The Voice of Cinderella and Portsmouth New Hampshire Songbird: Jacquelyn Ruth “Jackie” “Ilene” (Woods) Steck Shaughnessy (1926-2010)

Photograph of a young Ilene Woods, from the Internet Archive.

Jacquelyn “Jackie” “Ilene” Woods was called the “songbird of Portsmouth,” early on in her career.  She is probably most famous for being the “voice of Cinderella,” in the famed 1950 Disney cartoon movie. She was a singer and performer, in addition to being a radio/cartoon voice actress.

At the age of 12, she appeared in her the New Franklin School’s 5th Grade play, in Portsmouth NH, as Cinderella. Almost 12 years later, she appeared on a Boston MA stage, before a huge audience, singing Disney’s musical compositions to their screen version of the same story.

“Ilene” Woods came from a musical family, her mother Eunice (James) Woods and her aunt Ruth had performed for several years as “The James Sisters,” including radio appearances. They also ran a performing school in Portsmouth NH. “Ilene’s” grandmother, Hattie (Waldron) James was a pianist, who often played at her daughters’ recitals.

1943 photograph of Ilene Woods, in uniform after she was commissioned an honorary First Lieutenant of the 22nd Coast Artillery.

According to a 1950 newspaper story, by Dick Connolly in the Portsmouth Herald, in 1943 the Woods family moved to New York, and “Ilene” took dramatic lessons at Carnegie Hall under the famed Betty Cashman. She became part of the Paul Whiteman & his Orchestra, broadcast on national radio. In 1943 she also became the only girl member of the all-soldier musical, “Keep Mum, Chum,” and toured New England accompanied by her mother.

She rubbed elbows under the spotlight with Bing Crosby, Bob Crosby, Jack Carson, Gary Moore, Don McNeil, Ray Noble, Johnny Thompson, and Tommy Riggs and Betty Lou of entertainment world fame. In 1944 she toured the United States promoting war bonds in a show called “Cavalcade of Stars.” In that same year she spent a weekend with the Roosevelts.

The Portsmouth Herald, 28 December 1944, page 7: JACKIE WOODS INVITED TO BE GUEST OF FDR
Miss Ilene “Jackie” Woods, Portsmouth girl who began her radio singing career here at the age of 12 was invited to be the special guest of President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt at Hyde Park this week. She was scheduled to meet the chief executive and Mrs. Roosevelt Tuesday and today and sing at a serviceman’s canteen which has been established by the President in Hyde Park village. Now known as Ilene Woods, she signed a five-year radio contract last summer. She is known in Portsmouth as Jacquelyn “Jackie” Woods.

1950’s photograph of Ilene Woods reviewing Disney sketches.

In 1946 “Ilene” visited President and Mrs. Harry Truman at the White House, along with Van Johnson, Eddie Bracken, Ray Bolger and Gene Kelly. She then moved with her family to Chicago, and won a competition against 4,000 other girls to obtain a movie contract, so she could appear in the movie, “On Stage Everybody.”

In 1948 she was asked to record some songs for friends Mack David and Jerry Livingston “Ilene” recorded Bibbidi-bobbiddi-boo, A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes, and So This Is Love. When Walt Disney heard the recordings, he asked to see the singer and she was practically hired on the spot.

Growing up in Portsmouth NH she had interests that didn’t include acting or singing. She

1973 advertisement for the Cerebral Palsy Teletheon, showing Ilene Woods.

was a drum majorette for the Portsmouth High School and Frank E. Booma American Legion bands. At the age of 16 she was runner-up in the Portsmouth Country Club’s women’s golf championship–the youngest girl in the city to do so.  Later in life she acted as spokesperson (1970s) for the Cerebral Palsy Telethon.

Words that her teachers and acquaintances used to describe her back then was “pretty, an excellent singer,” “a beautiful girl,” “just as sweet as could be,” “extraordinary.”

—–PARTIAL GENEALOGY OF JACQUELYN RUTH “ILENE” WOODS—–

Richard Kenney/Canney Waldron, b. 21 December 1725, d. at the home of his son Isaac. He m. Mary Clark, dau of Abraham & Anna (?) Clark.He was a soldier in Capt (later Maj.) Samuel Hale’s Company of Dover men at the siege of Louisberg 1745; he was a soldier in Capt. Samuel Gerrish’s company of Col. Nathaniel Meserve’s regiment in the “Crown Point Expedition,” May 1 to Nov 1, 1756; a soldier on militia duty in Capt. John Cochrane’s company at Fort William & Mary (now Fort Constitution), Newcastle July 6 to Sept 18, 1771. About 1760 he moved to Barrington NH in the section called “Canaan.”
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Children of Richard Kenney & Mary (Clark) Waldron:
1. +Col. Isaac Waldron, b. 16 March 1747 Madbury NH
2. John Waldron
3. Mary “Polly” Waldron
4. Azariah Waldron
5. Sarah “Sallie” Waldron
6. Elizabeth “Betsey” Waldron
7. Aaron Clark Waldron
8. Hannah B. Waldron
9. Daniel Waldron
10. Abraham Waldron

