Photo Friday - Marion Moran ca. 1890

Marion Moran is on the right. We aren't sure
who the other girl is and with a plethora of cousins it's
anyone's guess as to which branch of the family
she belongs to.

Today's Photograph is dedicated to Marion Agnes Moran, the youngest child of John Williamson Moran and Sophia Riley Gunn.  Marion always touches my heart in so many ways.  We don't know the exact date of her birth, just that it happened in 1885 and we only know that from her headstone.  Marion was just 10 years old when her mother died.  From some of the letters it seems that she may have been a lonely girl and it appears there was some concern about her finding a husband.  I think she was considered the "homely" child.  However, Marion did marry, Charles H. Cobb of Union City, but it doesn't appear to have been a happy marriage and she ended up committing suicide October 1934.  They had one child, Carolyn Elizabeth Cobb. 

Closeup of  the two
holding hands.

Closeup of unknown girls necklace.

We don't know who the other little girl is except that she could belong to any number of the Moran cousins from the Irvines, Scotts, Fergusons and maybe even the Gunns.   I love the details in this photograph and the contrast between the two girls.  They are both dressed ornately but Marion's outfit is more subdued.  She has a simple dark ribbon in her hair and no jewelry.  The other little girl appears to be a bit older than Marion and she's dressed more like an adult than a child from the long train to the two bracelets, necklace and even what looks to be at least one gold hair pin.

I love the way the older girl is holding Marion's hand, as if to say I'm here and I'll take care of you.

Relaxing on the Lawn at Moran Place ca. 1897

This photograph was probably taken around 1897 when Moran Place was shiny and new.

The dapper fellow in front is without a doubt Charles "Brud" Harrell Moran and the girl petting the dog is his youngest sister, Marion Agnes Moran.   Brud would about 21 years old and Marion is about 12.  I can't be positive but I think the woman holding the umbrella is Fannie Moran Ezzell, the oldest of J.W. Moran and Sophia Riley Gunn's children.  It appears that the woman has a wedding ring on and Fannie married James Ezzell in 1897.   As for the other two women, they remain a mystery for now.

Happy 4th of July from the Moran Family

Paper dolls circa 1895

These paper dolls probably belonged to the youngest Moran girl, Marion, who was born about 1884.  I found them all in one envelope inside one of the many boxes containing Moran items.  It's amazing how beautiful and intact they still are after 126 years!  

Some of the dolls are from a company called Barbour's who produced thread and other textile products.  Barbour's was founded in 1784, the date on the back of the Barbour's dolls is 1885.  Here is some reading from Barbour's entitled A Treatise on lace-making and embroidery with Barbour's Flax Thread.

The top row of paper dolls originate from the Coats and Clark thread called O.N.T (One New Thread).  O.N.T. thread became available in 1864.  Here is a short history of the Coats and Clark Company including the development in 1864 of its thread division.

Paper dolls have always been an inexpensive toy for children.  They originated in Paris, moved to England and eventually made there way to America.  For a concise history of American paper dolls visit 

Victoriana Magazine. 

Marion Agnes Moran and Charles Henry Cobb Wedding Invitation 1905

This is the wedding invitation announcing the marriage of Marion Agnes Moran to Charles Henry Cobb, October 3 1905.   She and Cobb had one daughter, Carolyn Elizabeth Cobb.  Marion committed suicide October 1, 1934 and is
buried in East View Cemetery, Union City TN.