Born 1859 - Died 1953
Born 1857 - Died 1920
Charles first wife
Charles first wife
Charles then married Gertrude Mabel Morgan in 1910. Family history says he never divorced Helen and he maintained contact with her and his 3 children from his first marriage. According to the second family my Great aunt Eva, his first born, would often visit the shop on King Street in Toronto. His namesake Charles Havelock Taylor, and oldest son from his second marriage, told me of how he was sworn to silence about these visits from a young woman (Eva) at the shop.
The second family have always been curious as to why Charles and Gertrude went to New York State to be wed rather than do so in Canada. This in itself raises the question... "Did he lead a dual life". During a visit to my home from his daughter I showed her photographs from Cobalt and Ainsworth BC that Charles had taken, she then told me of how wife number two (Mabel) destroyed the glass negatives upon finding out, after Charles death, that he had many dalliances.
There is also another curiosity that neither family is able to answer, the middle name Havelock. Charles middle name was Havelock. Arthur, his first born son, was Havelock and his first born son from marriage number two was Havelock. My middle name is Havelock as is my youngest sons middle name.
It begs the question; "why did the children from the first marriage hold no animosity towards Charles for leaving their mother, and them, in Montreal and move to Toronto to start a business"?
Good evening Bob,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading about my family history. I often have wondered the same things as my grandmother Constance Bertha Taylor, youngest daughter of Mabel Morgan Taylor described bits and pieces of our family history? From what was described there was no mention of a first wife. I only ever knew my grandmother mentioning her mother Mabel. I also remember my own mother Anne,not being aware of the first marriage. I do remember my mother Anne describing our great grandma Mabel as a joyful and kind lady whom enjoyed knitting and sewing; almost child like my mother mentioned Mabel told the best bed time stories. It is difficult to imagine her being upset; but I suppose any family member might be puzzled by the fact he had married two women. It is wonderful to see our great grandfather's genius being celebrated.
Best regards,
Angela
Good morning Angela
DeleteThank you for your comments. Your grandmother Constance contacted me several years ago and took myself and our son to lunch we had a wonderful conversation although our meeting was brief we talked much about the family. Charles apparently had many dalliances. Not only was he a prolific inventor but quite the womanizer. Our side of the family were aware of your family as his daughter Eva (my grand aunt) visited him often at his shop although his son Bub (Charles Jr) was told to never speak of the "strange young lady" who came to the shop. My mom and dad honeymooned at the Royal York and while checking in Charles and Mabel came to dine. Charles pretended not to see my mother the following day he called and took my mom and dad to lunch, that was the last time she saw him. Other than that chance encounter my knowledge of Charles ends in 1910 and by coincidence begins again after another chance encounter with the second family as I explain in the blog. I have much, much more information and many pdf files about his inventions that I will post..... you have re-energized me with your contact ..... my contact info is hawkins - underscore - bobby at yahoo dot ca if you wish to email me.