Ellen (1837-1901) and Phebe (1827-1899) PADDOCK of Union County, Indiana, were daughters of Tristam PADDOCK and Charlotte PALMER. They weren’t twins even though they dressed alike when having their picture taken. Ellen, ten years younger than Phebe, was the taller of the two and had a higher forehead. They were the sister of Mary A. PADDOCK featured last week.
When they were young, most likely in the early 1860s, they were photographed together by Beaver & Mendenhall in Liberty, Indiana.
Later in life, perhaps in the early 1890s, Ellen (left) and Phebe (right), wearing matching outfits, were photographed by Huddleston in New Castle, Indiana.
More about this collection, how it came to be in my possession,
and links to previous posts in the series can be found here.
© 2015 Cathy Meder-Dempsey
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Opening Doors in Brick Walls 
The sisters must have been very close to one another given that they dressed alike in their youth and when they were older.
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Neither married. In 1880 they were living with their mother and sister Sarah’s son. I found an old county history published in 1899, the year Phebe died. According to the history Ellen was living alone on the old homestead. It’s very likely Phebe and Ellen lived together all their lives. Thank you Kendra.
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I was also struck by the fact that they dressed like twins. Was it common for sisters to do that? Or was it only for the photos? Interesting!
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I have no idea but suspect since they remained at home with their mother and most likely lived together on the old homestead until their deaths they may have made their own clothes. A seamstress knows how to be economical and will try to get as much as possible out of a piece of material.
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