It seems that my grandfather Sam was a bit of a romantic. This comes as a surprise to me, knowing the rather no-nonsense Lutheran stock from which he hails. And yet, at the same time, it doesn't surprise me because my father exhibited some of that romanticism with my mother, on occasion. Sam met my grandmother Sarah, a sweet Pennsylvania German farmgirl, and started dating her sometime around 1912. They dated for four years before they wed, and each year, Sam gave Sarah a piece of matching jewelry. The first year it was a gold cuff bracelet. The second, a locket. The third, a watch on a pin. And the fourth was, of course, an engagement ring. In their engagement photo here, Sarah is wearing all four pieces of jewelry.
They were wed January 11, 1917 and began their lives together running a grist mill. (pictured above, year unknown)
They produced my Uncle Bill in 1919, then moved to another mill where my father, John, was born in 1922. Eventually they moved into "town" where Sam became a salesman. Unfortunately, Sam and Sarah only got to spend 35 years together before a heart attack took him from her when he was only 56. Sarah continued on, living to see 87 birthdays before she died doing what she loved to do best -- gardening.
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Sam and Sarah look so much a like, they could be brother and sister! I think I see shades of Sarah in your face, as well. I'm partial to the name "Sam", btw.
ReplyDeleteSam and Sarah Look Really Content together.Do you know what became of four pieces of jewelry?
ReplyDeleteA Lovely Post.Thank You.Have A Fine Weekend.
Willow ~ I do tend to favor my father's side of the family. And I agree with you about the name Sam, so much so that I named my son after him!
ReplyDeleteTony ~ I believe they were very content together. The four pieces of jewelry are alive and well, and in the loving care of another family memeber. Have an excellent weekend, too!
Wonderful post. I love the way the picture tells a story - the anniversary gifts. Classic Sepia Saturday stuff.
ReplyDeleteThe story of the jewelery is quite sweet, & the engagement photo illustrates it nicely. Love the photo of the old mill, too.
ReplyDeleteAlan ~ Thanks so much! I appreciate you stopping by. I love the Sepia Saturday concept and look forward to next week!
ReplyDeleteJohn ~ It's one of my favorite family stories. I wish I knew when the mill photo was taken ... I'll have to do a little research.
What a thoughtful man to court his sweetheart that way. And I love the old mill. I can just imaging people bringing grain to grind into flour and such, bringing gossip and friendship with them.
ReplyDeleteI have this thing about hands. His look like good ones! :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thanks for the visit! I like your layout!
ReplyDeleteVery nice indeed, that top photo. Sorry to hear that about Sam tho'...my own father died at that same age and problem..
ReplyDeleteI think I'd like Sarah and her gardens :)
Wonderful photos. How nice to know that the jewelry is still together. It played such an important part in their courtship. You do look like a perfect combination of the two of them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice looking couple. Sam was so thoughtful to think of the jewelry collection. I imagine Sarah treasued the pieces. This is a sweet love story : )
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story! The mill photo is a nice addition!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures and history. I especially like wedding couple photos.. they are always so full of character as in this one of your grandparents. Thanks for sharing :) The Bach
ReplyDeletewas their name Campbell? or was that just the name of the mill?
ReplyDeleteCampbell was my grandparents name.