The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#108) - Mr. Gust to Mr. Rentschler of Kaukauna, Wisconsin

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#108) - Mr. Gust to Mr. Rentschler of Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Here is a lovely cabinet card photograph from Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The back says “Mr. Gustav A Gust to ? L. Rentschler”. Can you help me find and tell the stories of these men?

Stolen Apples Taste Better: The Defiant Joy of Thelma Earle Hoye (1906-1973) and Her Granddaughter Elaine

Stolen Apples Taste Better: The Defiant Joy of Thelma Earle Hoye (1906-1973) and Her Granddaughter Elaine

Stolen Apples Taste Better: The Defiant Joy of Thelma Earle Hoye (1906-1973) and Her Granddaughter Elaine

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Baptisms and Moon Landings

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Baptisms and Moon Landings

The baptism of my grandparent’s first grandchild happened on the same day humans stepped on the moon for the first time. Here is that story.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#107) - Themistocles Writes to His Father

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#107) - Themistocles Writes to His Father

Handsomely dressed in a suite, tie, and tweed overcoat turned up at the collar, Themistocles sports a well coiffed head of dark Grecian hair and a toothbrush mustache. Can you help me find his story?

5 Genealogy Tasks You Can Complete in Less Than 5 Minutes

5 Genealogy Tasks You Can Complete in Less Than 5 Minutes

Are you overwhelmed with your genealogy “to-do” list? Here are five genealogy tasks that you can complete in under five minutes!

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#106): "Heard You Were Lonesome"

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#106): "Heard You Were Lonesome"

Hannah Mortensen sends a postcard to Amelia Naukee of Detroit, Michigan. Here’s what it says. Can you help me find and tell their stories?

What I Did With a Mystery Reel of Home Movie Film (Part I)

What I Did With a Mystery Reel of Home Movie Film (Part I)

I recently discovered that our family’s 1970s Kodak XL360 Movie Camera still had a reel of used but undeveloped Super 8 film it it! Here is what I did with it and what I hope to find.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#105) - Melancholy Maggie Mead

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#105) - Melancholy Maggie Mead

This woman’s downward stare is melancholy and intense. She’s forlorn. perhaps in mourning. Her face and eyes hint at an emotional story. What could it be?

Happy New Year! The Psychogenealogist Reflects on 2018 and Plans for 2019

Happy New Year! The Psychogenealogist Reflects on 2018 and Plans for 2019

Happy New Year and a big THANK YOU to you all for being part of The Psychogenealogist community! Here are some reflections on 2018 and plans for 2019.

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"Dziadzio" - My Polish Great Grandpa: Adam Pawlowski (1879-1959)

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"Dziadzio" - My Polish Great Grandpa: Adam Pawlowski (1879-1959)

My great grandfather, Adam Pawlowski (1879-1959) was known as “Dziadzio” by my mother and her generation. He was a quiet man, perhaps because he spoke little English. His hands seemed permanently yellowed from cigarettes and he had false teeth that he kept in a glass next to his bed. This is his story.

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#104) - Celebrating Two Full Years of Weekly Pics!

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#104) - Celebrating Two Full Years of Weekly Pics!

Well, we’ve done it! Two years straight! This is the 104th installment of The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week series. I hope you’ve enjoyed them. Here’s a beauty with links to all the other.

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Genealogy Blogging and the Brick Wall Busting Discovery of My Schmidt Family

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Genealogy Blogging and the Brick Wall Busting Discovery of My Schmidt Family

Genealogy blogging led me to the discovery of this beautiful photograph of my 3rd great grandparents, Carl Schmidt and Ernestina Zenner Schmidt (d. 1922), and their 8 children. Here is how.

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Pic of the Week (#103) - "Santa Claus came to you heavily loaded"

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Pic of the Week (#103) - "Santa Claus came to you heavily loaded"

Postcard (1910): “Wish one and all a Happy New Year. Suppose Santa Claus came to you heavily loaded. Was very good to me. I am very busy now preparing to be bride-maid for a wedding. How are you standing this cold weather? Love to all. Anna L.”

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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.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#102) - Albert Wiedman, Manufacturer of Fine Confectionery

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#102) - Albert Wiedman, Manufacturer of Fine Confectionery

Here is a beautiful cabinet card photograph showing the store of “Albert Wiedman, Manufacturer of Fine Confectionery”. That is probably Albert standing with his wife and son. Can you help me find and tell their stories?

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Alma Ratz Hanley (1894-1979): A Photo Essay

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Alma Ratz Hanley (1894-1979): A Photo Essay

Alma Ratz Hanley (1894-1979) was one of my paternal great grandmothers. She is also the subject of this 49th installment of my 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks family history blogging challenge. I hope you enjoy this photo essay about her life.

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James J. Halvis (1896-1987): A Greek Family Mystery Is Solved

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James J. Halvis (1896-1987): A Greek Family Mystery Is Solved

James J. Halvis (1896-1987) was my 1st cousin 3x removed. Until now there had been an unclear connection between his family and my own Halvangis line. Here is the story of how this Greek mystery was solved.

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#101) - "Men Working"

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#101) - "Men Working"

Hunched, paint brush in hand, this older man casts his own shadow on the side of the building he is painting. Who is he and what is his story?

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Dewey Loudermilk (1898-1957): The Coolest Name In My Family Tree

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Dewey Loudermilk (1898-1957): The Coolest Name In My Family Tree

Dewey Loudermilk (1898-1957) was my 1st cousin 3x removed. He has, perhaps, the coolest name in my family tree. This is his story.

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#100) - Battle Creek Woman Reaches Century Mark

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The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#100) - Battle Creek Woman Reaches Century Mark

If born just a few weeks earlier than her February 17, 1900 birthday, Ida Rhoads Sears (1900-2002) would have achieved the rare distinction of having lived in three different centuries! This is her story.