Who Were They?

Lost and forgotten photos from the past

Today’s image shows a younger middle aged man identified as Milton Farnsler or Fransler – I’m not 100% on either of these and could be convinced of something else. I say younger middle age because I’d guess he’s between 30-40. He has had time to grow in an impressive set of side whiskers, and his …

Continue reading

Let’s see if today’s name deciphering game is correct. The back of this CDV identifies the gentleman as Emil A. Gessner. I did find a matching person in New Haven, CT where this portrait was made. Assuming it is the same person, this is Emil A Gessner, born 1856 in Germany. Emil and his wife …

Continue reading

Today’s photograph is of Uncle Edmund Tomkins, either from America or who went to America. Uncle Edmund is sporting a rather wispy beard and mustache that makes me think there is an unfortunate scratch or blemish on the surface of the image. He must have been proud of it to wear it for his photograph, …

Continue reading