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Deborah “Dora” Amanda DeWolf (1873–1971)

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Compiled and written by Kimberli Faulkner Hull © Cool Adventures
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John O’Neil, photographer (New Bedford, Massachusetts), Dora A. DeWolf, ca. 1890; privately held by the Faulkner-Hull Collection.
John O’Neil, photographer (New Bedford, Massachusetts), Dora A. DeWolf, ca. 1890; privately held by the Faulkner-Hull Collection.

Deborah “Dora” Amanda DeWolf was born 22 Oct 1873 in New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts to William DeWolf and Amanda J. Clarke.1 Dora lived with her parents, her brothers, George and John, her cousin, Eugene, and her grandmother, Ruth in New Bedford and attended Middle Street Grammar School.2

[Open Endnotes in separate tab]

Dora was active in the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavour Society, serving as a delegate to the sessions in 1889 and reading a paper at the annual convention in 1890.3

"Christian Endeavor Afternoon Session Attendees," newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 21 Sep 1889, p. 3, col. 1.
“Christian Endeavor Afternoon Session Attendees,” newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 21 Sep 1889, p. 3, col. 1.
"Y.P.S.C.E. Annual Convention at New Bedford, Papers Read by Dora DeWolf and Miss Jennie Case," newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 2 July 1890, p. 1, col. 2.
“Y.P.S.C.E. Annual Convention at New Bedford, Papers Read by Dora DeWolf and Miss Jennie Case,” newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 2 July 1890, p. 1, col. 2.

Dora graduated from New Bedford High School in 1890.4

Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford, with the Superintendent's Annual Report, for the Year 1890, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1891), p. 21-23, New Bedford High School Graduating Exercise, 27 June 1890.
Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford, with the Superintendent’s Annual Report, for the Year 1890, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1891), p. 21-23, New Bedford High School Graduating Exercise, 27 June 1890.
“New Bedford High School Class of 1890”; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published online at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.
“New Bedford High School Class of 1890”; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published online at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.

After high school, Dora taught evening classes at the Cedar Grove School and attended The Training School for Teachers from which she graduated in 1892 along with several of her former high school classmates.5

"Superintendent's Report, The Training School for Teachers," Annual Report of the Public Schools of New Bedford, Mass. 1892, June 1892 graduating class.
“Superintendent’s Report, The Training School for Teachers,” Annual Report of the Public Schools of New Bedford, Mass. 1892, June 1892 graduating class.

Dora was first appointed to the Harrington Training School and then transferred to the I. W. Benjamin, where she would teach for several years.6

Dora’s father, William, died at the age of 62 in 1892 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford.7

“William DeWolf,” funeral notice, The Evening Standard (New Bedford, Massachusetts), 7 Oct 1892, p. 4, col. 6.
“William DeWolf,” funeral notice, The Evening Standard (New Bedford, Massachusetts), 7 Oct 1892, p. 4, col. 6.

In 1896, Dora traveled with a large group from New Bedford to the Glen House, arriving on August 23.8

"Group from New Bedford Travel to The Glen House," newspaper article, Boston Post (Boston, Massachusetts), 23 Aug 1896, p. 16, col. 7.
“Group from New Bedford Travel to The Glen House,” newspaper article, Boston Post (Boston, Massachusetts), 23 Aug 1896, p. 16, col. 7.

At the turn of the century, Dora was teaching school and living with her mother and brother, John. The family also had a boarder, Francis J. Denby, a collector from New York.9 Dora and Francis would marry in New Bedford the following year on Christmas Day in 1901.10

Francis and Dora’s first child, a baby girl, was born and died in October 1902.11 The couple had three additional known children over the next decade, Hester, Richard, and Roger.12 Sadly, Roger died at the age of 8 months in 1907.13

Frank and Deborah lived at 109 Clinton Street in New Bedford for decades.14 They visited friends and Frank operated an automobile shop and was a member of the Masons.15

"Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Denby Guests of Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Burgess," newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 8 June 1907, p. 5, col. 3.
“Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Denby Guests of Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Burgess,” newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 8 June 1907, p. 5, col. 3.
"Francis Denby visit John Brownell Sherman" newspaper article, The Evening Herald (Fall River, Massachusetts), 11 June 1918, p. 7, col. 2.
“Francis Denby visit John Brownell Sherman” newspaper article, The Evening Herald (Fall River, Massachusetts), 11 June 1918, p. 7, col. 2.
"Duplex Truck Co., Francis J. Denby, New Bedford" newspaper advertisement, Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 28 Oct 1917, p. 55, col. 1.
“Duplex Truck Co., Francis J. Denby, New Bedford” newspaper advertisement, Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 28 Oct 1917, p. 55, col. 1.
"Mrs. Frank Denby Loses Locket," newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 13 Mar 1907, p. 1, col. 4.
“Mrs. Frank Denby Loses Locket,” newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 13 Mar 1907, p. 1, col. 4.
"New Bedford Group Visits Ruth Tripp," newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 20 Aug 1918, p. 7, col. 2.
“New Bedford Group Visits Ruth Tripp,” newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 20 Aug 1918, p. 7, col. 2.
"Masonic Club Elects Officers, New Bedford," newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 28 Dec 1923, p. 13, col. 1.
“Masonic Club Elects Officers, New Bedford,” newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 28 Dec 1923, p. 13, col. 1.

