Digging up old drama

One of my last posts was about my Great-Great-Grandfather, Frank Holan. Unfortunately, I know very little about him.

Various members of my family have voiced regret in not asking my late grandfather more about the family. Grandpa Miles died when I was 3 years old and was suffering dementia in the last years of his life. Even if someone had taken an interest back then, it would have been too late. My Great-Grandmother Estelle (Grandpa's Mom) was a Holan.

Several months ago I started getting emails about Clara B. Holan. Again, I know so little about that side it took me awhile to figure out who we were even talking about. Clara was my grandpa's first cousin.

Although it's not necessarily my family mystery, I inadvertently stumbled into Clara's mess by publishing my family tree online.

The email explained that Clara had a child, Vincent, out of wedlock in the 1930's allegedly fathered by an Italian man (possibly married). In the 1930 census Clara & Vincent are listed as "inmates" at a maternity hospital. She was likely sent away to have Vincent & was expected to return without him. He was named Vincent Wayne Holan but used the stage name Vincent Wayne.

Vincent's Headshot

From what I understand Clara was almost non-existent in Vincent's life. He was a talented musician on the verge of making it big. Perry Como gave him rave reviews. At a concert in 1959 he fell off stage, hit his head, and died. He was 29 years old & left behind 4 children.

Vincent's granddaughter, Tina (she lives in GA I believe), found my family tree & made contact. She wanted to know what I knew about the Holan family, if I knew anything about his father, etc. I reached out to all of my extended family & they all drew a blank on Clara and/or her descendants. It was crushing to have to tell Tina that I couldn't help her in her quest.

If Grandpa were still alive, might he have known something? As men knew so little of "womanly affairs" during this time I doubt my grandfather would have known much. If anyone at all, I think his sister Jessie might have known something. Aunt Jessie & Clara were about the same age. Unfortunately, Aunt Jessie died in 1984.

Months have gone by and then another email arrived. It was from a woman in Ohio named Holly. The email was almost identical to Tina's.

Holly's mother was a child of Clara's born about 4 years after Vincent out of wedlock ( I do not know her mother's first name.) Again, it was the same story - possibly an Italian father. There are not any records showing Holly's mom & Clara living together. Holly's mom was surrendered for adoption.

Clara "raised" Vincent & by all appearances doted on him. She periodically stayed in touch with Holly's mom but it was a very rocky relationship that did not endure.

Holly knew about Vincent - Vincent's family knew nothing of Holly's family. The last email I got from Tina said she'd spoken with her aunt (Vincent's daughter) who was adamant Vincent was an only child.  Imagine having all these cousins out there that you never knew existed, mind blowing.

Clara's grave marker only mentions Vincent ......

Today I put Tina & Holly in contact with each other. I'm not sure if Holly's mom & Vincent are full or half-siblings.

My belief is that ancestry DNA testing might break it wide open to lead us to the father. Now I can't help but wonder how many other children might be out there.

I find it sad that Vincent died so young & Clara treated them poorly. I hope these families can come together, find the answers, and finally heal from the damage.