Kari Wallenius

A photo of Barbara Pierce, the future Barbara Bush, wife of President George HW Bush, in a graduation photo from finishing school in Charleston, S.C. She and George Bush were married for 73 years - the longest of any presidential couple.

She died on April 17 2018, of natural causes, at her home in Houston, Texas at the age of 92.

A photo of Bird Millman (1890-1940) Highwire Artiste born "Jenna Dean Engleman" 20 October 1890 in Canon City, Colorado to high wire performing parents Dyke Frank Engleman (1868-1943) and Genevieve Patton (1869-1941). In 1904 the Millman Family Trio of wire walkers toured the Vaudeville stages. By 1913 Bird became a solo premiere attraction with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Bird Millman's first marriage with Harry Underwood in 1909 was annulled. Her second marriage to ticket agent Charles Thomas (1889-) in 1920 ended in a quick divorce. Her third marriage was to military veteran Joseph Francis O'Day (1893-1931) in 1925, who died in 1931 after losing his fortune in the 1929 stock market crash. Devastated and destitute Bird returned to Canon City, Colorado where she died of uterine cancer at the age of 49.

additional information:

Bird Millman appeared in The Ziegfeld Follies of 1916 and Ziegfeld's Frolics. In 1920, she performed a specialty number in 'The Deep Purple', a silent film directed by Raoul Walsh (1887-1980).

A photo of Elsie Leslie (1879-1966) - Stage Actress was born Elsie Leslie Lyde on 14 August 1879 in Orange, Essex, New Jersey to parents Benjamin Tanner Lyde (1846-1911) and Evelyn Burdick (1848-1905). She made appearances on the stage for a period of 27 years from 1884, aged 5 until 1911.

Elsie Leslie married actor writer William Jefferson Winter (1878-1929) in 1901 and divorced in 1918, when she married banker Edwin James Milliken (1877-1972). After leaving the theatre she travelled around the world, eventually settled in New York City and died there on 15 October 1966 aged 87.

additional information:

Among the canon of "Child Stars" Elsie Leslie was one of the earliest, was one of the most popular and highest paid of her era. Her most famous roles were in "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "The Prince and The Pauper". She corresponded with many friends throughout her life and career, including Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) and Helen Keller (1880-1968).

A photo of Mirjam Helene Friedmann. Mirjam was sadly murdered at Auschwitz Death Camp on August 29, 1944, with her parents, at age 5.

I’ve “rescued” an old photograph of Oluf JOHNSON’S children including Jessie, Ivah, and Geneva JOHNSON. The photograph was taken in the early 1900’s with the three children likely about 4-7 years old at the time the photograph was taken. The photograph is of 2 girls and a boy with the boy appearing to be the oldest. There is no studio or location identified on the photograph though it was recovered in Washington State. I’m hoping to locate someone from this JOHNSON 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

People in photo include: Jessie Johnson, Ivah Johnson, and Geneva Johnson

Harry Wilson "Buster" Rich at about two years of age in 1914. Buster was the fourth of five children and the only son of Harry Rich (1883 - 1916) and Annie Lee Houston (1887 - 1943.)
Born in Henrico County, he lived the rest of his life in the Richmond, Virginia area.He married Miss Elizabeth Bailey.

A photo of Rita Hayworth campaigning for the recycling of scrap metal in World War Two.

A large part of the home front war effort in World War Two was saving scrap metal that could be recycled into weapons for the war (also used for ships and aircraft). The caption on this photo from the National Archives says that Rita Hayworth "sacrificed her bumpers for the duration" (of the war). Rita Hayworth was a big movie star at the time and she also helped sell war bonds - her two younger brothers were both in the War. Most of Hollywood was involved in the war effort, either through promoting home front campaigns such as Victory Gardens, buying war bonds, rationing, or collecting scrap metal, or by service in the War overseas.

Margarita Carmen Cansino was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1918. She changed her name to Rita Hayworth for the stage and eventually was named one of the top 25 female motion picture stars of all time. Married and divorced 5 times (once to Orson Wells), her life was plagued with alcoholism. Later in life, she was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's and died at the age of 68 in 1987.

Roy Lewis Matthews (name on Photo), Photograph taken at Wheeler Studio in Xenia, Ohio USA. This photo was among some others in a box from a local antique store in Blanchester, Clinton, Ohio, USA. Other surnames in box include: Davis, Nave, Carter, Roberts, Matthews, Jodry, Young, Lewis, Pulliam, Steele, Hauke, Oatley, Toy, Beltz.

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.

