Parents' Divorce: Roscoe's mother was granted a divorce from his father on 25 May 1888. The court found the following allegations of Mary against Albion "satisfactorily proved:" drunkenness and giving liquor to their children; using "obscene, threatening and profane language" to Mary and in the hearing of their children; abusing and threatening to harm Mary. She stated Albion owned real estate and personal property in North Berwick; and as the divorce was his fault, "that she may have dower in his real estate and that the court will decree her a reasonable alimony out of the estate . . . and that the custody and education of her three children" be decreed to her. [9]
Death of Father: Albion Ford passed away on 10 Mar 1896 in North Berwick. His father married Ella Staples that same day. [10][11]
1900 US Census, Sanford, Maine: Roscoe, age 20, is working as a laborer and living with his mother a dressmaker. Roscoe's 17-year-old brother Chester lives with them and is working as a machinist. There is a 24-year-old single woman, Mary Clark, lodging with them; she's working as a sales woman. Rosco's sister, Daisy married in 1895 and is living with her husband and son in another area of Sanford. [4]
Home/Land ownership:
Roscoe's mother's property was located at the corner of Main and Pleasant. This will be Roscoe's primary residence for the rest of his life. He and his brother will eventually run their business at this location. A map showing their home can be seen here in an 1889 Bird's-eye-view, looking east, on the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets.
-7 Aug 1923, Roscoe's mother deeds a portion of her "homestead lot" to Roscoe and his brother. Roscoe inherits the other portion of the property at the time of his mother's death in 1928, its estimated worth is $7,000.
-In Sep 1931 after Chester and Mary Ford's death, Chester's widow Lillian sold/transferred to Roscoe Chester's share of the portion of Mary's "homestead lot" which she had inherited. This made Roscoe sole owner of his mother's original property purchase.
-More directly after Chester's death, in Dec 1928, Lillian Ford sold/transferred to Roscoe 25 acres which Chester had acquired shortly before his death from Frank O Allen near "so called" Branch Brook and Brook Bridge. [12][13][14][2][15][16][17][18][19][20]
1st Marriage: Roscoe H Ford, age 21, married Caroline(Corinne) "Carrie" Gaudreau on 9 Oct 1900 in Sanford, Maine. The marriage was solemnized by John J McGinnis, clergyman. Roscoe, his mother, Caroline, and both of her parents were living in Sanford at the time of the marriage. Roscoe and Caroline are both Mill operators. Caroline, age 22, was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Cloutier) Gaudreau; they were all born in Canada. All three speak French as their first language, but Carrie can read and write English. [1][21][14][15]
1910 - 1920, Roscoe and his family; brother Chester and his wife; and Roscoe's sister are living with their mother. Between 1900 and 1905 Roscoe's sister Daisy was divorced and from her first husband, Walter K Emery, and married Charles Thwing. Neither Charles nor Daisy's son is enumerated as living with her. Although living with their mother, Chester is paying rent and listed is a head of household. Neither Roscoe nor Daisy are paying rent nor listed as the head of their households. By 1920, Roscoe's wife Carrie is working as a spinner at the woolen mill. Their 18-year-old daughter Mildred has been attending school and lists no occupation. Chester is living in the home, but divorced. No one is paying rent. Daisy is no longer living with them. [15]
1910 United States Federal Census: Sanford, York, Maine, United States[14] * = Head of Household
12 Sep 1918 on the same date and place Roscoe and brother registered for the World War I draft:
They both list their mother as their nearest relative.
Occupation: Stuff Processor at Goodwill Worsted Co., 2 High, Sanford.
Description: White; Medium Height and Build: Blue Eyes; Brown Hair. [2][24]
For a short time Chester moves from their mother's home. In 1921, he's living on Ridgeway and marries Lillian (Boothby) Dey. In Apr 1922 the couple have moved back to 98 Main Street. [25][26][27]
Roscoe owned and auto repair shop with his brother.
Ford Bros: Roscoe and his brother own of an a auto repair shop.
-September 1924, "Chester Ford is erecting a public garage at Main and Pleasant Streets“ presumably on the piece of land next to their home deed to the brother by their mother in Aug 1923. [19]
-By April 1925 a local dealer of Maxwell and Chrysler automobiles is building modern service and sales building on adjoining lot which will be under the firm Ford Bros. A photo of their business can be seen here.[28][29][30][16]
Roscoe was a Firefighter along with his brother.
