As genealogists, we eagerly seek photographs of our ancestors. But photographs are more than mere snapshots; they are time capsules, capturing fleeting moments and preserving them for future generations. These visual records are more than faces and places, but stories, emotions, and a tangible link to those who came before us.
A Cherished Photo: Frank & Anna’s 1895 Wedding
Scanned copy of Frank Kaechle & Anna Adam’s 1895 wedding portrait in my collection with unknown origins
Children of German immigrants, my great grandparents, Frank Kaechle (1868-1911) and Anna Adam (1867-1936), were united in matrimony on 17 July 1895 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. They captured that moment in a photograph, cherished and lovingly handed down for 130 years.
I first saw the photo about 25 years ago when I started researching my family. The original, hand-colored piece, bears the mark of time: a tear through Anna’s dress as well as a missing bottom portion. The facial features and some of the clothing details are still visible. The hand coloring still shows in the blush of their cheeks, the green tints of the leaves, and the bluish-green backdrop.
In 2016, I shared this photo on my blog, alongside their newspaper marriage announcement and marriage return which held amazing genealogical information. I also located the church they were married at based on the pastor’s name.
Another Photo Found
Today I get to share a new chapter of this story. Within the past year, I was contacted by a member of the Loren M. Knowles family. Loren’s papers had recently been donated to the Newberry Library. His wife, Betty, had also been married to a grandson of Frank and Anna Kaechle. Among Loren’s papers were some Kaechle documents and photographs.
As I carefully looked through these old family photos, one particular image made me gasp! It was a better-preserved version of the wedding photo, marked only by a few watermarks and without hand coloring. The clarity and details in this version were incredible!
Photo of Frank & Anna’s 1895 wedding from the Loren M. Knowles family papers at the Newberry Library
This second photograph reveals more details. As described by Stephen Little’s ChatBot, Genealogy Eyes, Anna, in her wedding gown, is the epitome of 1890s fashion with her high neckline, leg-of-mutton sleeves, and a fitted bodice. Her bouquet, adorned with cascading ribbons, complements her elegant updo. Frank, dapper in a dark three-piece suit, white shirt, and bow tie, exudes formality and style. The couple stands on a faux fur rug against a painted studio backdrop, their expressions serious, a common trait in photographs of that era due to long exposure time.
It’s a beautiful photograph capturing this moment as Frank and Anna look into the future they will live as husband and wife.
Life After the Photo
Within a few years after their marriage, Frank & Anna moved to Ohio, Frank’s birthplace. They also spent brief periods in Chicago and Denver, these locations being marked by the births of their children.
1909 Death Certificate of baby Frank Kaechle (from Ancestry’s “Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952”)
Yet, their Detroit roots and family likely called them back. They returned to Detroit by 1909, where they welcomed their last son. Tragically, he passed away just a day after his birth. This period marked the beginning of a challenging phase for the family.
Exploring Their Detroit Neighborhood
Wanting to learn more about where this photo took place, I turned to the 1897 Sanborn fire insurance map for Detroit. I located the address on the photograph for the Baron photography studio. Turning to various records, I also found the addresses where both Frank and Anna lived with their parents in 1880. And the house where Frank and Anna were living in 1910, the year before Frank died.
1897 Sanborn Fire Map for Detroit, Vol. 4, marked with significant places in the lives of Frank & Anna (Adam) Kaechle
Both Frank and Anna were buried in the community where they lived the majority of their lives—in Mt. Elliott Cemetery—though they were later reinterred elsewhere.
Reflecting on a Family Legacy
As I gaze into my great grandparent’s faces, I’m struck by the profound feeling of both connection and distance. I feel the connection with Frank whose face bears a striking resemblance to one of my uncles. But I also realize they lived in a world I can hardly imagine.
As Frank and Anna stand silently before us, they gaze into what was then their future, now our past. Oblivious to what lay ahead, they couldn’t have imagined the challenges ahead, including relocating across multiple states and facing profound heartache. Their journey was marked by both joy and sorrow, culminating in Frank’s untimely death 16 years into their marriage leaving Anna with the immense responsibility of raising their six children alone.
Nearly 130 years later, as their great grandchild, I peer into that photograph with gratitude and wonder, gazing into the faces of my great grandparents. I’m deeply thankful for this moment, captured in a single, timeless photograph, allowing me to connect with their world and their lives.
Your Turn
I’ve shared the story of my favorite family photo. Now, I’d love to hear about yours!
What’s your favorite family photo? What special moment or cherished ancestor does it capture? If you’re blogging about it, please leave me a link! Otherwise, I’d still love to hear about your most treasured photo. Just leave a comment! Remember, every photo has a story waiting to be told.
This post was created as part of Amy Johnson Crow’s 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge. This week’s theme is “Favorite Photo.”
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