Your Storied Life: Pocket Portrait of Laverne Rhoads Vallance (1899-1962) and Her Stillborn Babies

Your Storied Life: Pocket Portrait of Laverne Rhoads Vallance (1899-1962) and Her Stillborn Babies

Laverne Rhoads Vallance (1899-1962) had four stillborn babies (one set of twins) between 1922 and 1924 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. These were her only children. Here are their stories.

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Elderly Alcoholic Bachelor Dies Alone: Joseph Costlow (1855-1932)

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Elderly Alcoholic Bachelor Dies Alone: Joseph Costlow (1855-1932)

Joseph Costlow (1855-1932), a lifetime bachelor of Cambria Count, PA, was my 3rd great uncle. He died, seemingly alone, from complications of his alcoholism. This is his story.

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#90) - The Rhoads Men of Cambria County, PA

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#90) - The Rhoads Men of Cambria County, PA

From my personal collection, this photograph shows several of the Cambria County, PA Rhoads men in my family tree. Here are their stories.

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Rebecca Rhoads Seese (1859-1940)

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Rebecca Rhoads Seese (1859-1940)

This is the story of my 3rd great aunt, Rebecca Rhoads Seese (1859-1940).

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#89) - "I'm Your Melon Honey" (1913)

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#89) - "I'm Your Melon Honey" (1913)

A 1913 postcard picturing a smiling watermelon wearing a top hat and bow tie. Beneath him are the words: “I’m Your Melon Honey”.

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Anthony Karatzis (1921-1926)

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Anthony Karatzis (1921-1926)

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

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

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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? 

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

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"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.

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

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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”.

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

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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”.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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?