maxster
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Post by maxster on May 20, 2014 20:00:09 GMT -6
I just tried it, and all the Gladys Egans that came up had the wrong dates or the wrong married name. Gladys Mary (Egan) Jacoby
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 20, 2014 20:03:12 GMT -6
Well, I just called a telephone number that came across one of the many search sites I've looked at (forgot which one) and as I began leaving a message, a woman picked up the phone and asked me "What's your problem, I mean what are you wanting from the family?" She was very short and seemingly arrogant, but I can understand that since I intruded on her unexpectedly, especially when she wondered how I obtained her phone number. Although she refused to give me her name, she said she was a relative of Joyce Henderson and could get hold of her and get back to me in a few days. I guess I will see what happens and await her response. I must confess that I felt very awkward when trying to explain to her what my interest was in finding a long-lost movie star to someone who seemed very defensive about the quest.
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maxster
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Post by maxster on May 20, 2014 20:12:41 GMT -6
The California Death Index has no listing, so it appears she is still alive. I think you found her, Larry.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 20, 2014 20:30:49 GMT -6
The California Death Index has no listing, so it appears she is still alive. I think you found her, Larry. I would say so. However, I hope that the family, i.e. Joyce, would be willing to speak with me without assuming I have any ulterior motives. I simply would like to hear her share her memoirs of her mother. Thank you, Maxster, for all you've done!!
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Post by Midge on May 21, 2014 3:32:21 GMT -6
Thank you for the link, maxster. I wonder why my search for Gladys Egan Jacoby or Gladys Egan came up empty? Very strange.
Larry, it sounds as if Gladys's daughter was upset by receiving a phone call from someone she'd never heard of who seemed so interested in her personal life. She must be quite elderly, and a lot of older folks can be suspicious of nosy strangers asking questions, which is understandable. It's a shame you don't have her address so you could write her a letter and explain your interest in Gladys.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 21, 2014 4:34:35 GMT -6
I was thinking the same thing too, Midge, because I would have much preferred the written communication method myself; it seems less intrusive to me. I know how I am when I see strange numbers on my own caller ID -- the same exact way she seemed to me.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 21, 2014 15:13:40 GMT -6
I received two voicemails and an email from the lady I'd spoken to on the phone last evening, positively identifying herself as the daughter of our late, beloved Gladys Egan. She apologized for not having identified herself when I called, but I certainly understood her reasoning, because one cannot be too careful on the phone nowadays. Although I'm short on time this evening, I am preparing to return her call, but if possible, will find out if tomorrow evening might be a good time to chat with her at more length, because I will also have more time on my hands tomorrow evening.
Gladys Is Found
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 21, 2014 15:49:03 GMT -6
I have just gotten off the phone with Gladys Egan's daughter, Joyce! Suddenly, like never before, I was at a loss for words. All the questions I'd accumulated over the years were suddenly gone from my mind and I was totally baffled! I'm going to gather up some questions that I would like to ask her, but if anyone hear can think of some questions they too would like to ask, please set them down here and I will ask. Joyce told me that she would answer any question I have for her and informed me I could share the information here. I finally feel closure!
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Gladys
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I believe that I'M in charge here!
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Post by Gladys on May 21, 2014 16:35:02 GMT -6
It feels great to be home at last!
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maxster
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Post by maxster on May 21, 2014 20:08:46 GMT -6
Any idea where her mom is interred? It would be nice to update the Find-a-Grave memorial.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 21, 2014 20:20:12 GMT -6
I have placed that on my list of things to ask her, Maxster. Thank you for reminding me to ask that question. Please let me know of any others you might have, as well.
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maxster
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Post by maxster on May 21, 2014 21:14:13 GMT -6
A photo for the memorial would be appreciated, too. And, was her father John Edward Jacoby, who attended Cornell for three years back in 1916-17? If so, did her parents marry in Michigan? What drew them to Los Angeles in the early Thirties?
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genez
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Post by genez on May 22, 2014 15:47:47 GMT -6
I have just gotten off the phone with Gladys Egan's daughter, Joyce! Suddenly, like never before, I was at a loss for words. All the questions I'd accumulated over the years were suddenly gone from my mind and I was totally baffled! I'm going to gather up some questions that I would like to ask her, but if anyone hear can think of some questions they too would like to ask, please set them down here and I will ask. Joyce told me that she would answer any question I have for her and informed me I could share the information here. I finally feel closure! Larry, if its not to late to add questions for Gladys' daughter, Joyce . . . I have some general questions such as "why/when did she stop performing," "did she share stories about her work with Biograph and D. W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, et al., and about her touring on stage (I've found reviews for 3 different plays in which she appeared in Oakland, Montreal and Boston 1907-09). But also, I found on Ancestry.com, 2 birth records from Massachusetts with a birth date of May 22, 1900, parents Thomas F. and Margarette (Sullivan) Egan, plus the 1900 US Census stating she was born in Massachusetts. Given that all other records give a birth location as New York, I wonder if Joyce could clarify this for us? Thanks for all your work on this, Larry, Gene (11East14thStreet.com)
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 22, 2014 18:03:59 GMT -6
I will bring this to her attention, Gene. My l plan was to call her tonight, but I thought I would be jumping to quickly and hastily, so I figured I'd wait until maybe Tuesday of next week. Thank you for your input.
