Who's That Lady?

This picture comes from the collection of Velma Taylor-Johannsen & her husband, Lorenz. It is a little dark and was printed on metal. I fiddled with it a little in Picasa and this was the result:

Let's start with what we know. Judging by the clothes this picture was taken between 1883 & 1889. The bodice is tight and extends just below the waist, she has a low stand collar and tie and the sleeves are tight with trim at the bottom, all of which was in style between 1883 & 1889.

I also believe this photograph was taken by William Newton in Port Clinton, Ohio. Why? Let's look at some of the pictures I have that I know were taken by Mr. Newton. We have this picture from February 15th:
The picture I posted on December 3rd:
And this one from Saturday:All those pictures were taken by Wm. Newton and they all have basically the same pose with the same exact table. It's not every day I see a table with beads and dear heads carved into the side. It strikes me as rather unique. That would narrow down the time frame from 1883 - 1889 to 1885 - 1889. While the backgrounds are different I am sure photographers of the day had different backgrounds as they are painted and obviously not on the wall because if you look there is a slight gap between the background and the floor. That could mean he had multiple backgrounds or over the course of 5 years he switched them out every now and then. Whatever the case the table and book appear to be his favorite props.

Where It Fits: This is the part of the blog where you come out and share your ideas. Call, text, e-mail or post your observations, opinions, guesses and comments to me and we'll see if together we can name this lady.

In History: Today Richard Johannsen would have turned 82.

My Marie?!

I believe this is Marie Christiansen Johannsen. I have posted about her before but this is an unidentified picture so I am not 100% sure it is her. Let's start with a quick review. Last month I posted a picture of her that was taken in the late 1860's or very early 1870's. Earlier this month I posted one from the early 1900's, probably 1906. I believe this woman looks a great deal like Marie and would fall comfortably between the other two photographs. What do you think? Do I have another picture of Marie?

Timeframe: The tight sleeves, the flounce on the bottom of the skirt and the length of the bodice date this picture to the 1880's. I would guess late 1880's since the mid 1880's has a much larger bustle. A "Newton, William H." operated a studio in Port Clinton from 1885 to 1889. Assuming William H & William M are one and the same it would narrow it to between 1885 & 1889. In the spring of 1885, Marie would have been 62.

Where It Fits: Assuming this is Marie Christiansen, she married Wilhelm Johannsen in 1851 and they are the parents of Julius & August Johannsen. That would make Marie the grandmother of William, Marie, Adele, August, John, Nelson, Lilly, Paul, Lorenz, William E., Nettie & Emma.

Mystery Monday Man

This photograph was taken by Wm. M. Newton in Port Clinton, Ohio. There is a William H. Newton listed as a photographer from 1885 to 1889 in Port Clinton, Ohio.

Timeframe: Since the subject is a lone male it is very hard to date this image. The facial hair prevents me from seeing if the collar is turned down over the tie or if it is a stand collar. The trousers have no crease which implies 1880-1890 but the sleeves of the coat are not high on the shoulder which is in style for the same time period. The coat is long and appears to be overlarge which makes the coat popular in the 1860 - 1870's. The tie appears to be tied in a wide loose knot which dates it to 1870-1880. The chin whiskers are popular between 1860 & 1870. Basically all that to say anytime between 1860 & 1890 this man is in fashion. *mutters typical male* Assuming William H & William M are the same photographer, this image dates from 1885 to 1889.

Where It Fits: Mystery Monday, this is the part where you tell me. I'd like to know who he is, where he was born, when he was born, when & where he died, the names of his parents (maiden names too please), names of his grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great grandparents. If that isn't to much to ask I would also like to know when he got married and to who and how many children they had, names included. Any other descendants would also be nice. Little too much to ask? Okay, how about a name and I'll take it from there?

Sources: Ohio Photographers: 1839-1900 by Diane VanSkiver Gagel
Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs by MAureen A. Taylor