TRAPNELL, Valentine Coles

TRAPNELL, Valentine Coles[1]

Male 1910 - 1999  (88 years)

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  • Name TRAPNELL, Valentine Coles 
    Birth 2 Aug 1910  19 W 101 Street, New York, NY, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2
    • New York Medical College and Hospital for Women (Homoeopathic)
    Coles-Trapnell-Birth-Certificate-1910
    Coles-Trapnell-Birth-Certificate-1910
    Birth certificate for Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Baptism 25 Jun 1912  487 W. 135th Street, New York, NY, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [3
    • Baptized at home by his uncle, Rev. Henry Felix Kloman. Sponsors include Charlotte Bruce, and Edna would later marry her widowed husband, Alfred.
    Gender Male 
    Also Known As Coles Trapnell 
    Residence 1917  124 South, Bluefield, Mercer, WV, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [4
    Residence 1920  Manhattan Assembly District 23, New York, New York Find all individuals with events at this location  [5
    Education 4 Jun 1926  Friends Academy, Locust Valley, Nassau, NY USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    • High school diploma from Friends Academy
    Education 1930  Virginia Military Institute Find all individuals with events at this location  [7
    Arrival 1 Sep 1933  New York, New York Find all individuals with events at this location  [8
    Obituary From San Francisco Chronicle:

    Coles Trapnell

    Los Angeles -- Coles Trapnell, who wrote and produced the early “Maverick” TV series and edited “Four Star Playhouse,” died Friday in Los Angeles of coronary thrombosis. He was 88.

    Mr. Trapnell joined RKO as a reader in 1936 and soon after became a story editor and associate producer at 20th Century-Fox.

    “Four Star Playhouse,” which was telecast first in 1954, was a dramatic series that starred Charles Boyer, Ida Lupino, Dick Powell and David Niven. Mr Trapnell was with the show until it closed in 1956.

    Mr. Trapnell wrote and produced the “Maverick” cowboy series from 1959 to 1962 and later wrote for the series “Lawman” and “Yancy Derringer.” He also wrote a how-to book for screenwriters titled “Teleplay.”

    He was a story editor for Universal Studios from 1962 until his retirement in 1975.

    Mr. Trapnell is survived by his daughters, Sarah Trapnell Byrne of Palo Alto and Jane Trapnell Marino of New York; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

    Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.  [9
    Obituary Los Angeles Times, Feb 4, 1999

    Coles Trapnell; Television Writer Produced 'Maverick'
    February 04, 1999 |MYRNA OLIVER | TIMES STAFF WRITER

    Coles Trapnell, early television writer and producer whose series included "Maverick," has died at age 88.

    Trapnell, also a longtime story editor at Universal Studios who taught script writing at L.A. Valley College, died Friday of a heart attack at a retirement home in Los Angeles.

    In the mid-1950s, Trapnell served as story editor of the classic live television series "Four Star Playhouse," a collaboration of performers Charles Boyer, Ida Lupino, David Niven and Dick Powell.

    "With the number of dramatic shows on TV increasing each year," Trapnell told The Times in 1954, "competition for good stories is now a dead serious business."

    In those years Trapnell selected 80 scripts a year to supply "Four Star" and two half-hour shows, "The Star" and "The Story." In addition to currying known Hollywood writers, Trapnell sought top-quality material in UCLA theater arts classes and trade publications.

    From 1959 to 1962, Trapnell wrote his own stories and produced Warner Bros.' "Maverick," which launched James Garner as a star. Trapnell also wrote for the Western series "Lawman" and "Yancy Derringer."

    A native of New York, Trapnell was educated at Virginia Military Institute and New York University and began his career as a journalist on the Glen Cove Record.

    He moved to Hollywood in 1936 as a reader at RKO and then worked for 20th Century Fox as story editor and associate producer until 1953. He was story editor at Universal from 1962 until his retirement in 1975.

