Gildo D'Antini

A photo of August and Augusta Browatzke.
People in photo include: Augusta Browatzke and August Browatzke

A photo of the Sophia Weidenbach Wedding 1930
People in photo include: Sophia Weidenbach

Probably taken in Kingston, New York. Guessing the date would be sometime in the 1910s? The silver in the emulsion went bad and this is the best I could do to reduce the reflectivity.

There's no name or any other identifying information on this photo. I found him in central Texas, so I think it's likely the photo was taken somewhere in that area. He looks like he's enjoying that rare snowfall.

Internet searches revealed that the winter of 1894-1895 was unusually cold in much of the northern hemisphere. The coast of the Gulf of Mexico got unusually heavy snowfalls in February 1895. Much of Texas got hit around the middle of February, especially along the coast.

The National Weather Service website says this: "February 12-15, 1895 - Widespread snow over the state, even as far south as the lower Valley. North Texas received between 3-5 inches, but a band of 10-20 inches blanketed the upper Texas coast, including Houston and Beaumont/Port Arthur."

A photo of Maude A (Lewis) Goff, My Great Grandmother. Received from Eugene Wyatt 5/30/18
She is just Beautiful.❤️

Anne Eliza Keller, born approx 1872, died circa 1950, Cleveland, OH

A photo of Gladys (Simmons) Van Kleeck and her cat Patsy. I'm amazed that the cat is calmly sitting for the portrait. All the cats I've known would have panicked at the strange setting and found some large piece of furniture to hide under.

A photo of Sheila Johnstone (center) and sister-in-laws, Hyrill and Silvia

A photo of Mrs. Alice (Roosevelt) Longworth, full-length portrait

Alice Roosevelt was the only child of President Teddy Roosevelt and his first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee. (Her mother died when she was 2 days old.)

A strong woman, not bound by the "rules" of the time, Alice came to public attention at the age of 17 when her father became President. Even the color of the blue dress that she wore this same year became a fashion trend - called "Alice Blue".

She did such scandalous things as ride in cars with men, smoke cigarettes in public, keep a snake in the White House, and jump into a pool fully clothed while on a diplomatic trip to Japan.

In February 1906, Alice married (later) Speaker of the House Nicholas Longworth III, wearing a blue wedding dress. But she was still independent, campaigning against her own husband and carrying on numerous affairs. Senator William Borah (R-ID) was the father of her only child, daughter Paulina Longworth (born in 1925), but she and Longworth remained married until his death in 1931.

Her rambunctious attitude never changed - she buried a voodoo doll of Nellie Taft (the new First Lady) in the front yard of the White House when the Roosevelts had to leave at the end of Teddy's term - and was banned from the White House a few times because of her behavior. And after her daughter died in 1957, she raised her granddaughter.

A life-long Republican, she nonetheless was close to the Kennedy family and voted for Lyndon Johnson (because she thought Goldwater was "too mean"). She was a friend to Richard Nixon and encouraged him to run for President - he invited her to a White House dinner and his daughter's wedding.

Alice died in 1980 at the age of 96. Along the path of her very long life, she made quite an impression. To Joe McCarthy (he of "commie witch hunt" fame) who had said: "Here's my blind date. I am going to call you Alice", she replied "Senator McCarthy, you are not going to call me Alice. The truckman, the trashman and the policeman on my block may call me Alice, but you may not." And she told President Johnson that she "wore wide-brimmed hats so he couldn't kiss her".

A photo of Emma Charlotte (Johnson) (White) Naftel

A photo of Mary Lewis Donnell, sister of Dr James Lewis. This is a photo of my grandfathers Aunt Mary from the Family Bible. She was born Jan 7, 1809 and married Thomas Donnell in Kentucky in 1828. They had 3 daughters: Cassandra b. 1829, Margaret 1831, and Eliza 1834. They settled in Decatur Co, Indiana. Cassandra married Rev Joseph Walker from Dublin, Ireland. He was the minister of Springhill Church 1857-1867. Mary died May 1, 1898.

