Collection of Cased Photographs and Related Images
photDAG
Suzanne Oatey
The Huntington Library
October 2020
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
Business Number: (626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
Note
Finding aid last updated on April 28, 2023 by Mari Khasmanyan.
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Collection of cased photographs and related images
Identifier/Call Number: photDAG
Physical Description:
14 Linear Feet
(154 boxes and 4 folders)
Date (inclusive): approximately 1840s-1900s,
1992-2012
Date (bulk): 1840s-1860s
Abstract: A collection of chiefly 19th-century
photographs mounted in their original cases, and some related images. The majority are
daguerreotypes and ambrotypes, 1840s-1860s, and are primarily portraits with some outdoor
views including Gold Rush miners.
Language of Material: Materials are in
English.
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED. Items are fragile. Available with curatorial approval. Please view digital
surrogates.
Conditions Governing Use
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
copyright for daguerreotypes by Robert Shlaer (photDAG 116, photDAG 154) is held by Shlaer.
For the rest of the collection, the responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if
there is one, and obtaining permission rests with the researcher.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item]. Collection of cased photographs and related images, The
Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Acquired from various sources. Items were either acquired individually through gift or
purchase, or were transferred from manuscript collections. See container list for sources of
individual items.
Scope and Contents
A collection of chiefly 19th-century cased photographs representing some of the earliest
photography formats: daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes. These early photographs, made
on glass or metal plates, were typically placed in small, hinged wooden cases, often covered
with leather and lined in velvet, with a brass mat and piece of protective glass placed over
the image. The collection contains 72 daguerreotypes and 46 ambrotypes (approximately
1840s-1860s), and 58 early tintypes (approximately mid-1850-1900s). Some items in the
collection are not in cases or are in frames.
The Huntington Library assembled these 185 items into a collection from various sources
over a period of many years, and some related formats were added: a miniature tintype album
with 22 portraits; two opalotypes; two miniature paintings; and six photographic prints
placed in cases or frames; and one stereoscopic daguerreotype in a fold-out viewing case.
Also in the collection are two modern daguerreotypes, made in 1992 and 2003 by photographer
Robert Shlaer, and three ambrotypes made in 2012 by Barret Oliver, of the mausoleum of Henry
E. Huntington and his wife, Arabella Huntington, on the grounds of the Huntington Library in
San Marino, California. Most cased items were cleaned and housed in individual, custom-sized
boxes by the Conservation Department in the late 1980s. The majority of photographs are
studio portraits of men, women, and children, made approximately 1840s-1865 (daguerreotypes
and ambrotypes), or approximately mid-1850s-1900s (tintypes). Many are pioneers of the
American West, or ancestors of families who came West, and others are unidentified or of
unknown provenance. Notable portraits are: Edgar Allan Poe; Jane Thoreau (aunt of Henry
David Thoreau); John B. Colton (Jayhawker of 1849); a postmortem view of a young daughter of
B.D. Wilson; Theodore D. Judah; a whole plate ambrotype of a group of San Francisco
businessmen; and a Civil War drummer boy and his mother. There are a few reproduction images
of Abraham Lincoln, including two circular images that were campaign badges. Also in the
collection are several outdoor scenes: California Gold Rush miners posed with tools at work
sites; the First Baptist Church, San Francisco, 1849; a street scene in the frontier town of
Orleans, California; and the locomotive "Sam Cruse," named for an executive of the Memphis
& Charleston Railroad. Photographers are largely uncredited, though three have the
imprint of Robert H. Vance, San Francisco, and date from 1853-1856. A whole plate
daguerreotype of Lyman Beecher is by Southworth & Hawes of Boston, Massachusetts,
approximately 1850.
Most of the images are undated, which is common with cased photographs. If a date can be
determined from writing or other material with the image, or by the image content, that date
is given. When dates cannot be determined from any other source, estimated dates have been
given based on dates of major usage of daguerreotypes (1840s-1850s) and ambrotypes
(1855-1865). Tintypes were produced mid-1850s to early-20th century, though tintypes in this
collection are estimated to date no later than 1900s.
Processing Information
Titles were assigned by the cataloger unless otherwise noted. Dates estimated by the
cataloger are in square brackets. The images were assigned numbers by Library staff over a
period of many years, circa mid-20th century-2013, and these numbers have been retained.
There are no items for numbers 4 and 24; item 106 is missing as of 2009. The cataloger has
intellectually rearranged the items in this finding aid to group together items with shared
provenance, and provide an alphabetical listing of identified persons.
