William Jerome Page

Birth Name William Jerome Page
Gender male
Age at Death unknown

Notes

General

In 1900, William J. Page was living with his parents at 104 Brooks St., East Boston and was working as a painter. In 1902 they may have been at 144 Webster St., East Boston, since William's sister, Abbie (Page) Heise, says she was widowed and "at home" at that address when she re-married.

William and Margaret were married in Veazie, Maine, in 1905, and gave their residence as Bangor. The civil marriage record from the Maine Vital Records gives the date of 25 Apr 1905. William was 22 and Margaret's age was said to be 18. They were married by Elmer Pember. (Mr. Pember, on the 1900 Census, was a clergyman, living at 115 Center St., Bangor. A family history at Google Books states that he was the pastor of the First Universalist Church in Bangor from 1890 to about 1911.)

An image of the church marriage certificate signed by Mr. Pember shows that the witnesses at the marriage were William's maternal grandmother Rosanna Carey, and Rosanna's son William. The marriage date on the certificate was April 25, 1904. (Image forwarded by a descendant, March 2010.)

A handwritten note on this certificate says 'This marriage was blessed by Jas. M. O'Neil, Feb 17, 1920, in the presence of Thos. F. O'Toole and Agnes O'Neil. (signed) Jas M. O'Neil". On the 1920 Census of East Boston there is a James J. O'Neil, clergyman, Catholic Church, living on Brook St. near Morris St. This address is around the corner from Sacred Heart Church on Paris St. and about a seven minute walk from 89 Putnam St., where William and Margaret were living in 1920. (1920 Census and Google Maps.)

When Lillian was born in 1907, the Paiges were still living in Bangor. The 1907 Bangor City Directory lists him at 365 Broadway. The 1909 Bangor directory said he had "removed to Brewer."

The Brewer Directory for 1909 says William was a baggage master for the Maine Central Railroad, and was the householder at 60 Brimmer, the same address as his father Oscar and his brother Joseph, both boarders. In 1912 William and his father were at 46 Chamberlain St., Brewer. William's brothers Joseph and Frederick were at 48 1/2 Chamberlain, and his uncle Charles was at 52 1/2.

Florence, Cecelia, and Jerome were all born in Brewer, from 1909 to 1913. In February of 1913, Margaret evidently came back to East Boston to visit her parents. Lillian and Cecelia were both baptized at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, East Boston, on February 16 of that year.

In 1914 William was still listed at 46 Chamberlain St., Brewer, but without his father. In 1915 when Charlie was born they were back in Bangor. During these years, William worked for the railroad as a fireman and as a baggage master.

By November 30, 1919, the date of the birth and death of their stillborn son in Boston, they had moved back to East Boston and were living at 89 Putnam St. They were living there with three of their children, Zeke, Cecelia, and Charles, when the 1920 census was taken. (The other three children, Lillian, Florence and Jerome, were living in Bangor with their grandmother, Martha (Cowan) Page Gray, who had remarried in December 1917.)

The 1921 Boston City Directory lists them at 89 Putnam St., and the 1922 to 1924 Directories give their address as 285 Chelsea St., also in East Boston. When their last child, James Richard, was born in 1924, the Pages were at 2985 Washington Street, Roxbury. In 1920 William was a machinist and in 1924 he was working as an elevator operator.

Searching for William Page

Sometime after their last child was born, William left his wife. In the 1928 Boston City Directory, Margaret is living in Roxbury without William. On the 1930 census taken on April 1, Margaret is listed as the head of her household. It was said by the family that his wife did not know where he was but he kept in touch with his older daughters Lillian and Florence. On the 1930 census of the William and Lillian Walsh household, Lillian's father's birthplace is "United States." This might indicate that she actually knew where he was in 1930, since there was no mystery about what state he had been born in.

A granddaughter, and the wife of a grandson, have spoken with living descendants of Lillian and Florence. The descendants know nothing of William's whereabouts after leaving his family.

When Margaret died in 1946, her death notice mentioned her "late" husband, but her death record listed him as alive, age 57. That was her age at death, his age would have been 64. But the information on the death record came from her son James who had never known his father and may not have known his correct age.

William possibly may have died by 1934, since the entry for Margaret in the 1934 and 1936 Boston City Directories describe her as a widow of Wm., or of Wm. J. But it may be that she had him declared legally dead, since she had made a search for him and it had been seven years since he was last with the family.

There is some evidence that William died before his father Oscar's death in 1943. Oscar's death notice mentions only Oscar's son Augustus. All of Oscar's other children died before him, so the death notice may be listing all his surviving children.

William is not buried in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose, where his father, mother and
his brother Augustus are buried. (Source: plot record received from descendant)

Nor with his brother Stover D.F. Page in Glenwood Cemetery, Everett.
(Source:descendant's correspondence with cemetery.) Nor in Oak Grove Cemetery,
Bucksport ME. (Correspondence from Oak Grove Cemetery Association, April 2010.)

Nor with his wife in St. Joseph's Cemetery, W. Roxbury (family knowledge and visit.)

I did not find a death record for William J. Page/Paige in Maine or Massachusetts for the years 1924 to 1997, nor in Massachusetts for 1998 to 2004. If his death was recorded it may have been under a different name. He was not found in the death records of Bucksport, ME. (Email to me from town clerk, April or May 2010.)