A photo of Florence Piper, taken when she was still in England. Married Willis Mead in 1910. Paternal Grandmother
People in photo include: Florence (Piper) Mead

I've "rescued" an old photograph of Edith PASCHKE which was taken at a studio in Everett, WA. The photograph appears to have been taken in the early 1900's with Edith in her teens at the time it was taken. Based on limited research and thanks to a family researcher I was able to gather the following information regarding Edith and her family:

Edith M. PASCHKE was b. 19 May 1894 in Everett, WA to parents Alexander Carl Gustav PASCHKE (b. 1867 in Liverpool, England-1942) and Lillian C. or K. GUILFOIL (1870 or 1871-1938). Edith was one of 7 children born to this couple including, Ethel Lillian; Edith M.; Ruth Annie or Ann; Carl Allen; Dorris or Doris Gretchen; Gerald A.; and one other all born between 1893 and 1912. Edith married Clarence Hiram WATTERS (1892-1940) and together they had two children, Kathleen Barbara WATTERS (1921-2005) and Robert Lisle WATTERS (1925-2016). Edith was married a second time to Harry W. BETTS (1885-1974) and she died 11 Sept 1969 in Everett, WA.

Edith’s sister Ruth Ann married Ulysses A. DEGMAN but they don’t appear to have had any children and they later divorced and Ruth Ann married Mr. MONROE. Edith’s Father died in 1942 in Everett, WA with his obit indicating that he was one of the original men who platted the City of Everett and was most recently working with the Everett City Water Dept. The family lived on Rockefeller Avenue in Everett. His surviving children are listed as Mrs. Edith M. BETTS of Everett; Mrs. Doris CHARLES of Marysville, WA; Mrs. Ruth E. MONROE of Seattle, WA; and Mrs. Edith CLARE of CUDIWORTH, Saskatchewan, Canada; Carl A. PASCHKE of San Bernardino, CA; and Gerald A. PASCHKE of the Philippine Islands. He was also survived by two sisters, Mrs. W. J. BRITT of Everett; Mrs. P. A. BOSIEN of Braintree, MA; and brothers B. W. PASCHKE of Riverside, CA; Percey PASCHKE of Comoix, BC, Canada; and George PASCHKE of Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada.

Census records provide the following details:

1900 census of Everett, WA:

Alexander PASCHKE, age 32, born Feb 1868, married 10 years, born England, parents born England/Ireland, to USA 1885, a Wharfman
Lillian C. PASCHKE, wife, age 29, born Mar 1871, married 10 years, 6 children/5 living, born Canada, parents born Canada, to USA 1890
Ethel L. PASCHKE, dau, age 7, born May 1893, born WA, at School
Edith M. PASCHKE, dau, age 6, born May 1894, born WA
Ruth A. PASCHKE, dau, age 4, born Feb 1896, born WA
Carl A. PASCHKE, son, age 2, born Aug 1898, born WA

1910 census of Everett, WA:

Alexander PASCHKE, age 42, married 18 years, born England, parents born Germany/Ireland, to USA 1886, an Everett Dock Wharfinger
Lillian PASCHKE, wife, age 40, 5 children/5 living, born 18 years, born New Brunswick, Canada, parents born Ireland/New Brunswick, to USA 1889
Ethel PASCHKE, dau, age 17, born WA
Edith PASCHKE, dau, age 16, born WA
Ruth PASCHKE, dau, age 14, born WA
Carl PASCHKE, son, age 12, born WA
Dorris PASCHKE, dau, age 5, born WA


1920 census of Everett, WA:

Alexander G. PASCHKE, age 51, to USA 1889, born England, parents born Germany/Ireland, a Draftsman
Lillian K. PASCHKE, wife, age 50, to USA 1889, born Canada, parents born Canada
Ethel L. PASCHKE, dau, age 26, born WA, a Milliner
Edith M. PASCHKE, dau, age 25, born WA
Ruth A. PASCHKE, dau, age 23, born WA, an Office Stenographer
Doris G. PASCHKE, dau, age 13, born WA
Gerald A. PASCHKE, son, age 9, born WA

I’m hoping to locate someone from Edith’s family so that this wonderful old photograph can be returned to the care of her family. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley

I’ve “rescued” an old photograph of two children belonging to Mrs. Nora CASTLE of Philomath, OR. The photograph was taken at the Crawford & Paxton Studio in Albany, OR sometime in the 1890’s most likely. The two children appear to be about 3-7 years old at the time it was taken. Notes on the back of the photograph indicate that the family lives “at sawmill 9 miles west” and that they wish to have a crayon bust drawn from the photograph of the girl. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding this CASTLE Family:

Leonora “Nora” WILCOX CASTLE was b. 25 Sept 1866 in Brownsville, OR to parents Thomas J. WILCOX (1815-1896) and Martha Ann STEPHENS (1828-1900). Nora was one of 8 children born to this couple including, Zenes S.; Sheldon a.; Robert Jurson; Seth W.; Ralph; Ulysses Grant; Leonora “Nora”; and Joel B. WILCOX, all born between 1847 and 1869. Nora died 26 Jun 1933 in The Dalles, OR and is buried in the Coburg IOOF Cemetery in Coburg, OR.

Nellie C. CASTLE FRANZ was b. 3 Jan 1889 and died 27 Dec 1968 and is buried in the Coburg IOOF Cemetery in Coburg, OR. Nellie was married twice, first to Edward Curtis WALKER (b. 1882) and a second time to John C. FRANZ.

Raymond W. “Ray” CASTLE was b. 4 Apr 1891 to parents William N. or M. CASTLE (b. 1864) and Leonora “Nora” WILCOX (1866-1933) in Philomath, OR and died 23 Feb 1934 in Fresno, CA and is buried in the Coburg IOFF Cemetery in Coburg, OR. Ray died of injuries sustain in an automobile accident. Ray’s family moved to Irrigon, OR when he was 14 years old. Ray joined the Army in 1916 and served in France until his discharge in 1919 and he moved to Fresno, CA in 1924. Ray was married to Emma (b. 1896). Ray’s obituary indicates that his Father and a sister Nelle C. FRANZ of Coburg, OR survived him.

Census records provide the following details:

1900 census of Philomath, OR:

William N. CASTLE, age 35, born Jul 1864, married 14 years, born IN, parents born IN/OH, a Farmer
Leonora CASTLE, wife, age 33, born Sept 1866, married 14 years, 2 children/2 living, born OR, parents born OH/MO
Nellie CASTLE, dau, age 11, born Jan 1889, born OR, at School
Raymond W. CASTLE, son, age 9, born Apr 1891, born OR, at School

1910 census of Irrigon, OR:

William M. CASTLE, age 45, married 23 years, born IN, parents born IN/OH, a Farm Laborer
Leonora CASTLE, wife, age 43, married 23 years, 2 children/2 living, born OR, parents born OH/MO, a Dressmaker
Ray W. CASTLE, son, age 19, born OR

1920 census of Irrigon, OR:

William M. CASTLE, age 55, born IN, parents born PA/IL, a Government Inspector
Lenora CASTLE, wife, age 53, born OR, parents born OH/MO, a Dressmaker
Nellie CASTLE, dau, age 30, divorced, born OR, a Laundry Bookkeeper

1920 census of Ogden, UT:

Raymond W. CASTLE, age 28, born OR, parents born IN/OR, a Railroad Conductor
Emma CASTLE, wife, age 24, to USA 1919, Vosges, parents born Vosges
Nelle CASTLE, sister, age 31, born OR, parents born IN/OR

1930 census of The Dalles, OR:

John C. FRANZ, age 47, married at age 39, born Germany, parents born Germany, to USA 1885, a Hotel Clerk
Nelle C. FRANZ, wife, age 40, married at age 32, born OR, parents born IN/OR

1940 census of The Dalles, OR:

John C. FRANZ, age 57, born Germany, a Hotel Clerk
Nelle C. FRANZ, wife, age 51, born OR

I’m hoping to locate someone from this family so that this wonderful old treasure can be returned to its rightful place with family. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley

A photo of Florence Annette Smithson (1882-1936) - British Soprano and Stage Actress - "The Welsh Nightingale" was born on 13 March 1882 in Leicester, Leicestershire to parents theatrical manager, William Smithson (1859-1927) (formerly Smith) and Laura Mary Courts (1865-1947). She was raised mostly in Wales where her father owned and managed the "New Theatre Royal and Opera House" in Merthyr Tydfil which opened in 1893.