Roscoe and Chester were both members of the Sanford Fire Department. Roscoe was one of the original when it was the old Alert and Ladder company. An 1908 newspaper article mentions, "The dance which was given at K of P [Knights of Pythias] opera House . . . by the Sanford Fire Department was a success socially and financially." Roscoe was a member of the refreshment committee. In 1926 he was elected Captain of Combination, and again in 1929, his was nominated as Captain. of Combination No. 1. [31][32][33][34]
2nd Marriage: Roscoe marries Annie (Hutchins) Whicher on 23 Dec 1922 in Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport, Maine. The marriage is performed to D L Littlefield, clergyman. This is her second marriage as well; she's also divorced and living in Sanford, Maine. Annie is the 37-year-old daughter of Edward Hutchins and Georgie Ridlon. She and her parents were born in Cape Porpoise, Maine. [35]
1926 - 1927: In under 18 months, Rosco looses his Sister, Mother, and Brother (& Business Partner). 26 Mar 1926 Daisy M (Ford) (Emery) Thwing passes; 14 Nov 1927 Chester passes away; and on 1 Jan 1928 Rosco's mother passes away. Roscoe was executor of his mother's estate. [36][37][38][17][18]
1930 United States Federal Census: Sanford, York, Maine, United States[40]
Name
Sex
Race
Age
Status
Relation
Occupation
Birth Place
Roscoe H Ford
M
White
49
Married
Head
Proprietor Garage
Maine
Annie Ford
F
White
45
Married
Wife
none
Maine
Homer Wright
M
White
23
Single
Lodger
Clerk- Garage
Maine
Alice Hutchins
F
White
43
Single
Sister-in-law
none
Maine
Lindsey Whicher
M
White
22
Single
Stepson
Clerk- Groceries
Maine
Death: 10 Apr 1933 in Sanford, Maine.
"Rosco H Ford Veteran Sanford Firefighter Dead:" on Monday 10 Apr 1933 at his home after 4 year illness. He was 53 years old. Roscoe was a proprietor of the Ford Bros. garage on Main Street. He was a member of the Sanford Lodge of Elks; a member of the of the Riverside Lodge of the Knights of Pythias; and past Chancellors' Association of Knights of Pythias in Sanford and Springvale. Funeral services were held at 98 Main Street; the Rev. Ellery G. Dakin of the Sanford Baptist Church officiated. Active poll bearers were members of the fire department: Chief Von D Gerry, Linwood J Emery, Roscoe Stackpole, and Frank Moulton. Honorary bearers were from the Knights of Pythias: Bert Davis, Clinton Grover, Atwood Perkins, and Charles Genthner. He is survived by his wife Annie and his daughter Mildred of Salem, Massachusetts. [41][42][34]
Burial: He is buried in Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford in the same lot as his mother, his brother, and Chester's daughter Phyllis. His sister is also buried there. [3]
Will and Probate Record: Roscoe's widow Annie Ford was name in his Will and appointed executrix on 31 Jul 1933. On 12 Jul 1935, the probate judged acknowledged his widow and Roscoe's daughter Mildred Jorgenson, now married, were heirs and next of kin. Mildred was intentionally not mentioned in her father's will as Mildred was advanced money and assistance from Roscoe in his life time and Mildred understood this to be her due portion of his estate. [41][23]
Research Notes
Birth Record is required. Month and year of of birth entered in the data field were taken from 1880, 1900 Census and each of the other census; it agrees with the record of his first marriage and obituary. His place of birth is taken from his marriage records, children's vital records, Find a Grave, and his obituary. His draft card and Find A Grave enumerates his date of birth 1 year later in 1880. There is no photograph of his memorial stone as of 4 May 2024. [2][4][1][35][34]
Death record is required. 10 Apr 1933 and place of death taken from probate decree recorded in York County Registry of Deeds; obituary; and other newspaper accounts. Find a Grave page indicates he passed way on 9 Apr. There is no photograph of a memorial marker, but the page contains a copy of the obituary which references 10 April. [3][34][42]
Divorce record is required. The "Biddeford Weekly Journal" published a list of divorces granted in the Sep 1921 term of the Supreme Court in Alfred, York County Maine for a Corrine J and a Roscoe H "Lord" both of Sanford, Maine. The last names do NOT match. [43]
Sources
↑ 1.01.11.2Marriage to Caroline Gaudreau: "Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921; "Film/folder: 004544453; FHL microfilm: 9942; Image: 1351; Packet: A; Indexing batch: I11345-6. FamilySearch Record: VZQ3-T9Y (accessed 20 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 9398-4D3J-Z3; York County, Sanford: Roscoe H Ford marriage to Caroline Gandrean on 9 Oct 1900.
