Joseph up a Ladder

 

     It is always nice to see snapshots of well known people, not posing but caught in some action. This little article is about a casual snapshot of Joseph F Rutherford (Judge Rutherford) perched on top of a ladder. It was taken at the 1924 Columbus, Ohio, convention.

     The quality is not very good, but below is the complete picture as found in a photo album belonging to someone who was there.

     The photographer had written in the book:

     The book belonged to Lillian C. M. Engelhardt. Her name is written on the cover.

     Another photo in the book shows Lillian behind a nice “IBSA” and “Millions” display on the back of a car.

     A further photo in the book shows Lillian with a young man, and the picture caption reads “Us.” However, on the reverse of the photo are two names – H. W. Carpenter and Lillian’s.

     How could Lillian and H.W. be “Us?” A check on Ancestry shows they were both single at that 1924 convention. Nevertheless, they viewed themselves as an “item” and were subsequently married on November 6, 1926. Their marriage certificate shows they were married by a minister of the International Bible Students Association.

     Herbert M Carpenter (1896-1977) and Lillian Caroline M Engelhardt (1902-1999) were to have one daughter, Rose Joy Carpenter, born in 1929. Trade directories show them having a clothes cleaning (laundry) business in Houston, Texas. They have an entry on the Find a Grave site.

     Their subsequent history is unknown. It may be that, although Joy later married, the direct family line died out. This could explain how, sadly, their photographic record ended up with strangers on eBay.

     But it does provide us with a nice little candid shot of JFR on top of a ladder!