The Young Wagner/Rubrecht Family

I had intended to talk initially about the parents and siblings of the original John Wagner who emigrated from Baden, Germany in 1949 along with his wife Louisa. But I am not ready with my data as yet.  The original immigration from Karlsruhe did appear to include 9 people, but I am not yet sure of the relationships.  It seems certain that three generations came together.

So instead I'll jump to people we all know.  Here a chronology of the young couple August Wagner, his bride Alice Rubrecht and their small children.  

For perspective, John (1845) we are calling Generation 1. August is Generation 2 and his children are Generation 3. The cousins are Generation 4 and our children are Generation 5. Generation 6 has several members, and Paul's family may have Generation 7 members.

August and Alice seemed a very handsome, social couple. The photos show a vivacious family full of an enthusiasm for life. And they were a family of some means, judging by their ability to have formal portraits taken, their dress, and their ability to vacation.

August was handsome. And especially in his later years, he bore a remarkable resemblance to FDR. He is easy to spot in any group photo.

Alice Rubrecht was a millner among other talents, and here she is modeling one of her creations. She was one of five children, the only girl, and carried herself with an air of confidence.

August is far right with Alice posing beside him with her impossibly small waist. I am guess that they are not yet, or just married  (circa 1908).

And here they are, I believe at the beach with one of Alice's brothers. We'll talk more about them later.

Here is August with two of his children with an unknown friend/family member. August is smiling in every photo I can find of him.

And then the children came -- one every two years between 1909 and 1919. The first child, John, died soon after birth, This photo must date from 1919 soon after Sara Elizabeth (Betty) was born.

And here is the family maybe two years later (1921).

 

Interesting how appearances change. I am guessing that about 6 years have passed from the last photo, making Richard about 16. That would put the photo at 1927.

Following are a few individual children shots. I would guess that this is Richard and Paul.

This photo I believe is Paul. Sailor suits were all the rage.

Here is Bert.

And Ruth

And last, Betty. The last four shots were all taken the same year, 1919.

This photo must date from 1917 after Ruth was born, at the beach.