-------------------------
Censuses:
1910 Federal Census, Maine, Penobscot Co., 4th Ward of Brewer
Series T624, Roll 544, page 65
In household of his father, Oscar S. Page
[for complete household see Oscar's censuses]
On Brimmer St., Brewer. They rented the house.

Page, Oscar S.: Head, M, 50, M1, 32, ME, ME, ME, Fireman, steam RR
----, Martha E. Wife, F, 48, M1, 32, ME, ME, ME, 5 children, 5 living
---, William J., Son(nh), M, 27, M1, 5, ME, ME, ME, Fireman, steam RR
.....
--, Margaret L., daughter in law, (with line and arrow pointing to William
J.). F, 21, M1, 5, 3 children, 3 living. MA, MA, English
.....
--, Ezra A., grandson, M, 5, S, ME, ME, MA
--, Lillian M. granddaughter, F, 2 11/12, S, ME, ME, MA
--, Florence M. granddaughter, F, 11/12, S, ME, ME, MA

==========
1920 Federal Census, Massachusetts, Suffolk County, Boston,
1st Ward (East Boston).
[for other three children in 1920 see Martha Cowans censuses]
Series T625, Roll 728, Enumeration District 10, Sheet 16A
Ancestry.com: Image 213, page 16A
Living at 89 Putnam St, East Boston. (Rented)

Page, William J., age unreadable, ME ME ME
---, Margaret L., age unreadable, MA MA ENG
-------, Ezra A., 14, Son, school, ME ME MA
----, Cecelia M., 8, Dau, school, ME ME MA
----, Charles W., 4, Son, ME ME MA

William was a machinist for an engineering company.

------------------
Listings in the Boston City Directory:
Pa(i)ge, William J. - spelling varies

1919 not listed, nor in 1915 or 1917
1920 Paige, William J. helper h 89 Putnam, E.B.
1921 Page, William J. laborer h 89 Putnam, E.B.
1922 Page, William J. laborer h 285 Chelsea, E.B.
1923 Page, William J. laborer h 285 Chelsea, E.B.
1924 Page, William J. laborer h 285 Chelsea, E.B.
1925 not listed in 1925, nor after that

Events

Event Date Place Description Sources
Birth May 4, 1883 Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States   1a
General

Maine Births and Christenings, 1739-1900
Willie J Page
born 4 May, 1883, Portland, Cumberland, Maine.
father: Oscar S Page
Mother: Ellen M.
transcription at "Maine, Births and Christenings, 1739-1900," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F499-3B5 : accessed 18 Dec 2013), Willie J. Page, 04 May 1883.

also:
Maine, Vital Records, 1670-1907, Copy of an old record of a birth
Willie J Page
born 4 May, 1883, Portland, Maine.
father: Oscar S Page
Mother: Ellen M.
Source of record: City Clerk's office, Portland
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the birth recorded in Portland
signed A Edwin Smith

at:
"Maine, Vital Records, 1670-1907 ," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2HVG-JSC : accessed 18 Dec 2013), Willie J Page, 1883.

Census June 1, 1900 East Boston, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States 1900 Oscar Page household 2a
General

1900 Federal Census, MA, Suffolk, Boston, 1st Ward.
Series T623, Roll 675, page 35. house 262, family 394
Vol 64, Enum. Dist. 1155, Sheet 17A, Line 40ff.

Living at 104 Brooks St., (East Boston), renting.

Page, Oscar S, born Sep 1854, 45, married 25 years, fireman-locomotive, born in Maine, parents also, out of work 9 months in past year
----, Martha E, born Sep 1859, 40, married 25 years, five children, five alive, born in Maine, parents also
----, Joseph O, born May 1878, 22, plumber, born in Maine, parents also, out of work 6 months in past year
----, Wm. J, born May 1882, 18, finisher-painter, born in Maine, parents also, out of work 11 months in past year
----, Augustus E L, born Jun 1885, 14, born in Massachusetts, parents in Maine, in school
----, Stover D F, born Apr 1893, 7, born in Massachusetts, parents in Maine, in school

Heies, Abbie E, daughter, born Jul 1880, 19, Widowed, married for 0 years, 1 child, 1 alive, born in Maine, parents also, occupation: millinery, out of work 6 months in past year
Heies, Herman O F, grandson, born Feb 1898, 2, born in Massachusetts, parents in Maine

[note incorrect spelling of Heise]

"United States Census, 1900," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M9Y7-HNQ : accessed 24 Dec 2013), Oscar S Page, Precinct 2 Boston city Ward 1, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States; citing sheet , family 394, NARA microfilm publication T623, FHL microfilm 1240675.

Residence June 1, 1900 East Boston, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States 104 Brooks Street, East Boston 2a
Note: 1 (General)

listed at 104 Brooks Street, East Boston, in the 1900 City Directory

Note: 2 (General)

living at 104 Brooks Street, East Boston, when the 1900 Census was taken

Residence 1907 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States 365 Broadway, Bangor  
General

listed at 365 Broadway in the 1907 City Directory

Occupation May 26, 1909   baggage master  
General

working as a baggage master when his daughter Florence was born

Residence 1909 Brewer, Penobscot County, Maine, United States 60 Brimmer Street, Brewer  
General

listed at 60 Brimmer Street, Brewer, in the 1909 City Directory

Census April 15, 1910 Brewer, Penobscot County, Maine, United States 1910 Oscar Page household  
General

1910 Federal Census, Maine, Penobscot Co., 4th Ward of Brewer
Series T624, Roll 544, page 65, house 106, family 123
Renting at 60 Brimmer St., Brewer.