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Richard Wood (1747-?) & Grace Haley of Chivelstone, Devon, England

Col. Isaac Waldron, son of Richard Kenney & Mary (Clark) Waldron, b. 16 March 1747 in Madbury NH, d. 3 May 1841. He m1) c1772 Sarah Booley. She d. 8 July 1799. He m2d) 1801 Tiazah Noble, dau of Rev. Oliver Noble of Newcastle NH. She was b. 13 April 1766 and d. 7 January 1841 in Barrington NH, a few months before he died. He and his wives are buried in the burial ground on the Waldron farm, in the rear of the house in Barrington NH.
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Children of Col. Isaac & Sarah (Booley) Waldron:
1. +Isaac Waldron (oldest son), b. 4 Dec 1773 Barrington NH, d. 1 Aug 1843 Portsmouth NH; m. 8 May 1896 Rye NH to Mary Jones Wallis, dau of Samuel & Elizabeth (Parson) Wallis. She was b. 26 June 1775 Rye NH, d. Portsmouth NH 1 Dec 1839. He m2d) late in life, widow Elizabeth Jackson who survived him. He was a merchant of Portsmouth NH. He is buried in the Proprietor’s Burial Ground in Rye NH. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1794. He began his business career in Portsmouth and became onf of its most distinguished citizens and wealthiest merchants. he was many times Representative in the Legislature, and was member of the Governor’s Council. From 1819 to 1831 he was president of the Portsmouth Bank; afterwards, until his death, president of the Commercial Bank; he was also director in various other corporations. He was a member of the North Church, and of St. John’s Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason, which is the oldest Masonic lodge in New Hampshire. His probate papers names the 5 children listed here, they had 7 total 2 dying in infancy. [part of bio from History of Strafford County [nh] and Representative Citizens, paged 393] **GENEALOGY BOOKLET from ZIMMERMAN, HOCKENSMITH FAMILY on ANCESTRY.   Children of Isaac & Mary J. (Wallis) Waldron: (1) Samuel Wallis Walden, b. 18 Dec 1798, d. 5 Feb 1868; m. 3 April 1826 to Martha Melcher. She b. 8 Dec 1800, d. 27 Sep 1882. They had 8 children including: Sarah Katharine Waldron, b. 1827, d. 1903, m. 1853 to Elliot C. Cowdin; and Hampden Waldron (8th and youngest child), b. 8 May 1841 MA, d. 6 Dec 1924, m. Camilla; (2) Elizabeth P. Waldron, who m. Hall J. How (3)  Isaac P. Waldron, b. abt 1804 NH. In 1850 living NYC with wife Eliza and daughter Ann M.; (4) Henry Waldron (5) Alfred Waldron
2. John Waldron, b 1776
3. Mary “Polly” Waldron, b. 1782
3. Azariah Waldron, b. 1785
4. Sarah “Sallie” Waldron, b. 1787
5. Elizabeth “Betsy” Waldron, b. 1789
6. Aaron Clark Waldron, b. 1792
7. Hannah B. Waldron, b. 1794
8. +Daniel Waldron, b. 1798 Barrington, Strafford Co.,  NH
9. Abraham Waldron, b. —

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James Wood (1773-1814) & Margaret Mulles of Prawle Point, Devon, England

Daniel Waldron, son of Col. Isaac & Sarah (Booley) Waldron, b. 1798 in Barrington, Strafford Co. NH and d. 7 October 1843 in Acton, York Co. ME.[see newspaper notice] [He was “of York, Maine when he married] He married 1st) 22 Sep 1819 to Eliza Woodbury, dau of Dr. Robert Woodbury. She was b. 4 Nov 1796 and d. 25 June 1821. He m2d) 17 Feb 1822 to Lois Glass. She was b. 1797 and d. 20 March 1827; He m3d) 15 Oct 1827 in Portsmouth NH to Irene Dearborn, daughter of Asa & Ruhammah (Choate) Dearborn. She was b. 15 April 1803 in Portsmouth NH, and d. 15 Aug 1870 in Greenland NH.
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Portland Advertiser, Portland Maine, Dece 10, 1839
DIED: In Portsmouth NH, 1st, Mrs. Mary J. wife of Isaac Waldron, Esq. 65.
[She was Mary Jane Wallis, b 1775 d 1839 dau of Samuel & Elizabeth (Parsons) Wallis. Her father Samuel Wallace was an Ensign during the Revolutionary War, Of Captain Joseph Parsons’ Company of Rye, Minute Man at the siege of Boston 1775-6.
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Portland Advertiser, Portland Maine, August 15, 1843, OBITUARY: In Portsmouth, 1st inst. Jon. Isaac Waldron aged 70.
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Portland Advertiser, Portland Maine, October 31, 1843, Volume XLV, page 1
In Acton, 7th inst. Mr. Daniel Waldron, aged 45 years, brother of the late Hon. Isaac Waldron, of Portsmouth.
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Child of Daniel & Eliza (Woodbury) Waldron:
1. Robert Waldron, b. bef 1822.
Child of Daniel & Lois (Glass) Waldron:
2. John L. Waldron, b. by 1827
Children of Daniel & Irene (Dearborn) Waldron:
3. Asa D. Waldron, b. abt 1829 in Wakefield NH; d. 11 Dec 1879 in Portsmouth NH. He married 22 Jan 1863 in Portsmouth NH to Annie E. Edmonds, daughter of Joseph M. & Elizabeth J. (?) Edmonds
4. + Daniel G. Waldron, b abt 1833 Wakefield, NH.
5. Sarah F. Waldron, b abt 1837 in Acton Maine; m. 8 March 1864 to Frederick H. Leet.

