9, 1939, when Walter was 19 years old, he married Jean Amelia Janes in St. John, New Brunswick. Walter and Jean had nine children together and they raised their family in St. John, where Walter worked as a machinist.

Walter was a devoted husband and father and he loved spending time with his family. He was always there to support and encourage his children and he was deeply loved by all of them.

Walter's father, Frank, passed away on October 25, 1973, at the age of 76. Walter continued to live in St. John with Jean until his own death on May 19, 1994, at the age of 74. He was survived by his wife, Jean, and his nine children, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Walter's legacy lived on through his loving family and he was deeply missed by all of them.

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Jean Amelia Janes was born on November 6, 1921, in St John, New Brunswick, Canada, to William James Janes and Caroline Janes Burbridge. She was the oldest of six siblings, including Frederick Gerald, Donald E., Betty Doreen, Robert Louis, and Elsie Virginia.

As a young girl, Jean Amelia attended school in St John and helped her family with household chores. When she was 18 years old, she married Walter Francis Damon, who she had known since childhood. Together, they had nine children and built a happy home in St John.

Throughout her life, Jean Amelia was known for her kindness and generosity. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, and she had a special talent for cooking and baking. She spent many years working as a homemaker and caring for her family, and she was greatly loved by all who knew her.

In her later years, Jean Amelia lost both her mother and father, as well as several siblings. She remained strong and resilient through these difficult times, and she continued to be a source of support and comfort to her children and grandchildren.

On April 6, 2007, Jean Amelia passed away at the age of 85. She was remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her legacy lived on through her many loved ones. She was buried in St John, near the home where she had spent most of her life.

 

 

Adriaan Damman aka Hadrian Damon

 

As the son of a wealthy merchant and member of the nobility, Adriaan Damon Damman was afforded many privileges and opportunities in life. He received a thorough education, learning languages, history, mathematics, and the arts. He also trained in the martial arts, becoming skilled in swordsmanship and horsemanship.

In 1555, Adriaan married Margaret Stewart, the daughter of James Stewart, a powerful nobleman in Scotland. The couple settled in Canongate, a town in the Midlothian region of Scotland. They had three children together: Thomas, Theophilus, and Adrian.

Adriaan devoted much of his time to managing his family's businesses and properties, including several large estates and a fleet of trading ships. He was a shrewd and successful businessman, and his wealth and influence grew over the years.

Despite his busy schedule, Adriaan made time for leisure and pursuits of his own. He was a patron of the arts and often hosted lavish parties and gatherings at his estate. He was also an avid collector of rare and valuable objects, including books, art, and musical instruments.

In 1607, at the age of 68, Adriaan passed away at his estate in Scotland. He was remembered as a kind and generous man, who was loved and respected by those who knew him. His legacy lived on through his children and their descendants, who continued to thrive and prosper in the years that followed.

William (Bill) Henry Taylor & Annie Phyllis James

 

William "Bill" Henry Taylor was born on April 22, 1914, in Grand Bruit, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, to John Jack William Taylor, age 28, and Harriet Ann Billiard, age 22. He had six siblings: Melida Joanna, James, John Edgar, Cliffard, Gilbert, Hazel, Wilfred, and Emlie. In 1935, he lived in Grand Bruit, Fortune, Burgeo and La Poile, Newfoundland, Canada and was single.

On April 3, 1940, William "Bill" Henry Taylor married Annie Phyllis Taylor James in Grand Bruit, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. They had six children together: Edna Sheaves, Grace, Marion, Jane, William "Bill," and June.

In 1945, William "Bill" Henry Taylor lived in Harbour Le Cou, Burgeo and La Poile, Newfoundland, Canada with his wife and children.

William "Bill" Henry Taylor died on August 23, 1980, in Harbour Deep, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, at the age of 66.

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Annie Phyllis Taylor James was a remarkable woman. She was born in June 1920 in New Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, a small fishing village nestled along the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. From a young age, Annie was immersed in the traditions and culture of the sea, and she grew up learning the ways of the ocean and the art of fishing.

As she grew older, Annie became known as a skilled seamstress, and she spent many hours knitting and sewing clothes and blankets for her family. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed spending her days lost in the pages of a good book.

Despite her love of domestic arts, Annie had a deep fascination with the sea and the adventures it held. She would often dream of sailing the open ocean and exploring the vast, unknown depths of the Atlantic. And when she married William "Bill" Henry Taylor on April 3, 1940, she found the perfect partner to share her dreams and adventures with.

Together, Annie and Bill raised six children in the close-knit community of Harbour Deep, Newfoundland and Labrador, and they spent their days working hard and building a life together.

But even as she tended to the needs of her family, Annie never lost her love for the sea. She would often tell fantastical stories to her children about the mermaids and whales that lived beneath the waves, and she instilled in them a sense of wonder and awe for the natural world.

Tragically, Annie passed away at the young age of 31 on May 27, 1952, but her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom have been inspired by her love of the sea and her adventurous spirit.

 

 

Henry Edward Cooper & Lilas Murphy

 

Henry Edward Cooper was born on August 6, 1891, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was the son of Charles Edward Cooper and Lydia Ellen Hilchey, who were 29 and 21 years old, respectively, at the time of his birth.

As a young man, Henry faced the tragic loss of his father, Charles Edward, who passed away in 1912 at the age of 49. Despite this loss, Henry went on to marry Lilas Murphy and together they had six children between 1916 and 1928.

