My grandmother was captivated with the photo album she inherited from her own grandmother, Lavina (Bursley) Stanwood. Many of the pictures had relatives known to her; however, there were quite a few whose identities remain a mystery.  It is my hope that by posting these pictures here, someone will stumble upon these pages and be able to provide names for these unknown faces.

The portrait above was taken at Nelson studio in Anoka, Minnesota.  Here is what is known:

• Studio:  From the Minnesota Historical Society Directory of Minnesota Photographers, we learn Peter J. Nelson purchased the studio from Gowen D. Francis in Anoka in 1893.  The studio was in operation 1894-1895.
• Photograph:  According to the Photo Detective, Maureen Taylor, the clothing and styles indicate this photograph was taken earlier than 1894, and was likely reproduced at the Nelson studio and colored in.
• Possible persons: Lavina’s brother, John M. Bursley was born in 1841, and married in Anoka in 1875.  He and his wife, Mary A. (Dunn) Bursley, resided in nearby Santiago, Sherburne County, Minnesota, where they were last enumerated in 1895.

• Studio:  According to the Minnesota Historical Society Directory of Minnesota Photographers, the Francis Photographer studio in Anoka was in operation in 1892 before being purchased by Nelson in 1893.
• Photograph:  Clothing and style consistent with late 19th century dress.
• Possible persons: Mary A. (Dunn) Bursley, wife of John M. Bursley, was born in 1854, consistent with the age of the woman photographed.

Can you help identify these individuals?  Contact me below: