Her real name was Elizabeth, but everyone still calls her “Eliza.” She was born Eliza Kirby in New York in 1825. By the age of 20 she was residing in Michigan, marrying George Withington there in 1845. When the gold rush began, George — like so many others — joined a company of men and […]
Spielvogel Mystery
The mystery of the Spielvogels has been bugging me for years now. This picture, one of about 50 old black-and-whites, arrived in an envelope courtesy of an eBay find. From the cryptic legends it was clear the family was from Northern Michigan or perhaps Ontario. They owned a farm. The old homestead was in Prescott, and Arley […]