James Costlow (1822-1904)

The 1954 Lionel Golden West Special Train Set: "Let the Story Continue"

The 1954 Lionel Golden West Special Train Set: "Let the Story Continue"

A 1954 Lionel “Golden West Special” train set, rediscovered in my parents’ basement, led to an old family story, a genealogy connection, and a new home more than seventy years later.

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).

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

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"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.

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The Contemplative Beard of David Costlow (1853-1924)

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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.

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

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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.

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A War Ends and a Mother Dies as a Life Begins: Thomas Bernard Costlow (1865-1943)

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A War Ends and a Mother Dies as a Life Begins: Thomas Bernard Costlow (1865-1943)

"Uncle Tom Costlow" was born in turbulent times. He was born the day before the U.S. Civil War ended. His mother died two weeks later. This is his story.