Page, Oscar S.: Head, M, 50, married 1x for 32 years, Fireman, steam railroad, born in Maine, parents also
----, Martha E. Wife, F, 48, married 1x for 32 years, 5 children, 5 living, born in Maine, parents also
---, William J., Son, M, 27, married 1x for 5 years, Fireman, steam railroad, born in Maine, parents also
---, Augustus E., Son, M, 23, married 1x for 2 years, born in Massachusetts, parents in Maine, House painter, out of work for 8 months in 1909 and was out of work when the census was taken on April 15, 1910
---, Stover, D. F., Son, M, 17, single, born in Massachusetts, parents in Maine, didn't work or attend school.

---, Margaret L., daughter in law, (with line and arrow pointing to William J.). F, 21, married 1x for 5 years, 3 children, 3 living. born in Massachusetts, father also, mother in England

---, Ada M., daughter in law, (with line and arrow pointing to Augustus E.), F, 29, married twice, this time for 2 years, 1 child, 1 living, born in Maine, parents also [note: where is her child?]

---, Joseph P., brother, M, 38, divorced, fireman, steam railroad, born in Maine, parents also. Was out of work on April 15, 1910, but not at all in 1909.

---, Mary E., niece, F, 14, S, in school, born in Maine, parents also
[note: almost certainly the daughter of Joseph P. on the line above.]

---, Ezra A., grandson, M, 5, not in school, born in Maine, father also, mother in Massachusetts
---, Lillian M. granddaughter, F, 2 11/12, S, born in Maine, father also, mother in Massachusetts
---, Florence M. granddaughter, F, 11/12, S, born in Maine, father also, mother in Massachusetts
[note: these last three are the children of William J and Margaret L listed in this household.]

All in the household who were old enough could read, write and speak English, all were white.

"United States Census, 1910," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MR3D-Y26 : accessed 24 Dec 2013), Oscar S Page, Brewer Ward 4, Penobscot, Maine, United States; citing sheet , family 123, NARA microfilm publication T624, FHL microfilm 1374557.

Residence April 15, 1910 Brewer, Penobscot County, Maine, United States 60 Brimmer Street, Brewer  
General

living at 60 Brimmer Street, Brewer, when the 1910 census was taken

Occupation April 15, 1910   fireman, steam railroad  
General

working as a fireman for a steam railroad when the 1910 census was taken

Occupation July 5, 1911   baggage master  
General

working as a baggage master when his daughter Cecelia was born

Occupation July 28, 1913   baggage shifter, railroad  
General

working as a baggage shifter for the railroad when his son Jerome was born

Residence 1914 Brewer, Penobscot County, Maine, United States 46 Chamberlain, Brewer  
General

listed at 46 Chamberlain, Brewer, in the 1914 City Directory

Residence 1915 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States 28 Salem Court, Bangor  
General

listed at 28 Salem Court, Bangor, in the 1915 City Directory

Residence 1916 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States 24 Salem Court 3a
Note

1916 Brewer City Directory
Page William J, removed to Bangor

1916 Bangor City Directory
Page William J, baggage master, MCRR, h 24 Salem Court

Bankruptcy January 22, 1916 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States   4a
Note

Bangor Daily News
January 31, 1916
Notice of first meeting of creditors
District Court of the US for the District of Maine
in the matter of William J Page, bankrupt

to the creditors of William J Page of Bangor ... notice is given that on the 22nd day of January 1916 [he] was duly adjudicated bankrupt; ant that the first meeting of his creditors will be held at my chambers at 16 Central Street, in Bangor, on the 8th day of February 1916 ...
John R Mason, referee in Bankruptcy, Bangor, Maine, January 28, 1916

Arraignment March 3, 1917 Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States arraignment 5a
Note: 1

Portland Evening Express, March 3, 1917, page 2, column 2
Continue Case Against Page and Miss Reddy

The case against William J Page and Miss Delia F Reddy was continued one week in the Municipal Court this Morning. Bail was furnished for the woman by her mother, Annie L Reddy, and sister, Rose E Reddy, in the some of $500. Page did not secure bail.

Arraignment was made on a serious chrge in consequence of circumstances that led Mrs Reddy to complain to the Portland police. This led to the arrest of Page and Miss Reddy, whom he claims to have married in Lowell, and they were brought here late Friday by Chief Bowen. Mrs Reddy had carried on extensive correspondence and was certain that Page had a wife and children in Bangor. Despite the claim of both Page and her daughter that they had been married, she had them arrested and there was a heart interest conference in the police station last evening at the end of which the daughter agreed with her mother, that she had been deceived.

Page still insists that the marriage certificate he has produced is genuine and that the copy which comes from Victor Brett, city clerk of Bangor, is a forgery. This one sets forth a record of the marriage of William J Page and Miss Margaret L Crimm, sometimes called Christian Jenkins, in Veazie, by Rev E. F. Pember, April 25, 1905.

The Reddy certificate is on a New Hampshire form and sets forth the marriage of Willis J Paige in that town Dec 2, 1915, by Rev Walter M Wilton with A. L. Burpee and C. O. Cotton, M.D., as witnesses. An affidavit from the town clerk there says that these are bogus names and that there is no record of any such marriage in his office.

Both pleaded not guilty this morning, the man by counsel. They were seated apart and court proceedings were brief as the State is to make further investigation to determine who is telling the truth about these matters.

