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Note: N616 Hi, Freda. This is Mark (Shneour), Lori’s husband, and grandson of Charles Stockton Brewster. I can’t believe we have never met all these years – it’s amazing that Charles (“Chow,” we called him) had a brother whom we never met or even heard tale about. Both Rachel (we called her “Rah-Rah”) and Charles died in a car accident circa 1973 (I was 13) – I don’t know if your grandfather was alive during my formative years. Did you ever meet Charles? I can never get the “First, Second, Third Cousin” versus the “Umpteenth Removed” thing straight, so thanks for correcting me in advance. Lori and I have some wonderful photos of my mother, including some early ones of Rachel and Charles during my Mom’s childhood. At the time of her death (in 2002), I put together a montage of photos – I’ll try and locate to send to you by e-mail. Lori is an amazing researcher with an avid genealogical interest. I am thankful to her for telling me so much about my extended family. Neither my father nor my mother introduced me around much – I never understood why. Lori will tell you more, or correct me, but here are a few answers to your questions: * My mother did have an adopted brother whom I believe she referred to as “Jim.” I know little about him, and never met him, as his childhood with his parents was not a good one. He went to jail following a gas station robbery while in his late teens, served his time, and then joined the military. Both my Mom and my grandparents were estranged to him since I was born. I have no idea whether he is still alive. * My mother was first married (for roughly one year) to a man whom my mother referred to as “an attractive German photographer.” I don’t know his name, and only found out about this first marriage following my parents’ divorce in 1987. (I think I’ve got the year correct.) There were no children (at least that I know about!). * My mother had a 15+ year relationship with a man named Paul Landsdowne. They were not married for five-plus years, as Paul had been separated from his wife, and (according to him) he did not want his wife to lose her interest in his pension. (He retired as a Captain from the Long Beach, CA police department.) Paul died late in 2001 from complications from surgery, and my Mom suffered a large stroke just three weeks later. She died in mid-2002, on July 3, just in time for her personal “Independence Day.” * My father, “Elie” (spelled with an “e” at the end) is still alive. Sadly, after nearly a 20-year marriage to Polly Puterbaugh, they divorced under unfriendly circumstances last year. My father is now living alone in downtown San Diego, about 30 miles South of us. * I have one sibling – a younger brother named Alan. He was born in 1961. He has never been married, and lives alone in Huntington Beach, in Orange County – South of Los Angeles. * Lori and I were married in 1990, so we are approaching our 20th year next July 15. We have three children, all boys: Collin (12), Luke (11) and Trey (5). Life is busy, but our children bring us much joy (along with a good helping of frustration). We would love to meet you at some point – I don’t know where you live, and so don’t know the level of difficulty in doing so. As I mentioned, Lori is the genealogical expert, so you are in good hands. Many thanks for writing. God Bless! Mark PS – Thanks for sending a copy of the family Bible. I presume it is a King James version. As I have of late been attending Christian church, I would be interested in anything you may be able to tell me about it. J
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