Do you have any old family pictures that might hold a special place in your heart? I recently received a very intriguing photograph through email correspondence with a 2nd cousin once removed. This unusual vintage photo not only provided a glimpse into my family history but also sparked a fascinating journey of discovery.
Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandfather: A Visual Journey
My Great Grandfather on the left in the late 1800s, and the Dad you see in the present day. Both these images are over a century apart, yet they connect me to a rich tapestry of family heritage. But the real treasure I discovered was the vintage photograph of my great-grandfather George (1860)'s wedding to great-grandmother Mary (1887) in 1916. This is the earlier of two pictures that caught my attention, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, a period marked by distinctive portrait studios and their creative backdrops.
The photograph, reminiscent of Closely Watched Trains, a Czech film set during the Second World War, reflects the era's affinity for such backdrops. It appears that these types of photos were relatively common in Germany and other parts of Europe, but I had never seen an example taken in the United States like this one. A simple internet search can reveal other similar vintage photographs from the same period across the United States.
A Family Connection
Aunt Mary, born in 1887 and passed away in 1973, was known to me personally. On the other hand, great-granduncle George, who died in 1959, was a mystery to me until I received this photograph. It was the first chance I had to see one of my relatives directly and build a mental image of that side of my family. What a treat to see great-grandfather George and great-grandmother Mary, both looking quite handsome together.
Family Dynamics and Connections
Great-grandmother Mary and great-grandfather George's relationship was more than just a marriage; they were born brothers and sisters. This unique family structure contributed to their story. To clarify this complex relationship, let's break it down:
Great-grandmother Nitte Ramsburg and great-grandfather Charles Kolb were married in 1904. Great-granduncle George and great-grandmother Mary were themselves married in 1916, making them brother and sister. Nettie and Charles had a daughter named Nettie, great-grandmother to the 2nd cousin who sent me the photograph. George and Nettie had a daughter named Rebecca, making her the maternal grandmother to my 2nd cousin. My maternal grandmother's father was the son of Charles and Nettie, while her mother was the daughter of George and Mary. This makes me the daughter of one of Nette and Charles' granddaughters.The fact that great-grandfather George and great-grandmother Mary were siblings may seem quite confusing, but in a small farming community, such family arrangements were not uncommon.
A Visual Comparison
For a more visual comparison, here is a photograph of George Ramsburg and his brother John H. Ramsburg, who was born in 1869 and passed away in 1905. This should give you a better idea of how the family looked throughout generations.
As family history enthusiasts, we find joy in the preservation of these images and the stories they tell. These family photos serve as windows into our past, offering not only a visual record but also a living testament to the connections that bind us across time.