Watson Emory Webster was my maternal great-grandfather. He's also known as "The Traveling Dentist" here on my blog. During his life he lived in and traveled to many different places. He practiced dentistry in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. During part of the late 1800's he lived in the state of Kansas.
At some point in his life he changed his name from Watson Emory Webster to Frederick Emory Webster.
While doing research in the Newspapers.com website, I searched for Fred E. Webster. Among the many search results was several very interesting advertisements.
I'd like to share one of them today. It's from the Alliance Signal (Stockton, Kansas) dated 14 September 1893, Page 3.
Here's a transcription of the advertisement ~
FRED E. WEBSTER
JEWELER
20 to 60 per
cent discount on
all goods in my
line, for the
next ten days.
☞ Located in Raynolds' Drug Store.
What a great find! But, I wondered if this Fred E. Webster was my great-grandpa Frederick E. Webster. Through further research, I found that yes, the Fred in the ad was my great-grandpa Frederick E. Webster. An article in a newspaper referred to a Fred as the son of E. P. C. Webster. My great-grandpa Fred was the son of E. P. C. Webster. So that was an encouraging piece of evidence. Another article spoke of Frederick's sister-in-law coming to visit and referred to him as Fred E. Webster. There were other articles as well that provided evidence that this Fred E. Webster is my great-grandpa Frederick E. Webster.
Speaking of Frederick's father, E. P. C. Webster, I found a lot of interesting articles about him and his life in the newspapers. It would seem that the apple didn't fall far from the tree when it came to Fred and his father, E. P. C. I just assumed that E. P. C. was a farmer living a quiet life on the land, but I was wrong. I'll share more about my discoveries regarding E. P. C. in future posts.
Now back to today's advertisement about Fred as a jeweler. Isn't it fascinating? I knew great-grandpa Frederick had been a dentist and an inventor, but I didn't know he had also been a jeweler at some point during his life. This was an intriguing discovery.
I'm so excited to have found this ad about my great-grandfather, Frederick E. Webster. I've also found other interesting ads and articles, which I will be sharing in future posts.
Using newspapers in our family history research is so rewarding. They can provide a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancestors.
Thanks for stopping by!
Jana
© 2019 Copyright by Jana Iverson Last, All Rights Reserved
Love newspapers! The surprises are always fun to find.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are. And I love them too! Even the little "who's visiting who" tidbits are fun to read. And they're great clues for family history as well. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteSuch a cool find! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura!
DeleteI love newspapers and find it one of the top investments for my research. It truly helps give you a glimpse into the lives of those that have passed.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Thank you Daisha!
DeleteI have jewelers in my family too. You may find mention of this ancestor in the "Jeweler Circular" or other jewelers publication. Clicking on my name will give you the article I wrote with the links.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Dianne! I will check out your article. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteNewspaper articles can be gems for family history research! Especially when there’s a family business involved! I’ve also found wonderful ads for my great-grandpa’s business! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThey really are gems EvaAnne! That's awesome that you've found wonderful ads in newspapers. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI have been lucky to find relatives in some old Kansas newspapers too. If they lived in the right place with an active newspaper, it can be a jackpot!
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you found relatives in newspapers too Kathy! Thanks for stopping by!
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