Note: 2

Boston Sunday Globe, March 4, 1917, page 125

Wedding Certificate a Fake, Page Admits
Portland, Me, March 3 - William J Page and Miss Delia F Reddy were arraigned before Judge Bates on a serious charge today, and their case was continued one week. The girl was released under $500 bail. Page told Chief Bowen this morning that the wedding certificate, which he had palmed off as genuine, is a fake, and that he had never married Miss Reddy, with whom he lived in her home, 20 Taylor St, three weeks before going to Lowell, where they were arrested. He also admitted that he has a wife and children in Bangor.

Note: 3

The Bangor Commercial, March 5, 1917, Page 12. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/commercial-william-j-page-continue-pa/156560572/)

CONTINUE PAGE'S CASE

Bangor Man Arraigned on Statutory Charge in Portland Did Not Furnish Bail

When arraigned in municipal court, Portland, on a statutory charge Saturday, William J. Page, whose residence is given as Bangor, was unable to furnish bail after his case had been continued one week. Delia F Reddy, who was arrested with him, furnished $300 bail.

Two marriage certificates are involved, and Paage claims that the copy whic comes from Victor Brett, the city clerk of Bangor, is a forgery. The other certificate, on a New Hampshire form, is declared by the town clerk of Gorham, N.H., to be made of bogus names. and he says that there in no record of any such marriage in his office.

Both parties pleaded not guilty, the man by counsel. They were seated apart, and court proceedings were brief, as the state is to make further investigation to determine who is telling the truth.

 

Note: 4

Portland Evening Express, March 10, 1917, page 6, column 3
Page and Delia F Reddy held in $500 Bail Each

William J Page and Delia F Reddy were held in $500 bail each, which she was able to furnish in her own case, until the May term of the Superior Court on a statutory charge. Mrs Annie L Reddy, her mother, and Rose E Reddy, her sister, are her sureties. The case was continued last week and is the result of the arrest made in Lowell at the instance of Mrs Reddy who had reason to doubt the legality of the marriage that Page insisted had been performed.

 

Court Newspaper Article March 1917 Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States brought from Lowell to Portland 6a
Note: 1

Lewiston, Maine, Daily Sun, March 3, 1917, page 2
Dateline: Portland, March 2
William J Page of Bangor and Miss Delia Reddy of Portland, have been brought here as the result of a complaint made by the girl's mother. The couple had been living in Lowell, Mass., as man and wife, so it is alleged. It is also alleged that the girl's mother was shown a fake marriage certificate and had believed her daughter married for nearly a year. Recently she heard that Page had a wife and six children in Bangor. She then swore out a warrant for his arrest.

Note: 2

The Bangor Commercial, March 3, 1917, Page 13. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/commercial-william-j-page-arrested-in/156554291/)

WED BUT ONCE, SAYS W. J. PAGE OF BANGOR
Arrested in Portland on Statutory Charge, Two Marriage Certificates Are Shown

WIFE HERE, MOTHER AVERS

And Mother in-Law and Girl He Married in Gorham, N. H., Say He's Deceiver

William J. Page of Bangor and Miss Della F. Reddy of 20 Taylor street, Portland, were arrested in Portland Friday night on a statutory charge.

Both were taken into custody in Lowell, Mass., on request of the Porthand police and were brought. to Portland Friday night.

The only William Page in the Bangor directory is given as living at 24 Salem court. Inquiry there Saturday afternoon revealed that a familly named Page had lived there, last summer but moved to the next house, then to the West Side. The man, was employed at the Union station, neighbors said, which coincides with the details given about the Page arrested in Portland. At the Union station, it way learned, that Page had severed his connection with the Maine Central some time ago.

The Portland Press says:
When confronted by her mother in the Portland police station, Miss Reddy at first was inclined to believe the story Page had told her over and over again, that they were married and that sho, was his lawful wife. During the interview, especially after the two women had been closeted together, the girl broke down and admitted that she was convinced by what evidence her mother bad gathered that Page had deceived her.

Stuck to Story

Page stuck to his story to the end, however, and exhibited a certificate of marriage, made out in Gorham, N. H., which purports to declare that Willis J. Paige and Delia F. Reddy were married Dec. 2, 1915, there by Walter M. Wilton, and that the witnesses were A. L. Burpee and C.O. Cotton, M. D.

In contrast to this is a copy of the recerds in Bangor, attested by Victor Brett, city clerk, tending to show that William J. Page of Bangor and Margaret I Crimm (Christian Jenkins) were married April 25, 1905, by E. F. Pember in Veazle. His age was given as 22 and hers as 18. Page, or Paige, as he calls himself, looks to be 34 or 35.

Mrs. Reddy became suspicious Page long ago. She wrote many letters and had many replies from persons who claimed to know who said that Page was married and that his reputation around Bangor was not altogether good. He was employed, according to one letter, around in the railroad station and later as a window cleaner; by a company that takes such contracts in that city.

His mother, Mrs. J. O. Page of Bangor and Brewer, even informed Mrs. Reddy that William J. was already married, had six children and did not contribute to their support regularly. The parents are divorced and the father lives in East Boston.

Met Two Years Ago

It is stated that Page met Miss Reddy In Bangor nearly two years ago, and had visited her in her home there frequently. Miss Reddy, was employed until a year ago in a gum factory on Deer street and had been a companion of her sister in all the lentertainments they frequented. Page came here occasionally and about a month ago the two announced that they had been married some time and showed the certificate. They lived in the Reddy home three weeks and he then went to Lowell with his wife, as he claimed that she was. They obtained in the cartridge works and earned wages while they remained there.

