Working with common surnames—like Brown, for instance, no matter whether it has that fancy "e" at the end or not—can be frustrating.
We've already discovered that the photograph stash marked with the name Thirza Cole belonged to a woman whose maiden name was Browne. Finding out much about her early years has been a challenge. Had it not been for the unusual detail preserved in her own obituary, I'd likely not have been able to trace her whereabouts during that twenty-year span between the 1880 census and the next surviving enumeration.
But before that point? Even after wrestling with this family's history for weeks now, I am no closer to uncovering something fresh and new.
And then, reaching back to that stash of photographs I rescued from an antique store up in California gold country, I pull out another photograph and notice the names written on the back: Timothy and Caroline Browne.
Could they be Thirza's grandparents? Or just a coincidence, merely owing to such a common surname?
Interesting pose - Mrs. Browne appears to have been interrupted in mid-sentence.
ReplyDeleteAn apt way of putting it, Wendy! She does look rather engaged with someone off camera, doesn't she?!
DeleteWhat a treasure trove
ReplyDeleteYes, it is, Miss Merry! I believe this one is the oldest of all the photos I've found, so far.
DeleteI understand researching Brown. It is my maiden name. Some folks get excited when they find their surname in a reference or history book. I almost always find Brown. But is it the right Brown? Wishing you much luck with your research.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's right, Colleen! I am definitely feeling your pain at this point!
DeleteWhat a lovely CdV...and her hat is wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteFor having to remain frozen in position for the photography requirements of that era, Mrs. Browne seems remarkably animated. And yes, the hat! This is definitely one woman I would have loved to have the opportunity to meet. I imagine she was quite lively.
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