My Dad's parents came from Sweden and like all good Swedes, changed their name to Carlson. They had 4 children with my Dad being the youngest. When Dad was two, his mother died.
Not knowing how to care for his 4 young children, my Grandfather gave them to family members. Two of my Aunts stayed in the Corning, NY area and my Dad and his sister (next to the youngest) were given to a couple in the Jamestown area, about 150 miles away.
Mary and Aaron were cousins, who had remained childless after several years of marriage. They were more than happy to be blessed with a son and a daughter.
Without any legal documentation, they changed the children's last name to theirs and raised them as their own. My Aunt used to speak about their real father so they did know him to some extent when they were older.
What amazes me is that the sisters and brother never lost touch. One of the older girls parents didn't want her to have contact with her sister but since they lived in the same area they remained close. My brother and I were fortunate to know and spend time with our Aunts after our father passed away when we were 4 and 6. Our Aunts could have told us a lot about our heritage but we saw them the most when we were young and didn't care. The 2 Aunts that lived the longest both had Alzheimer's by the time we cared to ask questions.
I didn't know any of my Grandparents on my Fathers side but do know that his Mother lived in the same home as my Mom and Dad until she died. i also remember visit a couple Great Aunts that lived in our area but I'm really not sure how we were related. One Aunt was supposed to be able to tell the future to some extent. She always said she knew we were coming. She was a tiny woman that wore long skirts and work boots. She lived on a farm with her son
Luckily, we had great Grandparents on my Mom's side of the family. All the sisters are gone now but I do keep in touch with some cousins. I got most of these pictures from my Aunt's family after she passed away and I treasure them.
Stop over to Shannon's and read about a Gator Farm and other stories.
Stop over to Shannon's and read about a Gator Farm and other stories.
6 comments:
Gosh, every time these wonderful old stories come up there is so much heart ache attached. I am glad you know some history and are passing that along here. Also what wonderful photos you have, I could look at them for hours, wondering what was on their mind....evidently a lot,lovely clothes and fun hairstyles too, great treasures indeed. So many died young, I am glad the children were able to stay in touch. thank you for sharing this story
My heart just ached at the sadness in your post. Yet, I felt a touch of happiness since the sisters and brother stayed in touch. Too often we lose our ancestry and you have done so in great measure but I am so happy you have what you have.
It's wonderful that you have these photographs to treasure. Story Tellers is a great place to record these images and family history.
Such sadness your father and his siblings experienced at a young age and then you and your sister when your father died. It's wonderful that the siblings were able to maintain contact. I know that couldn't have been easy - especially back then with no email!! I didn't not lose my family at such a young age, but they are all gone now. It's funny that just today, I was talking to my sister and we were trying to recall the last name of an aunt and uncle. We realized that there wasn't anyone left who we could contact who might know that information. These photographs are wonderful. I'm so glad you got them when your aunt died. laurie
One never knows what life can bring . Happiness or sadness. Admire that the brothers and sisters still manage to stay in touch....
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