Mrs. Reddy took up the matter with the police here as she had become convinced that her daughter was a dupe and that they all had been duped. In consequence of her complaint, the pair were taken in and the police here notified. In addition to this serious charge comes another complaint to the effect that Page secured furniture on the installment plan and then mortgaged it, which is against another law. He secured, it is said, $29 in this manner. It is said that a Bangor Jeweler also complains that a balance is due him in payment for a ring that was sold a long time ago to Page on credit.

Friday night Page insisted that he and Miss Reddy are legally married, that he has not and never had a wife in Bangor and that hi is guilty neither of adultery or bigamy.

Page Denied Engagement

In connection with the the above, a curious experience that the the Commercial bad with the Page that was employed at the Union station two years ago is recalled. The Bangor Commercial received an announcement of an engagement in Portland, to William J. Page of Bangor which was signed by the young lady concerned. The announcement was printed. Later, Union station employees declared that Page was the one who was employed there, and that he was already married and had six children. Whereupon a Commercial reporter asked Page about it. denied that he was the Page mentioned.

Pleads Not Guilty May 11, 1917 Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States pleads not guilty 7a
Note

Portland Evening Express, May 11, 1917, page 17, column 1
Sixteen are Arraigned in Court Today
....
William J Page pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging adultery. Delia Reddy, who is also indicted with him, was not in court.

 

 

Pleads Guilty May 14, 1917 Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States pleads guilty 7b
Note

Portland Evening Express, May 14, 1917, page 15, column 6
Plead Guilty
William J Page charged with adultery, and Albert W Davis with forgery, each plead guilty in the Superior Court today, and were remanded for sentence later.

 

Draft Registration June 5, 1917 Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States while detained 8a
Note

Willis J Paige
married, 27, born May 14, 1888, in Bangor, Maine
home: 28 Third St, Bangor
a machinist
employer: detained at county Jail (felony)
dependents: five children
previous military service: 3 years, private, State infantry
claims an exemption: dependents
Tall, slender build, blue eyes, brown hair, no disabilities
Registrar: King F Graham, Sheriff and Jailer
June 5, 1917

Sentenced June 6, 1917 Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States sentenced 7c
Note

Portland Evening Express, June 6, 1917
Sentences Meted Out in Superior Court by Judge

As the result of sentences meted out in the Superior Court by Judge Joseph E F Connolly, John F Seay found guilty of lascivious cohabitation goes to Thomaston State prison for not less than one year and six months. William J Page for adultery, goes to the same institution for not less than two years, and not more than five years ...

Transported June 10, 1917 Thomaston, Knox County, Maine, United States transported to jail 9a
Note

Portland Sunday Telegram, June 10, 1917, page 30, col 3
Three Convicted Here Taken to State Prison
John Seay, John Lyons, and Willis Paige, three prisoners sentenced to the State prison at Thomaston during the May term of the Superior Court, were taken to that institution from the Cumberland County jail in custody of Warden Frank J Ham yesterday. ... while Paige, found guilty of adultery, was given a sentence of two to five years.

Court Newspaper Article July 6, 1917 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States desertion  
Note

July 6, 1917 Bangor Daily News page 2
William J Page figured again it court, or rather his name did, on charge of desertion of wife and children. As he had been committed to jail in Portland for two years the case was not pressed.

Residence 1917 Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States 20 Taylor 3b
Note

1917 Portland City Directory
Willis P Paige Jr, home at 18 Taylor
Willis J Paige, helper at 58 Fore, boards 20 Taylor
Charles R Reddy, crew despatcher at the Portland Terminal, home 20 Taylor

Willis J Paige is William J Paige. He is not listed in the 1916 Portland City Directory

[who is Willis P Paige Jr?]

Petition for Pardon November 11, 1918 Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine, United States petition for pardon 10a
Note: 1

Augusta Daily Kennebec Journal, November 11, 1918, page 12, column 4
Pardon Petition

A petition for pardon was received from Willis J Page of Bangor, a prisoner in the State prison at Thomaston, through his attorney, Edward P Murray of Bangor. A hearing was assigned for the December meeting of the Governor and Council.

Page was convicted at the May term, 1917, of the supreme court at Portland of the crime of adultery and sentenced to not more than five nor less than 2 1/2 years in State prison. He writes that he has already been sufficiently punished; that he is the father of six children, the oldest of which is 13 years, and that his wife is struggling to keep the family together; that she had forgiven him, and that she desires and needs his aid in caring for the children. He feels that the ends of justice has been met and asks a pardon.

 

Note: 2

Sun-Journal, November 21, 1918, Page 5. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-journal-willis-j-page-seeks-pardon/156564298/)
WILLIS J. PAGE SEEKS PARDON
AUGUSTA, Nov. 21 (Special).---Altho he is now serving time in the State prison at Thomaston for adultery, Willis J. Page of Bangor, thru his attorney, E.P. Murray, has informed Gov. Milliken that Mrs Page feels that her husband has been sufficiently punished and that he ought to be pardoned.

The petition for the pardon was received by Governor Milliken and

 

Note: 3

Kennebec Journal, November 22, 1918, Page 12. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/kennebec-journal-willis-j-page-pardon/156564445/)

Pardon Petition
A petition for pardon was received from Willis J. Page of Bangor, a prisoner in the State prison at Thomaston, through his attorney, Edward P. Murray of Bangor. A hearing was assigned for the Dec. 11 meeting of the Governor and Council.