    In 1966, Trapnell wrote a well-received book titled "Teleplay," a guide for aspiring scriptwriters.

    Survivors include two daughters, Sarah Trapnell Byrne of Palo Alto and Jane Trapnell Marino of New York, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

    A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, in Westwood Memorial Park. The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Assn.  [10
    Occupation Film and television writer, producer, and story editor. 
    Religion Episcopalian 
    Cause of Death Coronary thrombosis  [11
    Death 29 Jan 1999  Los Angeles, CA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 12
    Burial 14 Feb 1999  Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA Find all individuals with events at this location  [13
    • Appropriately buried on Valentine’s Day
    VCT-JHB-1
    VCT-JHB-1
    Westwood Memorial Park plaques for Jean and Coles Trapnell
    Person ID I102  Hugh Byrne and Nanette Asimov Lines
    Last Modified 9 Oct 2023 

    Father TRAPNELL, Major Thomas Tidball,   b. 18 Jul 1883, Charles Town, WV Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 16 Jun 1940, Mclean, VA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 56 years) 
    Mother VALENTINE, Edna Sarah,   b. 31 Aug 1882, Brookhaven, Long Island Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 23 Jul 1971, Santa Monica, Ca Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 88 years) 
    Marriage 20 Feb 1909  Brookhaven, Long Island Find all individuals with events at this location  [14
    Edna Sarah Valentine - Thomas Tidball Trapnell Wedding Invitation 1909
    Edna Sarah Valentine - Thomas Tidball Trapnell Wedding Invitation 1909
    Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Lewis Valentine
    announce the marriage of their daughter
    Edna Sarah
    to
    Mr. Thomas Tidball Trapnell
    on Saturday, the twentieth of February
    One thousand nine hundred and nine
    Brookhaven, New York
    Divorce 19 Aug 1922  Manhattan, New York, New York, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [14
    • After being denied 2 months earlier, divorce granted.
    Notes 
    • Tom and Edna had a difficult marriage, and difficulty obtaining a divorce. The requirements for divorce in NY in the early 20s required evidence of infidelity, including witnesses. Their divorce process ran into trouble when the court appointed referee did not initially think there were sufficient grounds. After another two months of wrangling, the court granted a divorce.
    Photos
    Thomas Tidball Trapnell, Edna Sarah Valentine (Trapnell), and baby Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Thomas Tidball Trapnell, Edna Sarah Valentine (Trapnell), and baby Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Thomas Tidball & Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Thomas Tidball & Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Edna-coles-1955
    Edna-coles-1955
    Documents
    Joseph Trapnell III letter to Thomas Tidball Trapnell
    Joseph Trapnell III letter to Thomas Tidball Trapnell
    Aug 4, 1910

    My dear Tom,

    When I reached my office about noon today, I found yours of yesterday announcing the birth of your son. It was a great relief, for we, especially Mamma, have felt not a little anxiety on account of the long delay. We unite most heartily with you in returning Thanks to our Father in Heaven and prayers that all may continue well with the trio.

    I am not well enough to write you at length but, no doubt, Mamma, when she has read your letter will write Edna our congratulations in extenso.

    I think your baby is about, or fully, up the average so fars as averdupois is concerned and, as for looks, I believe a newly born infant is, to a a man's eyes, the most disappointing production in natural history. Fortunately they develop rapidly and in, say 30 days, you will hardly credit the statement that it is the same individual.

    I am glad to know that Mother and child are doing well and since Edna wanted a boy (which I concur in) that she has it.

