The Database for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel

Emma Nicolar Ranco


Other names: Emma Clara Nicolar

Status (enslaved, free or both): free

Town: Kennebunkport

Known dates: circa 1885-1935

Emma Nicolar (1868-1940) was the first daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Nicolar. She married Joseph Tuester Ranco in 1884. They were the parents of at least 6 sons and 4 daughters, including son Leslie who married Valentine Little Dear Lewis. Leslie and Valentine founded the "Indian Moccasion Shop" in Wells in 1949.

Emma's father Joseph made birch bark canoes every summer along the Kennebunk River from the 1880's into the early 20th century.

Bibliography:

Joseph Nicolar and his Daughters - by Charles Norman Shay - as presented at the University of Maine September 25th, 2006 - https://www.penobscotnation.org/joseph-nicolar-and-his-daughters/

Genealogical detail at https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/about/LT8N-YMF

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