Page was convicted at the May term, 1917, of the supreme court at Portland of the crime of adultery and sentenced to not more than five nor less than 2 1/2 years in State prison. He writes that he has already been sufficiently punished; that he is the father of six children, the oldest of which is 13 years, and that his wife is struggling to keep the family together; that she has forgiven him, and that she desires and needs his aid in caring for the children. He feels that the ends of justice has been met and asks a pardon.

Pardoned December 27, 1918 Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine, United States   7d
Note: 1

(probably the Lewiston) Sun-Journal, December 27, 1918, Page 8. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-journal-willis-j-page-pardon-was-a/156564747/)

Pardon was asked for Willis J. Page of Bangor, serving a sentence maximum limit of five years for adultery. E. P. Murray, of Bangor said the man had six children who needed the provider, and letters were read from Judge Blanchard of Bangor and Inspector Knaid of the police favoring condition pardon.

 

Note: 2

Portland Evening Express, December 27, 1918, page 1, column 1
Two Life Convicts at Thomaston Pardoned by Governor and Council

Augusta, Dec. 27 -- The Governor granted pardons to ... and Willis J Page, of Bangor, who was sentenced by the Cumberland County Superior Court to serve not less than two and one-half nor more than four years in the State Prison for adultery.

Page's pardon is conditional, that he live with and support his family.

------------
Lewiston Daily Sun, December 28, 1918, page 2, column 7
Augusta, December 27 --

Others to whom clemency was shown were ... Willis J Page of Bangor serving two to four years on a statutory charge.

------------
Oxford, Maine, Democrat, January 7, 1919, page 1, column 7

Two life convicts and a short term prisoner in the Maine state prison have been pardoned by the Governor and council. ... Willis J Page of Bangor, serving two to four years on a statutory charge.

Residence 1918 Thomaston, Knox County, Maine, United States   3c
Note

1918 Portland City Directory
Willis J Paige, helper, moved to Thomaston, Maine

Charles R Reddy, crew despatcher at the Portland Terminal, home 20 Taylor
Miss Delia Reddy, packer at 1 Central Wharf, boards at 20 Taylor
Ambrose W Hobbs (US Army) boards 20 Taylor

note: Willis J Paige is William J Paige.

Residence 1919 East Boston, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States 89 Putnam Street 11a
Note

1919 Boston City Directory
William J Paige, helper, home 89 Putnam EB

Residence from 1920 to 1921 East Boston, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States 89 Putnam Street, East Boston  
General

William is not listed in the 1916 to 1918 Boston City Directories
He is listed at 89 Putnam St, East Boston, in the 1919 to 1921 Boston City Directories

Census January 12, 1920 East Boston, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States 89 Putnam Street  
General

1920 Federal Census, Ward 1, (East Boston) Boston
Series T625, Roll 728, Enumeration District 10, Sheet 16A
Jan 12, 1920

[for other three children in 1920 see Martha Cowans censuses]
Renting at 89 Putnam St, East Boston

Page, William J., 36, born in Maine, parents also, machinist for an engineering company
---, Margaret L., 30?, born in Massachusetts, father also, mother in England
-------, Ezra A., 14, Son, attending school, born in Maine
----, Cecelia M., 8, Dau, attending school, born in Maine
----, Charles W., 4 3/12, Son, born in Maine

"United States Census, 1920," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MFM4-BV6 : accessed 29 Mar 2014), Charles W Page in household of Page, Boston Ward 1, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States; citing sheet 16A, family 252, NARA microfilm publication T625, FHL microfilm 1820728.

Occupation January 12, 1920   machinist, engineering company  
General

working as a machinist for an engineering company when the 1920 census was taken

Residence from April 1922 to April 1924 East Boston, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States 285 Chelsea Street, East Boston 12
General

Boston List of Residents, 20 years of age and older:
as of Apr 1, 1922, 285 Chelsea St (East Boston) Ward 2, precinct 2
Paige Margaret L housewife 33
Paige William J clerk 37
their residence on Apr 1, 1921: here [same address]

Apr 1, 1923, 285 Chelsea St (East Boston) Ward 2, precinct 2
Paige Margaret L housewife 34
Paige William J janitor 36
their residence on Apr 1, 1922: here [same address]

Apr 1, 1924, 285 Chelsea St (East Boston) Ward 2, precinct 2
Paige Margaret L housewife 35
Paige William J janitor 39
their residence on Apr 1, 1923: here [same address]

Occupation April 1, 1922   clerk 12
General

Listed as a clerk on the Boston List of Residents for that date

Occupation from April 1, 1923 to April 1, 1924   janitor 12
General

Listed as a janitor on the Boston List of Residents for those dates.

Occupation November 26, 1924   elevator operator  
General

working as an elevator operator when his son James was born

Residence 1924 Roxbury, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States 2985 Washington Street, Roxbury  
General

listed at 2985 Washington Street, Roxbury, in the 1924 City Directory
I haven't found them in 1925

Residence April 1, 1926 Milton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States   12
General

On April 1, 1927 they said their residence one year ago was in Milton.

