Help with identifying uniform and era

[dkalicanin]

Hello everyone!

I'm new here.. I was wondering if anyone could help me identify the era and uniform in the photo that I'll be sending as an attachment . This photo was recently found in my late father's photo album. It was mistaken as a postcard but I later discovered that it was actually a photo of my great grandfather!

Thank you so much for your time!

-Sincerely, Alexis

PS! Oh yes, if you can also tell me what country?! I don't know too much about my ancestors sadly!

Edited February 22, 2010 by dkalicanin

[Mervyn Mitton]

Hello Alexis - welcome to GMIC.

Looking at the photo my feeling would be early 20th. Century American. The cap looks the right style and they did carry their truncheons - or, nightsticks openly. However, he could also be for a Transport Police Force - or, even a security guard. He looks to be wearing a whistle. We will have to see what other members suggest ?

Where do you live now - and were your family immigrants into the US - if so, where did they come from ? Might give a clue. Mervyn

[dkalicanin]

Hello Alexis - welcome to GMIC.

Looking at the photo my feeling would be early 20th. Century American. The cap looks the right style and they did carry their truncheons - or, nightsticks openly. However, he could also be for a Transport Police Force - or, even a security guard. He looks to be wearing a whistle. We will have to see what other members suggest ?

Where do you live now - and were your family immigrants into the US - if so, where did they come from ? Might give a clue. Mervyn

Hello Mervyn-

Thank you so much for your welcome and for your reply!

Well I was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1970 and currently live in the state of Oregon. My late father, a Californian, served in WW2 and was 50 yrs old when I was born!

I've been doing some research on some ancestry websites which brought me into contact with some long lost relatives who had some info and everything you said rings correct!

I found immigration and naturalization documents on my grandfather, who was the son of the man in that photo. My grandfather was born in 1898 and immigrated from Mexico into the U.S. in the early 20th century. My great grandfather must have immigrated around this time as well.

I'm guessing my great grandfather must have been born around 1870 which would have put him around the right age of being a father as well as being the right age in that photo.

It's been said that we have different ancestors/relatives who served in the American, Mexican and French military. So we have had different nationalities in our family including Spanish.

I wanted to send one more photo that a relative gave me of an unknown relative; maybe you can help identify his uniform! I'll send it separately.

Sincerely,

Alexis Villagrana

Edited February 22, 2010 by dkalicanin