John (Johnnie) Gamel 1870's, Mason County, Texas

"Johnnie Gamel-
Son of
John W. Gamel and Katherine Crosby Gamel
Brother of Arch Gamel
Grandson of William Gamel
and Katherine Tucker Gamel"

John Gamel was born in 1868. His father John William Gamel was born in 1845 in Georgia, and his mother Katherine was born in 1843 in Ireland. John William was a wealthy cattle rancher and civil war veteran who served in the thirty-third Regiment of the Texas Cavalry in 1862 and 1863. To quote his obituary:
"He made his fortune in the cattle business and was one of the influential men of his time. He was recalled by old timers in Dodge City, Kansas as a "flamboyant, forceful Texan" who celebrated at the end of cattle drives by lighting cigars with ten dollar bills, declaring he had "enough money to burn a wet dog." Meaning he was really, really rich. 

Johnnie and his older brother Arch were sent away to school during the conflict of the Mason County War around 1875, when he was 12 and his brother was 14. (If you get the chance, read up on the Mason County War. It's fascinating, though a little bloody.)

When John was 25 he married a Katherine, just as his father and grandfather had (was it a family tradition?). They had three children: Clayton, Byna, and Henrie. In 1900, they are living in Upper Labante, Converse, Wyoming and his occupation is listed as farmer.

If you know who this may be, let us know in the comments!

Clarence Del Vecchio 1880's, St. Louis, Missouri

"Clarence G. Del Vecchio
11 mo. 14- days"
Clarence Del Vecchio was born on June 30 1882 to Kate and John Del Vecchio, an Italian immigrant who worked in insurance. Clarence also came to work in insurance and had 2 wives: Hilda and, later in his life, Daisy. The photographer, Genelli, also took this picture of an unknown woman. I found both pictures in the same antique shop, could they be related?

If you know who this may be, let us know in the comments!

Swimming Family, 1910's

Here is a very candid snapshot of a family taking a dip in a lake from the 1910's. Almost makes me want to go for a swim!

If you know who this family may be, let us know in the comments!

Unknown Little Boy, 1860's

For the next few days, I'll be posting some "unknown" photographs from my collection starting with this tintype of a little boy. His cheeks have been lightly tinted pink and his hair has been puffed up in the front, a hairstyle fairly common for young boys in the 60's.

If you know who this adorable little boy may be, let us know in the comments!

Anne Peoples and Family, 1870's-1880's

 This tintype was found with the picture of Anne Peoples I posted back in June. I figured they were related in some way and noticed the two women looked very similar to the Anne in the first picture, especially the one on the far right.

Is one of these women Anne? If so, is the man her husband? Who are the children?
Unfortunately, there are no names, so there is no way of knowing for sure. What do you think?

If you know who this may be, let us know in the comments!

Herman and Elinore Paul 1900's, Budapest

"Our cousin and wife
mother's brother son

her nephew Herman Paul

and Elinore Paul."

"Mother's brother children
Our cousin Herman and Elinore Paul and family
in Germany."

This is the Paul family from Germany, which includes Herman, his wife Elinore, and their five children. They are fashionably dressed, which suggests that they may have been well-off. The little girls in the picture appear to be holding crocheted sacks with some sort of balls in them. I wonder if anyone might know what those are?

If you know who this family may be, let us know in the comments!

Photo 12 of Unknown Family 1940's-50's Texas

 The littlest one of the family is here again- and now she (he?) is 10 and a half months old. She's being held up by a woman who's been appearing often in these photos. I think she is an aunt or neighbor. There is a baby stroller in the background that is very similar to others I have seen from this time period. They were usually blue or brown.

If you know who this family may be, let us know in the comments!

Unknown Family 1920's-30's

 This lovely little family caught my eye the other day. This is an Azo Real Photo postcard and the stamp box suggest it's from the twenties or thirties. It looks like the man is wearing some sort of fedora and a single-breasted, striped suit. Both he and his wife are wearing glasses. I love the little boots on the children- a boy and a girl maybe? On the back it reads:

"We are just home from Sunday School and the children are tired and hungry and not very anxious to have their picture snapped."

Sadly, there are no locations or names given.

If you know who these folks might be, let us know in the comments!

Jerry McFadden and Grandma Ream 1948 James Place, Wellington, Kansas

 

This is Jerry McFadden and Grandma Ream sharing a birthday party. Little Jerry looks like he's holding a cake and the two of them are wearing their best clothes! The cake appears to have 6 candles. Maybe Jerry is turning 6?

If you know who these people may be, let us know in the comments!

Ralph Harper February 1924

This young man is Ralph Harper. According to the back of the photograph, this picture was taken on February 3rd, 1924. The boy is standing on a side-walk next to what looks like some sort of wooden bridge. Perhaps he is in a park? Sadly, there is no location given on the photo.

If you know who this may be, let us know in the comments!

Pa and Uncle Jason 1860's-70's Emporia, Kansas

This is someone's Pa and his brother, Jason, though no last names are found. This photograph is from about the 1860's or 70's. The older boy (Jason?) is sitting on a chair with long tassels along the bottom and there appears to be a posing stand behind the other boy. The photo was taken by N.F. Ames of 170 Commercial Street, Emporia, Kansas.
                                                                       

If you know who these young gentlemen might be, let us know in the comments!

"Leo" 1900's Terre Haute, Indiana

The back of this photo says this little boy is named "Leo" but no last name is given. The photograph was taken by H.T. Biel of 417 1/2 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Indiana and was found in a photograph album along with other pictures. It was probably taken around the late 1890's or early 1900's.

If you know who this may be, let us know in the comments!