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John Mulles Wood (1796-1881) & Rebecca Elliot of Chivelstone, Devon, England

Daniel G. Waldron, son of Daniel & Irene (Dearborn) Waldron, b. abt 1833 Wakefield, Carroll Co., NH, d. 8 May 1897 Yreka, California; He m1) 3 June 1861 in Portsmouth NH to Sarah A. Dodge, daughter of Jabez & Sarah A. (Mason) Dodge. She b. 5 June 1834 Portsmouth NH, and d 12 October 1900. She is buried in Harmony Grove Cemetery, Portsmouth NH. He was an agent for musicians and for the “Alleghanians and Swiss Bell Ringers” music group. He married 2d) to Mary “Marie” (Durgin) Packard, daughter of Ezra & Ruth (Stevenson) Durgin. She was b. 7 November 1839 in Exeter, NH. Mary/Maria Durgin had married 1st) — Packard, and had a son Charles Packard. In 1897 Mary (Durgin) Packard-Waldron was living in San Francisco, CA. There was a drawn out lawsuit by his first wife Sarah, claiming his inheritance upon his death, however according to newspaper reports, the court decided he was legally divorced from her (Sarah), and awarded the estate to his 2nd wife (Mary).
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Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics, Portsmouth NH, Saturday, April 13, 1861, page 2
Mr. Daniel G. Waldron, a native of Portsmouth, is now at home, after an absence of ten years, in California &c., He has been connected as Agent with the “Alleghanians and Swiss Bell Ringers,” whose foreign tour during four years, has extended through the West Coast, California, Oregon, Sandwich Islands, Society Islands, South America, Chili, Peru., Bolivia, Ecuador, New Granada, the West Indies, and British Guiana.”
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1870 US Census > NH > Rockingham > Portsmouth
Dodge, Jabez 65 M W Works in shoeshop 2000/5000 NH
Dodge, Sarah A., 57 F W keeping House NH
Waldron, Daniel G 37 M W Agent for Musicians [b abt 1834 NH]
Waldron, Sarah 36 F at home NH
Waldron, Daniel D 7 M W NH
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1880 US Census > NH > Rockingham > Portsmouth > 13 North Street
Jabez Dodge self M 75 NH NH NH shoemaker
Sarah A. Dodge wife F 66 NH NH NH wife keeping house
Sarah A. Waldron dau F 44 NH NH NH widowed
Daniel D. Waldron grandon M 18 NH NH NH painter’s apprentice
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Denver Rocky Mountain News (Denver Co) 14 August 1897
CLAIMS TO BE THE WIDOW
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 13.–Two women are struggling for the estate and name of Daniel G. Waldron, a veteran Californian journalist, who was found dead in his bed at Yreka on May 8. One of the women, Mary Packard Waldron, has been recognized as the widow by the superior court. Now comes another woman, who claims to be the lawful widow of Mr. Waldron. In the superior court Attorney John J. Stephens, acting for Mrs. Sarah A. Waldron, who resides at 38 Maplewood Avenue, Portsmouth NH, filed a petition asking the various orders entered in favor of Mrs. Mary P. Waldron to be set aside.
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Boston Journal (Boston, Massachusetts) August 16, 1897
Portsmouth Woman Says She is Legal Widow of Daniel Waldron, Who Left her Years ago
Portsmouth, N.H., Aug 14.–Mrs. Sarah Waldron of this city, who claims to have been the lawful wife of the late Daniel G. Waldron, a California newspaper man, who was found dead in Yreka, that State, May 8 last, was asked today on what grounds she based her claim for part of the Waldron estate….Mrs. Waldron said today that her husband left her 20 years ago, and that she had never heard anything regarding a divorce. She has a son living here, Daniel G. Waldron, and he is also positive that his father never made any effort to obtain a divorce. He says that if his father was afterward marriage, the marriage was illegal. Mrs. Waldron will make a strong fight to secure the estate. Attorney General Stevens of California has been engaged to work in the interest of the Portsmouth claimant.
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17 August 1897, Los Angeles Herald, Los Angeles CA; page 6
BACK EAST–Old Acquaintances Recall Events of The Past
EXETER, N.H. Aug 16.–The contest of the Waldron Estate of Yreka, Cal., is of interest here from the fact that Mrs. Mary Packard Waldron of San Francisco, whose will is to be fought in the courts, formerly lived here. Mrs. Waldron was the eldest daughter of the late Ezra S. Durgin. After the death of her first husband, Mr. Packard, she devoted her time to music, being a singer of considerable note. Twenty-five years ago she was soprano of the First Church choir here, then one of the best in the state. She had many pupils. It so happened that Daniel G. Waldron, the proprietor of a company of bell ringers chanced to hear Mrs. Packard and her sister, Belle Durgin, sing, and he immediately engaged them at a salary to travel with his company. They met with great success from Maine to California, and later Mrs. Packard married Mr. Waldron.
It was known at the time that Waldron had a previous wife living in Portsmouth, but it was believed that he must have secured a divorce before his second marriage. Of late years Mr. and Mrs. Waldron have resided in California, where a son of Mrs. Waldron, by her first husband, also lives. His name is Charles Packard. Mrs. Packard-Waldron was much respected and admired by a large circle of friends here. Her life since she was married has been a happy one, and it is thought by her friends here that she will be able to prove that Waldron had a divorce from his first wife, who has been the principal contestant in the will case.
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Fresno Republican Weekly, Fresno, California, May 18, 1899, page 6 (AP)
SAN FRANCISCO–May 13.–Judge Coffey has rendered a decision declaring Mary P.Waldron to be the legal widow of Daniel G. Waldron, a deceased journalist of San Francisco and theatrical manager of some prominence. This virtually disposes of the claims of Sarah A. Waldron of New Hampshire, his first wife, from whom he was divorced. The estate he left, valued at about $20,000 will be divided between Mary P. Waldron and the son of the first marriage, the widow receiving the exclusive benefit of certain insurance policies and special allowances. Mrs. Mary B. Waldron, better known as Marie Packard, has been a singer of note, traveling for fifteen years as prima donna of the Alleghenians, of which Waldron was manager and at one time leading the choir in the old South church of Boston. She is a resident of San Francisco.
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The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH, 15 October 1900, page 6
OBSEQUIES.–At the house on Maplewood avenue, at two o’clock this afternoon, occurred the funeral of Mrs. Sarah A. Waldron, widow of Daniel G. Waldron. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. George E. Laighton, pastor of the Church of Christ. Interment was in Harmony Grove cemetery. Many friends and relatives attended the services.
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27 October 1900, The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH page 4
PROBATE COURT
Wills Proved.–of Sarah A. Waldron, Portsmouth, Daniel D. Waldron, executor.
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—This refers to GRANDMOTHER of Daniel D. WALDRON, not his mother—
The Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth NH) 3 Nov 1900 page 1
Wills Proved–Of Sarah A. Waldron, Portsmouth, Daniel D. Waldron, executor.
The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH, 19 March 1902, Wednesday, page 6
OBITUARY: Mrs. Sarah A. Dodge. At her home on Maplewood avenue, this noon after a short illness occurred the death of Mrs. Sarah A. Dodge, one of the oldest residents of Christian Shore. Deceased was born Oct. 6, 1812 and leaves a grandson, Daniel D. Waldron of this city.
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Child of Daniel G. & Sarah A. (Dodge) Waldron:
1. +Daniel D. Waldron, b. 1 Dec 1862 in Portsmouth NH.

