1870's Martha Chitchester Photo, Etta Bouten's Mother (or Chichester)

#1022 Chichester Chitchester Genealogy

On reverse: "Martha Chitchester, Etta Mother" handwritten in old period pencil and in blue fountain pen ink, presumably written later in the century is "Martha Chitchester, Etta Bouten's mother". Photo type: CDV Carte de Visite Photograph, Victorian. Photographer: Unmarked, Unknown.

This photo is a genealogy mystery! It is possible the name on reverse is written as "Etta Borstein's mother", but we strongly believe by looking at the R's that the surname is Bouten. See our photo below. Do you agree? The other possibilities for Etta's surname are: Borstein, Borsten, Boutens, Boustein, Bouteirs, Bouteir, Barston, Berstein, Berston.

This 1870's photo was found in Schenectady County, New York, but alas, could be from anywhere in the US, Canada or Ireland, Aus and UK. I would guess Martha was born 1835-50. Is her name actually Martha Chichester and not Chitchester? We do not know. 

We assume her daughter Etta's nickname could be for Henrietta, Harriet, Harriett, Margaretta, Jeanetta, Jeanette, or Loretta. The Chitchester surname is found in England UK census records. The Bouten name may be French or French Canadian. She may possibly have come to America from there, or it was taken there. Any ideas on Etta or her mother Martha are greatly appreciated, email Debra here. 

Size: 2.5 x 4 inches
      Note: Hello from ~debra. I have spent years collecting over 10,000 ID’d lost family photos & paper from US flea markets & antique shops. I do the best gen research I can, but am always open to corrections. This is an original antique item, not a reprint. A new high quality rigid sleeve is included for extra protection, especially during shipping. You may buy a piece alone, or large intimate 300 dpi scans of the front and back sent immediately via email, or both. Please search carefully, as they are often found together and many may be related. I also invite you to join me at Ancestorville Genealogy on facebook. Thank you, enjoy! ~Debra Clifford (contact info on top bar)