John was born in Essex, the son of Irish Immigrant parents in 1884. After a stint with the Army he was appointed Rural Mail Carrier in 1923. His annual salary was $1620. This was a perfect position for John – he was a hard worker, dependable and had a wonderful sense of humor. When the winter weather made travel difficult John used a horse and a sleigh to deliver the mail. John retired in 1953 and subsequently moved to Hoodsport, Washington.
John Shortsleeves married Vera Shaw (1903-1970) in July of 1923, and they had two daughters, Mary Elaine (1925) who later married Gordon Dickinson (a resident of Essex who had lived with his uncle, Howard Calkins and worked at the Old Dock) and Barbara (1927) married William McCann. Both daughters lived in the state of Washington.
I have been unable to locate John’s obituary, but I will continue to search. As soon as I am able to locate it I will update this post. There is also conflicting information on his parents that I am still trying to resolve.
My grandmother (Edna Carver O’Connor) & Great-Uncles (Will, Tom & John Carver) mentioned Johnny often. I believe he may have been a family friend.
Olive, are you the Granddaughter of Bud Albee? It seems that you were Olive Kirby, as I remember.
My name is James dickinson. Son ofGordon
and Mary elaine (shortsleeves) dickinson
I can trace vera (shaw, brewster) short-
sleeves back to the Mayflower. Also howard calkins was my dad’s mom’s,
brother. Their family came from england soon after the Mayflower. Both of these families proved invaluable in the wars of independence. If you would like more info feel free to contact me.