Genealogy is MANY things, but for sure — it is rarely boring OR predictable!:-)
Today I received the coolest surprise — a blog comment to my Rensler’s 150 post from John STEWARD, who not only has Rensler images of his Ancestors, but also images of he and his brother captured at the historic Cincinnati photography studio!
The fact that like me, John’s Ancestors made the trek from Alabama (Hope Hull, Lowndes County) to Cincinnati AND that he too has family in Kentucky only adds to my curiosity! You just never know when a new cousin will appear, right?
So with permission, I share John’s Rensler Photography images and the family details he provided earlier.
John’s blog comments…
WOW!! I have been carrying a Rensler’s photo for more than 30 years. My mother was killed in 1944. My grandparent,William J. Harris & Lillie Bell Williams-Harris, whom I have only known through Rensler`s photos, resided at 831 w 5th street Cincinnati, Ohio.
They were from Hope Hull, Alabama and the Lowndes County area where my great grandfather Parson D. H. Harris was ordained to preach at Rock Creek Baptist Church about 1897. His daughter Chosie was a teacher in the area until her death in 1963.
Is there a way that I may view your photos?
John’s Mom
William J. Harris
Lillie Bell Williams-Harris
John Steward & Brother
Here’s praying that John finds family connections and that one day, he and I both have the opportunity to chase more of our Ancestors through the remaining 20K+ Rensler artifacts!:-)
Nothing like a good Ancestor mystery and Rensler inspiration to shake things up! I’ll keep y’all posted!:-)
Luckie.
Willie C. Barwick {my Maternal Grandfather} – Woodward High School Football Team
Cincinnati, Ohio 1936
A re-post of an entry from my OurAlabamaRoots@Ning site. It serves as a reminder to get myself & kids to Cincinnati – SOON!
I have some many beautiful images of Aunt Hannah that it was hard for me to choose which one to post. I settled on this lovely image of her as a proud Registered Nurse!:-)
Luckie.
*******
Today I chatted with my 88 year old Aunt Hannah {My Grandfather Willie C. Barwick’s younger Sister}.
Aunt Hannah & my Cousin Jamye {Daughter of Hannah & Willie’s younger Brother, James} rode the train from Cincinnati to visit my Sister Gina in Washington, DC.
What a true blessing it is for us to have an Aunt Hannah among us! While the young have to learn much about their phenomenal lineage by way of oral history & images, they have the blessing of enjoying Aunt Hannah NOW – right here in living color!
Talking with her reminded me of the opportunity in capturing “the now”… hearing her words & sharing with her my memories of her Brother & how deeply his presence affected our Family.
Today I committed to pack myself, kids & scanner {I go NOWHERE without it!} up for a long-overdue visit to Cincinnati, very VERY, soon!
Let us never take for granted the blessing of the living nor neglect to remember those loved ones who have crossed over.
Mechie
P.S. Jamye – Cousin, don’t make me have to hunt you down for those pictures of Uncle James & Willie C.!:-)
Our Alabama Roots ~ Barwick & Related