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| “Charles” Carl Friedrich August Elsner, 1852-1941 |
Years ago, someone gave me, Selma, this 1940 photo of “Charles” Carl Friedrich August Elsner, 1852-1941. Charles lived in Frankfort, Will County, Illinois. The photo shows great-grandpa Elsner holding baby Selma on his lap in a rocking chair in his parlor. Why is this important to me? This connects me with my paternal ancestors. If you had time to read my first blog in this #52ancestors series, you will remember that I do not have verbal stories passed down from the families. This tells me great-grandpa cared enough to want a photo with me. In this family, the men provided for their families by working hard. The families were not physically demonstrative as some people today.
My mom expressed at one time her difficulty in asking for or giving hugs. Mom said, “My father provided for our family, but I never saw him hug anyone.” She added that her father never told her that he loved her, yet she did not doubt his love because of his provision for his family. My own experience with my family of several generations was the same.
When I went to Lockport, Illinois, (maternal side) with the family, I went outside and played, usually by myself. When I went to Frankfort, Illinois, (paternal side) with the family, I was given the choice to play outside, wonderful old summer kitchen or in the home, Grandpa Kampe had a very large roll top desk. Between the side drawers, a box of toys included a large top and a wooden turtle with a pull string which keep me playing for hours. Grandpa would set in his rocking chair and watch me play while the adults visited. My son enjoyed playing with the toys; and I have a photo of my son sitting on his great-grandpa Kampe’s lap in a rocking chair. Great memories!!!
Who is Aunt Sarah Dunham? As the generations passed, I received more family photos; so “Aunt Sarah” started my genealogy climb. In the early 1990s, I posted her photo on every site that allowed questions. Was this “Aunt Sarah” by birth or by marriage? In 1993 my conclusion with thanks to P.C. Alger, Ann Eldred and others in New York who shared photos, “Aunt Sarah” was born a Dunham who married a Hickok. With this information, I joined the Dunham family association, again great help from Gratia Dunham Mahony and others. (I am currently a Dunham board member and V.P., check us out) Next challenge is what branch of the family? Thanks to DNA and my Dunham cousins Rich Capen and Christina Strieff, I have been added to the William F. Dunham branch of the family. Please for more family articles, read blogs or contact me.
Great-grandpa Charles Elsner is probably my favorite photo, yet “Aunt Sarah” deserves credit for introducing me to the world of genealogy with enjoyment of 30+ years and still searching for more family and memories. Thank you everyone!!!
