Anthony Karatzis (1921-1926)

Anthony Karatzis (1921-1926)

Tragically, Anthony Karatzis (Karr) was struck and killed by an automobile before his 5th birthday. This is his story.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#88) - Mature Man of Mulliken, Michigan

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#88) - Mature Man of Mulliken, Michigan

A mature man well into his 80s sports white hair and a thin, wispy, beard. His leathery hands carry a cane as he sits in a carved wooden chair. Who is he and what is his story? 

"A pugilistic neck, a powerful man, but essentially very meek" - Chester Joseph Stuve (1913-1978)

"A pugilistic neck, a powerful man, but essentially very meek" - Chester Joseph Stuve (1913-1978)

My 1st cousins, 2x removed, Chester Joseph Stuve (1913-1978) was "A good-natured fellow, an enthusiastic athlete, and a diligent student." Apparently his also had a strong neck. Here is his story as told through yearbook photos.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#87) - The Calm and Friendly Gaze of Well Dressed Men

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#87) - The Calm and Friendly Gaze of Well Dressed Men

Two well dressed men with closemouthed smiles cast calm and friendly gazes towards the photographer. Germany around 1945.

Your Storied Life: Viola Waters Bedwell (1916-2000) Part 3, The Later Years

Your Storied Life: Viola Waters Bedwell (1916-2000) Part 3, The Later Years

Viola Waters Bedwell (1916-2000) and her work ethic - “If you didn’t work for it, it isn’t yours.” This is Part 3 of her “Storied Life”.

Young Detroit Woman Wins Free Pint of Ice Cream: Georgia Vakendis (1929-2001)

Young Detroit Woman Wins Free Pint of Ice Cream: Georgia Vakendis (1929-2001)

In the summer of 1949 Georgia Vakendis (1929-2001), my 2nd cousin 1x removed, won a free pint of Cunningham’s Famous Ice Cream. This is her story.

Your Storied Life: Viola Waters Bedwell (1916-2000) Part 2, The Middle Years

Your Storied Life: Viola Waters Bedwell (1916-2000) Part 2, The Middle Years

Viola Waters Bedwell (1916-2000) moves her family north. This is Part 2 of her “Storied Life”.

The Psychogenealogst Pic of the Week (#86) - A 1929 Birthday Party in Germany

The Psychogenealogst Pic of the Week (#86) - A 1929 Birthday Party in Germany

A group gathers for a 30th birthday party. Germany, 1929.

Teenager Survives Mule Kick to Face: William Marion Arvin (1889-1960)

Teenager Survives Mule Kick to Face: William Marion Arvin (1889-1960)

This newspaper article from July 1, 1905 describes the violent mule kick suffered by my 1st cousin 3x removed, William Marion Arvin (1889-1960).

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#85) - "Papa and mama arrived here all O.K." (1910)

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#85) - "Papa and mama arrived here all O.K." (1910)

“Papa and mama arrived here all O.K. and left for Penn on the mid night train. Don't look for them home until Mon. night.” - 1910 postcard from Lapeer to Rose City, Michigan.

Hanley Photo and Frame Mystery

Hanley Photo and Frame Mystery

There’s an oval framed photograph in my family collection that I’ve not been able to identify. Here’s the story of how I took it apart looking for clues.

Albert "Rabbit" Zenner (1886-1964): Woodsman of the Upper Peninsula

Albert "Rabbit" Zenner (1886-1964): Woodsman of the Upper Peninsula

When you discover a relative in your family tree nicknamed "Rabbit" you obviously have to find and tell his story. Here it is.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#84) - An Engagement Party in Gorlitz, Germany (1927)

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#84) - An Engagement Party in Gorlitz, Germany (1927)

“To you, my dear good Walter” - 90 year old photograph of a 1927 engagement party Gorlitz, Germany.

Planes, Shuffleboard, and Hats: The Elegant Lydia Schmidt McNamara (1876-1961)

Planes, Shuffleboard, and Hats: The Elegant Lydia Schmidt McNamara (1876-1961)

Lydia Schmidt McNamara (1876-1961) was an elegant woman with a fondness for hats, planes, and jewelry. There is photographic evidence that she fancied shuffleboard as well.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#83) - Bertha and Lillie James of Pittsburgh, PA (1888)

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#83) - Bertha and Lillie James of Pittsburgh, PA (1888)

Here is a very unique late 1880s cabinet card photograph of two young children, presumably of Asian descent. Can you help me find their story?

Pneumonia in Detroit: Franciszka "Frances" Grzeskowiak (1886-1905)

Pneumonia in Detroit: Franciszka "Frances" Grzeskowiak (1886-1905)

Pneumonia was one of the leading causes of U.S. deaths in the early 1900s. It took the life of my 2nd great aunt, Francisczka “Frances” Grzeskowiak (1886-1905). This is her story.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#82) - Lillian Florence Gray (1866-1901) of Prescott, WI

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#82) - Lillian Florence Gray (1866-1901) of Prescott, WI

Can you help me find family of Lillian Florence Gray (1866-1901) of Prescott, Wisconsin? Can you help me tell her story?

Blind Man Marries Wife, Sight Unseen: Padraig Hanley (abt. 1810) - 4th Great Grandfather

Blind Man Marries Wife, Sight Unseen: Padraig Hanley (abt. 1810) - 4th Great Grandfather

Blind from a mining accident in Ireland, Padraig Hanley (abt. 1810) was my 4th great grandfather. This is his story.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#81) - A Rainy Day for Kurt Knuth (1925)

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#81) - A Rainy Day for Kurt Knuth (1925)

Is this Kurt Knuth who spent a rainy day at Luna Park (possibly in Detroit, MI) in 1925? Can you help me find and tell his story?

Peter Christopher Costlow (1846-1905) and His Wife Matilda Topper Costlow (1850-1935)

Peter Christopher Costlow (1846-1905) and His Wife Matilda Topper Costlow (1850-1935)

I am confident, though not certain, that this is my 3rd great uncle Peter Christopher Costlow (1846-1905) and his wife, Matilda. Here is his story and the questions that remain.