After attending The London College of Music, Florence was performing with a small opera company in "La Fille Du Regiment" when she was spotted by impresario, Robert Courtneidge (1859-1939). She toured with his company as "Nanoya" in "The Cingalee" and made her London debut in 1905 at The Lyric Theatre as "Chandra Nil" in "Blue Moon". In what is regarded as the highlight of her celebrated career she appeared as "Sombra" in "The Arcadians" which ran for a remarkable 809 performances. Twice touring in Australia (1914 and 1923) she also visited South Africa in 1926. She formed her own theatre company in 1928 in a production called, "Evening Stars" and last appeared on stage in 1932.

Florence first married George William Robinson in 1901. They had one son William Robinson born in 1903. She then married comedic actor, Alfred Herbert Taylor aka Dan Rolyat (1879 – 1927) in 1904. They had one daughter Florence Lilian Rolyat born in 1907. Florence Smithson died following an operation on 11 February 1936 in Cardiff, Wales aged 53.

additional information

Thanks to enthusiasts, a number of Florence Smithson recordings can still be found on the internet including; The Waltz from Tom Jones, Temple Bell, Sings My Samisen and others.

Florence Collingbourne (1880-1946) British Stage Actress was born "Florence Eliza Collingbourne" in 1880 Camberwell, Surrey to parents Henry Ashdown Collingbourne (1859-) and Maria Eleanor Witham (1858-1888). Her mother died when she was eight years old and she was then raised by her Aunt and Uncle.

Her brief stage career as a "Gaiety Girl" and "Cross Dressing Artiste" began in 1894 at Daly's Theatre, London. Her credited appearances include, "A Gaiety Girl" in 1899, "San Toy" in 1899, "The Wicked Uncle" in 1900 and "The Toreador" in 1901.

After her marriage in 1902 to hosiery manufacturer, Laurence Margetson (1875-1928), she retired from the stage. The couple had three children, one of which was the author, Stella Margetson (1912-1992). Florence Collingbourne died on 8 July 1946 in Bognor Regis, Sussex.

A photo of Elsie Louise Ferguson (1885-1961) stage and screen actress was born 19 August 1885 in New York City to parents attorney Hiram Benson Ferguson (1836-1885) and Amelia Lumann (1855-1917). Starting as a 17 year old chorus girl she progressed through a number of productions to become a leading lady and Broadway star by 1909. In 1917 with some persuasion in the form of a $5,000 a week contract, Elsie Ferguson began acting in films. Her salary at Paramount paid her an extra $1,000 per day of filming. After appearing in about 25 films she returned to the stage. She did however make one final sound film in 1930 aged 47. Her final appearance on Broadway was in 1943 at the age of 60.

She was married four times, firstly to estate agent Frederick Chamberlain Hoey (1865-1933) in 1908, they divorced in 1914. She then married banker Thomas Benedict Clarke (1877-1858) in 1916 they divorced in 1923. Thirdly she married actor and co-star Frederick George Worlock (1886-1973) in 1924, they divorced in 1930. Lastly she married British naval captain Victor Augustus Seymour Egan (1875-1956) in 1934 until his death in 1956. Elsie died 15 November 1961 in New London, Connecticut aged 76.

additional information:

Elsie's father died 7 months before she was born. Her mother raised their two children on her own. Elsie did not have the wealthy upbringing that is sometimes claimed. She was one of the original "Florodora Girls" and friends with fellow chorus girl, Evelyn Nesbit (1884-1967). During her film career she was dubbed "The Aristocrat of the Silent Screen". Due to the ravages of time almost all of her films have now been lost.

A photo, done in the early 1900's, of a woman dressed as a Puritan, holding a book.

Is there a difference between Pilgrims and Puritans? Yes - many. The Pilgrims - who first came to North America on the Mayflower in 1620, after having spent some time in the Netherlands - had separated from the Church of England and were called "Separatists" because of it. They were establishing their own "pure" religion, following the tenets of John Calvin.

The Puritans remained within the Church of England but were trying to rid the Church of any Roman Catholic remnants within it. They were Calvinists, as were the Pilgrims, but after conceding that changes weren't possible, many left England in 1630 and migrated to the Massachusetts area - many others followed and a decade later there were almost 20,000 Puritans in the area.