↑ 2.02.12.22.3"United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918" Selective Service System; Publication: M1509; Film/folder: 005207073; FHL microfilm: 1654022. FamilySearch Record: KZF1-ZRF (accessed 20 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 33S7-8B5Q-ZBD; Image: 02106. Roscoe Henry Ford; Military Draft Reg. Dated: 12 Sep 1918; Place: York, Maine, United States; Birth Date: 6 Aug 1880.
↑ 3.03.13.2Burial: Find A Grave: Memorial #96118699 (accessed 20 March 2024) Roscoe Henry Ford (6 Aug 1880-9 Apr 1933) Oakdale Cemetery, Sanford, York County, Maine, USA (plot: Sec 1 Lot 451 Site 4); Maintained by genealogyfever (contributor 46554566). Includes photo of newspaper death notice.
↑ 4.04.14.2"1900 United States Census;" Sanford town (all north of P.&R. r.r.) Springvale village (pt.) & Sanford village, York, Maine. ED: 252; U.S. National Archives and Records Administration; Publication: T623; Film/folder: 004120203; Image: 422; FHL microfilm: 1240603; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N00826-6. FamilySearch Record: MMGW-LPC (accessed 20 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: S3HT-63JY-GR; Sheet: 2A; Lines: 8 - 11; Roscoe H Ford, single, son in household of Mary A Ford.
↑"1880, United States Census," North Berwick, York, Maine, ED 201; The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration; Volume: 1; Publication: T9; Film/folder: 005160752; Image: 622; FHL microfilm: 1254491; Sheet: 439B; Line: 00093; Packet: A; Indexing batch: C56260-1. FamilySearch Record: MFQC-C27 (accessed 4 May 2024) FamilySearch Image: 33SQ-GYBJ-9XZC; Page: 6B; Lines 40 - 43. Rosco C Ford (9 months), single son, in household of Albion Ford.
↑Wife Mary A Johnson's sister's Death: "Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921" Film/folder: 005011563; FHL microfilm: 000010080; Image: 1725;
FamilySearch Record: Q24X-1QCS (accessed 18 March 2024)
FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9RYX-S9G1; York County, North Berwick: Wm Johnson & Mary Brown in record for daughter and Hiram Billings in record for wife: Maria C Billings death 9 Mar 1916.
↑The Valley of the Shadow, Index page 9. See full citation below.
↑The Valley of the Shadow, Index page 13. See full citation below.
↑Parents' Albion and Mary A Ford Divorce: "Supreme Judical [sic] Court records, Vol. 39, 1886-1887" "Maine, State Archive Collections, 1718-1957" (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-85DC-V?i=833&cc=1877829) FamilySearch Image: 939L-85DC-V (accessed 18 March 2024) Maine, York County; Images: 834 - 836; Pages: 806 - 808; Docket No. 136 (Mary A) Ford Liblt v (Albion) Ford 25 May 1888.
↑Father, Albion Ford, Death: "Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921; "Film/folder: 004544453; FHL microfilm: 9942; Image: 1270; Packet: A; Indexing batch: I11345-6. FamilySearch Record: VZQQ-93J (accessed 20 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 9398-4D3J-1B; York County, North Berwick: Stephen Ford & Lois Roberts in record for Albion Ford death 10 Mar 1896.