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John Woods, son of John & Rebecca (Elliot) Wood, b. May 1827 at Chivelstone, Devon England, and d. 2 Jan 1908 in Portsmouth NH, age 80y 7m. He m1) Mary Grace Spry. She was b. 1835 and d. 30 Aug 1868 in Painford, Ashprington, Devon, England; He m2d) 13 April 1870 at Ashprington, Devon England to Eliza Loder/Loades. She was b. March 1845 at East Ogwell, Devon, England and d. 8 April 1922 Shrewsbury, Worcester Co. MA. They are buried South End Cemetery, Portsmouth NH. He was a grocer
[Some info from Lavorgna Family Tree, and FTW NAIN File2 at Ancestry.com]
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1880 US Census > NH > Rockingham > Rye
Woods, John W M 52 Farmer England England England
Woods, Eliza W F 35 wife Keeping House England England England
Woods, Annie M.S. 26 F W daughter Keepings in the House NH England England
Woods, Isabell G. W F 22 daughter Dressmaker Eng Eng Eng
Woods, Ellen W F 20 daughter Tailoress Eng Eng Eng
Woods Mary M. W F 15 daughter at home Eng Eng Eng
Woods John W M 16 son works on Farm Eng Eng Eng
Woods Emily J W F 14 daughter attending school Eng Eng Eng
Woods Leafy W F 12 daughter attending school Eng Eng Eng
Woods Willie W M 8 son attending school Eng Eng Eng
Woods Harry W M 7 son attending School Eng Eng Eng
Woods George W M 6 son attending school Eng Eng Eng
Woods Walter W M 4 son attending school NH Eng Eng (b abt 1876)
Woods Minnie W F 1 daughter attending school NH Eng Eng
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The Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth NH) 4 May 1943 page 11
George Woods, 69, a native of Portsmouth, and the father of Kenneth T. Woods, 522 Woodbury avenue, died yesterday at his home in Haverhill, Mass, after a long period of ill health. Mr. Woods, a retired painter, was born and brought up in Portsmouth with four brothers and five sisters. He was a member of the Woods Brothers’ althletic team which figured in Portsmouth’s sports world for many years.
Kenneth T. Woods is one of three surviving sons. The others are Lloyd R. Woods who lives in Philadelphia, and G. Norman Woods of Haverhill, Mass. Mr. Wood also leaves four brothers, John, Harry and Walter, all of Portsmouth and Charles Woods of Kittery; five sisters, Mrs. Theodore Hendricks, and Mrs. Jessie Gilbert of Newtonville Mass., Mrs. Robert Philip of St. Petersburg, FLA, Mrs. Andrew Brown, Geneva, IL, and Mrs. Lyman Holmes of Amherst and one granddaughter, Miss Jacqueline Woods.
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Children of John & Mary Grace (Spry) Woods:
1. Ann Mary Spry “Annie” Woods, b abt 1854-1856 Portsmouth NH; m. 1 February 1871 in Portsmouth NH to Thomas Staples, son of Edward & Hannah Staples.
2. Jane Elizabeth “Isabell G.” Woods, b. abt 1858 England; m. 15 Sep 1887 in Portsmouth NH to Leonard M. Laighton, son of Edwin R. & Eliza T. (Tighe) Leighton.
3. Ellen Woods, 1 Nov 1860 Ashprington, Devon, England, d. 13 Sep 1956 Geneva, Kane Co., IL; m. 5 July 1882 in Exeter NH to Andrew Jefferson Brown, son of Franklin B. & Jemima Brown; res Geneva IL
4. John Woods, b abt 1864 England, res. Portsmouth NH
5. Mary Hannah Woods, b abt 1865 England; m. 18 June 1891 in Portsmouth NH to Frank Sheriden Newton, son of Elvin & Mary J. Newton.
6. Emily Woods, b abt 1866 England; m. 13 Feb 1901 in Portsmouth NH to Albert Brutus Ward; at least one child Laura Ward, b. 6 Dec 1903 CT d. 13 Feb 1996 Clinton CT, who m. Bertram Roswell Smith.
Children of John and Eliza (Loder) Woods:
7. Lucy Woods, b Oct 1867 England; m. 30 January 1901 Portsmouth NH to Lyman Augustus Holmes, son of Charles N. & Annie M. (Hoyt) Holmes. They resided in Amherst.
8. William Frederick “Willie” Woods, b abt 1872 England; m. 28 January 1897 in Portsmouth NH to Carrie A. Ridge, daughter of Charles & Clara (Amazeen) Ridge.
9. Harry H. Woods, b abt 1873 England; m. 9 Oct 1895 Portsmouth NH to Cora M. Foote, dau of Charles H. & Sarah Jane Foote. Children include: 1) Lillian Gwendolene Wood who m. 12 Aug 1933 in Portsmouth NH to Jarib McKay Sanderson, son of Lynn Judson & Myra (McKay) Sanderson; 2) Zyltha Woods who m. James Taccetta.
10. +George Russell Woods, b. Dec 1873 or 11 Dec 1874 in England
11. Walter Sidney Woods; b. abt 1876 NH; res. Portsmouth NH; m. 16 Ja 1901 in Portsmouth NH to Mary M. Tucker, dau of Charles H. & Mary F. (Garland) Tucker; had son, Wadleigh Winston Woods.
12. Frank L. Woods, b. Aug 1877 NH, m. 16 January 1902 in Hampton NH to Katherine G. Fleming, dau of Thomas & Mary (Hill) Fleming
13. Minnie Woods, b Nov 1878 NH; m. 10 October 1908 in Portsmouth NH to Edward P. Hendrick, son of Joel & Lucy A. (Munger) Hendrick. They res. Newtonville MA.
14. Charles Edgar Woods; res. Kittery Maine
15. Jessie Woods, b. 1882, m. 12 Aug 1917 in Portsmouth NH to John Francis Gilbert, son of John W. & Mathelda C. (Miller) Gilbert. They res. in Newtonville MA.
[Note, one obituary mentions these among the children, who I have not been able to identify: (Mrs. Theodore Hendricks), Newtonville MA and (Mrs. Robert Philip), St. Petersburg FL].

