Cemetery Photograph

One of my favorite photographs of our ancestors is one taken at Lakeside Memorial Cemetery in Waupaca, Wisconsin. The photo shows my 3rd great grandfather, Robert Hales, and two of his daughters, Kate and Sarah. In the original photo the name "Elizabeth" (Robert's wife) can be read on the marker next to Robert. Elizabeth died in March of 1890.

Kate, Robert and Sarah Hales c. 1892

Kate Hales Miner and Sarah Hales Scott both married men of the same age as their father. Selden Miner (1814-1891) and Robert Scott (1820-1891) died within two weeks of each other in the spring of 1891. Robert Hales passed away in September of 1893.

This photo provides both questions and answers. The Hales family lived four miles north of Waupaca, and the cemetery was located south of town. They would have had to travel by buggy to town and arrange for a photographer to join them at the cemetery. Why? 

Sarah Hales Scott

Kate Hales Miner

The surroundings look more like autumn than spring, so the guess is the photo was taken in the late fall of 1891 or 1892--after the spouses passed away and before Robert himself died. It's interesting to be able to date the photograph based on research information.


*52 Ancestors: "Favorite Photo"