Yesterday we looked at Frank H. DeMars’ postcards. Today, I’d like to share two more charming photos from his collection, from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. The subject was Anse Barnes, the left-handed fiddler of Sandy Brook. The year was 1895.
I have a great affection for left-handed people. I’m right-handed but I’ve always been surrounded by lefties. Last year, I conducted a little experiment by doing everything with my left hand for a few days. If I forgot and used my right hand, I made myself go back and redo whatever it was with my left. I’m not coordinated enough to ever become ambidextrous but my goal was to disrupt my thinking. So much of what we do is automatic and with no conscious thought. Using your non-dominant hand requires you to think because everything is harder. One interesting side effect of this experiment was that my text messages got much more concise!
Anse Barnes. 1895 | 2015.87.3819
Anse Barnes | 2015.87.270
Happy Friday!
old spirituals 
In the early 20th Century, many children were forces to learn cursive writing using their right hand. I am one of those people. As an adult I came to realize I should be left-handed. I use my left hand to do many daily life functions. Plus, my dominant eye is my left.
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I can absolutely see how you are a leftie, Jax! You always have interesting comments and trains of thought!
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December 17, 2024
Dear Kimberly,
I am wondering if I can have your permission to copy this photo of Anson Everard Barnes to share with my family. He is my 3rd great grandfather on my paternal grandmother’s line. Her name was Nellie Mae Barnes Rebmann and she was the daughter of Anson’s son Edward Jay Barnes.
The grandchildren of another of Anson’s grandchildren, Orrilla Mary Barnes Lang Freeland have what we believe to be his first fiddle and a rifle he carried to war.
I am gathering information about Anson to send to my great niece Justice who would be his 5th great granddaughter in direct line if my calculations are right.
It’s always been a part of our family lore to remember our Left Handed Fiddle ancestor. FYI–re the left hand gene—my grandmother Nellie was left handed and I probably should have been. I use my left hand constantly to the consternation of friends who are–in their words–hopelessly right handed.
Hoping you might have even more to share about Great, great, great granddad!
Best regards,
Mona Rebmann-Johnston
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Hi Mona, thank you so much for sharing! I love when people who have a connection to someone I’ve covered write in and share their stories! It doesn’t happen too often but it is thrilling when it does! Had you ever seen these pictures of Anson Barnes? You’re very welcome to copy any pictures on my site and share them. I noted that these images came the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History but they are probably in the public domain. Nearly all the pictures I use are.
On the topic of left-handedness, I feel for your friends. I’m also hopelessly right handed amidst a sea of lefties!
I hope you’ll return to the site and I will definitely post anything further I find on Mr. Barnes.
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Thanks Kimberly! And no, I have never seen any photo of Anson Everard! Sadly, probably too many of the oldest photos (and daguerreotypes) are long gone. I’m hoping the next generations like Justice will find these family stories interesting and fun to learn about.
Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas and a splendid 2025!
Mona
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Since you’re fostering a love of history in your family, Justice will probably find it fascinating too! Hope your holidays are bright and happy!
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