Janis Paige

Birth Name: Donna Mae Tjaden

Place of Birth: Tacoma, Washington, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 16, 1922

Ethnicity: English, one quarter German, one quarter Norwegian, Cornish, possibly other

Janis Paige is an American actress and singer. She began singing in local amateur shows at the age of five. She is the daughter of Hazel Leah and George S. Tjaden. Janis was married to lyricist Ray Gilbert, until his death.

Janis’ paternal grandfather was Siebe Tjaden (the son of Gerd Tjaden and Antona Schmidt). Siebe was born in Ridott, Illinois, to German parents.

Janis’ paternal grandmother was Sophia L. Haines (the daughter of William Cornelius Haines and Mary Eva Dower). Sophia was born in East Galena Township, Illinois. Mary was the daughter of English emigrants, Samuel Dower, who from Crowan, Cornwall, and Sophia Pierce.

Janis’ maternal grandfather was possibly named “Sol” Simmons.

Janis’ maternal grandmother was Julia Christina Swenson (the daughter of Andreas Kittel Swenson and Lena Benson). Julia was born in Cumberland, Wisconsin. Andreas was born at sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, the son of Norwegian parents, from Telemark, Kjittle Svendsen and Kari Andersdatter Urdalen. Lena was born in Norway, the daughter of Fredrik Martin Berntsen and Johanne Evensdatter.

Source: Genealogy of Janis Paige – https://www.familysearch.org