It Takes two wings for a bird to dance

Look at this INCREDIBLE journal written by my 4th great aunt in the late 1800's that accounts the life of her father!! According to this, he deserted from the British military during the Barbary Coast wars and, because he'd been in Charleston, SC in 1799 and 1800, he was able to lie his way into the states and ended up living in Philadelphia. He allegedly changed his surname to his mother's maiden name which is a great story but infuriatingly makes the rest of this line mostly a mystery. HOWEVER, I have a guess at the family he came from in Montrose because the only child without documentation past birth is named Daniel and a brother ended up living in the Caribbean who had a lawyer based in Philadelphia!!

My 2xGreat aunt who was also very interested in family history and compiled a ton of information throughout her life and is the reason so much of this is preserved. I've never seen a picture of her before! Childless women who love living in the past - my girl!

My 2xGreat grandfather and grandmother AND A FUCKIN' TIN TYPE with some of her family and their children!!!!

All of the 2xgreat grandparents! Peek the forehead on pappy Jerome on the right. This is from the HUNDRED AND EIGHT YEAR OLD wedding album of my great grandparents. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.

Also this picture that was in the wedding album. RIP the best squirrel detective 😩✊

aaaaaaaah and look at the beautiful old family bible. She's a decaying mess and I love her. In the background is a hand-painted hat pin holder and cosmetic jar, painted by a cousin and gifted to my 2xgreat aunt in perfect condition!!