An unlabeled and undated tintype image that is obviously of Alois Betz, and which we believe had to have been taken between 1862 and 1867.

The text on the back is obscured by glued-on paper backing, but we can read enough to know that this is Alois, taken on October 30, 1890 at age 63 years.

A larger format print of the same photograph of Alois that is linked above. This one is more faded but has the original photographer’s imprint on the reverse.

The writing on the back is obscured by paper backing, however we know from other pictures in the collection that this is Rosina Betz, and the date can’t be far removed from the 1890 date of Alois’ portrait.

A photograph of Edward R. Betz, son of Alois and Rosina Betz. The picture is undated but was probably taken in the late 1870’s when he was two or three years of age.

Taken about 1887, this very faded photograph depicts Alois and Rosina with family members and friends. We believe it was taken outside the residence at 37 Marion Street in Cleveland.

This undated photograph shows Edward R. Betz. It must have been taken in the early 1880’s when he was five or six years of age.

This lapel pin was included in the small box containing the tattered remnants of an article from February 26th or 27th of 1891 detailing the unfortunate death of Peter Schneider, my great-grandmother Lena Betz’s father.

An undated photo of a young Edward R. Betz posing with some friends. Although I’ve labeled it 1895 I really think 1892 or 1893 is closer to the truth. In poor condition.

A photograph of Edward R. Betz, with text on the back suggesting a date of 1896. He would have been twenty years of age.

A photograph of Lena Schneider, future wife of Edward R. Betz. Undated, but likely taken in the 1880’s.

Edward R. and Charles Betz posing with a group of friends and dog around 1899.

A group photograph taken at the wedding of Edward R. Betz and Lena Schneider, around 1900 in Hamilton, Ohio.

An undated group photo taken at the home of Frank and Lena Sar-Louis (Sarlouis) probably around 1900.

A photograph of a dinner party at the home of Frank and Lena Sar-Louis (Sarlouis) at 9921 Hampden Avenue, Cleveland. This is the home where Frank and Lena lived into their 70’s, before retiring to Winter Park, Florida. Taken in 1900.

Edward R. and Lena Betz posing with infant Edward M. Betz, Kate Schaefer, a couple of little Schaefers, and Kate Lauber. At Marion Street, Cleveland, ca. 1901.

Edward R. Betz with his infant son Edward (Edwin) M. and wife Lena, as well as others unidentified, posing on the porch of the Marion Street house around July 4 of 1901.

An undated photo of Edward (Edwin) M. Betz. From his apparent age of two or three years this was probably taken in 1903 or 1904 at the latest.

Children gathered on the lawn at Hampden Ave., Cleveland for Edward (Edwin) M. Betz’s third birthday party, ca. June of 1904.

This photo of a grinning Edward (Edwin) M. Betz was taken in 1906 or 1907, at the age of five or six years.

Edward R. and Lena M. Betz and their four children pose with “Grandma Schneider” who is Frances Schneider (nee Becker), Lena’s mother.

Lena M. Betz photographed outside with her four children gathered around her, sometime in 1914.

Lena M. Betz posing with daughters Anna Marie to her left, and Betty to her right. Undated but based on children’s ages must be 1913-1915.

Edward R. Betz posing with sons Edward (Edwin) M. to his right, and Francis Gerard to his left. Undated but based on children’s ages must be 1913-1915.

A photo of a holiday gathering, perhaps, taken in Deerfield, Michigan in 1916.

An undated photo which is very interesting in that it shows several of the first generation Betz brothers and their wives. A piece of paper taped to the back gives us all the wives maiden names as well.

A photograph of Lena Sar-Louis’ (Sarlouis) mother “Mrs. Betz” taken about 1918. She is the wife of an unidentified sibling of Alois who emigrated to the U.S. either with him or separately.

Edward R. Betz posing with his wife Lena, who is pretending to give him an earful, probably around 1920.

Lena Betz, wife of Edward R. Betz, posing in a shawl, possibly at Devil’s Lake, Michigan in the early 1920’s.

Another shot of Lena Betz, wife of Edward R. Betz, posing in a shawl, possibly at Devil’s Lake, Michigan in the early 1920’s.

Six brothers gathered together in August of 1923 for what may have been the last group photo of them. The occasion was the funeral of Edward R. Betz’s wife Lena M. Betz, who had been suffering an extended illness.

A proud Edward (Edwin) M. Betz posing with his first-born son Edward R. Betz, aged 7 weeks, in April or May of 1935.

Edward R. Betz photographed in February of 1946 at the age of 70 or 71, with his son LCmdr. Edward (Edwin) M. Betz, USCG.

A photograph of Edward R. Betz, enclosed in an embossed paper folder, undated but likely taken between 1910 and 1920. From the style of enclosure this could possibly be a funeral portrait.

The four children of Edward R. and Lena M. Betz pose together two days after their father’s funeral, December 24, 1947, in Conneaut, Ohio.

Betty Betz poses with her sister Anna Marie Betz Boehmer and her brother Francis Gerard Betz in two photos taken two days after their father’s funeral, December 24, 1947, in Conneaut, Ohio.