↑Father, Albion Ford's marriage to Ella M Staples: "Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921;" Film/folder: 004544453; FHL microfilm: 9942; Image: 1265; Packet: A; Indexing batch: I11345-6. FamilySearch Record: VZQ3-RG5 (accessed 20 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 9398-4D3J-2B; York County, North Berwick: Stephen Ford and Lois Roberts in record for son Albion Ford marriage to Ella M Staples on 10 Mar 1896
↑ Norris, George E, and Burleigh Litho. "Sanford, Maine; Birdseye View-Looking East; Map 1889" not to scale. Published: Brockton, Mass, 1889. Map. Available through Library of Congress Web site; Library of Congress Geography and Map Division Washington; (accessed 27 Mar 2024) Library control number 75694500; (https://www.loc.gov/item/75694500/).
↑Sandford, Maine: City Directory, 1901 - 1902, Pages 70 - 71. The Methuen Transcript Company, Massachusetts; "U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995," (accessed 20 March 2024) Ancestry Sharing Link-Ancestry Record 2469 #911221346 Pages 70 - 71; Address for all is Pleasant cor Main: Ford, Chester W, (bicycle repair) boards; Ford Mary A (widow) Albion homeowner; Ford, Roscoe H, mill operation, boards.
↑ 14.014.114.214.3"1910 United States Census" Sanford, York, Maine, ED: 265; The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration; Publication: T624; Film/folder number: 004971661; Image: 830; FHL microfilm: 1374561; Packet: A; Indexing batch: N03432-9 FamilySearch Record: MR3P-MXR (accessed 23 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9RN6-Z5G; Sheet: 3B; Lines: 68 - 74: Roscoe Ford, married son, in household of Mary A Ford.
↑ 15.015.115.2"1920 United States Census," Sanford, York, Maine, ED 133; The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Publication: T625; Film/folder: 004966028; Image: 872; FHL microfilm: 1820651; Packet: A; Indexing batch: N01951-4. FamilySearch Record: MF8C-HVK (accessed 31 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 33SQ-GRFH-PRS Sheet: 6A; Lines: 35 - 39; Roscoe Ford, married son, in household of Mary Ford.
↑ 16.016.1"1927 Sanford, Maine, City Directory:" "U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995" Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2469 #898662017; (accessed 3 April 2024) Pages 128 - 129; Address for all 98 Main; Ford, Bros - (Chester W & Roscoe H Ford) Auto Repair; Ford, Chester W (Lillian ) home; Ford, Mary A widow Albion home; and Ford, Roscoe H (Annie ) home.
↑ 18.018.118.2Abstract of Mary A Ford's Will: York County Registry of Deeds, Alfred, Maine (accessed 6 Apr 2024) "Indexed Books:" 1926 - 1935 Grantee; Ford, Roscoe &; Dev: Book 787; Page 57.
↑ 19.019.1Deed from Mary A Ford to Chester and Roscoe Ford: York County Registry of Deeds, Alfred, Maine (accessed 6 Apr 2024) "Indexed Books:" 1916 - 1925 Grantee; Ford, Roscoe H & Chester W; Wy; Book 740; Page 187.
↑Deed from Lillian G Ford to Roscoe Ford; Inherited portion of Mary A Ford's "homestead" which she sold to Chester and Rosco Ford York County Registry of Deeds, Alfred, Maine (accessed 6 Apr 2024 )"Indexed Books:" 1926 - 1935 Grantee; Ford, Roscoe H; QC; Book 811; Page 462.
↑Marriage to Caroline Guadreau: "Maine, Marriage Index, 1892-1966, 1977-1996" Marriage, Maine, United States, State Archives, Augusta FamilySearch Record: KCND-BF8 (accessed 24 March 2024) Roscoe H Ford married Caroline Gaudreau on 9 Oct 1900.
↑Daughter M[Mildred] Cecile Christine Ford, Birth: "Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, "Film/folder: 004544453; Image: 1394; FHL microfilm: 9942; Packet: A; Indexing batch: I11345-6. FamilySearch Record: VZQ3-KZ3 (accessed 23 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 9398-4D3N-VX; York County, Sanford: Roscoe Ford & Corinne Goudreau in record for daughter M Cecile Christine Ford born on 3 Jan 1902.
↑"Maine, World War I Draft Registration Index, 1917-1919" Sanford, York, Maine, United States. Maine State Archives, Augusta; FHL microfilm 004408823. FamilySearch Record: Q2HM-GP3F (accessed 20 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 33S7-958D-73ND; Image: 00144. Roscoe H Ford; Military Draft Reg: 1917-1919; Birth Date: 06 Aug 1880; Birth Place: United States; Race: White; Residence Place: Sanford.