These three angels were sadly murdered at Auschwitz Death Camp in 1944 at age 4, 7 & 2 years.

A photo of Carmen Mondragon (1893-1978) 'One of the most beautiful and transgressive women of her time'. Mexican painter, poet and women's activist was born in Tacubaya, Mexico City, Mexico as 'Maria del Carmen Mondragon Valseca' aka 'Nahui Ollin' (an Aztec symbol for earthquake, given to her by one of her lovers). Her parents were General Manuel Mondragon (1859-1922) and Mercedes Valseca - she was the 5th of their 8 children. She married Manuel Rodriguez Lozano (1896-1971) in 1913, they separated in 1922. She is rumored to be the first woman to wear a miniskirt in Mexico. She died in the home of her birth, Tacubaya, Mexico City, Mexico in 1978, aged 85.

Laly was only 5 when he was sadly murdered in a gas chamber at Auschwitz-Birenkau in 1944.

I’ve “rescued” four old photographs belonging to the EDWARDS Family. The first is a photograph of Amelia EDWARDS which was taken at the Childs Studio in Ishpeming, MI. The photograph appears to have been taken in the 1880’s with Amelia in her teens or 20’s at the time. In addition to her name, someone has written “Dad’s Sister” on the back of the photograph. The second photograph is one of Maud and Earl EDWARDS and was taken at the Lang Studio in Tower, MN. The photograph also appears to have been taken in the 1880’s with the two children likely about 2-5 years old at the time.

The third photograph is one of Earl EDWARDS taken at the Murdock Studio in Knoxville, TN. This photograph appears to have been taken in the 1890’s or early 1900’s with Earl appearing to be about 10 years old at the time. The fourth photograph is another one of Amelia EDWARDS, this one taken at the Murdock Studio in Knoxville, TN sometime in the 1890’s or early 1900’s when she was in her 20’s or 30’s. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding this EDWARDS Family:

Amelia SAMPSON b. Sept 1865 in England married John EDWARDS (b. 1857 in England) on 14 Jul 1877 in Houghton Co. MI and together they had two children including, Maude EDWARDS b. 12 Jun 1884 in Ishpeming, MI and John Earl EDWARDS b. Feb 1887 in Michigan. The family was recorded in census records as follows:

1895 census of Breitung, MI:

John EDWARDS, age 38, born England, a Mining Superintendent
Mrs. J. EDWARDS, age 29, born England
Maude EDWARDS, age 11, born MI
Earl EDWARDS, age 8, born MI
Catherine GALLAGHER, age 23, born MN

1900 census of Knoxville, TN:

John EDWARDS, age 43, born Apr 1857, married 17 years, born England, parents born England, Mining
Amelia EDWARDS, wife, age 34, born Sept 1865, married 17 years, 2 children/2 living, born England, parents born England
Maude EDWARDS, dau, age 15, born Jun 1884, born MI, at School
J. Earl EDWARDS, son, age 13, born Feb 1887, born MI, at School

1910 census of Knoxville, TN:

John EDWARDS, age 53, married 27 years, born England, parents born England, a Metals Miner
Amelia EDWARDS, wife, age 45, married 27 years, 1 child/1 living, born MI, parents born England

1920 census of Knoxville, TN:

John EDWARDS, age 62, to USA 1878, born England, parents born England, a Factory Stock Clerk
Amelia EDWARDS, age 53, to USA 1874, born England, parents born England
May E. EDWARDS, granddau, age 8, born TN, parents born TN

1930 census of Knoxville, TN:

John EDWARDS, age 73, married at age 30, born England, parents born England, to USA 1866, a Manufacturing Foreman
Amelia EDWARDS, wife, age 64, married at age 19, born England, parents born England, to USA 1885
Elizabeth EDWARDS, granddau, age 18, born TN, parents born MI/GA

I’m hoping to locate someone from this EDWARDS Family so that these wonderful old treasures 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

A photo of Garland Franklin Clifton - U.S. Solider In A Native Grass Skirt - Milne Bay Nov 1942 In A Native Grass Skirt

...A James A Fazzi Sr Picture

A photo of Glen Campbell, early in his decades long career.

He was born the son of a sharecropper - the 7th of 12 children - in Arkansas. When he was 4 years old, he received a guitar as a gift and he fell in love. When he wasn't helping the family in the fields, he would play his guitar.

In 1954, at the age of 18, he began appearing on his Uncle's radio show in New Mexico, as well as playing in his Uncle's band. It wasn't long (four years) until he formed his own band - the Western Wranglers.

