Thanks to Randolph Herr and MMD

I would like to extend my thanks to MMD in general and to Randolph
Herr in particular.  In the 00.08.28 issue of MMD he mentioned an item
he had come across with the name Annie Mand Votey engraved on it.  He
inquired as to whether or not she was related to ES Votey, inventor of
the Pianola.  Annie Maud Votey was the wife of ES Votey.

As it turned out, the item was a pocket watch up for bid on eBay.
Mr. Herr did not hesitate in telling me of this item and, when I showed
an interest in bidding on the item, he did not hesitate to defer to me,
as a member of the Votey family trying to get a family heirloom back
into the family.  He also offered advice as to how to bid on eBay.

In the end, the Voteys prevailed.  Although we ended up paying quite a
bit more than what I think the watch will appraise for, the sentimental
value in incalculable to us and the Voteys are forever indebted to Mr.
Herr for helping us get this beautiful piece back.  Thank You Randolph.

I am also grateful to the MMD as a whole.  This is only my third post
to MMD (and my second post appears in this same issue, I believe).
Normally I just read through the contents looking for my "keywords":
Pianola, Aeolian, Ferrand & Votey, Votey Organ Co. and of course ES
Votey (and in this instance, Annie Maud Votey!).  Over the last few
years that I have been receiving this Digest, I have learned a few
things and gained a sense of family history.  It seems that the name
Votey carries some weight, in the right circles, that I was never
quite aware of.

Annie's middle name was Maud, and I assume that the seller simply
misread the fancy script and listed it on eBay as Mand.  Annie's maiden
name was Gray.  Edwin and Annie had three children:  Fannie Maud,
Edwina, and Charles Henry, my grandfather, who also worked for Aeolian.

Thanks again Randolph and MMD'ers.  You keep posting and I'll keep
reading.

Steven C. Votey
Seal Harbor, ME