    My best love and warmest wishes for all hands. Meanwhile keep us posted if you can. As ever,

    Yours A f'ly
    Joseph Trapnell
    Edna Sarah Valentine - Thomas Tidball Trapnell Wedding Invitation 1909
    Edna Sarah Valentine - Thomas Tidball Trapnell Wedding Invitation 1909
    Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Lewis Valentine
    announce the marriage of their daughter
    Edna Sarah
    to
    Mr. Thomas Tidball Trapnell
    on Saturday, the twentieth of February
    One thousand nine hundred and nine
    Brookhaven, New York
    Albums
    Trapnell Family
    Trapnell Family (265)
    Descendants of Joseph Trapnell (1775-1870) and related lines
    Family ID F63  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family BROWN, Jean Hamilton Roxburgh,   b. 25 May 1905, 8 Wood Street, Partick, Lanark County, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 13 Aug 1985, LOS ANGELES, California Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 80 years) 
    Marriage 24 May 1930  Grace Church Chantry, New York, NY, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 15
    • Married by Reverend Edward Felix Kloman
    Jean Brown - Coles Trapnell Wedding Certificate 1930
    Trapnell-Brown-Marriage-Certificate
    This Writing Certifies that Valentine Coles Trapnell and Jean Hamilton Brown were united by me in Holy Matrimony on the twenty-fourth day of May A.D. MCMXXX at Grace Church in the City and Diocese of New York according to the Rites of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America and in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York. Dated New York this twenty-fourth day of May A.D. MCMXXX..

    E Felix Kloman, Assistant Minister.

    Witnesses:
    Edna Valentine Trapnell
    Harold F Harder
    Lillie Burling Peatman
    Isabelle Brown
    Jean Hamilton Brown - Valentine Coles Trapnell Wedding Invitation 1930
    Jean Hamilton Brown - Valentine Coles Trapnell Wedding Invitation 1930
    Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brown
    announce the marriage of their daughter
    Jean Hamilton
    to
    Mr. Valentine Coles Trapnell
    on Saturday, May the twenty-fourth
    Nineteen hundred and thirty
    Grace Church Chantry
    New York
    Grace Episcopal Church, Broadway, New York, NY USA
    Grace Episcopal Church, Broadway, New York, NY USA
    Notes 
    • Wedding invitation: “Mr & Mrs. Joseph Brown announce the marriage of their daughter, Jean Hamilton, to Mr. Valentine Coles Trapnell, on Saturday, May the twenty-fourth, Nineteen hundred and thirty, Grace Church Chantry, New York” [15]
    Children 
     1. TRAPNELL, Sarah Valentine,   b. 28 May 1937, Brooklyn, Kings, New York, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 18 Apr 2006, 3702 Redwood Circle, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, CA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 68 years)
     2. TRAPNELL, Jane Roxbury
    Photos
    JeanColesJaneTrapnell
    JeanColesJaneTrapnell
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
    Joseph Brown familiy, 1946
    Joseph Brown familiy, 1946
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
    jean-coles-sally-1939
    jean-coles-sally-1939
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
    Valentine Trapnell and Jean Brown Trapnell abt 1930
    Valentine Trapnell and Jean Brown Trapnell abt 1930
    Documents
    Jean Brown - Coles Trapnell Wedding Certificate 1930
    Jean Brown - Coles Trapnell Wedding Certificate 1930
    This Writing Certifies that Valentine Coles Trapnell and Jean Hamilton Brown were united by me in Holy Matrimony on the twenty-fourth day of May A.D. MCMXXX at Grace Church in the City and Diocese of New York according to the Rites of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America and in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York. Dated New York this twenty-fourth day of May A.D. MCMXXX..

    E Felix Kloman, Assistant Minister.

    Witnesses:
    Edna Valentine Trapnell
    Harold F Harder
    Lillie Burling Peatman
    Isabelle Brown
    Jean Hamilton Brown - Valentine Coles Trapnell Wedding Invitation 1930
    Jean Hamilton Brown - Valentine Coles Trapnell Wedding Invitation 1930
    Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brown
    announce the marriage of their daughter
    Jean Hamilton
    to
    Mr. Valentine Coles Trapnell
    on Saturday, May the twenty-fourth
    Nineteen hundred and thirty
    Grace Church Chantry
    New York
    Family ID F61  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 9 Oct 2023 

