Lucy Blair Edwards

I've "rescued" an old photograph of Lucy BLAIR EDWARDS which was taken at the Alton Gallery Studio in Alton, IL. The photograph appears to have been taken in the 1860's with Lucy likely in her teens at the time. Based on limited research I was able to locate the following information regarding Lucy and her family:

Lucy Mary or Mary Lucy BLAIR was b. 23 Oct 1848 in Upper Alton, Madison Co., IL to father John Lewis BLAIR (1821-1915) and Lucy BALLINGER (1827-1853). Lucy was one of 3 children born to this couple including, Virginia; Lucy Mary; and Harriet BLAIR, all born between 1848 and 1853. After her Mother Lucy died her father was remarried to Sarah E. BLAIR and 6 additional children were born including, John W.; Edmond H.; Lilly; Sarah E.; Edith M.; and Ida BLAIR, all born between 1859 and 1872. Lucy married Elias Loomis EDWARDS (b. 6 Jul 1846 in Illinois) in Alton, IL on 22 Dec 1874. Her husband died suddenly in January 1890 in Minneapolis, MN and she returned to Alton with her two children, Julia V. Blair EDWARDS and John S. Blair EDWARDS.

Lucy died 5 Jun 1919 in Illinois and is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton, IL. Daughter Julia married Mr. CULBERTSON and was residing in Oak Park, IL when her Mother died. Lucy’s son John Blair EDWARDS married Salome Cushman HATHEWAY (dau of Noah Cushman HATHEWAY and Harriett WADE) on 20 Jun 1900 in Madison Co. IL and was living in St. Louis, MO when his Mother passed away. Three of Lucy’s sisters were still living at the time of her death including, Mrs. Augustus L. ABBOTT of St. Louis, MO; Mrs. Lillian M. CALDWELL of Alton, IL; and Miss Edith BLAIR of Alton, IL.

Census records provide the following details regarding Lucy and her family:

1860 census of Alton, IL:

John L. BLARE, age 38, a Merchant, born TN
Sarah BLARE, age 30, born NH
Lucy BLARE, age 11, born IL
Harriett BLARE, age 7, born IL
John W. BLARE, age 3, born IL
Mary BLARE, age 60, born NC
+ 4 Boarders

1870 census of Alton, IL:

John L. BLAIR, age 47, a Grocery Wholesaler, born TN
Sarah BLAIR, age 39, a Housekeeper, born NH
Lucy BLAIR, age 21, born IL
Hatty BLAIR, age 17, born IL
Nelli BLAIR, age 13, born IL
John BLAIR, age 11, born IL
Edward BLAIR, age 7, born IL
Lilla BLAIR, age 4, born IL
Baby BLAIR, age 1 month, born IL
+ 2 Servants

1900 census of St. Louis, MO:

Lucy M. EDWARDS, age 50, born Oct 1849, a widow, 2 children/2 living, born IL, parents born TN/KY
John B. EDWARDS, son, age 24, born Nov 1875, born IL, parents born IL, a Lawyer
Julia V. EDWARDS, dau, age 19, born Jul 1880, born IL, parents born IL
+ 1 Boarder

I am hoping to locate someone from this family so that the photograph can be returned to the care of family. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley