52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 2

Week 2:

Week 2’s theme is “Favorite Photo.” Yes, I’ve included this prompt in the last few years of 52 Ancestors, and for good reason: Photos capture our family history like few other things can. Besides, how can you limit yourself to one?! This week, tell the story of a favorite photo: who is in it, where and when was it taken, and – just as important – why was it taken?


Amanda E Spahr Erney

1882–1970

Maternal 2nd great-grandmother


I have two photographs of my 2nd great-grandmother. They are photographs taken during her younger years. Born in 1882, I'd estimate that these photographs were taken in the late 1890s or early 1900s.

As a reenactor and historical costumer, I'm tempted to recreate the photographs and see how closely I resemble her (my father's genes have definitely been more dominant in my looks, so it would be fun to resemble someone on my mother's side of the family). 

I was gifted Amanda's wedding band, which has her initials on the inside, by my grandmother one year for Easter. I love that I can put a face to the image I had of her in my head. 

I assume these photographs were commissioned by her parents, or possibly my 2nd great-grandfather (her husband), David Erney. 




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