Residence April 1, 1927 Roxbury, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States 19 Wakullah Street, Roxbury 12
General

City of Boston, List of Residents 20 years of age and over
Apr 1, 1927
19 Wakullah St., Roxbury, Ward 12, precinct 5
Paige Augustus E. chauffeur 19
Paige Margaret L housewife 38
Paige William J operator 42
their residence on Apr 1 1926: Milton

William's whereabouts after this date are unknown.

Occupation April 1, 1927   operator 12
General

Listed as an operator on the Boston List of Residents for that date.

Death        

Parents

Relation to main person Name Birth date Death date Relation within this family (if not by birth)
Father Oscar Stover PageSeptember 26, 1854February 8, 1943
Mother Martha Ellen CowanSeptember 14, 1859October 14, 1943
    Brother     Joseph Oscar Page May 26, 1878 February 18, 1920
    Sister     Abigail Elizabeth Page July 31, 1880 March 12, 1939
         William Jerome Page May 4, 1883
    Brother     Augustus Emery L Page June 11, 1886 August 14, 1945
    Brother     Stover D.F. (Dudley Frederick) Page April 6, 1893 November 16, 1937

Families

Family of William Jerome Page and Margaret Louise Jenkins
Married Wife Margaret Louise Jenkins ( * March 27, 1889 + April 29, 1946 )
 
Event Date Place Description Sources
Marriage April 25, 1905 Veazie, Penobscot County, Maine, United States    
General

Maine, Marriage Records, 1713-1937
[Margaret's name is indexed as Crenisse, Crinson or Crimm at ancestry.com and at familysearch.org]

Record of a Marriage
date of marriage: April 25, 1905
place: Veazie, Maine
Groom: William J Page
Bride: Margaret L Crimm (christened Jenkins)
residence of both: Bangor
age of groom: 22
age of bride: 18
color of both: white
occupation of groom: fireman
occupation of bride: none
birthplace of groom: Bangor
birthplace of bride: Boston
first marriage for both
intention filed: April 21, 1905
married by Elmer F Pewber, of Bangor, a clergyman

Groom's father: Oscar S Page, born and residence: Bangor
occupation: Coal Business, Boston
groom's mother: Martha E Cowan, born and residence: Bangor

Bride's father: James Crimm, born and residence: Boston
occupation: longshoreman
bride's mother: Katharine Carrigan, born in England, residence: Boston

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KCDH-3TK

------------------
Marriage Certificate in possession of a descendant:
William J Page of Bangor and Margaret L Jenkins of Bangor were unite in marriage according to the laws of God and the State of Maine on this twenty-fifth day of April in 1904, at Veazie, by me, Elmer F Pember, minister of the Gospel
Witnesses: Roseanha Cary and William J Carey

There is a note at the bottom of this certificate that says
This marriage was blessed by J. M (or W) O'Neil, Feb 17, 1920 in the presence of Thos F O'Toole and Agnes O'Neil
signed J M (or W) O'Neil

Child care complaint May 3, 1917 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States   4b
Note

Bangor Daily News
May 4, 1917, page 2
In the municipal court Thursday further hearing was ordered in the case of several Page children, now living with their grandmother in Third street. Complaint was made by Miss Marion Porter, state cruelty officer, that the children were not properly cared for. Postponement was had to May 12. The father is William J Page of Portland and the mother is Margaret Page of Brewer.

Child care complaint May 19, 1917 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States    
Note: 1

Boston Globe, May 20, 1917, page 15

Mother Wins Tug-of-War in Court Over Her Boy
[dateline:] Bangor, Maine, May 19
Mother and grandmother had a tug-of-war over a 12-year-old boy in the Police Court this morning with so much fierceness that a policeman was called in to separate them, the mother winning by getting away with the boy.
A hearing had been given in the case of Mrs Margaret Page of Brewer, whose five children had been placed in the custody of their grandmother, Mrs Martha Page of Bangor, for proper keeping. The mother applied for custody and while the matter was being considered, she made a quick rush for the boy. No attempt was made to get the boy back today and the case will be given a further hearing next week.

Note: 2

The Bangor Commercial, May 19, 1917, Page 8. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/commercial-mrs-margaret-page-captures/156549122/)

CAPTURES SON IN COURT
Another Thrilling Episode in Controversy Over Page Children; Again Next Friday

Mrs. Margaret Page of Brewer grabbed her 12 year old son from his grandmother in the Judge's room of the municipal court Saturday, morning, while the court was ruling a continuance in the case dealing with the custody of the Page children, and hurried out of the City Hall with him. Another thrilling episode of case concerning the custody of the five children who have been living with their grandmother, Mrs. Martha Page, on Third street, took place Saturday morning.

There were many witnesses present and the hearing scheduled for 10 o'clock, but in the absence of Judge Blanchard the clerk ruled a continuance of the case until Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Judge Blanchard on a former hearing denied the temporary custody of the children to Miss Marion Porter, state agent for the prevention of cruelty to children. Harry. J. Chapman, Esq.. represented the grandmother. He. said he would like to have the case heard Monday, but Miss Porter will have to be in Portland the first of next week and asked for a longer continuance. Attorney Chapman said he would not object if the mother and Miss Porter would let the children alone. He told the court that they had gone to school where the boy attended and tried to take him.

After some arguing on the matter, the Couft was ruling that the case was continued when the mother grabbed the boy from the grandmother and started to take him. The grandmother objected and there might have been something doing, but Inspector Knaide intervened. But the mother took the boy.

The next hearing in the case will be Friday morning at 10 o'clock when those concerned hope that the case will settled.

