In the world of genealogy and family history research, we often encounter mysteries that lead us on a captivating journey through time. The joy of discovering long-lost ancestors and connecting with distant relatives can be immensely rewarding.
However, as with any research endeavor, mistakes can occur, and it’s essential to acknowledge and rectify them. In this blog post, I want to address an error I made while exploring vintage photographs and reflect on the incredible journey a cousin and I undertook together.
The Gift of Forgotten Memories
It all began in 2015 when my 4C1R (fourth cousin once removed), Joe Rooney, entrusted me with a precious collection of old photographs. The photos were salvaged from obscurity, having narrowly escaped the fate of a trash can. Joe deserves all the credit for scanning and diligently naming each, ensuring that future generations could cherish these memories. These priceless images offer glimpses into the lives of our ancestors and have the power to connect us to our past, weaving a narrative that spans generations. His benevolent gesture was a true gift, and it opened the door to uncovering the forgotten memories of our ancestors.
52 Ancestors: The Beginning of a Journey
Inspired by the photographs, I featured the story of Albert Spencer LILLIE (1848-1913) – one of our relatives (Joe’s great-grandfather and my 1C4R) captured in the collection – in the “52 Ancestors” series. The initial post showcased a few photographs from the treasure trove that Joe had graciously shared with me. I sought his permission to use the images, and he replied with humility and encouragement, allowing me to delve into the detective work of identification and evaluation.
Old Photographs Saved From Trash Can
The positive response to the first post paved the way for a spin-off series aptly named “Old Photographs Saved From Trash Can.” For two years, from April 2015 to March 2017, I passionately shared these captivating snapshots from the past on my blog. Each photo had its story, and together they formed a tapestry of family history that resonated with readers and researchers alike.
The series became so cherished that in October 2019, I compiled the collection in book form for my private use. I shared it as a PDF with Joe, who took the initiative to have a copy printed in a larger format to which he adds his research notes. Our collaboration had come full circle – the photographs he had shared sparked my research, leading to the creation of the book that he now uses as a valuable tool in his own genealogical pursuits.
An Unexpected Discovery and Rectifying the Error
Only a month after the book was printed, a serendipitous moment occurred when Joe stumbled upon a photograph on Ancestry that appeared to include one of the couples featured in the collection. He mentioned the possibility of a misidentified couple, prompting me to reevaluate the evidence. I am finally correcting my mistake after three and a half years.
The Photo That Unraveled a Mystery
The image displays an older and a younger couple. The younger couple, identified by the owner of the tree as Clifford Lee ROSS and Pearl WALTON, bore a striking resemblance to Lee M. ROSS and Frances WELLS, subjects of a photograph in our collection.
I had identified the couple as Lee and Frances and assumed it was taken on their wedding day which was at the time unknown and estimated at 1915.
Recent research turned up the marriage license and certificate of Lee ROSS and Frances WELLS who married on 27 September 1915 in Los Angeles County, California.1 Also found was an article on the marriage of their son, Clifford Lee ROSS to Viola Pearl WALTON on 11 October 1934 in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. The bride was gowned in a white silk crepe dress with a pearl tiara in her hair and carried a beautiful bouquet of white roses and fern.2
A Hasty Assumption
I made a wrong assumption as I was still learning about vintage photography and how to date images through clothing and other clues. The young lady in the photo had a canny resemblance with Clifford’s mother Frances WELLS. I was eager to connect the dots, and in my excitement, I overlooked the fact that the vehicle in the picture was a later-model pickup truck with a cab, suggesting a date range more aligned with the early 1930s.
Correcting the Record: Identifying the Couple in the Photograph
In the world of genealogical research, transparency is paramount when it comes to addressing errors. The accuracy of our family history, which we pass down to future generations, hinges on our willingness to acknowledge and rectify mistakes.
