Date for this photo please?

[softieh]

Hi Mike,

Elizabeth was married to Thomas Lowell Ralph, who was originally a metal roller from Birmingham . Thomas supposedly moved to St Petersburg to manage the first metal rolling mills for the Russian government.

 One of Thomas and Elizabeth's sons called Peter was apparently one of the chief engineers on the Trans Siberian railway, but he and his family went missing during the revolution. They are a fascinating family but quite frustrating as I have no knowledge of Russian or of Russian records!

Sophie

[seamike]

Sophie,

In 1867 St. Petersburg address book Thomas Ralph mentioned at 13,  Estlyandskaya str. app. 4.

Mike

[seamike]

Have also one Adelaida Ralph-Agaz in Moscow, 1901-1911, singing teacher.

[softieh]

Wow wow wow! I can't thank you enough for this help Mike, that is amazing! I had almost given up hope of finding out more about the family's life in Russia, so this is incredible! 1867 would definitely fit as a date. Thomas was back in England in 1875 when he died.

It is very possible that the Adelaida Ralph-Agaz could be a link too. Of the 13 children Thomas and Elizabeth had, we know 9 names. 7 of these were born in England, with the rest presumably born in St Petersburg. I was told that there was a Catherine/Kate Ralph who married a Fred Goodyear and had a daughter called Daisy, and I think these were out in Russia too.

Thanks so much again!

[seamike]

Sophie,

I was told that there was a Catherine/Kate Ralph who married a Fred Goodyear and had a daughter called Daisy, and I think these were out in Russia too

In 1895 Alfred Osipovich (Alfred Joseph) Goodier (Goodyear) lived in St, Petersburg at Petergophskiy (lane) 6.
In 1913 - 1917, Alfred Alfredovich (Alfred, son of Alfred) Goodier (Goodyear) lived at Zabalkanskiy lane 35. Occupation - translator. Together with him lived Margarita Vasilievna (Margareth, daughter of Vasiliy - Basil) Goodier, teacher of English.
Also, in 1913, Margarita (Margareth) Alfredovna Goodier lived at 2 Rozhdestvenskiy lane 21. Occupation - teacher of English.
No records in St. Peterburg/Petrograd books after 1917.

Mike

[softieh]

Fascinating stuff. The occupation would certainly seem plausible too. I have well and truly got the bug now!

[chinakay]

And Margaret would be daughter of Alfred as well. Russian patronyms (a middle name based on your father's name) can give a big clue as to a person's parentage, just like the Ap names in Welsh. They are made from the father's first name plus the -vich ending for a male, and -ovna for a female.

When I learned about this I had no idea the names might have any practical use

Cheers,
China

[softieh]

Well I am definitely glad you did learn this China- you and Mike have been so helpful, and I wouldn't have a clue where to start!

If I am correct, then, it looks like there were 2 Margaret Goodiers: one daughter of Basil (Margarita Vasilievna Goodier) and one daughter of Alfred (Margarita  Alfredovna Goodier). I suppose they could be mother and daughter, although in that case Margarita Vasilievna Goodier couldn't be one of my Ralph family, as mine would be daughter of Thomas. Very confusing! Interesting that both Margarets were English teachers.

It looks like Peter Ralph remains elusive for the time being, although I may have found him in this photo in the album.

Many thanks again,
Sophie

[seamike]

Sophie,

On the front side - Y. (Yuriy) Shteinberg

On the back:
Y. Shteinberg
S. Petersburg
Nevskiy Prospekt (Avenue) corner Sadovaya street #50, near Passage