↑Brother Chester Ford's marriage to Lillian (Boothby) Dey: "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947" Film/folder: 004245845; Image: 568; FHL microfilm: 2058033; Packet: A; Indexing batch: I00915-7. FamilySearch Record: FL41-12Q (accessed 3 April 2024) FamilySearch Image: S3HT-DBTS-HBN; Strafford County, Rochester: Albion Ford and Mary A Johnson in record for Chester W Ford marriage to Lillian M. Dey 5 Jan 1921.
↑Doing business under the firm name Ford Bros. "Portland Sunday Telegram," published in Portland, Maine 22 Feb 1925, Automotive Section, Page 56, Col 1, under, “Sanford and Springvale This Year Looking Ford to Active Period - New Garages” and same page Col. 4 - 5. Media Curtis Johnson, dealer for automobiles is replacing a large wood garage which burned last year. The new modern sales and service station will be located on the lot next to 98 Main Street , and will do business under the firm of Ford Bros. Media (accessed 5 Apr 2024).
↑1925 Sanford, Maine City Directory: "U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995" Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2469 #859610021 (accessed 5 April 2024) Pages 142 -143; Address for all: 98 Main; Ford, Bros - Auto Repairing (Chester W & Roscoe H Ford) garage; Ford, Chester W (Lillian ) Ford Bros home; Ford, Mary A widow Albion home; and Ford, Roscoe H (Annie) Ford Bros home.
↑ 35.035.1Roscoe H Ford marriage to Annie (Hutchins) Whicher: "Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921" Film/folder: 005011597; FHL microfilm: 000010115; Image: 3093. FamilySearch Record: Q24F-5LMX (accessed 31 March 2024) FamilySearch Image: 33SQ-GRYF-J7C Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport, York County: Albion Ford and Mary A Johnson in record for Roscoe H Ford marriage to Annie Whicher on 23 Dec 1922.
↑Sister, Daisy Notice of Death: "Sanford Journal and Advocate" Published in Sanford, Maine on 1 Apr 1926, Page 1, Column 2. "The death of Mrs. Daisy Thwing, wife of Charles A. Thwing occurred last Thursday [26 Mar 1926]." (https://springvale.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=daisy thwing&i=f&by=1926&bdd=1920&d=03011926-04301926&m=between&ord=k1&fn=sanford_tribune_and_advocate_usa_maine_sanford_19260401_english_1&df=1&dt=1).
↑Brother, Chester Ford, Burial: Find A Grave: Memorial #96119543 (accessed 3 April 2024)
Chester William Ford (3 May 1883-14 Nov 1927), Oakdale Cemetery, Sanford, York County, Maine, USA (plot: Sec 1 Lot 451 Site 7); Maintained by Jeff Hubbard (contributor 47361123). Includes photo newspaper death notice.
↑Mother, Mary A Ford, Burial: Find A Grave: Memorial #96118562 (accessed 31 March 2024) Mary A "Johnson" Ford (1 May 1852-1 Jan 1929), Oakdale Cemetery, Sanford, York County, Maine, USA (plot: Sec 1 Lot 451 Site 3); No Image. Maintained by Jeff Hubbard (contributor 47361123).
↑"1930 United States Census;" Sanford, York, Maine, ED 16-53; The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Publication: T626; Film/folder: 004950959; Image: 334; FHL microfilm: 2340577; Packet: A; Indexing batch: N03839-4 FamilySearch Record: XMDN-4F2 (accessed 5 April 2024) FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9R4X-KP8; Sheet: 6B; Lines: 51 - 55;
Roscoe H Ford married head of household.
↑ 41.041.1Probate Record at Registry of Deeds: York County Registry of Deeds, Alfred, Maine; (accessed 6 Apr 2024) "Indexed Books:" 1926 - 1935 Grantee; Ford, Mildred; Decr; Book 864; Page 323.
Ford, Paul G, "The Valley of the Shadow, A Genealogical Study of the Ancestors and Descendants of Captain Paul Ford of Lyman , Maine, 1577 - 1952," Furbush-Roberts Printing Co., Inc. Bangor, Maine, 1953. These are the descendents of John Ford 3rd and Mary (Goodwin) (https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89066140658&view=1up&seq=1).
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