Costlow

My 3rd Great Grandfather Rhinard Rhoads (1833-1920) - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 25)

My 3rd Great Grandfather Rhinard Rhoads (1833-1920) - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 25)

My 3rd great grandfather was Rhinard Rhoads (1833-1920) of Dunlo, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. This photo of him was taken in the later years of his life. Rhinard and I share a birthday, 143 years apart. Here are some more photos of him.

Tintype Photograph of James Costlow (1822-1904)? - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 11)

 Tintype Photograph of James Costlow (1822-1904)? - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 11)

This is the oldest photograph that I have in my personal family collection. Though unidentified, I suspect that it is of my 3rd great grandfather, James Costlow (1822-1904). It is likely that he is with his first wife, my 3rd great grandmother, Sarah Reynolds Costlow (1824-1865).

The Tragic Motorcycle Death of Germain W. Rhoads (1906-1940)

The Tragic Motorcycle Death of Germain W. Rhoads (1906-1940)

My 1st cousin 2x removed, Germain W. Rhoads (1906-1940), died after the motorcycle he was driving struck a car in Mt. Morris, Michigan on June 15th, 1940. This is his story.

Little Leo Campbell (1918-1923)

Little Leo Campbell (1918-1923)

This is the story of Little Leo Campbell (1918-1923), my 1st cousin 2x removed.

"Son is Electrocuted Where Father Died" - Tragedy in the Costlow Family of Johnstown (PA)

"Son is Electrocuted Where Father Died" - Tragedy in the Costlow Family of Johnstown (PA)

Eerily similar tragedies befell the Costlow family of Johnstown, Pennsylvania on June 15th of 1930 and November 3rd of 1958. Anthony Joseph Costlow (1897-1930) and his son, James J. Costlow (1921-1958), were both electrocuted while working in the same steel mill. These are their stories.

The Contemplative Beard of David Costlow (1853-1924)

The Contemplative Beard of David Costlow (1853-1924)

The beard of David Costlow (1853-1924) is a soft and greying cloud in active weather. David’s calm eyes rest contemplatively above a yard that teeters tenuously between kempt and neglect.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#92) - The Mustache That Wouldn't Quit

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#92) - The Mustache That Wouldn't Quit

A moustache like this just needs to be shared! Check out these vintage photographs of mustachioed and bearded men!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

My 3rd Great Grandfather and "Prominent and Representative" Citizen of Cambria County, PA, James Costlow (1822-1904)

My 3rd Great Grandfather and "Prominent and Representative" Citizen of Cambria County, PA, James Costlow (1822-1904)

James Costlow (1822-1904) is one of the more prominent figures in my family tree. In fact, he was written about in in the Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Cambria County, Pennsylvania. This is his story.

Ellen Amelia (George) Malzi (1866-1961) - Stories of Tragedy and Strength

Ellen Amelia (George) Malzi (1866-1961) - Stories of Tragedy and Strength

Ellen Amelia (George) Malzi (1866-1961) married John August Malzi (1865-1899) in 1891. She was widowed young, two months before their last child was born. Pictured here is Ellen, husbandless, with her 4 surviving fatherless children. Here are her stories of tragedy and strength.  

Genealogy, Suicide, and Your Family Tree

Genealogy, Suicide, and Your Family Tree

Societal taboos about suicide often leave the stories of those who take their own lives untold. Here is the story of my 2nd great uncle, John Rhoads (1886-1922).  

"Uncle Ed Costlow and Family. My Mother's Brother"

"Uncle Ed Costlow and Family. My Mother's Brother"

Here's a wonderful photo of my 3rd great uncle, Edward Costlow (1876-1945) and his family. Learn how to spot clues from photos and census records to help identify family members and clear up genealogy mysteries.