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I'm not sure how old Watson was at the time this photo was taken. He was born on February 14, 1864 in Coolville, Athens, Ohio. So, what would be your guess? How old do you think Watson was in this photo?
Thanks for reading!
Jana
© 2013 Copyright by Jana Last
Somewhere between 5&6 years old. Boys often wore dresses in the 1800 up until they were about 4 years old.
ReplyDeleteHi Bill,
DeleteThanks so much for the information about what boys wore in the 1800's. If I had to guess, I'd agree that he does look about 5 or 6 years old but no more than 8 as others have said in the comments below.
Thank you for stopping by!
I"m guessing 6-7. He's tall enough to rest his arm on the side table, but just barely. What struck me about the photo are his clothes. I believe they are the Zouave style I wrote about in a post about my ggrandfather's Civil War uniform. http://www.abbieandeveline.com/2012/10/26/sepia-saturday-strange-in-a-strange-uniform/
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy,
DeleteYes, his clothes are quite interesting, aren't they? I took a look at your blog post. Wow, I had no idea about those Zouave style outfits. Thanks for the link to your interesting blog post. =)
And thanks so much for stopping by!
Here is a link you might find interesting: http://www.victoriana.com/boysclothing/boysclothing1860s.htm
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy,
DeleteHow cool! I checked out the website you suggested and it really is interesting! Watson's outfit looks so very much like what a couple of those boys were wearing in those illustrations. Thank you so much for sharing this awesome website.
So this was the traveling dentist as a child! A very grown-up face. But looking at the hands and feet, which seem rather fine-boned, I'd say he was no more than 8. Great haircut, and great pose!
ReplyDeleteHi Mariann,
DeleteYep, this is "The Traveling Dentist" as a child. =)
He looks kind of serious or perhaps bored. Maybe he was wondering just how long the photo session was going to last before he could go outside and play or something.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I think you captured it well. Bored and wondering when it will be done with. Your traveling dentist doesn't look like he knows what the future holds for him at this age. Yet, he made so many great memories that you have captured. It's so fun to look at our relatives as young children.
DeleteI'd have said 7 or 8 looking at the size of him by the table
ReplyDeleteHi Bill,
DeleteThanks! Yes, I agree he looks no more than 8 years old. I wonder what the occasion was for this photo. Oh well, whatever it was, I'm so glad the photo was taken, and preserved all these years.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Neat picture, Jana. I would guess Watson to be about 6 or 7 years old, as others have said--old enough to put on a serious face for the photographer. And guess what? I've been to Coolville in Athens County--I know exactly where it is. I was so excited to see this location come up! My ancestors were nearby. Let me know if you're looking for more info on the area or its records.
ReplyDeleteHi Shelley,
DeleteSeriously? You've been to Coolville before? It looks like such a tiny place on the map. I'd love to visit there someday. Many of my Waterman ancestors were from there or lived there sometime during their lives. In fact, I believe there's a private Waterman Graveyard in Coolville somewhere.
What area in Ohio were your ancestors from?
Thank you so much for your kind offer. That's so sweet of you! And thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. I really appreciate it.
It is a tiny place, Jana, but yes, I've been there. My ancestors lived in Athens County from about 1835-1875. I believe they leased land near Pleasanton that was owned by Ohio University. Two of my children went to Ohio U. in Athens, and the third competed in a horse show at the OU stables in Coolville. Lots of connections to the area for me.
DeleteWhat years were your ancestors there? If you'd like to email me, maybe we could pool our resources. Athens County has a good historical society, and I'd be happy to look for records on your people as I'm following up on mine. By the way, you have the best photo, hands down. I regret that I don't have any photos of my own family from this era!
Wow Jana, Wordless Wednesday really blossomed with all the words from your readers. Look at all that interesting information that one photo inspired. I'll submit my vote for age 7.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
DeleteHaha, yep, I guess this post ended up being Wordy Wednesday. And that's awesome! It's fun to see what everyone thinks about Watson's age and Shelley having actually been to Coolville, Ohio, where Watson was born, is really cool (pun unintended). =)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
What an awesome picture Jana. I love his clothes, but I also think he has such a sweet face. You are so lucky to have such a picture!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
DeleteYes, I really am so lucky to have this photo as well as the many others that have been preserved for our family to enjoy.
And Watson's clothes are really interesting. Thankfully Kathy was able to direct me to that website about 1860's boys clothing. Very helpful indeed!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I am going to guess that he was 7 in this picture. What a treasure to have.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea,
DeleteSounds like 7 years old is a popular guess. And it's probably about right too. =)
Thank you so much for stopping by!