6 Comments
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Chase Brown's avatar

My mother died when I was young and her grandmother is Clara Jean Zweydoff I never knew that side of my family thank you for showing me

Christopher Padgett's avatar

Chase, I didn’t know your mother or grandmother, but I have many good memories of your great grandmother, my grand aunt Clara Jean. She was a very good and kind woman. I also recall her father, great grandpa Tom. He was very funny man and make me laugh. I’ll be sharing many more stories over time of the family. Nice to meet you.

Lynda Heines's avatar

Wonderful story. I love that the Ohio River was an important piece in your and your ancestor's lives. Living all of my life near the Ohio I have fond memories of that line between two states. Reminds me that I need to tell my story about it. Again, great story.

Christopher Padgett's avatar

Thank you. Initially, we were planning to marry in Germany last December, until we discovered how much paperwork and red tape was involved. Then I recalled my great grandmother's story...and the rest is history.

Jane Chapman's avatar

This is so beautifully written @Christopher Padgett. It captured me from the start. I felt like I was on a journey with anyone who had ever crossed the river with a secret ... And the photos made it extra special!

Christopher Padgett's avatar

Thank you, @Jane Chapman. It’s one of those stories I knew must be recorded in a way to persist beyond the small number of family members who knew it.