Rescued Photo: Harvey Family Photograph 1890s

Shelley Cardiel rescues photographs from flea markets, eBay, you name it. She does what research she can to identify the family and then posts her findings on mailing lists, message boards, and photo sites in an attempt to reunite the pictures with family. What she does is awesome. I contacted her recently to see if she thought including them here might help. I hope it does! Please contact Shelley if you have information about her photos or project.


I’ve “rescued” an old photograph of Bessie HARVEY which was taken at the Taylor’s Art Gallery Studio in Republic or Champion, MI. The photograph appears to have been done in the 1890’s with Bessie likely in her teens at the time it was taken. Based on limited research I was able to locate the following information regarding Bessie and her family:

Bessie HARVEY was b. 6 Jan 1869 in Ontonagon Co. MI to Henry HARVEY (b. 1835) and Mary Ann MAY (b. 1841). Bessie was one of 9 children born to this couple including, Jane Ann; Mary Louise; Bessie; Henry; Lydia; William; Emma; Richard; and Susan M. HARVEY, all born between 1862 and 1879. Bessie married Thomas J. RUSSELL (b. 1867) and they had 6 children including, Harry L.; Thomas L.; William; Lillian E.; Earl J.; and Melba RUSSELL, all born between 1888 and 1899. Bessie died 15 Feb 1947 in Los Angeles, CA.

Census records provide the following details:

1880 census of Champion, MI:
Henry HARVEY, age 45, a Blacksmith, born England, parents born England
Mary Ann HARVEY, wife, age 39, Keeping House, born England, parents born England
Jane Ann HARVEY, dau, age 18, at Home, born England
Mary Louise HARVEY, dau, age 14, at School, born MI
Bessie HARVEY, dau, age 11, at School, born MI
Henry HARVEY, son, age 10, at School, born MI
Lydia HARVEY, dau, age 8, at School, born MI
William HARVEY, son, age 6, at School, born MI
Emma HARVEY, dau, age 5, born MI
Richard HARVEY, son, age 3, born MI
Susan M. HARVEY, dau, age 1, born MI
Mary RUTTA, neice, age 13, Keeping House, born England, parents born England
Elizabeth RUTTA, neice, age 10, at School, born England, parents born England
Eliza RUTTA, neice, age 8, at School, born England, parents born England
+ 3 Boarders + 1 Servant

I am hoping to locate someone from Bessie’s family so that this wonderful old photograph can be returned to the care of her family. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks, Shelley

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