Albert Tavernier(1859-1929)

Albert was born on the 3rd of October 1859 in Boston Massachusetts to Joseph William Taverner Jr. and Mary Ann McCann Taverner. In 1871 his family moved to Hamilton, Ontario Canada. Alberts father was a professor of Elocution and gave lessons to persons interested in improving their diction. He was also a Shakespearean expert and was often called upon to give readings. Albert began his career on Stage in Canada eventually operating three theaters on his circuit, the Hibbard Opera House, the Guelph Royal Opera House and the Jackson MI opera house. His brother, Joseph Edmond Taverner acted as front man and would travel ahead of the actors handing out handbills of the play they were doing and securing lodging etc. It was while doing a play that he met his first wife, Ida Van Courtland, a popular Canadian actress of the time. She had been previously married and had a son by the first husband. After their marriage Albert adopted the boy and he was later known as Sir Percy Algernon Taverner. Their marriage also produced a Daughter, Ida Clara. After 17 years of marriage the couple divorced and Albert gave up touring with his group of actors. Albert made about 3 films and was often seen in Plays in New York City. He met his second wife Helen Bell while acting in New York. Albert was walking home from the closing night of a play in which he was appearing in Boston, Massachusetts when he had a heart attack and died.