Every Friday The Psychogenealogist shares a "Pic of the Week." The intent is to encourage thought and imagination about the spaces where psychology, genealogy, and history converge.

This week's photo comes from my personal collection. It is a lovely picture of kids in and near a goat pulled wagon, presumably in 1924.

The back of the photo lists: "Marie, Elizabeth, Edward, and George Campbell." It was most likely written in the hand of my great-grandmother, Ida (Rhoads) Sears (who you met previously here).

The children in this photo are Ida's nieces and nephews. Ida, born in 1900, was the youngest of about 15 Rhoads children. One of her older sisters, Amanda Rhoads (1895-1988), married a John Campbell (1892-1959). These are four of their children. They had a 5th child, James Leo Campbell who died at age 5 in 1923. He would have been in between the two boys in this picture in terms of age.  

Had you seen a children's wagon pulled by a goat before? I hadn't. It's wonderful! 

At first glance all the kids look so happy. As I pieced together their family story and learned of their brother who died the picture took on a slight melancholy feel. Someone is missing. 

Questions:

• How long after Leo's death was this photo taken? 
• How did these children feel?
• Were they scared? Confused?
• How did their parents deal with the loss of their son?
• How does the loss of a sibling at a young age impact you as an adult?
• Who are the "lost" children in your own family history and how are they remembered?

Do you have an old photograph or a genealogical story that you would like to share? I am happy to consider guest submissions for possible Pic of the Week or other blog posts in the future. Send an email to info@psychogenealogist.com for more information.

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