In 1960, Glen moved to Los Angeles and became a popular - and in demand - studio musician. He played for everyone - and in all types of music - from Frank Sinatra, to Ricky Nelson, to Elvis. He even filled in for Brian Wilson in the Beach Boys for a while (he later said that the falsetto voice was difficult!). Although he couldn't read a note of music, his skills and ability as a guitarist impressed everyone.

By the early 1960's, he was releasing his own records and hits such as "Gentle on My Mind"; "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston"; "Rhinestone Cowboy"; "Southern Nights" made him a household name.

Performing for decades, Campbell announced publicly that he had been diagnosed as having Alzheimer's disease in 2011. He went on a last tour - with his family - and wowed his fans.

Sadly, he died in a nursing home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 8th, 2017 - 6 years after he had been diagnosed - at the age of 81. What a whirlwind life - 4 wives, 8 children, and one heck of a musical career!

I've "rescued" an old photograph of Marguerite ROSENOW MITLER which was taken at the Ed Schultze Studio in Heidelberg, Germany. The photograph appears to have been taken in the early 1900's with Marguerite likely in her teens or 20's at the time it was taken. In addition to her name, she has written "To Florence with Marguerite's Love" and "Now Mrs. Earnest MITLER of NY" on the back of the photograph. Based on limited research I was able to locate the following information regarding Marguerite and her family:

Marguerite ROSENOW was b. 5 Feb 1886 in Walla Walla, WA to parents Albert ROSENOW and Celia DUSENBERY. Marguerite married Herbert Ernest MITLER (b. 1885 in Peoria, IL to parents Sigmund O. MITLER and Ernestine STERNBERG) on 14 Oct 1911 in Manhattan, NY. and had a son, Ernest Albert MITLER (1916-2002).

Census records provide the following details:

1900 census of Peoria, IL:

Max ROSENOW, age 53, born Nov 1846, married 24 years, born Germany, parents born Germany, to USA 1889, a Cooperage Manufacturer
Ulla ROSENOW, wife, age 43, born Mar 1855, married 24 years, 3 children/3 living, born Germany, parents born Germany, to USA 1889
Herbert ROSENOW, son, age 21, born Jul 1878, born Germany, to USA 1889, Clothier House
Malvila E. ROSENOW, dau, age 18, born May 1882, born Germany, to USA 1889, at School
Albert ROSENOW, brother, age 45, born Mar 1854, married 16 years, born Germany, to USA 1884, a Physician
Rebecca ROSENOW, sister-in-law, age 34, born Dec 1865, married 16 years, 2 children/2 living, born WA, parents born Germany
Margarite ROSENOW, niece, age 15, born May 1885, born WA, at School
Melville F. ROSENOW, nephew, age 12, born Jul 1887, born WA, at School
+ 1 Servant

1910 census of Manhattan, NY:

Albert ROSENOW, age 55, married 26 years, born Germany, parents born Germany, to USA 1886, Own Income
Celia ROSENOW, wife, age 46, married 26 years, 2 children/2 living, born Germany, parents born Germany, to USA 1865
Marguerite ROSENOW, dau, age 25, born WA
Melville ROSENOW, son, age 22, born WA, a Stage Actor
+ 1 Servant

1920 census of Manhattan, NY:

Herbert E. MITLER, age 34
Marguerite MITLER, wife, age 33
Earnest MITLER, son, age 3

1940 census of New York, NY:

Herbert MITLER, age 50, born IL, a Building Engineer
Margaret MITLER, wife, age 48, born WA
Ernest MITLER, son, age 22, born NY
Constance MITLER, dau, age 19, born NY
+ 2 Servants

I am hoping to locate someone from Marguerite’s family so that the 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 Louise BALLWEG BLOCK which was taken sometime in the 1880's. The photograph was taken at the Arcade Gallery Studio in Peoria, IL with Louise appearing to be in her early teens at the time. In addition to her name someone has written "Aunt Lou" and "Nana's Sister" and "born about 1873" on the back of the photograph. Based on limited research I was able to find the following information:

Louisa BALLWEG was b. 18 Nov 1868 in Minnesota to parents Charles BALLWEG (1843-1919) and Minnie MASTENBROOK (1844-1910). Louisa was one of 6 children born to this couple including, Louisa; Helena Catherine “Minnie”; William Charles; Charles Edward; Frank Joseph; and Clara Agnes BALLWEG, all born between 1868 and 1884. Louisa married Charles W. BLOCK (b. 1870) and she died in Napa, CA on 29 Oct 1947.

I am hoping to be able to return the photograph to her family. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley