This blog is dedicated to Albert Brach (1827-1888) & Barbara Siegrist (1833-1900) and to their descendents. Albert and Barbara settled, raised their family, and died in Bedford Twp., Wayne County, Illinois. Many Brachs still live there today.
Particular emphasis is given to their son Charles William Brach and his wife Julia Ann Cisne (my great grandparents) and to their children.
The photo of Barbara Siegrist above is courtesy of Anne Haskin of Lansing, Michigan, a 2nd great-granddaughter.
You are encouraged to add to this history by sharing your stories and photos. You can e-mail me directly by clicking on the About Me picture below or by commenting directly on the blog site.
I started blogging back in 2008, mainly focusing on family stories and personal history. After a long break, in LEAVINGS I’m picking it up again as I enter my 80s. While I might revisit those old topics, my main interest now is creating photographic art. I focus on small, everyday things—capturing the beauty, fragility, and the unique strangeness that comes with aging and decay.
I share these images simply because I enjoy doing so. For me creating is meditative. At this stage of life I am working on disintegrating ego and disengaging cultural boundaries. It’s about connecting with the ever deepening, expanding, changing nature of existence.