Anna Houston (Lane) Petry (abt. 1908 - 1997)

Born about 12 Oct 1908 in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States

Ancestors

Died 28 Apr 1997 at about age 88 in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States

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Biography

Ann (Lane) Petry is Notable.

Anna "Ann" Houston Lane Petry was an American writer and journalist. Her 1946 debut The Street was the first novel by an African American woman to sell more than one million copies.^[1]

Anna Houston Lane was born on October 12, or October 20, 1908, in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States, to Peter Clark Lane and Bertha James Lane.^[2][3]

In the 1910 census, Anna, age 1, was enumerated at 72 Main Street, Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut. She was living with her parents, her sister Helen, her aunt Helen James, and her uncle Warren Lane.^[4]

In the 1920 census, Anna, age 11, was enumerated at 116 Pratt Street, Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut. She was living with her parents, her sister Helen, and her aunt, Anna James.^[5]

In the 1930 census, Anna, age 21, was enumerated twice:

1. 297 Old Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, with her parents and her sister Helen;^[6]
2. 65 Carmel Street, New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut, as a lodger in the home of Sylvester and Ann Manyard.^[7]

Ann married George David Petry on March 13, 1936, in Mount Vernon, Westchester, New York.^[8] The couple married again on February 22, 1938, in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut.^[9] According to the couple's daughter, Liz, after her mother's death, she found their March 13, 1936, marriage certificate, which contradicted the February 22, 1938, date her parents celebrated as their anniversary. "When confronted, my father looked embarrassed as I held out the piece of vellum," she wrote. "He explained that they had indeed married in 1936, but two years later Mother said she couldn’t deceive her parents any longer, and they had a ceremony in her parents’ living room."^[2]

In the 1940 census, Anna, age 30, was enumerated at 37 East 129th Street, New York City, New York, with her husband George and her sister-in-law Lillian Petry. She was living in the same location in 1935.^[10]

Ann was listed as her husband's next of kin on his (undated) World War II draft registration. The couple was living at 2 East 129th Street, New York City, New York.^[11]

In the 1950 census, Ann, age 38, was enumerated at 191 Main Street, Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, with her husband George and their daughter Elizabeth. She was keeping house. She was living in the same house in 1949.^[12]

Ann continued to live in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, in 1964 and 1976–2002.^[13][14]

Ann died at age 88 on April 28, 1997, in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut.^{[15][16][17][3]} She was buried in Cypress Cemetery, Old Saybrook, Middlesex.^[18]

According to her obituary in Hartford (Connecticut) Courant on June 5, 1997, a memorial service in Ann's honor was held on June 14, 1997, at the First Church of Christ in Saybrook, Congregational, in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut.^{[19][20][21][22]}

Ann was a novelist

Research Notes

• Sources differ on Ann's birthdate.
  • According to her daughter, Liz, "my mother acknowledged six birthdates . . . Some of this was a testament to her creativity, while sometimes it reflected the vagaries of poor record-keeping. The doctor who delivered her started the confusion because he waited to file the birth certificate and apparently wrote down whatever date came to mind." In 1946, Ann wrote of her birthdate: "I haven’t known exactly what it is for years, so when asked for it over the telephone two or three months ago I simply made one up.'" In another letter, she wrote, "'I was born October 12, 1908, in Old Saybrook, Connecticut—but with apologies to Tina Turner, what’s age got to do with it?'"^[2]
  • Meanwhile, her Social Security Administration file recorded her birthdate as October 20, 1908.^[3]
  • The Connecticut Department of Health lists Anna's birthdate as October 12, 1912,^[15] but she was counted in the 1910 census, so the 1912 date must be incorrect.

