TRAPNELL, Valentine Coles[1]
1910 - 1999 (88 years)
-
Name TRAPNELL, Valentine Coles Birth 2 Aug 1910 19 W 101 Street, New York, NY, USA 
[1, 2] - New York Medical College and Hospital for Women (Homoeopathic)
Coles-Trapnell-Birth-Certificate-1910
Birth certificate for Valentine Coles TrapnellBaptism 25 Jun 1912 487 W. 135th Street, New York, NY, USA [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 [4] Residence 1920 Manhattan Assembly District 23, New York, New York [5] Education 4 Jun 1926 Friends Academy, Locust Valley, Nassau, NY USA [6] - High school diploma from Friends Academy
Education 1930 Virginia Military Institute [7] Arrival 1 Sep 1933 New York, New York [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 [1, 12] Burial 14 Feb 1999 Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA [13] - Appropriately buried on Valentine’s Day
VCT-JHB-1
Westwood Memorial Park plaques for Jean and Coles TrapnellPerson 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 d. 16 Jun 1940, Mclean, VA (Age 56 years) Mother VALENTINE, Edna Sarah, b. 31 Aug 1882, Brookhaven, Long Island d. 23 Jul 1971, Santa Monica, Ca (Age 88 years) Marriage 20 Feb 1909 Brookhaven, Long Island [14] 
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 YorkDivorce 19 Aug 1922 Manhattan, New York, New York, USA [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 & Valentine Coles Trapnell 
Edna-coles-1955 Documents 
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 TrapnellEdna 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 YorkAlbums 
Trapnell Family (265)
Descendants of Joseph Trapnell (1775-1870) and related linesFamily ID F63 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family BROWN, Jean Hamilton Roxburgh, b. 25 May 1905, 8 Wood Street, Partick, Lanark County, Scotland d. 13 Aug 1985, LOS ANGELES, California (Age 80 years) Marriage 24 May 1930 Grace Church Chantry, New York, NY, USA [1, 15] - Married by Reverend Edward Felix Kloman
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
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 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 d. 18 Apr 2006, 3702 Redwood Circle, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, CA (Age 68 years)2. TRAPNELL, Jane Roxbury Photos 
JeanColesJaneTrapnell 
At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld. 
Joseph Brown familiy, 1946 At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld. 
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 Documents 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 BrownJean 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 YorkFamily ID F61 Group Sheet | Family Chart Last Modified 9 Oct 2023
-
Event Map 
Birth - 2 Aug 1910 - 19 W 101 Street, New York, NY, USA 
Baptism - 25 Jun 1912 - 487 W. 135th Street, New York, NY, USA 
Residence - 1917 - 124 South, Bluefield, Mercer, WV, USA 
Residence - 1920 - Manhattan Assembly District 23, New York, New York 
Education - 4 Jun 1926 - Friends Academy, Locust Valley, Nassau, NY USA 
Education - 1930 - Virginia Military Institute 
Marriage - 24 May 1930 - Grace Church Chantry, New York, NY, USA 
Arrival - 1 Sep 1933 - New York, New York 
Death - 29 Jan 1999 - Los Angeles, CA 
Burial - 14 Feb 1999 - Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA = Link to Google Earth Pin Legend 
: Address
: Location
: City/Town
: County/Shire
: State/Province
: Country
: Not Set
-
Documents 
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
Valentine Coles Trapnell Baptism CertificateColes-Trapnell-Birth-Certificate-1910
Birth certificate for Valentine Coles Trapnell
Valentine Coles Trapnell High School Graduation 1926
-
Sources - [S33] Hugh Byrne Notes, Date of Import: Feb 20, 2005.
- [S686] State of New York Certificate of Birth 10467, Name of child: Valentine Coles Trapnell-Color: White-Date of Birth: August 2nd 1910-.
- [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. .
- [S517] R.L. Polk, Bluefield, W. VA., Directory, Trapnell Thomas T (Edna), lawyer 604 Law & Commerce bldg, h 124 South.
- [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.
- [S1224] Valentine Trapnell Friends Academy, Locust Vally NY Diploma.
- [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.
- [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 -
- 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.
- Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957; (National Archives Microfi.
- [S509] Coles Trapnell.
- [S519] Coles Trapnell; Television Writer Produced 'Maverick'.
- [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.
- [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.
- [S300] Headstone Photo, Photo of Valentine Coles Trapnell & Jean Hamilton Brown plaque.
- [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.
- [S368] Wedding Invitation for Jean Brown & Valentine Trapnell.
- [S33] Hugh Byrne Notes, Date of Import: Feb 20, 2005.
This site powered by The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding v. 14.0.3, written by Darrin Lythgoe © 2001-2024.
Maintained by Hugh Byrne. | Data Protection Policy.