On January 24th, 1882 Theodore Joseph Mattmann married Selma Elsa Seimer in the Madison Street Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, New York, New York. Born on May 11th, 1863, Selma was the daughter of Robert Seimer, a german immigrant from Saxony, and Josephina Steinhauser, a german immigrant from Wurttemberg. Robert worked in the pearl and ornament industry and Josephina worked as a midwife and, according to city records, acted as the midwife at the birth of her own first child. Robert and Josephina lived in New York City from the time of their own marriage until sometime in 1866 when they moved to North Bergen, Hudson, New Jersey. This means that although Selma was born in New York, she was raised across the Hudson River in New Jersey. Theodore and Selma were married for only a few short years before Theodore suddenly died five days before what would have been their eight year anniversary. Their marriage produced two daughters, Sylvia (affectionately known as "Gagra" by family and friends) and Theodora Josephine (affectionately known as "Tante"). Selma herself was always known by the name "DoDo." Little is known about the relationship between Theodore and his wife Selma. However, we do know that after his death, Selma never remarried but remained a widow for fifty years. The remainder of her life was spent taking care of her father and two daughters. 
I love the photo of Selma. What a touching story about her husband's early death. My mother-in-law was married only a few brief years before her first husband passed away. I loved to hear about the love she carried for him 40 years later.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photograph of Selma! My mother-in-law never remarried after the premature death of her husband. Her last child, my husband, was born six months after his father's death. Mom always spoke about her husband with great love and affection. True love...lasting love!
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