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBirth - 2 Aug 1910 - 19 W 101 Street, New York, NY, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBaptism - 25 Jun 1912 - 487 W. 135th Street, New York, NY, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1917 - 124 South, Bluefield, Mercer, WV, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1920 - Manhattan Assembly District 23, New York, New York Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsEducation - 4 Jun 1926 - Friends Academy, Locust Valley, Nassau, NY USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsEducation - 1930 - Virginia Military Institute Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarriage - 24 May 1930 - Grace Church Chantry, New York, NY, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsArrival - 1 Sep 1933 - New York, New York Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDeath - 29 Jan 1999 - Los Angeles, CA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBurial - 14 Feb 1999 - Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 
    Pin Legend  : Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  • Photos
    Edna Valentine (Trapnell) and Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Edna Valentine (Trapnell) and Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Valentine Coles Trapnell Dec 1910
    Valentine Coles Trapnell Dec 1910
    Thomas Tidball Trapnell, Edna Sarah Valentine (Trapnell), and baby Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Thomas Tidball Trapnell, Edna Sarah Valentine (Trapnell), and baby Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Nettie Furman, Jacob Valentine, and Valentine Trapnell
    Nettie Furman, Jacob Valentine, and Valentine Trapnell
    Emily Watkins Trapnell, Elizabeth Trapnell, Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Emily Watkins Trapnell, Elizabeth Trapnell, Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Emily,-Nathan-White,-Coles,-and-Thomas-Trapnell
    Emily,-Nathan-White,-Coles,-and-Thomas-Trapnell
    Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Valentine Trapnell in Bluefield, WV, circa 1916
    Valentine Trapnell in Bluefield, WV, circa 1916
    Valentine Trapnell, Bluefield, WV, circa 1916
    Valentine Trapnell, Bluefield, WV, circa 1916
    Coles Trapnell and Frederica Trapnell
    Coles Trapnell and Frederica Trapnell
    Valentine Trapnell, Rachel Trapnell, Fredereca Trapnell, Kent (unknown), Virginia Trapnell, Tucker Trapnell
    Valentine Trapnell, Rachel Trapnell, Fredereca Trapnell, Kent (unknown), Virginia Trapnell, Tucker Trapnell
    Valentine Coles Trapnell and Jacob Lewis Valentine
    Valentine Coles Trapnell and Jacob Lewis Valentine
    Elizabeth (Betty) Trapnell, Valentine Coles Trapnell, Emily Watkins Trapnell
    Elizabeth (Betty) Trapnell, Valentine Coles Trapnell, Emily Watkins Trapnell
    VMI Cadets 1930
    VMI Cadets 1930
    Emily Watkins Trapnell and Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Emily Watkins Trapnell and Valentine Coles Trapnell
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
    Thomas Tidball & Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Thomas Tidball & Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Joseph Brown familiy, 1946
    Joseph Brown familiy, 1946
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
    Jean Brown Trapnell, George Roxburgh Brown, Valentine Coles Trapnell, Emily Watkins Trapnell Brown, 1936
    Jean Brown Trapnell, George Roxburgh Brown, Valentine Coles Trapnell, Emily Watkins Trapnell Brown, 1936
    Movie Writers Visit to AAF Center
    Movie Writers Visit to AAF Center
    Coles Trapnell 1954
    Coles Trapnell 1954
    Coles Trapnell, Ida Lupino, and Dick Powell
    Coles Trapnell, Ida Lupino, and Dick Powell
    Coles Trapnell, Ida Lupino, Dick Powell
    Coles Trapnell, Ida Lupino, Dick Powell
    Coles Trapnell, Jack Benny, Dick Powell
    Coles Trapnell, Jack Benny, Dick Powell
    Coles Trapnell with David Niven, 1954
    Coles Trapnell with David Niven, 1954
    Coles Trapnell, Ida Lupino, Charles Boyer + more 1954
    Coles Trapnell, Ida Lupino, Charles Boyer + more 1954
    Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Coles Trapnell abt 1928
    Coles Trapnell abt 1928
    Coles Trapnell abt 1927-28
    Coles Trapnell abt 1927
    Coles Trapnell abt 1927
    Valentine Coles Trapnell and Charlotte Burns Bruce
    Valentine Coles Trapnell and Charlotte Burns Bruce
    Taken about 1913, probably in Manhattan (though unlabeled).