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia entry: Wikipedia contributors, "Ann Petry," database
   (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia : accessed 30 January 2024)
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Connecticut Explored article: Elisabeth Petry, "Searching for My James and Lane Families," (https://www.ctexplored.org/searching-for-my-james-and-lane-families/ : accessed 30 January 2024), citing Connecticut Explored, Fall 2019.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} 1997 Social Security: "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007," database
   (Ancestry Record 60901 #799419592 : accessed 30 January 2024)
   Name Anna L Petry [Anna Lane] [Ann Petry], Gender Female, Birth Date 20 Oct 1908, Death Date 28 Apr 1997, Claim Date 19 Jul 1973
   citing Original data Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007.
4. ↑ 1910 Census: "United States Census, 1910," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: MK2Z-67B : accessed 30 January 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 33SQ-GRV6-8Q3
   Anna H Lane (1), single daughter, in household of Peter G Lane (37) in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States. Born in Connecticut
   citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T624; Digital film/folder number: 004970317; FHL microfilm: 1374148; Image number: 1485; Sheet number: 4; Sheet letter: A; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N03333-8.
5. ↑ 1920 Census: "United States Census, 1920," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: MCN7-18R : accessed 30 January 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9RND-DF2
   Anna Lane (11), single daughter, in household of Peter C Lane (48) in Middlesex, Connecticut, United States. Born in Connecticut
   citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T625; Line: 76; Digital film/folder number: 004964369; FHL microfilm: 1820187; Image number: 956; Sheet number: 5; Sheet letter: B; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N01893-5.
6. ↑ 1930 Census: "United States Census, 1930," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: XM53-LHX : accessed 30 January 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9R4K-2S
   Anna H Lane (21), single daughter, in household of Peter C Lane (58) in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States. Born in Connecticut
   citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T626; Line: 5; Digital film/folder number: 004950333; FHL microfilm: 2340006; Image number: 1116; Sheet number: 12; Sheet letter: A; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N03769-7.
7. ↑ 1930 Census: "United States Census, 1930," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: XM5X-XMX : accessed 30 January 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9R4Z-NQH
   Anna H Lane (21), single lodger, in household of Sylvestor G Manyard (64) in New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Born in Connecticut
   citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T626; Line: 10; Digital film/folder number: 004950189; FHL microfilm: 2340012; Image number: 237; Sheet number: 24; Sheet letter: A; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N03770-3.
8. ↑ Marriage: "New York State, Marriage Index, 1881-1967," database with images
   Ancestry Sharing Link - (Ancestry Record 61632 #4730975 : accessed 30 January 2024)
   Anna H Lane marriage to George D. Petry on 13 Mar 1936 in Mount Vernon, New York, USA
   citing New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA, New York State Marriage Index, Certificate Number 9412.
9. ↑ Marriage: "Web: Connecticut, U.S., Marriage Records, 1897-1968," database with images
   (Ancestry Record 70865 #91284954 : accessed 30 January 2024)
   Anna Lane marriage to George Petry on 22 Feb 1938 in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA
   citing Connecticut State Department of Health, Hartford, CT, Connecticut Vital Records — Index of Marriages, 1897-1968, URL https://www.ctatatelibrarydata.org/marriage-records/.
10. ↑ 1940 Census: "United States Census, 1940," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: K7MV-7YX : accessed 30 January 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QSQ-G9MB-M9VJ
    Anna Petry (30), wife, in household of George Petry (32) in New York City, New York County, New York, United States. Born in Connecticut
    citing Affiliate Publication Number: T627; Line: 65; Digital film/folder number: 005458636; Image number: 24; Sheet number: 3; Sheet letter: B.
11. ↑ Military: "U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947," database with images
    Ancestry Sharing Link - (Ancestry Record 2238 #224791509 : accessed 30 January 2024)
    Name Ann Lane Petry, Gender Female, Relationship to Draftee Wife,
    Household Members (Name) Relationship
    George David Petry
    Ann Lane Petry Wife
    citing National Archives at St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, Wwii Draft Registration Cards For New York City, 10/16/1940 - 03/31/1947, Record Group Records of the Selective Service System, 147.
12. ↑ 1950 Census: "United States 1950 Census," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: 6FM8-X8NR : accessed 30 January 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QHK-9QHW-J9HW-8
    Anna L Petry (38), wife, in household of George D Petry (41) in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States. Born in Connecticut
    citing Page: 17; Line: 25; Digital film/folder number: 108939841; Image number: 18.
13. ↑ 1964 Directory: "U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995," database with images
    Ancestry Sharing Link - (Ancestry Record 2469 #130151836 : accessed 30 January 2024)
    Name Anna L Petry, Gender Female, Residence Year 1964, Street Address OS h do, Residence Place Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA, Spouse George D Petry, Publication Title Old Saybrook, Connecticut, City Directory, 1964
    citing Original data Original sources vary according to directory. The title of the specific directory being viewed is listed at the top of the image viewer page. Check the directory title page image for full title and publication information.
14. ↑ Residence: "United States Public Records, 1970-2009," database
    (FamilySearch Record: KGNK-1BY : accessed 30 January 2024)
    Name Ann L Petry, Residence Date from 1 Dec 1976 to 1 Dec 2002, Residence Place Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States, Birth Date Oct 1908, Previous Residence Date 01 Dec 1976-01 Dec 2002, Previous Residence Place Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475, Source Phone Nbr (860) 388-5068.
15. ↑ ^{15.0 15.1} Death: "Connecticut Death Index, 1949-2001," database
    (FamilySearch Record: VZG1-951 : accessed 30 January 2024)
    Anna Petry death 28 April 1997 (age 84), daughter of LANE, wife of GEORG, in Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut
    citing Old Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, Connecticut Department of Health, Hartfort.
16. ↑ Death: "United States Social Security Death Index," database
    (FamilySearch Record: JPQW-SZC : accessed 30 January 2024)
    Anna L Petry death 28 Apr 1997 (born 20 Oct 1908) residing in Middlesex, Connecticut
    citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
17. ↑ Death: "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007," database
    (FamilySearch Record: 6KMN-NRZ3 : accessed 30 January 2024)
    Anna L Petry death 28 Apr 1997 (born 20 Oct 1908)
    citing Digital film/folder number: DI0001099.
18. ↑ Memorial: "Find a Grave," database with images
    (Find A Grave: Memorial #136075734 : accessed 30 January 2024)
    Memorial page for Ann Houston Lane Petry (12 Oct 1908-28 Apr 1997), citing Cypress Cemetery, Old Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut, USA; Maintained by Irma (contributor 46927625).
19. ↑ 1997 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com," database with images
    (Newspapers Clip: 139651834 : accessed 30 January 2024)
    citing Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut) Thu, Jun 5, 1997, page 115.
20. ↑ Obituary: "United States, GenealogyBank Obituaries, Births, and Marriages 1980-2014," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: QK71-SCFH : accessed 30 January 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C9PL-DHJD-6
    Name Mrs Ann Petry, Death Date 28 Apr 1997, Obituary Date 05 Jun 1997, Obituary Place Connecticut, United States, Birth Date 1909, Birth Place Old Saybrook, , Connecticut, Age 88, Relationship To Head Deceased, Source Newspaper Hartford Courant, The, System Of Record SLS
    citing Affiliate Name: NewsBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 100867114; FHL microfilm: 100867114; Image number: 1115.
21. ↑ Obituary: "United States, GenealogyBank Obituaries, Births, and Marriages 1980-2014," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: QV5G-9588 : accessed 30 January 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C9PL-DQSY-R
    Name Mrs Ann Lane Petry, Death Date 30 Apr 1997, Death Place Old Saybrook, , Connecticut, Obituary Date 30 Apr 1997, Obituary Place Colorado, United States, Birth Date 1909, Age 88, Relationship To Head Head, Role Type Deceased, System Of Record SLS
    citing Affiliate Name: NewsBank, Inc.; Digital film/folder number: 100866848; FHL microfilm: 100866848; Image number: 144.
22. ↑ Obituary: "Web: Lucas County, Ohio, U.S., Blade Obituary Index, 1842-2014," database with images
    (Ancestry Record 70479 #210268 : accessed 30 January 2024)
    Name Ann Petry, Death Age 88, Birth Date abt 1909, Residence Place Connecticut., Death Date 28 Apr 1997, Publication Date 30 Apr 1997, Publication Place Lucas, Ohio, USA, Notes Section 2, Page 16, Column 2., Photo No
    citing http://obits.toledolibrary.org/obits/, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo, Ohio, USA, URL http://obits.toledolibrary.org/obits/view1_cart.asp?id1=70120.