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maxster
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Post by maxster on May 22, 2014 22:29:43 GMT -6
I have just gotten off the phone with Gladys Egan's daughter, Joyce! Suddenly, like never before, I was at a loss for words. All the questions I'd accumulated over the years were suddenly gone from my mind and I was totally baffled! I'm going to gather up some questions that I would like to ask her, but if anyone hear can think of some questions they too would like to ask, please set them down here and I will ask. Joyce told me that she would answer any question I have for her and informed me I could share the information here. I finally feel closure! But also, I found on Ancestry.com, 2 birth records from Massachusetts with a birth date of May 22, 1900, parents Thomas F. and Margarette (Sullivan) Egan, plus the 1900 US Census stating she was born in Massachusetts. According to the California Death Index, Margarette's maiden name was Sheeran, and Gladys' place of birth was New York. There seem to be some inconsistencies in the records.
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genez
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Post by genez on May 23, 2014 12:47:01 GMT -6
But also, I found on Ancestry.com, 2 birth records from Massachusetts with a birth date of May 22, 1900, parents Thomas F. and Margarette (Sullivan) Egan, plus the 1900 US Census stating she was born in Massachusetts. According to the California Death Index, Margarette's maiden name was Sheeran, and Gladys' place of birth was New York. There seem to be some inconsistencies in the records. Yes, exactly. That's what I wanted to clarify, if possible.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 24, 2014 4:37:05 GMT -6
I will attempt to get the clarification for you.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 24, 2014 4:40:25 GMT -6
In the midst of all the celebration of finding Gladys, ironically we found her just in time for her birthday! I suppose we should say a GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our beloved Gladys Egan today!!!
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on May 27, 2014 18:13:06 GMT -6
I spoke with Gladys Egan's daughter, Joyce Henderson, on the phone tonight for a little while. I got a great many questions answered, but I had a few more I wished to ask but she had an interruption from a visitor and asked if I could email the remaining questions to her and she would be glad to answer them. This was especially useful since a couple of them were pretty long-winded. ARE YOUR MOTHER'S BIRTH AND DEATH DATES CORRECT, LISTED AS MAY 24, 1900 – MARCH 8, 1985? She was seeming to recall that March 16 might have been the death date but she wasn't confirming it because she said she was dealing with some health issues of her own during that time. She seemed to feel that, if this was what was listed in the California Death Index, then it was likely correct.MARRIAGE INFORMATION CORRECT? Husband was John Edward Jacoby .GLADYS’ PARENTS? Their names were Thomas Francis and Margarette Sheeran Egan .DID GLADYS HAVE ONLY THE 2 SISTERS, PEARL M WAGNER AND ELEANORE V KOZAKIS? No, there were a total of 13 children; some died as infants and children, some later, but there were only about 5 surviving by the time Joyce was born. ANY OTHER CHILDREN BESIDES JOYCE? No , she is an only child.HOW DID GLADYS GET INTO THE MOVIES/DISCOVERED? Doesn't know, she wasn’t raised by mother, was raised by a series of nannies over the years and didn’t get to know much about her mother until Mom was already in her 40s, when they began to spend some time together.DID YOUR MOM EVER TALK ABOUT HER CHILDHOOD IN THE MOVIES? No. WHAT DID SHE DO AFTER SHE GOT OUT OF FILMS? JOBS ETC? She went to Secretarial school in New York because her Dad died when she was 17 and so she had to help support the family. Then she met John Jacoby about 1927 or 1928, when she was close to 30.WHERE IS YOUR MOM INTERRED? Telophase Society cremated her, and her ashes were supposed to be strewn about in San Diego Harbor but she thinks they wound up in a creek somewhere, due to a letter she'd received from Telophase Society, accompanied by an apology and $600 for their mistake. I was under the impression from Joyce that this didn't happen only with Gladys' ashes either.The remainder of my questions, including those which were asked by members from Larry's 66 Diner, as well as other message boards in which I've posted, were placed into an email to Joyce. In addition, I'd asked Joyce if she had any photographs of her mother in adult years that she'd be willing to share with me and she said she'd see what she could come up with and seemed very eager to accommodate me. I look forward to being able to complete this.
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Post by Midge on May 27, 2014 18:34:05 GMT -6
How interesting! Thanks for sharing your conversation with Joyce, Larry. I'm glad you got some of your questions answered.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on Jun 4, 2014 18:02:29 GMT -6
It's been a very busy week for me, one of not a lot of rest. However, through a series of emails, I've communicated more with Joyce but I didn't feel the need to post each and every time an email popped into my Inbox, so I waited for an accumulation of them, answering questions. The previous communication had been via telephone and I jotted down the responses as best as I could and posted them above; hereafter, communication has been via email so I am able to simply paste the information here.
The following are not only questions I've had, but questions which were raised by others who've helped me in my search, so please bare with me.