Child care complaint May 25, 1917 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States    
Note

The Bangor Commercial, May 25, 1917, Page 9. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/commercial-william-j-page-of-portland-a/156551737/)

IN POLICE COURT

Another hearing in the case involving the children of Willam J. Page of Portland, and Margaret Page of Brewer, was held in the municipal court Friday mornig and Judge Blanchard placed the cihldren in the temporary custody of Miss Marion Porter, state agent for the prevention of cruelty to children. O'Connor & Conquest appeared for the mother, who wanted the children given to Miss Porter, and Harry J. Chapman, appeared for the grandmother, Mrs. Martha who had the children and wanted keep them, claiming that the father left them with her.

The children are Ezra Augustus Page, about 12 years of age; Lillian May Page, about nine years; Florence Muriel Page, about eight years: Cecilia May Page, five years, and Jerome Oscar Page, three years.

Many witnesses were heard and the spectators laughed when Atty. Chapman said in his closing remarks: "Now speaking of the children having dirty faces, Miss Porter and Miss Hennessy have both testified to, I don't know whether Miss Porter ever made mud cakes or not but I do know from personal knowledge that Miss Hennessy has made mud pies a good many times as a little girl."

The hearing occupied nearly the entire morning session ot the lower court.

 

Child care complaint May 26, 1917 Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States   4c
Note

Bangor Daily News
26 May 1917, page 12
LAWYER LIBERATES PAGE CHILDREN
Latest Episode in Peculiarly Persistent Effort to Take Them From Mother.

The much discussed and oft-continued case of the five Page children was before the municipal court on Friday for still another hearing. The action was brought by Miss Marion Porter, state cruelty officer, who alleged that the children were being neglected. Miss Porter was represented by O'Connor & Conquest and Harry J Chapman represented the grandmother of the children. The father is William J Page, now in Portland.

Judge Blanchard decided that the children be placed in the custody of Miss Porter until further order, but Attorney Chapman entered an appeal and informed the mother that she could take her children with her. To this Miss Porter objected, and the door of the judge's room was closed to corral the flock, but Mr Chapman opened another door and told the mother and children to go out that way, the appeal to the supreme court being sufficient to take the matter out of the jurisdiction of the lower court, in his opinion. And the Page family departed in triumph.

Blessing February 17, 1920 East Boston, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States   13a
Note

This was when Margaret had the priest bless the marriage. A granddaughter has an image of the certificate with the priest's name on the bottom.
Name: Wm J. Page
Record Type: Marriage
Marriage Date: 17 Feb 1920
Marriage Place: East Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA
Spouse: Maragret L. Jenkins

------------
from the parish records:
Sacred Heart, East Boston, Marriages
February 17, 1920
Wm J Page, Margaret L Jenkins, both of East Boston
witnesses: Thomas F Fiske? and Agnes O'Neil
by James K? O'Neil.
note in margin in Latin: A. of bened...? ~ administration of benediction?
there is a note in the first column, but I can't read it

Children
Name Birth Date Death Date
Augustus Ezra (“Zeke”) PaigeApril 13, 1905June 29, 1964
Lillian May PaigeMay 11, 1907August 13, 1976
Florence Muriel PaigeMay 26, 1909August 21, 1971
Cecelia Mary PaigeJuly 5, 1911December 1, 2003
Jerome Oscar PaigeJuly 29, 1913November 5, 1970
Charles Willis “Charlie” PaigeAugust 27, 1915June 27, 1994
Male - stillborn PageNovember 30, 1919November 30, 1919
Female - stillborn PageDecember 10, 1920December 20, 1920
James Richard PaigeNovember 26, 1924May 16, 2000

Source References

  1. Maine Births and Christenings, 1739-1900
      • Citation:

        "Maine Births and Christenings, 1739-1900," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4M3-DHF : 10 February 2018), Lorenzo Clark Drew, 28 Apr 1876; citing ; FHL microfilm 10,583.

  2. 1900 United States Census
      • Page: Boston, 1st Ward, Series T623, Roll 675, page 35. house 262, family 394, Vol 64, Enum. Dist. 1155, Sheet 17A, Line 40ff.
  3. City Directories
      • Page: Bangor, 1916
      • Page: 1917 Portland, Maine
      • Page: 1918 Portland, Maine
  4. Bangor Daily News
      • Page: January 31, 1916
      • Page: May 4, 1917, page 2
      • Page: 26 May 1917, page 12
  5. Boston Globe
      • Page: Boston Sunday Globe, March 4, 1917, page 125
  6. Lewiston, Maine, Daily Sun
      • Page: March 3, 1917, page 2
  7. Portland Evening Express
      • Page: May 11, 1917, page 17, column 1
      • Page: May 14, 1917, p 15, col 6
      • Page: June 6, 1917
      • Page: Dec 27, 1918, page 1, column 1
  8. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
      • Page: Willis J Paige, 5 June 1917, by Sheriff of Cumberland Co, Maine
      • Citation:

        "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZFY-4R9 : 23 December 2021), Willis J Paige, 1917-1918.

  9. Portland Sunday Telegram
      • Page: June 10, 1917, p 30, col 3
  10. Augusta Daily Kennebec Journal
      • Page: November 11, 1918, page 12, column 4
  11. Boston City Directories
      • Page: 1919
  12. Boston List of Residents, from BPL
  13. Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Records, 1789-1920
      • Page: 17 Feb 1920, East Boston