Harry E. Cutler, Photographer, Active in Barre, Vermont and Keene, New Hampshire

African American Baby on Wicker Loveseat in Victorian Era Barre, Vermont

Photograph is Sold 8-24-09

This image has such potential for artists who work with old photos and mixed media. H. E. Cutler in Barre, Vermont captured this baby's image likely in the 1890’s. Cutler is not listed in the Barre Vermont City Directory in 1890-1891 and he is first found on the 1900 Federal Census for Vermont working as a photographer in Barre, Washington County, Vermont.

This photograph is in only fair condition for there is soil, foxing and fingerprints, all the signs of age but also showing how dear the photo was to someone long ago. The cabinet photo does have good contrast and the image could be cleaned up and adjusted with simple image software. The images shown here are the original condition. I have not changed them in any way and only used photo software to enlarge the image to show details. The sepia toned photo albumen measures about 3 7/8 inches by 5 1/2 inches and is affixed to a white or ivory color heavy cardboard mount with rounded corners that measures 4 1/4 inches by 6 1/2 inches. The photographer’s mark is below the image: H. E. Cutler, Barre, VT. To purchase this photo please go to:

There is a photographer named Harry E. Cutler who first appears working as a photographer on the 1900 Federal Census Vermont, Washington County, Barre Township. He and his wife and children were living at 107 South Warren Street. Harry E. Cutler, photographer was born about March 1865 in Vermont of Vermont born parents. He married in about 1889 to Ina who was born about Nov 1867 in Vermont. They had three daughters, Lura C. Cutler born Dec 1889, Lila B. Cutler born Feb 1891, Gladys R. Cutler born Jan 1893 and a son H. Everton Cutler, born Apr 1898, all in Vermont.

By the time of the 1910 Census, Harry E. Cutler, had his photography studio in the state of New Hampshire, Cheshire County, Keene Township. Daughter Lila Cutler was working as an operator in the studio and another daughter had been born, Marion J. Cutler.

On the 1920 Federal Census for New Hampshire, Cheshire County, Keene Township, Harry E. Cutler, photographer, his wife and two youngest children were still in Keene, but living at 26 Fowler Street in a home that he owned free and clear.

Adolph Roggen (1863-1941) Photographer of Fort Wayne, Indiana

In my eBay* and Auctiva* Stores is an antique photograph by Adolph Roggen of Fort Wayne, Indiana. This is an unidentified young lady who posed around the year 1900 in a large hat trimmed with wide ribbon and long feathers or fur. Her jacket has leg-o-mutton sleeves and military style cuffs and tails. She has a strand of matched pearls around her high collar. This authentic, antique sepia image measures 3.75” x 5.75” has a matte finish and instead of being mounted on thick cardboard it is partially affixed with glue to 9” x 12” cardstock with a linen surface. The artist's mark is a gold foil paper seal glued to the mount. It reads only: “Roggen, Ft. Wayne.” The reverse is blank. Click on any image to enlarge it. *Photo is sold.

Using census records and city directories, the world of Adolph Roggen appeared. I was first able to locate Mr. Roggen's first name on the 1900 Federal Census for Indiana, Allen County, Wayne Township and Fort Wayne City. Adolph Roggen was the head of household in a house at 34 West Simpson in Fort Wayne. Adolph Roggen, Photographer, aged 36 was born about November 1863 in Germany of German-born parents. He noted that he was a naturalized citizen, having immigrated to the US in 1872 and had been living here for 27 years. As he would have been about 9 years at the time, he may have come to the US with his parents or family.

Boarding in the house at 34 West Simpson were several men with different occupations. One is another photographer named Chas A. Quillen, aged 22, born about October 1877 in Ohio.

On the 1910 Indiana Census, Wayne Twp, Allen Co., Fort Wayne City, Adolph Roggen is aged 46, still single and living by himself at 1122 Calhoun. He is renting the house, but owns the photography studio. His emigration year is given as 1873. According to Indiana Marriages 1800-1941, Adolph Roggen married on 11 April 1911 to Pearl Crouse in Allen County, IN. (Source: Index to Marriage Record 1824 - 1920 W. P. A. Book 35 OS Page 404)

There is a typed transcript of the 1903 Fort Wayne, IN City Directory. Listed is Pearl Crouse who was working as a photo retoucher for Adolph Roggen. At the time Pearl Crouse was boarding at 754 W. Superior. The house there was owned or rented by David Crouse, whose occupation is given as laborer. That year Adolph Roggen, photographer worked and lived at 1122 Calhoun, the address where he was still listed on the 1910 Census.

