where2look4ancestors

With which ancestor do you share the most physical characteristics? What similar characteristics are there and how do you feel about them?

Courtesy Getty Images

I began this quest with a photo of my parents taken in 1956. Searching their faces for specific features that match my sisters’ and mine, I began to wonder where those features originated.

Credit for our jowls can be placed squarely with our Tolf ancestors. The size and shape of our noses would have to be divided between the Tolfs and the Mangels. Thin lips seem to come from the Waltons. The Petersons may be the source of our eye shape and size. Ear shape might be traced to our Clarin ancestors.

Two thoughts occurred to me as I searched for similarities and made note of differences:

1.) I’m deeply grateful for the pictures I have acquired during my genealogical research and

2.) My desire to locate photos of all my direct line ancestors is stronger than ever!

Memory prompt #4 goes on to ask how I feel about these similarities. Funny thing is, I guess I never really thought about it! Not in the multiple generational way the question suggests. I remember looking more closely at my nose when I first read the article about the Mangels’ brothers reunion, but didn’t really connect at a deeper level until today. So perhaps reflections can be a good thing.

I look forward to hearing about the physical similarities between you and your ancestors. Be sure to add your blog information in the comments below and check back next week for Memory Prompt #5.