In May 2012 at my father's memorial service, his cousin, whom I had never met, handed me an 1800's portrait type photo of a young man and three young ladies. Along with the photo was a church offering envelope listing the names for the people on the photo. The young man was my paternal grandfather who passed away in 1965 and the ladies were his sisters. I only recognized one of their names. I wondered how I never got to know these people when I knew everyone possible in mother's.
Then, my mother passed away in June 2013 and while gathering up some items, I discovered several old framed portraits of people I did not recognize - even when I read the names on the back.
Thus the spark became a flame - I had to find out more - to get to know who they really were - where they came from - what contributions they might have made - could I see my granddad or my father in any of them?
Who were those people in the portraits? My great-grandparents and a great-aunt and uncle.
Unfortunately, due to physical limitations, I have to rely on others for most leg work. However my computer searching abilities are intact as are my phone skills.
My husband and I, both retired, live in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina, just north of Charlotte.

In May 2012 at my father's memorial service, his cousin, whom I had never met, handed me an 1800's portrait type photo of a young man and three young ladies. Along with the photo was a church offering envelope listing the names for the people on the photo. The young man was my paternal grandfather who passed away in 1965 and the ladies were his sisters. I only recognized one of their names. I wondered how I never got to know these people when I knew everyone possible in mother's.
Then, my mother passed away in June 2013 and while gathering up some items, I discovered several old framed portraits of people I did not recognize - even when I read the names on the back.
Thus the spark became a flame - I had to find out more - to get to know who they really were - where they came from - what contributions they might have made - could I see my granddad or my father in any of them?
Who were those people in the portraits? My great-grandparents and a great-aunt and uncle.
Unfortunately, due to physical limitations, I have to rely on others for most leg work. However my computer searching abilities are intact as are my phone skills.
My husband and I, both retired, live in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina, just north of Charlotte.