By 1920, Adolph Roggen had moved to Illinois, Lakeview Township in Cook County. The 1920 Federal for Illinois Cook Co. Lakeview Twp shows him living at 1242 Cornelia Avenue. The ages and dates for him in particular are inconsistent and he is working as the manager of restaurant. Wife Pearl Roggen aged 37, was born in Indiana and their daughter Josephine Roggen was born in 1912-1913 in Indiana as well. There is a birth record for a daughter born to Adolph and Pearl Roggen in 16 August 1912 that seems to be for daughter Josephine. (Source: Allen County, Indiana Index to Birth Records 1887 - 1920 Inclusive, Book CH-5, Page 132)

By the time of the 1930 Census, Adolph Roggen is again working as a Photographer. He and his wife and daughter were living at 1320 Montague Avenue, in Chicago's 48th Ward in Cook County, IL.

Albert C. Roggen died 7 July 1941 in Chicago. [Source: File number 19021 Cook County Genealogy Records (Deaths), Chicago, IL]

CDV Victorian Baby by E. E. Ray of Middleton, Tennessee

The search began for information about the photographer of this late carte de visite (cdv) of an unidentified child in a christening gown, shoes and stockings. This authentic, antique CDV image is on a thick cream colored cardboard mount with a pale pink back and rounded corners which overall measures about 2 1/4" x 4". The artist's mark is on back: "E. E. Ray, Photographer, Old Pictures Copies and Enlarged, Middleton, Tenn." Click on images to enlarge them. (Image Number 1016A)

Although it could be a copy of an earlier photo from the 1870’s as Mr. Ray advertises on the back, the thickness of the card, the round corners, pink reverse and flourish of the back mark all indicate 1880 and after.

A side benefit of the search is that other photographers were found working in about this same time period in somewhat the same area.

Using census records, city directories and some Rootsweb, GenWeb and state archive sites, the results were six individuals:

1. E. E. Ray, Middleton, Tennessee of the CDV. Middleton is in Hardeman County, TN.

2. E. E. Ray photograph, taken of the Rossville Baseball Team in Rossville, Fayette Co.,Tennessee about 1900. The image is in the collection of the Tennessee Archives. Fayette County is to the west of Hardeman County, TN.

3. Edwin E. Ray, photographer, single, aged 46, born June 1853 in South Carolina of SC born parents, found in Hamilton County, Tennessee on the 1900 Federal Census. [No image example.]

4. Edward Ray, photographer, single, aged 26, born about 1844 in South Carolina of SC born parents, working in Clay County, Mississippi on the 1880 Federal Census, just to the west of Tippah County, MS. [No image example.]

5. Edwin Ray, single, aged 18, born about 1852 in South Carolina enumerated with his family in Ripley P.O., Tippah County, Mississippi on the 1870 Federal Census.

6. E. E. Ray aged about 7, born about 1853 in South Carolina of SC born parents, in Jonesboro P.O., Tippah County, MS on the 1860 Federal Census, enumerated in the household of Jesse Ray and Sarah his wife.

A researcher indicates that No. 5 Edwin Ray and No. 6 E. E. Ray, both in Tippah County, MS Census is: Elisha Edwin Ray, born 9 Jun 1853 in Union County, South Carolina and died 12 Oct 1909 [no place given.] Although it sounds like a headstone has been recorded, there are no other details at this time and no mention of his having been a photographer. The parents listed for him are: Jesse Ray (1823-1864) and Sarah Hill (1824-1904) both of Union County, South Carolina.

In addition to the men above, another photographer named Ray was found: L. M. Ray, aged 31, born about 1849 in South Carolina of SC born parents. He too was single and boarding with N. O. Pettus and family in Scott County, Beat No. 3, Mississippi on the 1880 Federal Census.[No image example.]

So at the end of the sojourn, I still have a mysterious, fine CDV of the 1880’s by a person named E. E. Ray in Middleton, Tennessee. E. E. Ray could very well be a woman photographer!

Orlando B. Richardson, Photographer, born 1842, active in Middlesex County, Massachusetts

The search began for a Civil War Era photographer with the last name Richardson who made this carte de visite in Lowell, Massachusetts. This is an authentic, antique CDV (carte de visite) of an unidentified young lady with a cascade of long sausage curls. Her day dress has a high collar with a little white ruffle and tiny buttons down the front. This CDV has no tax stamp so it cannot be perfectly dated to the Civil War years, but her hairstyle parted in the middle and the curls drawn back from her face date the image to before about 1865. The image is on a cream colored thin cardboard mount with square corners which overall measures about 2 1/4" x 4". The artist's mark is on back: "Richardson, Lowell, Mass."

I have yet to find photographer Richardson living and working in Lowell, Massachusetts in the 1860’s, but using Federal Census it seems that there was a photographer named Orlando B. Richardson, born April 1842 in Massachusetts. He was the son of George B. Richardson, born about 1807 in Maine, a Dealer in Ice and Fruit with $4,600 of personal estate in West Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts in 1850. In 1850, George B. Richardson’s wife was Mary A. Richardson, born about 1814 in Massachusetts and the children listed were: George E., Orlando B., Elenor W., Francis E. and Ella R. Richardson.

By the 1860 Massachusetts Census, Mary A. Richardson is a widow and farming with a personal worth of $8,000. Orlando B. Richardson, is aged 17 and working on the farm. The children at that time were: Orlando B., Elenor W., Frank E., Wendall E., Ellen R. and Mary L. Richardson. On both the 1850 and 1860 Censuses, Samuel Wilson born 1787 and Mary A. Wilson born about 1792-1794, both in Massachusetts are living in Mary A. Richardson’s household.

Orlando B. Richardson, Photographer, first appears on the 1870 Census for Massachusetts in Middlesex County in Cambridge’s Second Ward. The young photographer was 28 years old and married to Malvinia S. Richardson who was born March 1844 in New Hampshire. The young couple had a worth of $7,000 and were living in the same household with John Wilder, a wealthy real estate agent, his wife Persis D. Wilder and a 10 year old Albert F. Wilder.

In 1880, Orlando B. Richardson, Photographer, is enumerated on the Middlesex County, Massachusetts Census in Somerville. His address is 142 Clarendon Avenue. His wife is Malvinia and the children are: Edith W., Albert W., Persis E. and Madeline who was born in June 1879.

In 1900, Orlando B. Richardson surfaces on the other side of the dark period of the lost 1890 Census, but he is working as a boot and shoe salesman. He and daughter Edith W. Richardson, a teacher of drawing and design, are living at 8Warland Street in Cambridge. On the 1900 census, Orlando B. Richardson and his wife each indicate they are married, but they are living apart, Edith W. living with her father and the remaining children with Malvinia Richardson: Persis C., Madaline, Odline, Albert W. and two younger children. Their son, Albert W. Richardson says he has been married 6 years, so the two youngsters: Leslie and Roland may be his children.

In 1910, Orlando B. Richardson, boot and shoe salesman and his daughter Edith W., an architectural draftsman are still living at 8 Warland Street with William A. Thomas and family.

The genealogical clues tying the photographer to the salesman are that both Orlando B. Richardsons are the same age and listed their birthplace as Massachusetts, his father Maine and his mother Massachusetts. Both have daughters named Edith W. Richardson born 1871/72 and Persis Richardson born 1877, with a mother born in New Hampshire.

Alfred P. Webb and James W. Porter, Photographers, Youngstown, Ohio

Authentic antique photo from the 1890's of a lovely mother and baby in what is likely a christening portrait. The studio was "Webb & Porter, Youngstown, Ohio." This image measures about 4" x 5 ½" and is mounted on a white card board mount with rounded corners. The photographers' names are under the image and the reverse is blank. (Image Serial Number 1015A) This photo is for sale at: www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27056858

Although this studio mark says Webb & Porter, I have them working separately more often than together although both in Youngstown.

Alfred P. Webb, photographer, was born about October 1850-53 in Ohio. He was single, when listed on the 1880 Ohio Census in Mahoning County, Youngstown and was boarding on Water? or Walker Street. The Youngstown Ohio City Directories for 1889 and 1890 have Alfred P. Webb, photographer, listed at 120 W. Federal Street. I have had another cabinet photo in my possession that was identifiable as: A. P. Webb and Co., 141 & 143 W. Federal St., Youngstown, Ohio, the date was likely 1885-1890. In 1900, Alfred P. Webb, photographer, is listed in Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio, with his wife of 17 years, Charlotte and their daughter Hazel Webb; they were living on Mahoning Avenue. Alfred P. Webb, photographer, and wife and daughter are again enumerated in Youngstown, Ohio in 1910. But by 1920, he and his wife and daughter were living on West Princeton Avenue in Youngstown, but he was working as an Insurance Agent.

James W. Porter, photographer, born about February 1863 in Ohio. James W. Porter was a school boy on the 1870 Ohio Census in Trumbull County, Champion Township and Warren Post Office with his parents: Alonzo C. Porter, house painter, born about 1825 in VT and Julia R. Trumbull born about 1825 in Ohio. In the 1860 Ohio Census in Trumbull County Census, Alonzo Porter, the photographer’s father listed his occupation as Master Painter.

On the 1900 Ohio Census in Mahoning County, Youngstown, James W. Porter, photographer, is listed with his wife of about 10 years, Emily A. and daughter Ellen L. Porter. They were living at 132 Federal Street. On the 1910 Ohio Census, in Mahoning County, Youngstown, James W. Porter, photographer, owned his own studio and is living with his family, and as well as on the 1920 Ohio Census in Mahoning County, Youngstown, when James W. Porter, photographer, had his studio on Midlothian Street. By 1930, James W. Porter, Artist and Art Dealer, was living at 35 or 39 Spring Street in Youngstown, Ohio.

Hamlin J. Lloyd born 1856 Photographer in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania

This authentic antique cabinet photograph appears to be of an earlier carte de visite image dating from the 1860’s. The subject is a little boy from the Civil War era in a velvet-trimmed jacket. This cabinet card is from the gallery of “H. J. Lloyd, in Wyalusing, Pa.” The albumen measures 4 1/8” x 6” and is mounted on a heavy cream colored mount with rounded corners which overall is 4 ¼” x 6 ½”. The artist’s mark is on the front under the image and the back is blank. Although the cabinet card is in only good condition, the sepia image is clear and bright and has good contrast. (Image Serial No. 1014A) Photo is sold.

Using U.S. Federal Census records, it is possible to piece some information about this turn of the century photographer.

On the 1900 Federal Pennsylvania Census, in Bradford County and Wyalusing, Hamlin J. Lloyd, Photographer, born March 1856 and his wife Emma A. Lloyd, born in May 1854, were living with Hamlin J. Lloyd’s mother, Caroline Lloyd, a 70 year-old widow, in the house she owned on Church Street in Wyalusing. Boarding in the Caroline Lloyd household were: Elizabeth Ackley, a young milliner and Charles McDonald, a salesman.

Although I am without the proper source, this appears to be an obituary for Caroline Lloyd: “Mrs. Lloyd whose age was 77 was a daughter of Benjamin Ackley, the family originally coming from Connecticut and settled on the Ackley farm in Wyalusing Township. After her marriage [before the 1850 Bradford County, PA Census] to Alphonso J. Lloyd, she and her husband lived for a time at Orwell, but later moved to this place where about a half century of her life has been spent. Her husband died about thirty years ago, since which time she had lived with her son. She has been for years a member of the Methodist church of this place.” She died in about May 1908.

In 1910, still living in the house on Church Street in Wyalusing, Bradford Co., PA was Hamlin J. Lloyd, Photographer, then aged 55 and his wife Emma A. Lloyd, aged 53. Hamlin J. Lloyd married Emma A. in about 1887 and according to census, they had no children.

Hamlin J. Lloyd may be found with his parents on the 1870 Federal Pennsylvania Census, in Bradford County and Wyalusing Township: Alphonso J. Lloyd, a dry goods merchant, who was born in about 1820 in Pennsylvania and Caroline Floyd, born in 8/9 August 1829 in Pennsylvania of Connecticut parents. Alphonso J. Lloyd had $16,000 worth of real and personal estate. Hamlin J. Lloyd was attending school. Living with the family was a young physician named Benjamin Moody.

By 1930, Hamlin J. Lloyd was retired from photography, widowed and living alone in Wyalusing.

Theodore A. Brown, Lisle W. Brown, Anna J. Brown Family of Photographers

Theodore A. Brown, Photographer, born July 1851 in Illinois, active in Iowa and Washington State and his son Lisle W. Brown, Photographer, born October 1875 in Illinois, active in Iowa, Wisconsin and Washington State, a Demonstrator for Eastman Kodak in Seattle.

