Family Life

Gunter family on a row boat, n.d.

Gunter and Struck Families, ca. 1896

This photograph is of Johanna with the children, but characteristics of his landscape and art photography are clearly demonstrated with the far off view of the family.

Johanna and Gunter children pose for this photo while trying to enjoy afternoon tea outdoors.

Photos of Paul Günter's family are very prominent in his personal photograph collection at the Filson Historical Society. When viewing his family photos, one can imagine the patience of his children or his wife, Johanna (sometimes referred to as Hannah), as he played around with his camera and light settings. His budding interest in experimenting with lighting techniques and with nature can first be seen with family photographs, which were largely taken outdoors. When compared to his later artistic work, these earlier family photographs show some characteristics of his embrace of the naturalism style.

Paul Gunter, ca. 1890

Johanna "Hannah" Struck Gunter, ca. 1890

Ines, Erna, Hermann, and Ralph riding a horse, ca. 1899.

Johanna with Hermann, Erna, and Ralph, ca. 1907. A picture of Ines, who died of diptheria in 1902, is on a table next to Johanna.

Paul Gunter's gravesite at Cave Hill Cemetery.

Johanna, Herman, Erna, and Ralph are buried here as well.

Struck family gravestone, possibly where younger Gunter children are buried

Paul and Johanna Günter

Paul Günter married Johanna Struck in Louisville, KY on July 31, 1888. Johanna is featured heavily throughout his personal collection as she patiently waits for him to get the right shot, or provides a sly smile after posing for countless photos. Their children are also featured throughout the family photo albums. The couple had 7 children together, and it appears they had two sets of twins. Sadly, three children passed away in childhood and their first born, Herman A. Günter, passed away as a young adult. Vital records do not provide the most accurate information, but based on records available we can provide a fairly accurate count for their children.

Herman A. Günter (April 1889 – November 1913)

Erna M. Günter (Jan. 1893 – 1973) – twins with Ines

Ines M. Günter (Jan. 1893 - October 1902) – died of diptheria

Ralph Günter (1894-1962)

Anita Günter (born ca. 1896, died age 11months in 1897)

Another set of twins was buried in 1901 on the same day as Anita. Their names were either Marian & Johanna P. Günter, or Paula & Marianna Günter. A family tree lists the names Paula & Marianna, while burial records list a Marian & Johanna buried at the same plot.

The youngest children are buried at the Struck family plot (Johanna’s parents) at Cave Hill Cemetery, while the three eldest children share a plot with their parents in another section of Cave Hill.

Sadly, Herman A. Günter appears to have died by suicide and was found by his father, Paul Günter. 

Despite these tragedies, Günter's charming personality and love for his family shine through the photos that are over a century old.