Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth Return from Bridal Tour

Joseph William Selker, the son of Hermann George Selker and Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus, married Frances Philomena Guth, the daughter of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll, on 4 November 1890 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

The Clarion Democrat noted when the couple returned from their bridal tour. The article was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, November 13, 1890 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat
Thursday, November 13, 1890 - Page 5

Mr. and Mrs. Selker returned from their brief bridal tour to this place on last Saturday, Mr. Selker being too much crowded with orders in his cigar factory to remain away longer. They immediately went to housekeeping in their handsomely furnished quarters corner of Main street and Third Avenue.
Mr. Selker is one of most reliable and promising young business men. Although he embarked in business here but eighteen months ago on a very small scale, by industry and good management, he now conducts one of the largest and most completely equipped cigar manufactories in this part of the State, occupying the entire building at the above named location, where he employes about a dozen hands.

Mr. Selker is a young man who is worthy the large degree of success with which he has met in his business, and likewise of the beautiful and accomplished bride he has lately captured.

Frances Philomena Guth & Joseph William Selker

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd Great Grandparents. Their daughter Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Frances Philomena Selker is the mother of my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Nov 13, 1890 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/322344609 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018.

Wedding Announcement: Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth

Joseph William Selker, the son of Hermann George Selker and Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus, married Frances Philomena Guth, the daughter of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll, on 4 November 1890 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

The wedding announcement for the couple was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, November 6, 1890 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat
Thursday, November 6, 1890 - Page 5

Selker - Guth

A very pleasant wedding was celebrated in the Catholic church at this place, Tuesday morning, Nov. 4 1890, at 8 o'clock, at which Mr. J.W. Selker, of this place, the well-known cigar manufacturer, and Miss Frances Guth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Guth, were made man and wife, according to the form of that church, during a high mass, Father Deckenbrock administering the sacrament. 

After the ceremony the happy couple were driven to the bride's home, where a number of friends were waiting, and who, after congratulations and a pleasant time socially for about an hour, along with the bride and groom, went to the Centennial Hotel to enjoy a bounteous wedding breakfast. The bridal party left on the 11:30 train for a wedding tour, taking with them best wishes of their friends. 

After their departure the guests went to Mr. and Mrs. Selker's new home, Corner Main Street and Third Ave., which they will occupy on their return, and spent a few hours tripping the "light fantastic." They received quite a number of handsome, useful and ornamental presents. Mr. and Mrs. Selker are two worthy young people, and we wish for them and greatest blessings spiritually and abundant  success temporally. 

What was "Tripping the light fantastic" in 1890? "Tripping the light fantastic" was to dance, dance nimbly or lightly, or to move in a pattern to musical accompaniment. - Jim Lasseter

Frances Philomena Guth & Joseph William Selker

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd Great Grandparents. Their daughter Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Frances Philomena Selker is the mother of my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Nov 6, 1890 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/322344587 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trip_the_light_fantastic
3. Lasseter, Jim. "trip the light fantastic". www.randomhouse.com. Random House, Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2001. 

Wedding Announcement: Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker

Loraine Anthony McDonald, the son of Robert Alphonsus McDonald and Winifred Agnes O'Neill, married Frances Philomena Selker, the daughter of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, on 10 June 1919 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

The wedding announcement for the couple was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, June 12, 1919 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat
Thursday, June 12, 1919 - Page 5

McDONALD - SELKER

Happy wedding bells pealed forth their chimes at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clarion, Pa., last Tuesday morning, June 10, 1919 when at 8:30 a.m., Miss Frances Philomena Selker, daughter of Mrs. J.W. Selker, one of our most charming and popular young ladies, was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with Loraine A. McDonald a son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. McDonald, of Clarion, one of our rising young men. The bride was attended by Miss Helen McDonald, a sister of the groom, and the groom's best man was Vincent Selker, a brother of the bride. Full nuptial High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. George Winkler, who performed the marriage ceremony.

Following the marriage service the happy couple were driven to the bride's home where an elegant wedding breakfast was served to the immediate friends of the high contracting parties. It was a very happy and gay crowd that gave the bridge and groom a splendid "send-off" as they departed for the B. & O. train about noon. They will enjoy a short wedding trip after which they will be at home to their friends in Clarion.

The bride was the recipient of many handsome and useful presents.

A very extended circle of friends of these splendid young people unite with us in extending to them the most hearty congratulations and good wishes for their happiness and prosperity.

The couple celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary on 10 June 1954. Their children planned a celebration for the couple. To see photographs from the Anniversary celebration visit the post Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker - 35th Wedding Anniversary.

Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker

The photo was found in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker are my great grandparents. They are the parents of my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Jun 12, 1919 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/309937121 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018.

Wedding Announcement: Edward C. Selker & Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl

Edward C. Selker, the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, married Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl, the daughter of Andrew Zacherl and Barbara Schultz, on 4 November 1913 at St. Joseph's Church in Lucinda, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

The wedding announcement for the couple was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, November 6, 1913 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat 
Thursday, November 6, 1913 - Page 5

Transcription of the wedding announcement:

SELKER - ZACHERL

A very happy wedding was celebrated Wednesday morning, November 5, 1913 at St. Josephs Church, Lucinda, when during the celebration of nuptial high mass by Rev. Father Heibel, the nuptial knot was tied that united the lives of Miss Eva Zacherl, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew  Zacherl, of Arthurs, and Mr. Edward Selker, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Selker, of Clarion, as husband and wife.

Miss Zacherl is a well known and very popular young lady who has hosts of friends not only in her home community but also in Clarion, where she has an extended acquaintance. Mr. Selker is one of Clarion's rising young men, gentlemanly, urbane, accommodating and quite popular. The wedding ceremony was followed by festivities and feasting at the home of the bridge and later at the home of the groom.