Deborah’s mother, Amanda J. Clarke DeWolf, died in 1914 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford.16

In 1935, Frank and Deborah attended her 45th reunion for the New Bedford High School class of 1890; Deborah is on the second row, third from the left and Frank is on the back row in the center, third from the left.17

“New Bedford High School Class of 1890 at their 45th Reunion, New Bedford, MA,” 14 July 1935; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.
“New Bedford High School Class of 1890 at their 45th Reunion, New Bedford, MA,” 14 July 1935; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.
New Bedford High School Class of 1890 Reunion, New Bedford, MA, 14 July 1935, Mrs. Francis J. Denby, 2nd row, 3rd from the left.
New Bedford High School Class of 1890 Reunion, New Bedford, MA, 14 July 1935, Mrs. Francis J. Denby, 2nd row, 3rd from the left.
New Bedford High School Class of 1890 Reunion, New Bedford, MA, 14 July 1935, Francis J. Denby, back row, 3rd from the left.
New Bedford High School Class of 1890 Reunion, New Bedford, MA, 14 July 1935, Francis J. Denby, back row, 3rd from the left.

Frank and Deborah’s children both lived long lives. Hester Denby Sears died in 1993 at the age of 90 in Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, and their son, Richard A. Denby, died at the age of 96 in 2006 and is buried in Nantucket.18

Francis John “Frank” Denby died at the age of 72 on 16 June 1944 in New Bedford.19

Deborah “Dora” Amanda DeWolf Denby died at the age of 97 on 16 Jan 1971 in New Bedford.20

Endnotes

1. New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Births Register 1873, vol. 4, p. 125, no. 196, Deborah A. DeWolf, 22 Oct 1873. Parents: William DeWolf, born in Acushnet, and Amanda J. Clarke, born in New Bedford. Father’s occupation: Salesman.

Use of “Dora” and middle name of Amanda listed in Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford, with the Superintendent’s Annual Report, for the Year 1890, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1891, p. 23, New Bedford High School Graduating Class of 1890, Dora Amanda DeWolf.

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2. 1880 U.S. census, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 112, page 4D, dwelling 24, family 27, William DeWolf household.
Address: 124 Middle Street
– William DeWolf, age 51, born in Massachusetts, tinman
– Amanda J., wife, age 44, born in Massachusetts
– Ruth B. Clark, mother-in-law, age 68, born in Rhode Island
– George A. DeWolf, son, age 15, born in Massachusetts
– Dora A., daughter, age 6, born in Massachusetts
– John C., son, age 4, born in Massachusetts
– Eugene, nephew, age 18, born in Massachusetts, carpenter
– Johannah Gough, servant, age 22, born in Ireland

Also, “Admission to the High School,” newspaper article, The Evening Standard (New Bedford, Massachusetts), 10 July 1886, p. 5, col. 3.

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3. “Christian Endeavor Afternoon Session Attendees,” newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 21 Sep 1889, p. 3, col. 1.

“Y.P.S.C.E. Annual Convention at New Bedford, Papers Read by Dora DeWolf and Miss Jennie Case,” newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 2 July 1890, p. 1, col. 2.

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4. Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford, with the Superintendent’s Annual Report, for the Year 1890, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1891), p. 21-23, New Bedford High School Graduating Exercise, 27 June 1890, Dora Amanda DeWolf.

Also, “New Bedford High School Class of 1890”; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published online at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.

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5. “Superintendent’s Report,” Annual Report of the Public Schools of New Bedford, Massachusetts 1891 (New Bedford : E. Anthony and Sons, City Printers, 1892), List of Teachers, p. 93, Cedar Grove Street, Dora DeWolf.

“Superintendent’s Report,” Annual Report of the Public Schools of New Bedford, Mass. 1892, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1893), p. 76, June 1892 graduating class of the Training School for Teachers.
– Charlotte May Allen, Lizzie Maria Briggs, Harriet Love Cornell, Ethel Washburn Denham, Dora Amanda DeWolf, Julia Crocker Gifford, Mary Luther Hillman, Harriet Newton Hyatt, Annie May King, Ruth Emma Pease, Julia Mason Pilling, Fannie Matthews Spooner.

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6. “Superintendent’s Report,” Annual Report of the Public Schools of New Bedford, Mass. 1892, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1893), pages 80, 95, Dora A. DeWolf.
– p. 80, Appointments, Dora A. DeWolf, Training school.
– p. 95, Teacher List, Harrington Training School, Dora A. DeWolf, assistant, 169 Middle street, $400

“Superintendent’s Report,” Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford for the Year 1893, (New Bedford : Evening Journal Company, 1894), pages 54, 106, 110, Dora A. DeWolf.
– page 54, Teacher Transfers, Dora A. DeWolf, from Harrington to I. W. Benjamin.
– page 106, List of Teachers, Primary Schools, I. W. Benajmin: 11, Dora A. DeWolf, assistant, 169 Middle street, $425.
– page 110, Evening Elementary Schools, Cedar Grove Street, Dora A. DeWolf, $3.00 per week

“Superintendent’s Report,” Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford for the Year 1894, (New Bedford : E. Anthony and Sons, 1895), pages 108, 113, Dora A. DeWolf.
– page 108, List of Teachers, Primary Schools, I. W. Benjamin, 3, Dora A. DeWolf, assistant, 169 Middle street, $450.
– page 113, List of TeachersEvening Drawing School, Cedar Grove street, Dora A. DeWolf, $3.00 per week.

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7. New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Deaths Register 1892, vol. 6, p. 84, no. 832, William DeWolf, 5 Oct 1892. Age: 63 years, 7 months, 5 days. Residence: 169 Middle. Occupation: Sheet iron worker. Birthplace: Acushnet. Parents: Areli, born in Connecticut, and Deborah, born in New Bedford. Burial: Oak Grove.

Also, “William DeWolf,” funeral notice, The Evening Standard (New Bedford, Massachusetts), 7 Oct 1892, p. 4, col. 6.

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8. “Group from New Bedford Travel to The Glen House,” newspaper article, Boston Post (Boston, Massachusetts), 23 Aug 1896, p. 16, col. 7.

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9. 1900 U.S. census, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 189, ward 4, page 5A, dwelling 97, family 119, Amanda DeWolf household.
Address: 169 Middle Street
– Amanda, age 64, widow, born Oct 1835 in Massachusetts, 5 children born, 3 living
– Dora A., daughter, age 26, single, born Oct 1873 in Massachusetts, school teacher
– John C., son, age 24, single, born May 1876 in Massachusetts, bookkeeper
– Francis J. Denby, lodger, age 24, single, born April 1873 in New York, collector

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10. New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Marriage Register 1901, vol. 10, p. 83, no. 765, Francis J. Denby–Deborah A. DeWolf, 25 Dec 1901.
Groom: Francis J. Denby, age 29, first marriage. Occupation: clerk. Born in New York City. Parents: Edward [Denby] and Emma A. Van Zile
Bride: Deborah A. DeWolf, age 27, first marriage. Occupation: teacher. Born in New Bedford. Parents: William [DeWolf] and Amanda J. Clarke.

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11. New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Births Register 1902, vol. 10, p. 158, no. 1898, Female Denby, 3 Oct 1902. Parents: Frank J. [Denby], born in New York, and Dora A. DeWolf, born in New Bedford. Father’s occupation: Collector.

Also, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Deaths Register 1902, p. 334, no. 1053, Female Denby, 3 Oct 1902. Cause of death: Stillborn. Parents: Frank J. [Denby], born in New York, and Dora A. DeWolf, born in New Bedford.

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12. 1910 U.S. census, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 200, ward 4, sheet 13B, dwelling 257, family 373, Francis J. Denby household.
Address: 109 Clinton Street
– Francis J. Denby, age 38, married once for 8 years, born in New York, machine traveling salesman
– Deborah DeW., wife, age 36 married once for 8 years, born in Massachusetts, 4 children born, 2 living
– Hester C., daughter, age 6, born in Massachusetts
– Richard A., son, age 10 months, born in Massachusetts

Also, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Births Register 1906, vol. 12, p. 1A, no. 3259, Male Denby, 2 Aug 1906. Parents: Frank J. [Denby], born in New York, and Deborah DeWolf, born in New Bedford. Father’s occupation: Collector. Residence: 169 Middle Street.

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13. New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Return of a Death, no. 189, Roger DeWolf Denby, 1 Apr 1907. Age: 8 months. Birthplace: New Bedford. Parents: Francis J. [Denby], born in New York, and Deborah DeWolf, born in New Bedford. Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, 4 Apr 1907.

Also, Find A Grave, memorial 233543220, Roger DeWolf Denby (1906–1907), Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, Bristol County; no headstone photo.