With the information now at our disposal, I’m pleased to share that the couple depicted in the photograph above has been identified as Clifford Lee ROSS and Viola Pearl WALTON. Our investigation suggests that this image captures the essence of their wedding day on 18 October 1934. The young woman’s attire—a white gown and a pearl-adorned headband—adds to the authenticity of this assumption. Moreover, the presence of an early 1930s pickup truck in the background offers valuable clues for dating the photo. While the exact brand of the vehicle remains elusive, possibilities from that era in the United States include Ford, General Motors, and Chevrolet. My examination of the original photo yielded a single inscription on the back, “Clifford Lee Ross ?,” leaving some questions unanswered.
Unlocking the Past Through Collaborative Efforts
Embarking on this journey of discovery underscored the value of sharing within the genealogical community. By actively engaging with fellow enthusiasts and exchanging insights, we possess the collective power to piece together intricate puzzles, correct inaccuracies, and unveil the genuine narratives of our family heritage. As part of this endeavor, I’ve reached out to the owner of the photo, discovered on Ancestry, and am eagerly anticipating their response. The potential for further collaboration shines a hopeful light on the prospect of obtaining a definitive confirmation regarding the identity of the depicted couple.
Learning from Mistakes
While I’m grateful for the opportunity to rectify this particular error, it’s essential to approach family history research with humility and a willingness to learn continuously. The field of vintage photography analysis is complex and nuanced, and we should always strive to enhance our skills and understanding.
Closing a Chapter
The journey through vintage photography has been one of joy, discovery, and collaboration. From a collection of old photographs saved from oblivion to a cherished book that preserves the family’s memories, this adventure has touched the hearts of many. I sincerely thank Joe for his dedication to keeping our family’s memories and for being the catalyst for uncovering the truth behind the vintage photograph. Let us embrace the lessons learned from our mistakes and continue our shared journey through time, one photo and one discovery at a time.
© 2023, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.
- “California, County Marriages, 1850-1953,” database with images, FamilySearch, citing multiple county courthouses in California, Film 004929842, image 451 of 1448, page 81 (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GR9P-J44?cc=1804002&wc=96PN-DP8%3A146762101 : accessed 5 August 2023) ↩
- Newspapers.com, (digital images), San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram; Publication Date: 12 Oct 1934; Publication Place: San Luis Obispo, California (https://www.newspapers.com/image/809396121/?article=4b72164d-7f80-406d-90f0-09454fcda75a&focus=0.6143371,0.065091655,0.73197085,0.22825773&xid=3398 : accessed 8 August 2023). Note: Ancestry hint in “U.S., Newspapers.com™ Marriage Index, 1800s-current” directs to this article. The original image on Newspapers.com requires an additional subscription and was not viewed. Extracted Article Text (OCR) was used for the quotation. ↩
Share this:
Opening Doors in Brick Walls 
I agree—owning up to our mistakes is so important. Not only to correct the record, but also so others can learn from our mistakes. Perhaps you saw my recent post where I also admitted to a mistake I had made? https://brotmanblog.com/2023/07/18/blanka-rosenberg-and-hugo-blumenfeld-or-how-i-learned-id-made-an-error/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I read that one and commented. It reminded me to get this one done. Thank you, Amy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually went back and saw that you had. I am glad we are both on the same page, so to speak!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been quiet these past 5 months but have tried to keep up with my favorite genealogy bloggers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cathy. I was so excited to see a new post from you. I’ve missed your blog. It seems too many of us have somehow burned out. I am also posting much less often.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My next post, as I have time, may explain my absence. We’ve been so productive in the past years that the burn out was inevitable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope it’s for good reasons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mostly good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Im glad you were able to resolve the mistake and share the process of rectifying it. Your writing is always informative and well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kendra.
LikeLike
It’s important to acknowledge that research does sometimes lead to incorrect conclusions – and to correct them. We all go there sometimes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Often we go there, realize the error, and get it rectified before others see it. But in this case it took me a while. Thank you, Eilene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cathy,
What a wonderful post! I myself have been down the same path that has led to what we believe to be true, when in fact it leads to something else. This is and always will be a learning process for all of us. Admitting our mistakes is a part of that process. I continue to learn from you and will continue to do so. Thank you!
Brian
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Brian. That part of the process is the hardest!
LikeLiked by 1 person