Mr. and Mrs. Selker will make their future home in Clarion.

Formal Portrait Edward C. Selker

Formal Portrait Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl 

This portrait of Edward C. Sleker shared with permission. The original portrait is in the care of Leopold George Selker my 2nd cousin 1x. He is a descendant of Leopold George Selker, Sr. the oldest son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Leopold George Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

This formal portrait of  Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl is shared with permission. The original portrait is in the care of Pam Selker Rak, my 2nd cousin 2x. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Edward C. Selker Sr. Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Nov 6, 1913 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/346255329 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018  
2. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, County Marriage Records, 1845-1963 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Record for Eva Zacherl.
3. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Eva Margaret Selker.
4. Ancestry.com. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Memorial Number 84311662.

Formal Portrait: Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl

Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl, the daughter of Andrew Zacherl and Barbara Schultz, was born 12 August 1889 in Arthurs, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

She married Edward C. Selker, the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, on 4 November 1913 at St. Joseph's Church in Lucinda, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Eva's death is recorded as 20 February 1980. She is buried alongside her husband at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

A formal portrait of Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl was taken at the turn of the century. The date of the formal portrait is unknown. Noting the style of hat and the high neckline on the dress the portrait may have been taken between 1900 and 1913.

Formal Portrait Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl 

This formal portrait is shared with permission. The original portrait is in the care of Pam Selker Rak, my 2nd cousin 2x. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Edward C. Selker Sr. Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

 References:

1. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, County Marriage Records, 1845-1963 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Record for Eva Zacherl.
2. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Eva Margaret Selker.
3. Ancestry.com. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Memorial Number 84311662.

1930's - Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman

One of my favorite aspects of family history is connecting with cousins. A cousin I connected with earlier this year had this lovely snapshot in her care. She gave me permission to share the snapshot so that other Selker descendants may also enjoy the photograph. 

A snapshot of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman most likely taken in the 1930's. The location of the photograph is unknown.

Frederick William Selker was born 15 October 1896 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. Eleanor E. Herman was born 13 February 1910 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman

The photograph is from the Frederick William Selker Collection. Photographs in this collection were originally owned by the sisters Naomi Herman and Eleanor E. Herman. Today these photographs are in the care of a descendant of Frederick William Selker and Eleanor E. Herman. The photograph is shared with permission. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Frederick William Selker is my 2nd Great Uncles. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. Her daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

1940's - Ambrose John and Mary Lou Selker

This photograph was originally housed in the Unknown Photograph Collection. It was known that the photograph was taken in the backyard of the Selker home at 242 Main Street in Clarion. The J.W. Selker Cigar Factory is the building on the right side of the photograph.

The photograph was identified earlier this year by another Selker descendant. The man is Ambrose John Selker photographed with his daughter Mary Lou Selker. Ambrose John McDonald, the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, was born 6 June 1898 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

The photograph would have been taken in the late 1930's or early 1940's. The photograph was taken by Mary Elizabeth Meisinger the wife of Ambrose John Selker.

Ambrose John Selker photographed with his daughter Mary Lou Selker

The photograph is from Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Mary Elizabeth Meisinger. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Ambrose John Selker is my 2nd Great Uncle. May Lou Selker is mt 1st Cousin 2x Removed. Ambrose John Selker is the brother of Frances Philomena Selker  - my great grandmother. Frances Philomena Selker's daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother

4th Anniversary of the Old Family Photographs Website

Four years ago this week the Old Family Photographs website was launched! The website was established to preserve and share the large collections old family photographs that are in my care. Many of the photographs belonged to my great grandmothers.

Over the last four years the site has grown to house over 650 old family photographs and family documents. The documents include post cards, hand written notes, letters and newspaper clippings. The content is housed in thirteen different collections.

The collections currently available include:

• The Military Collection
• The Bukowski Collection 
• The Guth Collection 
• The Haggerty Collection
• The Holtz Collection
• The McDonald Collection 
• The Murosky Collection
• The O'Neill Collection
• The Selker Collection 
• The Zelazny Collection 
• Arthur & Mary Eugenia
• The Unknown Collection
• The Postcard Collection

Many of the photographs featured belonged to my great grandmothers Helen Bukowski and Frances Philomena Selker. Over the last four years other family members have been very generous and have donated photographs to be incorporated into the family collections. I am so incredibly thankful to those who have shared their photographs so that we may preserve the memory of our ancestors.

One of the donations is the Frederick William Selker Collection. This collection of photographs shared by Selker cousins includes Frederick William Selker, his wife Eleanor E. Herman and some of the other Selker relatives.

Another addition was to the site were snapshots taken at the wedding of my grandparents Arthur Murosky & Mary Eugenia McDonald.

Working in conjunction with my Selker cousins we were able to label several of the previously unknown photographs. Some of those unknown photos are featured in the posts 1937 - Selker Family Photo and Wedding Photos: Frederick William Selker & Eleanor E. Herman.

The old family photographs website is housed under the MB Boutiques Brand. To navigate to the old family photo collections select Photo Collections from the top navigation bar.

We are very fortunate to have a large collection of old family photographs. There are still many more old photographs to be shared. My goal going into fall and winter be to continue to add new content to the site on a regular basis. New content will be shared using this platform. Updates will also be provided via the Facebook page - Our Ancestors - The Murosky & McDonald Ancestral Lines if you wish to follow along that way.

To learn more about the work to setup the website and prepare the photographs for sharing please visit the Portraits of a Life section. Portraits of a Life is a project to digitize, archive, restore and share the large collection family photographs that are in my care. View the original post Launch of the Old Family Photographs Website.

Thank you for Reading!

-Michelle