Hankinson Attic Photos: Blanche and Hester May

on back: "Cousin Blanche S. May, Geneva, Ontario Co., N.Y."

on back: "Hester S. May"

These two photos (found in the Jones attic in Hankinson, ND) were taken at the Vail Studio, Over the Post Office, Geneva, N.Y.  No dates.  Identified on the back as Blanche May and Hester May.    A little research tells me that James Gardiner Vail operated a photographic studio in Geneva, New York from about 1862 - 1880. 

A little more research turns up Mary Blanche (Spencer) May, daughter of Charles A. and Mary M. (Stilwell) Spencer, who married Oliver May and lived in Geneva, Ontario Co., N.Y.  Blanche's mother, Mary (Stilwell) Spencer, was the sister of Lonson Stilwell.  Lonson was the father of Mary Elva Stilwell who married John R. Jones.  Mary Elva and John R. owned the home in Hankinson, ND where the photos were found.  And Blanche was a cousin of Mary Elva's.

Ok.  That fits.  Blanche and Oliver had a daughter, Hester S. May, born 28 June 1883.  The Hester in the photo looks to be 4 or 5, dating the photo to about 1887 or 1888.  A bit late for the dates I found for Vail Photography Studio, but still possible.

Hester apparently married a John C. Babcock.  She died August 1974 in New York.  I have not found a grave.

Blanche (Spencer) May was born in 1845.  She died in 1927.  Here is her Find-A-Grave memorial.    In 1866, Blanche married Oliver Tibbetts May.