Henry's first child, Sydney C., was born in 1916, followed by Stanley Lawton in 1917, Lila Mae in 1919, Gladys Mildred Marie in 1922, Eva Florence in 1926, and Melvin in 1928.

Sadly, Henry's child Sydney C. passed away in 1938 at the age of 21. Henry's mother, Lydia Ellen, also passed away in 1947 at the age of 77. And in 1950, Henry lost his wife, Lilas, who died at the age of 53.

Henry himself passed away on November 5, 1960, at the age of 69 in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was buried in his hometown of Spry Harbour, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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Lilas Murphy was born on June 8, 1897, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She grew up with her parents, Laura May Newcomb and Ervin Oliver Murphy, and spent her childhood in the small coastal town of Murphy Cove.

As a young adult, Lilas met and fell in love with Henry Edward Cooper. They married and had six children together between 1916 and 1928: Sydney C., Stanley Lawton, Lila Mae, Gladys Mildred Marie, Eva Florence, and Melvin.

Lilas devoted herself to raising and caring for her children, and was a loving and supportive wife to Henry. However, her life was not without hardship. In 1938, her son Sydney C. passed away at the young age of 21. Then, in 1941, her father Ervin Oliver passed away, followed by her mother Laura May in 1949.

Despite these challenges, Lilas remained a strong and resilient woman. She lived a full and fulfilling life, surrounded by the love of her family and the close-knit community of Murphy Cove.

On November 12, 1950, at the age of 53, Lilas passed away in her hometown. She was buried in the cemetery at Spry Harbour, near the graves of her parents and son. She will always be remembered as a devoted mother, wife, and friend, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

 

Alexander Russell & Christina M Hubley

 

Alexander Russell was born in March 1887 in Nova Scotia, Canada, to James Alexander Russell and Letitia Catherine Malay. He had two brothers and two sisters. When he was 2 years old, his half-brother James was born, and when he was 6 years old, his half-sister Franes was born. In August 1898, his half-sister Gladys was born.

Alexander lived in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia, in 1891, and in Nova Scotia in 1901. In 1911, he lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Tragically, Alexander's mother Letitia Catherine passed away in Halifax in August 1905, when he was 18 years old. His father James Alexander passed away in Nova Scotia in October 1919, when Alexander was 32 years old.

In 1915, Alexander had a son, Oswald Pearson, who was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Oswald Pearson passed away in 1956 in Halifax, at the age of 41. Alexander's half-sister Franes passed away in Vancouver, British Columbia, in August 1968. Alexander's son William passed away in 1979. Alexander himself lived to be 92 years old, passing away in 1979.

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Christina M Hubley was born on April 6, 1890, in Nova Scotia, Canada, to Hannah Anne Sadie and Joseph Henry Hubley. She had six brothers and one sister. Christina M lived in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia, in 1891 and in Nova Scotia in 1901. Tragically, her father passed away on July 29, 1905, in Sheet Harbour, and her mother passed away on January 19, 1911, in Halifax.

In 1915, at the age of 25, Christina M had a son, Oswald Pearson, with Alexander Russell. Oswald Pearson was born on July 29, 1915, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, Oswald Pearson passed away in 1956 in Halifax at the age of 41. Christina M's son William also passed away in 1979.

 

 

William James Janes & Caroline Janes Burbridge

 

William James Janes was born on January 1, 1887, in Carbonear, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, to Susannah and Clement. He married Caroline Janes Burbridge in New Brunswick, Canada, and together they had ten children over the course of 23 years.

William's first child, Clement George, was born in 1912 in New Brunswick. He was followed by his daughter Elsie Virginia, who was born in 1913 in Saint John, New Brunswick. His son Walter Ambrose was born in 1915, and his daughter Verna was born in 1917.

In 1919, William welcomed his son Gordon William into the world. Four years later, in 1923, his daughter Jean Amelia was born. William's son Frederick Gerald was born in 1924, followed by his son Donald E. in 1927.

In 1931, William and Caroline had their daughter Betty Doreen, and in 1935, their son Robert Louis was born. Their youngest child, Douglas James, was born in 1939.

William James Janes passed away on October 20, 1966, in Saint John, New Brunswick, at the age of 79.

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Caroline Janes Burbridge was born on August 28, 1887, in Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, to Charlotte and George Burbridge. She was the youngest of their three children, with an older brother and sister.

Caroline grew up in a small town on the coast of Newfoundland, where her father worked as a fisherman. She was a bright and curious child, always eager to learn and explore the world around her. She excelled in school and was a talented artist, often filling her notebooks with drawings and sketches.

When Caroline was 23, she met William James Janes, a young man from Carbonear, Newfoundland. They fell in love and decided to get married, and on September 5, 1910, they exchanged vows in a small ceremony in New Brunswick, Canada.

Over the next 23 years, Caroline and William had ten children together, including Jean Amelia Janes, who would become Caroline's favorite. Despite the challenges of raising a large family, Caroline was a devoted mother and always put her children's needs first. She was kind and patient, and her children adored her.

As her children grew older and left home, Caroline focused on her artistic pursuits and became known in her community for her beautiful paintings and handmade crafts. She was also involved in several local charities and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Caroline lived a full and happy life, and on March 24, 1957, at the age of 69, she passed away surrounded by her loving family. She will always be remembered as a kind and loving mother, wife, and friend, who touched the lives of everyone she met.