These are brothers William -- Bill -- and Lee Doyle. To be accurate, they are half-brothers who share the same father, Gust Doyle. Lee is my father. More than 13 years separate them: Bill was born in 1926, Lee in 1913. Lee's mother died soon after he was born. When Gust remarried, his second wife was not keen on the little three-year-old boy who came with her new husband. It seems she did what she could to turn others against him. In many ways she succeeded, but not completely.
Bill and Lee both grew up on the family farm in Steoneboro, Pennsylvania. Their father died in 1933. A year later Lee left the farm. He was 21 and William was only 7. Lee never returned to the farm.
It amazes me that somehow their relationship continued despite the separation in their youth. William's sister and Lee's half-sister, Tressa, was part of this trio of siblings who remained friendly. Throughout their adult lives the three of them and their families got together at least once or twice a year to enjoy each other's company.
This photo was taken in about 1960 while William and his family were visiting Lee's family.
This post is a contribution to Sepia Saturday 519. Thanks for hosting, Alan.
–Nancy.
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I don't understand why some people prefer stirring up trouble to making things work. Wife #2 lost that battle, it seems.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't understand it either, Wendy. Unfortunately, Wife #2 prevailed with her other three children against my father though I don't think her behavior endeared her to her mother-in-law. It is sometimes hard to forgive but a 3-year-old who didn't have any choice!? Crazy.
DeleteUnfortunately that still happens today. One granddaughter married, had a boy, then hubby leaves. Next husband loves that boy, till his own child (a daughter) comes along then wants nothing to do with the boy! That Granddaughter's stepmother raised the boy, and is now raising the daughter as well. They are so much happier with Cindy than with (will remain nameless!) their mother. Cindy and her husband give those kids stability, love, funand good guidance.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know, it still happens more often than we would hope. It's so sad when it does. But great that Cindy and her husband have given your grandchildren a good home and guidance!
DeleteHow could you dislike a three-year-old, at least to the extent of turning others against him? That's just wrong on more levels than I can put into words. I'm glad that your dad and his siblings remained in contact with each other even if only on an annual basis.
ReplyDeleteI agree, JMP, it's really, really hard to dislike a toddler/preschooler. And he was so cute, too. I'm grateful they maintained a good relationship. He half-sister and -brother were wonderful people.
DeleteWhat a sad story. I feel so sorry for your father, Nancy. To lose his mother then be subjected to such heartless treatment by that woman. I hope the remainder of his life was a happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellie. My dad was a hard worker who had both good times and bad in his life but I think, in general, he had a good life.
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