Thomas and Anna: Through the Years

     Growing up in a world where we are photographed from Day One, it is hard for many of us to fathom a time when our families had no pictures at all.  For many of my ancestors, I am sorry to say that this is generally the case.

     But not for Thomas and Anna (Moore) Hillman...just check out all of these photos I have for a couple married in 1881. 

     The first picture was taken in the early 1880's.  Between talking to relatives, and some detective work of my own, it has been guessed at being taken very close to their wedding. It is encased in a wooden frame with gold leaf trim. My grandmother kept it hung at her house, and I have now been given possession of this wonderful keepsake. 

Thomas and Anna:  the Early Years

     Many of you have seen this next photo in a previous post.  It was taken circa 1899,  when my grandmother's Aunt Edna was still just a baby.  My Great-grandma Carrie is the oldest, and she was born in 1882.  I have been told that it was taken in their yard in Dearborn County, Indiana.  I was privileged to be able to spend time with my great-grandmother, and one of her sisters, before they passed away.

Thomas and Anna: the Turn of the Century

     I would love to have seen photos from the time period between the last one and these below. I know that Thomas passed away in 1920, and Anna in 1932. Judging by the aging between the previous photo and these, I would assume these might have been taken in the last few years before his death in January 1920.

     You can tell that the years had taken a toll on the two of them. Their son, George,  had spent three years in Europe, as part of the Rainbow Division in World War I. One if the daughters,  Lillian, had past away in 1918 in the flu epidemic. 

Thomas: the Later Years

Anna: the Later Years

     I am forever grateful for the advent of photography. My Grandma, and my Great-grandma, were good Christian woman that I cherish with all my heart. This couple shaped their daughter, and granddaughter, into the wonderful women that I knew and loved. To have these photographs that bring this precious couple to life are priceless! 

Tell me about some of your most prized old photographs! I would love to hear your stories!