This is an authentic, antique cabinet photo of three unidentified girl graduates. These lady scholars are in fluffy white dresses with neck ribbons and high collars. The girl standing has a neck chain with a gold locket or brooch. The seated lady on the left has a double neck chain and the one on the right has a satin ribbon sash with fringe. All three have lily of the valley sprays and their diplomas. The image measures 3 ¾" x 5 ½" and is on a white card board mount with a gold pinstripe around the image and rounded corners which overall measures 4 ¼" x 6 ½". The artists' mark is below the image in gold and the reverse is blank. (Image Serial No. 1013A)

Using Federal and State Census Records and City Directories, it is possible to follow this early American photographer Theodore A. Brown, from 1860 to 1920, and his son Lisle W. Brown, from birth in 1875 until his death in Seattle, Washington in 1940.

On the 1900 Federal Census for Iowa, in Marshalltown, Marshall County, are two photographers named Brown. Living together at No. 19 West Main Street, the same address as on the photo, are: Theodore A. Brown, Photographer, born July 1851 in Illinois and his son, Lisle W. Brown, Photographer, born October 1875 in Illinois. Anna J. Brown who is listed with them is the second wife of Theodore A. Brown and in 1920 Anna J. Brown was working as a Photographer with her husband. It is noted on the 1910 Federal Iowa Census that they married around 1900 and that it was Theodore A. Brown’s second marriage.

On the 1880 Federal Census for Iowa, in Marshalltown, and Marshall County is Theodore Brown, Photographer, born about 1851 in Illinois. With him are his first wife Alice Brown, born about 1853 in Ohio, his son, Lisle Brown, born about 1875 in Illinois and daughter Edith Brown, born about 1878 in Iowa.

On the 1885 Iowa State Census, Lisle W. Brown is eight years old and in school. By the 1900 Federal Iowa Census, he is working as a photographer with his father. According to the 1905 Iowa State Census, Lisle W. Brownwas no longer with his father T. W. Brown and wife at 506 W. Main in Marshalltown in 1905. This Lisle W. Brown may be the man of that name who served in the Iowa National Guard. There is record of service for a Lisle W. Brown in the Spanish American War. When Company H of the 49th Iowa National Guard was organized in Marshalltown, Iowa on 4 June 1897 by Captain R. N. Darley and Lieutenant Charles S. Aldrich, Lisle W. Brown is listed at the rank of First Sergeant. In 1904, a Lisle W. Brown served as Regimental Sergeant Major in Company M of the Iowa National Guard.

Theodore A. Brown, Artistic Photographer, born about 1851 in Illinois, is on the 1910 Federal Iowa Census in Marshalltown, Marshall County. He and Anna Brown are rooming with George C. Hixson on 12 South Fifth Avenue.

In 1920, Theodore A. Brown, Photographer with a Studio, was enumerated in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. He and Anna J. Brown are living and working together as Photographers at 609 16th. They owned the structure free and clear.

Lisle W. Brown and wife Nona M. Brown are listed on the 1910 Federal Census for Wisconsin in Dane County, in Madison. Their address was 1017 W. Johnston St. and they apparently married about 1907. An infant daughter Eleanor was born in 1910 in Wisconsin. This census lists Lisle W. Brown's occupation as "Photographer at the University". The 1911 Madison Wisconsin City Directory has the couple living in Madison and his occupation is "University Photographer" and again on the 1920 Federal Wisconsin Census, he is listed as "Photographer U. of Wis."

By the 1923 Seattle Washington City Directory, Lisle W. Brown and Nona S. Brown are listed at 6313 10th Avenue NE. On the 1930 Washington Federal Census in Seattle, King County, Lisle W. Brown, his wife and daughter appear. He was working as a "Demonstrator for Eastman Kodak" in Seattle. Lisle W. Brown died 27 September 1940 in Seattle, Washington. (See Washington State Deaths)

The 1860 Illinois Federal Census lists a Theodore Brown who was the son of John Brown, Farmer, who was born about 1815 in Denmark, and his wife Joanna Brown, born about 1818 in Denmark. They were enumerated in Livingston County, Newtown Township; the Post Office was New Michigan. At that time, Theodore Brown was 10 years old, born Illinois, he is at school and he had a brother John Brown aged about 11 also born in Illinois.

