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.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#76) - Mr. Bert Doyle of Somewhere, Michigan

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#76) - Mr. Bert Doyle of Somewhere, Michigan

Who was Mr. Bert Doyle of Somewhere, Michigan? What is his story? Where is his family?

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Chicago Boy Becomes Broadcasting Legend: Quin Augustus Ryan (1898-1978)

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Chicago Boy Becomes Broadcasting Legend: Quin Augustus Ryan (1898-1978)

Quin A. Ryan (1898-1978) is the most famous relative I’ve written about so far. He was a Chicago native and broadcasting legend. He is also my 2nd cousin 2x removed. Here is his story.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#75) - The Baker Art Studio of Detroit

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#75) - The Baker Art Studio of Detroit

The Baker Art Studio was a Detroit photography studio run by Charles Russell Baker (1855-1932). While the man in the photo remains a mystery, here is some information about the photographer who took his picture.

Mystery 16 Month Marriage of Porter Dean Sears (1906-1935) Ends in Divorce Due to "Repeated and Extreme Cruelty"

Mystery 16 Month Marriage of Porter Dean Sears (1906-1935) Ends in Divorce Due to "Repeated and Extreme Cruelty"

Porter Dean Sears (1906-1935), my 2nd great uncle, married Elnora Florence Cannon on July 9th, 1928. Sixteen months later they were divorced. “Repeated and Extreme Cruelty” was the reason cited (by Porter). This is his story.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#74) - "Secure the Shadow Before the Substance Fades"

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#74) - "Secure the Shadow Before the Substance Fades"

“Rosa Lena Hutchison and W.G. White. Father and mother before they were married. Picture taken in Burlington Kansas at Fair.” (1890s)

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A Boy's Life Cut Short: Michael Anthony Karr (1954-1964)

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A Boy's Life Cut Short: Michael Anthony Karr (1954-1964)

There is little, if anything, more tragic in life than the death of a child. This is the story Michael Karr (1954-1964) and his life that was cut tragically short in 1964.

Your Storied Life: Viola Waters Bedwell (1916-2000) Part 1, The Early Years

Your Storied Life: Viola Waters Bedwell (1916-2000) Part 1, The Early Years

Fannie Viola Waters was born in Clarksville, TN in 1916. She would be known by her married name, Viola Bedwell. This is Part 1 of her “Storied Life”.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#73) - Toddler Smokes Pipe, Mows Lawn

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#73) - Toddler Smokes Pipe, Mows Lawn

A photograph of a toddler, smoking a pipe, mowing the lawn. The photo was obtained from John K. King Used & Rare Books in Detroit, MI.

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A Boy Without a Dad and the Family He Made: Arthur Bryan Myers Sears (1900-1964)

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A Boy Without a Dad and the Family He Made: Arthur Bryan Myers Sears (1900-1964)

This is my great grandfather, Arthur Bryan Sears (1900-1964), probably around age one. As far as I can tell he was fatherless for his first several years. This is his story.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#72) - Marian and a Squirrel

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#72) - Marian and a Squirrel

Just your typical 1920s or 30s photograph of a toddler next to a squirrel munching on some bread. Written on the back is: "Marian and a squirrel". Oh, that and Spanky McFarland from “Our Gang”.

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The Vallance Babies of Johnstown, PA

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The Vallance Babies of Johnstown, PA

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

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#71) - Henry Hurd Roberts from Rock Stream to Cornell University Class of 1875

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#71) - Henry Hurd Roberts from Rock Stream to Cornell University Class of 1875

Is this Henry Hurd Roberts (1853-1914) of Rock Stream, NY? If so, he went on to Cornell University and graduated in 1875. He became a successful teacher. This is his story.

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When Friends Become Family: The Elissavitis Siblings of Kokkari

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When Friends Become Family: The Elissavitis Siblings of Kokkari

The deep friendship between the Elissavitis and Halvangis families that began in Kokkari in Samos, Greece spanned two countries and many decades. Here is the story of how from friends they became family.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#70) - A Stunning Early 1900s Photograph by Kuebler

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#70) - A Stunning Early 1900s Photograph by Kuebler

Here is a stunning early 1900s cabinet card photograph of a bespectacled middle aged woman with a confident stare. The photographer was Kuebler of 1210 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia, PA.

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From Samos, Greece to Detroit By Way of The Themistocles: Constantinos "Gust" Halvangis (1886-1928)

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From Samos, Greece to Detroit By Way of The Themistocles: Constantinos "Gust" Halvangis (1886-1928)

The story of my 2nd great uncle, what little I know, from Samos, Greece to Detroit. He travelled on The Themistocles in 1915. Can you help me find the rest of his story?

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#69) - Ethel Rosemon Gets Catskills Greeting from Rip Van Winkle (1906)

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#69) - Ethel Rosemon Gets Catskills Greeting from Rip Van Winkle (1906)

Ethel Rosemon receives a postcard from the Catskills in 1906. Who is she? What is her story? And what is left to learn?

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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.

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#68) - 1950s Summer

The Psychogenealogist Pic of the Week (#68) - 1950s Summer

Here's a delightful, smile inducing, Kodachrome photo slide of a toddler enjoying a 1950s summer. Take a look! 

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Making Kuchen, Bread, and Wickelklöße With a Smile: Martha Zenner Muenzel (1868-1960)

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Making Kuchen, Bread, and Wickelklöße With a Smile: Martha Zenner Muenzel (1868-1960)

By all accounts Martha Zenner Muenzel (1868-1960) was a wonderful German cook. Some of her specialities were Kucken and Wickelklöße. She was likely my 1st cousin 4x removed. The is her story.   

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