The original Pilgrims were more tolerant of others - including Native Americans - but the overwhelming numbers of Puritans held sway. They "believed in their God-given superiority". So when we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are celebrating the Pilgrims, not the Puritans.

I've "rescued" an old photograph of Gussie DIFFENDERFER which was taken at the L. C. Fowler Studio in Lancaster, PA sometime in the 1880's. Gussie appears to be in her teens or 20's at the time it was taken. She is also noted as "Martha's Sister" and the name "Penfield" also appears on the back of the photograph. Based on limited research I was able to locate the following information regarding Gussie and her family:

Augusta DIFFENDERFER was b. 4 Jun 1865 in Harrisburg, PA to parents Samuel Lichty DIFFENDERFER (1843-1914) and Nancy Ann WEIDLER (1843-1904). Augusta was one of 5 children born to this couple including, Augusta; Albertus; Martha; Edith; and Adele DIFFENDERFER, all born between 1865 and 1882. Augusta married James Monroe YEAGLEY (1862-1951) on 27 Jun 1893 in Lancaster, PA and together they had 3 children including, James Torrens; Anna Elizabeth; and Martha D. YEAGLEY, all born between 1894 and 1896. Augusta died 7 Mar 1948 in Lancaster, PA and is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lancaster, PA. It appears that Augusta lived in Lititz, PA; Warwick, PA; and Lancaster, PA during her lifetime.

Census records provide the following details:

1880 census of Lititz, PA:

Sam DIFFENDERFER, age 36, a Merchant Tailor, born PA, parents born PA
Nancy DIFFENDERFER, wife, age 36, Keeping House, born PA, parents born PA
Gussie DIFFENDERFER, dau, age 15, at Home, born PA
Albertus DIFFENDERFER, son, age 12, at Home, born PA
Martha DIFFENDERFER, dau, age 11, at Home, born PA
Edith DIFFENDERFER, dau, age 1, born PA

1900 census of Lancaster, PA:

Henry YEAGLEY, age 74, born May 1825, married 49 years, born PA, parents born Germany, a Physician
Sarah YEAGLEY, wife, age 66, born Oct 1833, married 49 years, 5 children/5 living, born PA, parents born PA
James YEAGLEY, son, age 37, born Feb 1862, married 7 years, born PA, a Physician
Augusta YEAGLEY, dau-in-law, age 34, born Jun 1865, married 7 years, 3 children/3 living, born PA, parents born PA
James T. YEAGLEY, grandson, age 5, born Jul 1894, born PA
Elizabeth YEAGLEY, granddau, age 4, born Aug 1895, born PA
Martha YEAGLEY, granddau, age 3, born Oct 1896, born PA

1910 census of Lancaster, PA:

James M. YEAGLEY, age 48, married 17 years, born PA, parents born PA, a Medical Physician
Augusta YEAGLEY, wife, age 45, married 17 years, 3 children/3 living, born PA, parents born PA
James T. YEAGLEY, son, age 15, born PA
Anna E. YEAGLEY, dau, age 14, born PA
Martha D. YEAGLEY, dau, age 13, born PA

1920 census of Lancaster, PA:

James M. YEAGLEY, age 57, born PA, parents born PA, a Physician
Augusta YEAGLEY, wife, age 54, born PA, parents born PA
A. Elizabeth YEAGLEY, dau, age 24, born PA
Martha D. YEAGLEY, dau, age 23, born PA, a Trust Company Clerk
Sarah D. YEAGLEY, mother, age 87, a widow, born PA, parents born PA

1930 census of Lancaster, PA:

James M. YEAGLEY, age 69, married at age 31, born PA, parents born PA, a Physician
Augusta YEAGLEY, wife, age 64, married at age 28, born PA, parents born PA
Anna E. YEAGLEY, dau, age 34, born PA

1940 census of Lancaster, PA:

James M. YEAGLEY, age 78, born PA, a Medical Doctor
Augusta D. YEAGLEY, wife, age 75, born PA
Elizabeth YEAGLEY, dau, age 45, born PA

I am hoping to return the photograph to a member of her family and would appreciate you contacting me if you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be.

Thanks,
Shelley