Mark James, a sea captain, b. abt 1846-1851 Carboneau, Newfoundland, d abt 1895; m. 1 June 1872 in Carbonear, Newfoundland Canada to Melina Taylor, dau of Abel & Julianna (Pike) Taylor. she b. 29 June 1851 Carbonear, Newfoundland, d. 19 Feb 1920 Carbonear, Newfoundland.
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Children of Mark & Melina (Taylor) James:
1. Charles Taylor James, b. 7 March 1873 Carbonear, Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada
2. Reginald Heber James, b 9 April 1876 in Carbonear, Newfoundland; m. 22 Feb 1900 to Luzena Cadella F. Gillam, daughter of Mark & Mary Alma (Alexander) Gillam.
3. +Albert Llewellyn James, son of Mark & Melina (Taylor) James, b 13 Dec 1880 in Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada
4. Nellie James, b. 8 Oct 1882 Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada
5. Lena May James, b. 14 May 1887 Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada
6. Paul Bendell James, b. 1 Oct 1889 Carbonear, Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada

Daniel D. Waldron, son of Daniel G. & Sarah A. (Dodge) Waldron, b 1 Dec 1863 in Portsmouth NH. Possibly he is the Dan Waldron b. 1865 who d. 24 Dec 1929 and is buried in Sacramento California; He m1st) 31 December 1883 to Alice Knight Twombley, daughter of Amos H. & Katherine “Kate” G. (Field/Frield/Friels) Twombley. She b. 2 May 1866 in Portsmouth NH, d 25 April 1955 in Portsmouth NH. They divorced by 1900. Alice m2d) 18 Jan 1908 in Portsmouth NH to William S. Hold, son of Benjamin F. & Maria (Perry) Hold. He was b. in Princeton Maine. Daniel D. Waldron m2d) 2 June 1897 in Portsmouth NH to Nellie M. Yeaton, daughter of Barnabas Y. & Elizabeth A. (Downing) Yeaton. They divorced, and Nellie m2d) 12 May 1904 in Manchester NH to Charles M. Goodwin, son of Andrew J. & Ellen M. (Bickford) Goodwin. She had married 1st) 19 Oct 1890 in Newington NH to James A. McPheters, son of Moses & Alice McPheters. Daniel D. Waldron m3d) ?? and went west [see newspaper notice].
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1900 US Census > NH > Rockingham > Portsmouth > 1404 Elm Street
Waldron, Daniel D. Head W M April 1863 37 married 3 yrs NH NH NH house painter
Waldron, Nellie M wife W F Aug 1870 29 married 3 yrs 0 ch NH NH NH
Smith Nina Lodger W F June 1864 35 div NH NH NH
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The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH 28 May 1902
Said to Have Gone West with Manchester Woman
Daniel D. Waldron, paper hanger as the city directory gives his occupation, is missing from his home at 38 Maplewood avenue, and his wife is not at all backward in admitting that he has deserted her and felt with another woman. This is not Waldron’s first offense in the desertion line and there resides not far from his late home another woman who once bore his name and was cruelly deserted by him for the woman whom he now leaves for another. Some years ago Waldron kept a wall paper store over Peyser’s clothing store on Market street. He was agent for a Boston firm and did considerable business for a while. Then he disappeared and the business was closed out. But his business troubles here not the only ones. His relations with a young married woman caused frequent quarrels in two families and finally ended in the breaking up of two homes. The climax came when he disappeared leaving his wife and several small children with the munificent sum of ten cents to support them. He took with him the wife of the man whom he had wronged, and together the couple went west where they made their home for many months. Waldron’s wife obtained a divorce as did also the husband of the woman who went away with him. The runaways couple remained away from Portsmouth many months and then returned man and wife. Of late years they have made their home with Waldron’s grandmother on Maplewood avenue. Some weeks ago the old lady died and the property reverted to Daniel as the nearest of kin. Waldron, so it has been represented, has been in some sort of business in Manchester and has traveled back and forth a great deal between the two cities. It was in the Queen City that he got acquainted with the young woman whom it is said is now his company. About two weeks ago Waldron sold the property which had been left him to Joseph Hett. He gradually converted all belongings which he could without inviting suspicion into cash and one day last week departed leaving no word as to his destination or future intentions. Since his departure, many stories have been put in circulation in regard to the missing man’s double life the past few weeks. Tis said that he has had the Manchester woman here in town for some time and domiciled her within a few hundred yards of his own home. Rumors of borrowed money and money raised on notes in anticipation of his coming into possession of his grandmother’s property are also in circulation ut it is thought that Waldron could not have got into his friends very deep as they were all pretty well acquainted with his disappearing act. The deserted wife has made an ineffectual attempt at locating the guilty couple, visiting some of his former haunts in other cities. The general impression is, however, that Waldron has again gone west and will not be seen in Portsmouth for many a long day.
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Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH > March 4, 1911
OBITUARY: Mrs. Katherine G. Twombly
Mrs. Katherine G. Twombly died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Levi Spinney on Thornton street this morning, aged 84 years 5 days. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Spinney and Mrs. Daniel Waldron, both of this city.
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Children of Daniel D. & Alice K. (Twombly) Waldron:
1. +Hattie F. Waldron, b. 16 Sep 1885 Portsmouth NH
2. Daniel Ray Waldron, b. 5 Nov 1890 Portsmouth NH, d. 7 June 1955 in Newmarket NH. He m. 16 April 1916 in Portsmouth NH to Marion Page, daughter of Frank & Lizzie (Huntington) page
3. Irene M. Waldron, b. 28 April 1894 Portsmouth NH; m. 28 Nov 1912 in Portsmouth NH to Joseph M. McWilliams, son of John & Mary (Conway) McWilliams

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George Russell Woods, son of John & Eliza (Loder) Woods, b. Dec 1873 [1900 census] or 11 Dec 1874 [Ancestry family tree] in Ashprington, Devon, England, d. 5 May 1943 Haverhill MA [obituary]; m1st) 27 Dec 1895 in Portsmouth NH to Gertrude Russell, dau of William F. Russell and Maria C. (Kauley) Russell. She b. 31 Aug 1875 in Portsmouth NH, d. 16 April 1915 age 39 yr 7m 16d at Portsmouth NH. He m2d) 25 May 1916 in Portsmouth NH to Gertrude H. “Gertie May” True. daughter of Wilbur C. & Laura M. (Eaton) True. She was b. 13 Nov 1893 in Salisbury MA. He arrived in the US about 1877, his marriage rec states born Devonshire England.
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1910 US Census > NH > ROckingham > Portsmouth > New Castle Ave
George R. Wood 35
Gertrude H. Wood 34
Lloyd R. Wood 10
Kenneth T. Wood 7
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The Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth NH) 4 May 1943 page 11
George Woods, 69, a native of Portsmouth, and the father of Kenneth T. Woods, 522 Woodbury avenue, died yesterday at his home in Haverhill, Mass, after a long period of ill health. Mr. Woods, a retired painter, was born and brought up in Portsmouth with four brothers and five sisters. He was a member of the Woods Brothers’ althletic team which figured in Portsmouth’s sports world for many years. Kenneth T. Woods is one of three surviving sons. The others are Lloyd R. Woods who lives in Philadelphia, and G. Norman Woods of Haverhill, Mass. Mr. Wood also leaves four brothers, John, Harry and Walter, all of Portsmouth and Charles Woods of Kittery; five sisters, Mrs. Theodore Hendricks, and Mrs. Jessie Gilbert of Newtonville Mass., Mrs. Robert Philip of St. Petersburg, FLA, Mrs. Andrew Brown, Geneva, IL, and Mrs. Lyman Holmes of Amherst and one granddaughter, Miss Jacqueline Woods.
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The Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth NH) 6 May 1943, page 23–GEORGE WOODS RITE
Attending the funeral of George Woods who died Monday in Haverhill, Mass., were several members of the immediate family living in Portsmouth. Mrs. Gertrude True Woods, wife of the deceased man, and the late Mr. Woods lived lived in Portsmouth many years before moving to Haverhill. Mr. Woods was buried from the Tilton funeral home in the Salisbury, Mass. cemetery. Among those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth T. Woods, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Woods, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Woods of Kittery, Mrs. J.M. Sanderson of Greenland, a niece; and Mrs. James Taccetta of Hampton, also a niece.
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1940 US Census > MA > Essex > Haverhill
George R. Woods Head M W 65 married H1 (finished 1 yr of high school) England naturalized Watchman in a Tannery
Gertrude M. Woods F W 44 married H-4 Massachusetts Fancy Stitcher, Shoe Shop
Susan J. Eaton Grandmother F 80 NH finished 8 yrs schooling
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Children of George & Gertrude (Russell) Woods:
1. Lloyd R. Woods, b 29 April 1899 Portsmouth NH, living Philadelphia; d. 1973.
2. + Kenneth T. Woods, b. 1 March 1903, Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., NH
3. George Norman Woods, b 8 Sep 1913 Portsmouth NH, d. 17 Dec 1992 in Groveland, Essex MA; also lived in Haverhill MA. He m. Ruth Lucille — and had at least two children. ?buried Portsmouth NH.

Albert Llewellyn James, son of Mark & Melina (Taylor) James, born 13 Dec 1880 in Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada, died 1 Feb 1973 in Daytona Beach, Volusia Co. FL ; He m1st) 17 Sep 1902 in Portsmouth NH to Hattie F. Waldron, daughter of Daniel D. & Alice Knight (Twombly) Waldron. She b. 16 Sep 1885 Portsmouth NH, d 6 Sep 1945 in Portsmouth NH. He was a chauffeur, and a member of Macedonian Lodge, Massachusetts [where his birth and death data was obtained]. He is buried in Daytona Memorial Park, Daytona Beach FL. In 1918 when he filled out his WW1 Registration card, he was a machinist living in Milton MA, his NOK listed as his daughter. He was naturalized on 2 June 1904. They divorced [though Albert listed himself as widowed on his 2nd marriage record].  He m2d) 27 Sep 1921 to Frances Mill Tufts, dau of Lewis P. & Augusta (Ropes) Tufts. She was b. 17 Dec 1902 and d. 14 Feb 1993 in Daytona FL.
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The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH, 9 October 1902
Marriages, September 1902
17 Albert L. James and Harrie F. Waldron, both of Portsmouth.
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Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH, Sept 6 1945 // OBITUARY: Mrs. Hattie James
Mrs. Hattie E. James of 130 Sherburne avenue died this morning at the home of her mother, Mrs. Alice K. Hold, 108 Dennett street. She was a native and life long resident of Portsmouth and was born Sept 16, 1885. Mrs. James is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Eunice M. Woods of New York City and Mrs. Ruth A. Staples of Portsmouth; her mother, Mrs. Hold; one sister, Mrs. Irene M. Anderson of Westwood MA; one brother, Daniel R. Waldron of Exeter, and one grand daughter. Mrs. James was a well known piano teacher and was a member of Union Rebekah lodge; Crystal Temple Pythias Sisters; Storer Relief Corps No. 6, WRC; Kings Daughters, Canton Senter auxiliary and Star Lodge of Odd Ladies. During 1944 she was supreme lady governess of Odd Ladies of New Hampshire.
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The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH 1 July 1948 page 8
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Woods … after visiting the Wood’s grandmother, Mrs. William Hold of 109 Dennett street, Portsmouth.
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Children of Albert L. & Hattie F. (Waldron) James:
1. +Eunice May James, b. 7 May 1903 in Portsmouth NH; m. Kenneth T. Woods
2. Ruth Adelaide James, b. 21 Dec 1905 Portsmouth NH; m. 7 June 1926 in Portsmouth NH to Charles E. Staples, son of Roy E. & Gladys M. (Tucker) Staples. He was b abt 1904-5 in Eliot, Maine, and d. in 1971.

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Kenneth T. Woods, born 1 March 1903 Portsmouth NH, died December 1963 in New York, son of George R. & Gertrude (Russell) Woods; m. 2 January 1924 in Portsmouth NH to Eunice May James, daughter of Albert L. & Hattie F. (Waldron) James. She was born 7 May 1903 in Portsmouth NH, died 21 January 1998 in Los Angeles, California [death date from SSDI]. Eunice James sang and performed with her sister Ruth, as “The James Sisters,” a regular on the radio in the mid 1930s. In 1971 she attended her 50th Portsmouth (NH) HS Class reunion, Class of 1921. They are buried in Newington (NH) Cemetery [His grave] [her grave].
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The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH, 3 Jan 1924, page 8 // Weddig: WOOD-JAMES
A very pretty wedding occurred this noon at the home of the bride in the presence of relatives and friends, when Eunice M. James, daughter of Mrs. B.F. James, and Kenneth T. Woods of this city, son of Mrs. George Woods of Haverhill, Mass, were united in marriage, Rev. Lucius H. Thayer performing the ceremony. The bride was attired in a gown of midnight blue panne velvet and carried white carnations. She was attended by her sister, Miss Ruth James, who wore blue canton crepe and carried pink carnations. The groom’s attendant was his brother, Mr. Lloyd Woods of Boston. After the ceremony a lunch of chicken salad, olives, pickles, rolls, cake, ice cream and ocffee was served. The bride’s gift to her attendant was a pink sapphire ring, and the groom’s gift to his attendant was gold cuff links. The couple left on a trip to Boston, Providence and New York, and on their return will reside in this city.
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The James Sisters broadcast two vocal numbers from Station WBZ, Boston in the 1930s [1933, 1932]
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1930 US Census > NH > Rockingham > Portsmouth > 276 Maplewood Ave.
Hattie F. James 44 Head F W Div NH NH NH MUSIC TEACHER, Private Teaching
Kenneth T. Woods 27 son in law NH England NH Painter, Motor Co.
Eunice M. Woods 26 daughter NH Newfoundland NH
Jacquelin Woods 3-11/12 grand-dau NH NH NH
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The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth NH 2 Jan 1941
James’ School Pupils Attend Yule Party
Pupils of the James Sisters School of Dancing attended Christmas party Monday evening at the IOOF Hall, etc etc.
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Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth NH) 14 Dec 1963
KENNETH T. WOODS
Funeral services for Kenneth T. Woods, 60, of North County Road, Port Jefferson, LI, NY, husband of Mrs. Eunice (James) Woods, were here yesterday from Buckminster Chapel.
The Rev. John N. Feaster, D.D. pastor of North Congregational Church, conducted the services. Burial was in Newington Cemetery with committal services by Dr. Feaster.
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Child of Kenneth T. & Eunice (James) Woods:
1. +Jacquelyn Ruth Woods, b. 5 May 1926 Portsmouth NH [although some biographies list her birth year as 1929, that is obviously incorrect].

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Jacquelyn/Jacquelin Ruth Woods, aka Ilene Woods, daughter of Kenneth T. & Eunice (James) Woods, b. 5 May 1926 Portsmouth NH, and died 1 July 2010 in Canoga Park, California from complications of Alzheimer’s. She is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. She married 1st) July 1946 to Stephen “Steve” Steck, Jr., son of Stephen J. & Julia (Shipske) Steck. He was b. 22 Dec 1922 in Olyphant, Lackawanna, PA, and d. 28 December 2014 in Myrtle Beach SC. He had formerly lived in Manhasset NY. He was a noted jazz singer, music arranger, trumpeter with Tex Beneke and the former Glenn Miller bands. He headed “The Crew Chiefs,” and often appeared on the Jimmy Durante Show. He was a decorated WW2 Air Force veteran. They resided at Sherman Oaks, California during their marriage. They divorced. She married 2nd) 1963 to Edwin Thomas “Ed” Shaughnessy, (who she met in the 1960s while working in television) son of Thomas & Theresa (Meatlein) Shaughnessy. He was b 29 Jan 1929 in Jersey City NJ and d. 24 May 2013 in Calabas California. He was a long-time drummer on TV’s “The Tonight Show,” famous for his swing music and bebop drumming.
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Child of Stephen & Jacquelyn (Woods) Steck:
1.Stephanie Steck who m. Anthony Pagoto.
Children of Ed & Jacquelyn (Woods) Shaughnessy:
2. James “Jimmy” Shaughnessy, d. 1984 auto accident at the age of 18.
3. Daniel Shaughnessy, who m. Nicah —.