In 1850, John Brown born 1815 in Denmark was a Painter in Stark County, Illinois. His wife was Joanna born about 1818 in Denmark. At that time they had three children: Mary D. Brown, born about 1842, Elizabeth J. Brown, born about 1844 and John Brown, born about 1849 in Illinois who corresponds to son, John Brown on the 1860 Illinois Census. John Brown, born 1815 in Denmark is also listed as a Painter in Adams, LaSalle County, Illinois on the 1870 Federal Census.

Young and McKay, Lady Photographers of Marshall, Michigan

There was a photography studio named Young and McKay in the city of Marshall, Michigan, for at least thirty years from approximately 1900 to 1930.

This is an authentic, antique photograph of three unidentified young ladies, photographed in about 1910 in the studio of Young and McKay, Marshall, Michigan. The three lady scholars are in dresses with pin-tucked yokes, tonal embroidery and high collars. They have gold watches on long chains and the latest hair styles, two with bows. The lady on the left has a ring on her left hand, but likely these three are young teachers or professors.

The oval image measures 3 ½" x 2 ½" and is mounted on an off-white heavy card board mount which measures 7" x 5" with beveled edges. The artists' mark is a signature "Young and McKay" below the image in ink. On the reverse is written: "Marshall, Mich."

On the 1900 Federal Census for Michigan, in Calhoun County and city of Marshall are two lady photographers living and working at 514 W. Prospect Street. Christie A. McKay, Photographer, was born March 1860 in Canada, and Adell F. Young, Photographer, was born December 1860 in Wisconsin. Young & McKay were boarding with John H. Houston who owned the house. Living with them was Christie A. McKay’s mother, Jane McKay, widow, who was born August 1834 in Canada and according to census, four of her six children survived.

In 1910, Young and McKay are partners in a photo gallery at 310 W. Green Street in Marshall, MI. McKay has herself listed as Proprietor and Young is Partner in Photo Gallery.

By the 1920 census, Young and McKay, Photographers, together owned the shop at 118 Park View in Marshal, MI. (The house at 310 W. Green Street where Young and McKay lived in 1910, was in 1920, owned by Herman Markle.)

In 1930, the studio’s address is 226 Green St. in Marshall. They were renting from Charles J. Johnson and wife, Louise.

How Christie A. McKay and Adell F. Young met and went into business together is unknown, but by the 1880 Federal Census for Michigan, the families of both women are living in or near the village of Romeo in Macomb County, MI. At the age of 20, Christie McKay was living with her parents and two younger sisters in Romeo, where she was working as a dressmaker. Adell F. Young, also age 20 in 1880, cannot be located at this time. And how they ultimately set up the photography studio in Marshall, Calhoun County, MI is not known.

Bio: Christie A. McKay, Photographer, was born March 1860 in Canada. She emigrated to the U.S. in 1865 with her parents and siblings, to Bruce Township in Macomb County, Michigan. She was the daughter of Charles McKay, born about 1827 in Canada and his wife Jane McKay, born August 1834 in Canada. Christie A. or Christianna McKay’s brothers and sisters were: William McKay born 1854 Canada, Catharine McKay born 1856 Canada, Margaret McKay born 1858 Canada, Amy McKay born 1863 Canada and lastly, Minnie McKay born 1866 in Michigan. Censuses show that the McKays were from English-speaking Canada. (Image Serial No. 1012A)

Bio: Adell F. Young, Photographer, was born December 1860 in Wisconsin. She was the daughter of John Young, a Minister, who was born about 1830 in Pennsylvania and Elsa or Elsie S. Young, born about 1835 in Pennsylvania. The family seems to have moved to Lodi, Columbia County, Wisconsin in about 1855, to Otsego in Columbia County by 1870 and then by 1880 on to Macomb County, Michigan. Based on 1860, 1870 and 1880 census data, Adell F. Young’s brothers and sisters are theoretically: Eva and/or Kate Young born 1852 Pennsylvania, Ellen Young born 1853 Pennsylvania and married by 1878 to ____ Elliott, Robert A. Young born 1852 -1855 Wisconsin, Frank E. Young b 1857-1859 Wisconsin, John Young b 1869 Wisconsin, Zacc__ E. Young (male) b 1872 Wisconsin, and Minnie Young born 1874 Wisconsin.

S. Bigelow's Photographic Rooms Over N. L. Polk's Drug Store in Collinsville, CT

The search was for the early photographer named S. Bigelow who was active in Collinsville, Hartford County, Connecticut, sometime between 1861 and 1869. It resulted in information about N. L. Polk who owned the drug store downstairs from the Bigelow's photography studio.