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14. 1910 U.S. census, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 200, ward 4, sheet 13B, dwelling 257, family 373, Francis J. Denby household.
Address: 109 Clinton Street

Also, 1920 U.S. census, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 150, ward 5, sheet 26A, dwelling 257, family 373, Francis J. Denby household.
Address: 109 Clinton Street
– Francis J. Denby, age 47, married, born in New York, automobile mechanic
– Dora, wife, age 46, married, born in Massachusetts
– Hester, daughter, age 16, born in Massachusetts
– Richard A., son, age 10, born in Massachusetts

Also, 1930 U.S. census, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 132, ward 5, sheet 1A, dwelling 257, family 373, Francis J. Denby household.
Address: 109 Clinton Street
– Francis J. Denby, age 58, married, age 30 at first marriage, born in New York, auto shop proprietor
– Deborah DeW, wife, age 56, married, age 28 at first marriage, born in Massachusetts
– Richard A., son, age 20, born in Massachusetts
– Hester C, D, Davis, daughter, age 26, married, age 23 at first marriage, born in Massachusetts, welfare society social worker

Also, 1940 U.S. census, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 20-87, sheet 3B, dwelling 257, family 373, Francis J. Denby household.
Address: 109 Clinton Street
– Francis J. Denby, age 68, married, born in New York, auto salesman
– Deborah, wife, age 66, married, born in Massachusetts
– Gillman DeWolf, boarder, age 79, single, born in Massachusetts
– Stanley Anderson, boarder, age 25, single, born in Massachusetts, public school teacher
– Dorothy Reid, boarder, age 23, single born in Massachusetts, private practice nurse
Note: Gillman DeWolf was Deborah’s brother.

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15. “Mrs. Frank Denby Loses Locket,” newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 13 Mar 1907, p. 1, col. 4.

“Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Denby Guests of Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Burgess,” newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 8 June 1907, p. 5, col. 3.

“New Bedford Group Visits Ruth Tripp,” newspaper article, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 20 Aug 1918, p. 7, col. 2.

“Francis Denby Visits John Brownell Sherman,” newspaper article, The Evening Herald (Fall River, Massachusetts), 11 June 1918, p. 7, col. 2.

“Duplex Truck Co., Francis J. Denby, New Bedford,” newspaper advertisement, Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 28 Oct 1917, p. 55, col. 1.

“Masonic Club Elects Officers, New Bedford,” newspaper article, Fall River Globe (Fall River, Massachusetts), 28 Dec 1923, p. 13, col. 1.

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16. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New Bedford, Bristol County, Standard Certificate of Death, no. 226, Amanda J. Clarke DeWolf 7, Apr 1914. Widowed. Birth: 15 Oct 1835, New Bedford. Age: 78 years, 5 months, 22 days. Parents: William S. Clarke, born in Rhode Island, and Ruth Cook, born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Burial: Oak Grove, 10 Apr 1914.

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17. “New Bedford High School Class of 1890 at their 45th Reunion, New Bedford, MA,” 14 July 1935; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.

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18. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, Death Index, 1970-2003, Lakeville, Plymouth County, no. 014187, Hester D. Sears, 23 Jan 1993. Birth: 4 Dec 1903.

Also, Social Security Administration, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Hester Denby Sears. Birth: 4 Dec 1903, New Bedford, Massachusetts. Death: 23 Jan 1993. Parents: Francis J Denby and Deborah DeWolf.

Also, U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Hester D. Sears, 23 Jan 1993. Last residence: Mattapoisett, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Birth: 4 Dec 1903. Death: 23 Jan 1993.

Also, “Mr. Richard A Denby, 96,” obituary, Wicked Local, Newton Tab (Newton, Massachusetts), 8 Mar 2006.

Also, Headstone reads: Denby / Richard A. / 1909-2006 | Barbara E. / 1910 – 1996
Find A Grave, memorial 112268977, Richard Austin Denby (1909–2006), Prospect Hill Cemetery, Nantucket, Nantucket County, Massachusetts with headstone photo.

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19. Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons Membership Cards 1733–1990, Eureka Lodge, Francis John Denby. Occupation: Collector. Birth: 10 Feb 1872, New York City. Residence: New Bedford. Death: 16 June 1944.

Also, Massachusetts, U.S., Death Index, 1941-1945, New Bedford, Bristol County, Francis J. Denby, 1944, vol. 65, p. 188.

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20. Massachusetts, U.S., Death Index, 1970-2003, New Bedford, Bristol County, no. 001635, Deborah Denby, 16 Jan 1971.

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Citing this page: Kimberli Faulkner Hull, author, “Deborah A. “Dora” DeWolf (1873–1971),” Cool Adventures (https://cooladventures.com/collection/deborah-a-dora-dewolf-1873-1971/ : posted 2021).

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