My father, college, marriage, 30s CA trip
My father's name was John Edson Jacoby; he was born in Bay City, Michigan, April 12, 1886. His signature read John E. Jacoby. No one ever called him anything but Jack. The story goes that his father Edward Levi Jacoby (of whom he was not fond) named him Edson---Ed's son. Jack resented the fact and wanted his own name, so he legally changed it to John when he was an adult. Jack attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, along with his younger brother Blaine. He studied medicine and later changed to engineering. I know nothing of any further education.
Gladys and Jack met in New York city in the building they worked in. She was a stenographer; I don't know what he was doing. They married in New York sometime around 1927-8, as she told me they were married 8 years before I was born.
I don't know why they came to California in the 30s. Perhaps he found work or tried to.. It was during the depression. She did relate stories about road building around Bakersfield and lack of money. Unable to come up with return fare, Gladys wrote to the mayor of New York city asking for help. He sent them a ticket home! That's probably true, she was quite adept at solving sticky problems.
Griffith and acting
My mother never spoke to me about Griffith except to say she worked for him.
I don't know why she gave up acting. I had the feeling that after her father died my grandmother needed a better, steady income, so she sent the girls to secretarial school. But her father died in 1917, and I don't know when she quit acting. It may have been before that.
Griffith et al. and movies
I have no impression of Griffith, she didn't talk about him. I know she was acquainted with Pickford and she did mention the Gish sisters, but without detail. She did seem fond of Marie Dressler.
I have no favorite film; I have never seen one.
General questions.
Gladys did not share stories about Griffith or other actors other than to say she was fond of Marie Dressler.
I don't know when or why Gladys quit acting.
This is the first I've heard of any stage acting.
Gladys was born May 24, 1900 in New York City to Margaret Sheeran Egan and Thomas Francis Egan.
My husband Larry and I have four children.
Michael Anthony, 11/30/52 - 8/13/94
Gary Allen, 10/31/54
Thomas David, 11/11/56
Julie Lynne, 5/30/59
I also asked Joyce if she'd share some information about her father, to which she replied:
Jack Jacoby was born Edson, or Eddie Jacoby in Bay City, Michigan in 1886. He changed his name because he resented being called "Ed's son".
His father, Edward Levi Jacoby, was a railroad engineer, and Jack didn't like him, so I didn't spend time with him. There was a picture of the three of us when I was about 2 or 3, so I obviously saw him at least once. Jack's mother was an adopted child, Ellen Masury, and the mother of Edward's five children: Edson, George, Thurlow, Alice, and Blaine. Jack said his mother was crazy and his father had her put away.
Jack and Blaine attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor; Blaine died in a boating accident near campus while Jack was out of town. Jack studied medicine then changed to engineering. Somewhere along the way before I was born he did a stint in the army (something about the Mexican border), picked up gardening and tailoring skills (he taught me to sew), and married my mother. When I was born Jack was an automotive engineer for General Motors in Detroit.
When the auto industry geared up for wartime efforts, he worked for the government in the aircraft industry, which took us between New York (family), Detroit (GM), Los Angeles (Douglas), and Seattle (Boeing) for good part of my childhood.
Jack died of cancer in New York City on August 3, 1948.
After that my mother and I moved to Los Angeles.
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maxster
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Post by maxster on Jun 5, 2014 20:56:28 GMT -6
I found John E. Jacoby's draft card on Ancestry.com. He was born on April 4, 1889 in Bay City, Michigan; in 1917, he was working as a tool designer for the Simplex Auto Company in New Brunswick, NJ. He is listed as having brown hair, brown eyes and a medium build. He claimed an exemption on the grounds of his company producing aviation motors for the war effort; he also stated that he was married and had a wife to support. He listed one year's military service as a private first class in the (Army Corps of ?) Engineers.
His wife, as noted in the 1920 U.S. Census, was Mandla Chamberlain Jacoby. At that time, the couple lived with her parents, Joseph D. and Fanny Chamberlain.
A 1923 University of Michigan catalog of graduates, non-graduates and officers lists him as follows: John E. Jacoby, e'08-09. Private 2nd Bn. Engrs., Mexican Border Patrol, 1914-15, 2nd Lieut. A. S., 1918-19. Industrial Engineer. 267 Handy St., New Brunswick, N.J. The same catalog from the next year lists him as a graduate (A. B.) of 1910.
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maxster
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Post by maxster on Jun 9, 2014 21:35:32 GMT -6
I found a death record listed for John Jacoby; it is dated August 3, 1948; the borough is Queens and the number is 6888.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on Jun 10, 2014 4:42:11 GMT -6
I'll try to remember to mention this to Joyce. There hasn't been any communication in a few days.
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maxster
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Post by maxster on Jun 14, 2014 0:32:40 GMT -6
Thomas F. Egan died on May 9, 1917 in Manhattan, aged 50; his death certificate number is 15589.
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Post by Kimmer on Jul 12, 2014 15:25:13 GMT -6
Very exciting to know that Gladys has been found and many questions have been answered.
Perhaps you might invite Joyce to join the board? Then she could see for herself that the search for Gladys lasted several years.
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