It’s more properly called a friendship album. I got a chance to see one with a distant family connection. It was made by Emma Osborn with help from her sister Erista, beginning in 1860. Emma married my great-grandfather’s brother, Thomas C. Duncan in 1866. Besides poems and obituaries, the book contained locks of hair – from children, friends, and deceased folks.
The woman who generously shared it with me – and provided these photos – found it at an estate sale. Her research brought her to my blog. I’m grateful for her diligence. If the book had a more direct line for me, I would have considered buying it. It later sold for several hundred dollars.
T. C. Duncan served in the Wisconsin cavalry in the Civil War.
An entry for Francis Osborn Duncan, the adopted son of Emma and T. C.
Lots of genealogical information here.
Hair from a deceased woman braided.
A child’s lock of hair. I think the black ribbon indicates the person has died.
One of Emma’s poems.
A lot of hand work has gone into these tributes.
More intricate designs.
A funny story from our visit is here.
This I Leave 