This is an authentic antique cdv or carte de visite of an unidentified young lady, photographed between 1861 to 1869 in S. Bigelow's Photographic Rooms, Over N. L. Polk's Drug Store, in Collinsville, Connecticut. The lady scholar is in a dark dress with a wide lace collar and a velvet neck band. She is holding a book, has a brooch at her throat and a long gold chain. Judging by her hair style, her wide lace collar and the pose of her hands, this may be a cdv image made of an earlier daguerreotype from the 1850's. The oval image measures about 1 1/2" x 2" and is mounted on a white or off-white thin card board mount which measures about 2 1/4" x 4" with square corners and a double gold pinstripe around the edges. On the reverse is: "S. Bigelow's Photographic Rooms, Over N. L. Polk's Drug Store, Collinsville, Ct".

The bases for dating of the photo between 1861 and 1869 is the style of the cardboard mount with its gold border and the U.S. Federal Census.

The photographer named S. Bigelow remains elusive in censuses and databases. On the 1860 Federal Census in Connecticut, Hartford County and town of Canton, Collinsville P.O. is: Nathan L. Polk’s Apothecary Store where he and his family were living. Nathan L. Polk was born about 1813 in Connecticut. His wife is Mary A. Polk born about 1812 and children James Polk and Jane Polk, twins born in 1849, all in Connecticut.

At this writing, S. Bigelow has yet to be found in 1860 and note the establishment is called an Apothcary Store, an earlier name for a Drug Store. S. Bigelow would have set up shop above the Drug Store after the 1860 census and before the 1870 census, thus the 1861-1869 date for the cdv. By the 1870 Connecticut Census for Collinsville, neither Bigelow nor the Polks are there.

On the 1870 Federal Census for New Jersey is: Nathan L. Polk, Druggist, born about 1814 in Connecticut. He and his wife Mary A. and two children James and Jane are living in Point Pleasant, Brick Township in Ocean County, New Jersey. James Polk is working in his father’s Drug Store.

The search which began for a photographer named S. Bigelow, led to genealogical data about the family of Nathan L. Polk of CT in 1860 and NJ in 1870. (Image Ser. 1011A)

George W. Morgan, Photographer in Iowa, Wisconsin and Tennessee

This is an authentic antique cabinet photo of an unidentified young lady photographed in 1887 by George W. Morgan in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. She is in a form fitting jacket with narrow lapels, a dozen buttons, a lace ruffle on a high collar with a bar pin and the front of her skirt is draped. The image measures 4" x 6 1/4" and is on a white card board mount with rounded corners which overall measures 4 1/4" x 6 1/2". On the back of the image is a full advertisement for the studio of "Morgan, Viroqua, Wis., Negatives Preserved - 1887."

Using Federal Census Records it is possible to chronicle this early American photographer from 1850 to 1900.

On the 1880 Federal Census for Wisconsin, in Vernon County and the town of Viroqua is George W. Morgan, Photographer, born about 1845 in Wisconsin. With him are his wife Hattie L. Morgan born about 1843 in NY and two sons, Samuel Morgan born about 1870 in Iowa and George Morgan born about 1873 in Wisconsin.

According to 1870 Federal Census, G. W. Morgan, Photographer, was working and living in the City of Lansing, Allamakee County, Iowa. His wife was H. L. Morgan and son S. M. Morgan had just been born in September 1870.

On the 1860 Federal Iowa Census in Lansing, Allamakee County was: Samuel Morgan, a Drayman, who was born about 1822 in England and his wife Elizabeth Morgan born about 1829 in Illinois. The first child in the household is Geo. W. Morgan, born about 1845 in WI. And again on the 1850 Iowa Census, George W. Morgan born about 1845 in WI was with his parents, Samuel Morgan, a Wagon maker, born about 1822 in England and his wife Elizabeth Morgan born in Illinois in about 1829.

Listed on the 1860 Iowa Census are other children of Samuel Morgan and Elizabeth Morgan: Theodore Morgan b ca 1849 WI, Mary Morgan b ca 1851 WI, Francis Morgan b ca 1853 IA and Eugene Morgan b ca 1856 WI.

By 1900, this same George W. Morgan, aged 54, born November 1845 in Wisconsin was working as a Photographer in Harriman, Roane County, Tennessee. Living with him is his wife Hallie L. Morgan, born October 1842 in Ohio.