    Documents
    Skidding Down Memory Lane - Coles Trapnell
    Skidding Down Memory Lane - Coles Trapnell
    Memoir of Coles Trapnell, written around 1987. Approx 30 pages, covering mostly his early childhood. Compelling and well-written, and it's a shame he didn't go any further with it.
    Coles-Trapnell-Baptism-1912
    Coles-Trapnell-Baptism-1912
    Valentine Coles Trapnell Baptism Certificate
    Coles-Trapnell-Birth-Certificate-1910
    Coles-Trapnell-Birth-Certificate-1910
    Birth certificate for Valentine Coles Trapnell
    Valentine Coles Trapnell High School Graduation 1926
    Valentine Coles Trapnell High School Graduation 1926

  • Sources 
    1. [S33] Hugh Byrne Notes, Date of Import: Feb 20, 2005.

    2. [S686] State of New York Certificate of Birth 10467, Name of child: Valentine Coles Trapnell-Color: White-Date of Birth: August 2nd 1910-.

    3. [S684] Valentine Coles Trapnell Holy Baptism, This certifies that: Valentine Coles Trapnell received Holy Baptism in New York City, 487 W 135th Street, Diocese of New York on Tuesday 25th day of June In the Year of Our Lord 1912. .

    4. [S517] R.L. Polk, Bluefield, W. VA., Directory, Trapnell Thomas T (Edna), lawyer 604 Law & Commerce bldg, h 124 South.

    5. [S15] Ancestry.com, 1920 United States Federal Census, (Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2005), Online publication - Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2005. For details on the contents of the film numbers, visit the following NARA web page: NARA. Note: Enumeration Districts 819-839 on roll 323 (Chicago City.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fourteenth Census of the United Stat.

    6. [S1224] Valentine Trapnell Friends Academy, Locust Vally NY Diploma.

    7. [S190] Register of Former Cadets, Virginia Military Institute, (1939, Roanoke VA, Roanoke Printing Co), Trapnell, Valentine Coles; Wading River, N.Y.; 1 1/2 Years; Short Story Writer, 20th Century-Fox Film Corp., 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, N.Y., P. 230, Col 1.

    8. [S172] Ancestry.com, New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, (Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2006), Online publication - Ancestry.com. New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2006.Original data -
    9. Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M237, 675 rolls); Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
    10. Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957; (National Archives Microfi.

    11. [S509] Coles Trapnell.

    12. [S519] Coles Trapnell; Television Writer Produced 'Maverick'.

    13. [S509] Coles Trapnell, Coles Trapnell, who wrote and produced the early “Maverick” TV series and edited “Four Star Playhouse,” died Friday in Los Angeles of coronary thrombosis.

    14. [S122] Ancestry.com, Social Security Death Index, (Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007), Online publication - Ancestry.com. Social Security Death Index [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007.Original data - Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Social Security Administration.

    15. [S300] Headstone Photo, Photo of Valentine Coles Trapnell & Jean Hamilton Brown plaque.

    16. [S207] Divorce for Mrs. Trapnell, White Plains, NY, Aug 19. -- An interlocutory judgement of divorce in favor of of Mrs. Edna Valentine Trapnell from Thomas Tidball Trapnell granted by Justice Seeger...The couple were married at Broohaven, LI, on Feb 20, 1909...The couple at the time of the suit resided at 601 W. 169th Street, Manhattan.

    17. [S368] Wedding Invitation for Jean Brown & Valentine Trapnell.



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