Shared Photo: Mary Louise “Minnie” Walker

Question

This is not a question but rather some background and contextual information regarding the photo.  I was delighted to find this photo posted.  Minnie was my paternal grandfather's aunt.  She died in 1880 of "consumption" shortly after her marriage to John Wellborn Root.  Her father, James Monroe Walker died the following year.  Minnie had two brothers (Wirt Dexter Walker & James Ransom Walker).  Wirt died of pneumonia in 1899.  At that point, their mother (Elia Marsh Walker) had lost her husband and two of her three children.  I am descended from the one remaining son, James Ransom Walker.  Mary Louise "Minnie" Walker is the one member of the family for whom I did not have a photo so this is a real gift.  I have a lovely sterling silver bowl with her full name inscribed on the bottom.  At the time this photo was taken the family resided at 1720 Prairie Avenue, Chicago. 

I wanted to share this family photo of Minnie Root with the community. Location: Cook, Illinois, United States. Date: unknown.

Click here for the image details page or here for the full-sized version (878 x 1330).

Answer 1

She is so incredibly beautiful and her wedding gown is every woman's dream.  It's so sad to read her story.  Yet it is obvious she was greatly loved.

Answer 2

Congratulations on finding this great photo Cliff! I love these old photos with the advertising on the bottom.

Answer 3

Thank you Cliff for sharing this beautiful picture of my 15th cousin once removed

Answer 4

What a beautiful photograph! So glad that you discovered it. Though it's very sad to hear that she died so young, I'm glad she had the opportunity to marry her beau and have a beautiful wedding before her death. Perhaps the sterling silver bowl you inherited was a wedding gift?