Existence and Location of Copies
Black-and-white copy prints and copy negatives of many of the images were made by The
Huntington Library in the late 1980s. The copy prints are available for reference and are
housed in a separate box with the collection, Box 172.
Existence and Location of Copies
This collection has been digitized in its entirety (except for photDAG 105, photDAG 109,
and photDAG 129) and the digital reproductions are available in the
Huntington Digital Library.
Arrangement
Organized in three series:
- Series 1. Portraits, approximately 1840s-1900s
- Series 2. Mining scenes, buildings, and other subjects, approximately
1849-1900s
- Series 3. Modern ambrotypes and daguerreotypes, 1992-2012
Bibliography
Craig, John S.
Craig's Daguerreian Registry. Torrington (Conn.): John S.
Craig, 1990.
Deas, Michael J.
The Portraits and Daguerreotypes of Edgar Allan Poe.
Charlottesville (Va.): University Press of Virginia, 1989.
Lenman, Robin.
The Oxford Companion to the Photograph, edited by Nicholson,
Angela.: Oxford University Press, 2005.
Rinhart, Floyd and Rinhart, Marion.
The American Daguerreotype. Athens
(Ga.): University of Georgia Press, c1981.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Children -- Portraits
Church buildings -- California -- San Francisco
Families -- United States --
History
Frontier and pioneer life -- California
Gold mines and mining --
California
Henry E. Huntington Library and Art
Gallery
Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery -- Officials and
employees
Orleans (Calif.)
Postmortem photography
United States -- History -- Civil War,
1861-1865 -- Participation, Juvenile
Women -- Portraits
Ambrotypes (photographs)
Daguerreotypes (photographs)
Opalotypes
Photograph albums
Photographs
Portraits
Tintypes (photographs)
Beecher, Lyman,
1775-1863
Brent, Joseph Lancaster,
1826-1905
Channing, William F. (William Francis),
1820-1901
Colton, John B., 1831-1919
Couts, Cave Johnson,
1821-1874
Huntington, Henry Edwards, 1850-1927 --
Homes and haunts
Jayhawker Party
Judah, Theodore D. (Theodore Dehone),
1826-1863
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
-- Photographs
Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849 --
Photographs
Thoreau, Jane,
1784-1864
Meade
Bros
Oliver,
Barret
Pratt, William A.,
1818-1879
Root, M. A. (Marcus
Aurelius), 1808-1888
Shlaer,
Robert
Southworth, Albert
Sands, 1811-1894
Southworth &
Hawes
Vance, Robert H.,
1825-1876
Whitney, Edward
Tompkins, 1820-1893
Portraits Series 1
approximately
1840s-1900s
Physical Description: 12.88 Linear
Feet (142 boxes and 4
folders)
Physical Description: Items are in cases unless otherwise
noted.
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by sitter's name, if known. Within that arrangement, identified
and unidentified portraits that share the same provenance have been grouped
together.
Scope and Contents
This series contains 155 studio portraits and a miniature portrait album of individuals
alone or in groups. There are two variant postmortem views of Margaret Hereford Wilson,
a daughter of B. D. Wilson, as a little girl. All are original photographs unless
otherwise noted, such as a few reproduction photographs of Abraham Lincoln. When dates
cannot be determined from any other source, estimated dates have been given based on
dates of major usage: daguerreotypes (1840s-1850s); ambrotypes (1855-1865); and tintypes
(use began mid-1850s and continued into early 20th century, though tintypes in this
collection are estimated to date no later than 1900s.)
Box 13
Lyman Beecher (photDAG 13)
[approximately 1850]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype in frame; plate 21
x 16 cm (whole plate format)
Scope and Contents
Lyman Beecher (1775-1863) was a New England preacher. Photographer: Southworth &
Hawes. Source: Acquisition records and cited in Romer, Grant B.
Young America:
The Daguerreotypes of Southworth & Hawes
(2005). Date based on age of
sitter and photograph type.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Friends of the Library, 1939.
Box 80
Unidentified young man wearing a pocket watch with chain [Beecher
family?]
(photDAG 80)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Beecher family papers (mssBeecher family papers) in approximately
mid-20th century.
Related Materials
Beecher family photograph album, photCL 175.
Box 81
Unidentified woman with hoop earrings that are hand-colored gold [Beecher
family?]
(photDAG 81)
[approximately 1845-1858]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Photographer: Edward Tompkins Whitney. Stamp on mat: "Whitney. Roch. N.Y." Date based
on years Whitney had his studio in Rochester.
Custodial History
Transferred from Beecher family papers (mssBeecher family papers) in approximately
mid-20th century.
Related Materials
Beecher family photograph album, photCL 175.
Box 82
Unidentified woman seated in chair [Beecher family?] (photDAG 82)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Image deteriorated; face is obscured. Date based on years of major usage of
daguerreotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Beecher family papers (mssBeecher family papers) in approximately
mid-20th century.
Related Materials
Beecher family photograph album, photCL 175.
Box 83
Unidentified woman wearing glasses [Beecher family?] (photDAG 83)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Paper advertisement in case under image for photographer Davis & Co., Boston.
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Beecher family papers (mssBeecher family papers) in approximately
mid-20th century.
Related Materials
Beecher family photograph album, photCL 175. Same woman appears on page 4.
Box 156
Joseph Lancaster Brent (photDAG 156)
[approximately 1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Joseph Lancaster Brent (1826-1905) served in the California State Legislature and
held other civic positions before returning to Louisiana to serve as a Confederate
officer in the Civil War. Date based on estimated age of sitter and photograph
type.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of William Page Dame III, March 2011.
Box 157
Joseph Lancaster Brent (photDAG 157)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Note inside case reads: "J. L. Brent" and is written in the hand of Hally Carrington
Brent, J. L. Brent's daughter-in-law. Date based on years of major usage of
ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of William Page Dame III, March 2011.
Box 6
Dr. Ezra S. Carr (photDAG 6)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Ezra Slocum Carr (1819-1894) was a physician, chemist and geologist at the University
of Wisconsin and University of California, Berkeley. Date based on years of major
usage of daguerreotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Jeanne C. Smith Carr papers (mssCA 1-198) in approximately late-20th
century.
Box 3
Leander C. Smith (photDAG 3)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Note with item reads: "Leander C. Smith. Brother of Jeanne C. Carr." Date based on
years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Jeanne C. Smith Carr papers (mssCA 1-198) in approximately late-20th
century.
Box 65
William Francis Channing (photDAG 65)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
William Francis Channing (1820-1901) was an American physician, inventor, and
electrical researcher. Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Dorothy Channing Houghton, December 1974.
Box 12
Chauncey S. Colton (photDAG 12)
[approximately 1851-1853]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Note with item reads: "Chauncey S. Colton, father of Capt. John B. Colton."
Photographer's stamp on mat: "M.A. & S. Root, 363 Broadway, N.Y." [Marcus A. and
Samuel Root]. Date based on years of photographers' partnership.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs. Mary A. Colton, 1937.
Related Materials
The Jayhawkers of '49 photograph album, photCL 1.
Box 2
John B. Colton standing with hands in pockets (photDAG 2)
[approximately 1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
John B. Colton (1831-1919) was a member of the Jayhawker Party of 36 gold miners who
left Illinois for California in 1849. This image has been incorrectly identified in
the past as a female miner. Date based on age of sitter and photograph type.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs. Mary A. Colton, 1937.
Related Materials
The Jayhawkers of '49 photograph album, photCL 1. For the story behind this
photograph, see L. Dow Stephens, "Life Sketches of a Jayhawker" (1916), p. 64. (call
no. 12046). See also letter from L. Dow Stephens to J. B. Colton, in which Stephens
requests permission to use the "Girl Miner" image and story in his book, Jayhawker
Party collection of materials, (mssJA 944).
Box 8
John B. Colton seated with gun on table at his elbow (photDAG 8)
[approximately 1849]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on age of sitter and photograph type.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary A. Colton, 1937.
Related Materials
The Jayhawkers of '49 photograph album, photCL 1.
Box 11
John B. Colton wearing Union Army captain's uniform (photDAG 11)
1861
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Note with item reads: "Capt. John B. Colton, 1861."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary A. Colton, 1937.
Related Materials
The Jayhawkers of '49 photograph album, photCL 1.
Box 5
John B. Colton seated, wearing hat (photDAG 5)
[approximately 1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Photographer's stamp on mat: "E. Codding" [Edgar Codding]. Date based on age of
sitter and photograph type.
Custodial History
Transferred from Jayhawker Party collection of materials (mssJA 1-1105) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 17
Dwight Plympton Conklin (photDAG 17)
[approximately 1853-1855]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Dwight Plympton Conklin (1829-1856) was a California settler and Gold Rush miner.
Note with item reads: "Dwight Plympton Conklin, uncle of George Chandler Conklin."
Photographer: Robert H. Vance. Imprint inside case: "R. H. Vance, Premium Daguerrean
Galleries, San Francisco, Sacramento & Marysville." Date based on years Vance was
operating in those three locations.
Custodial History
Transferred from Dwight Plympton Conklin correspondence (mssHM 74171-74186) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 18
Mrs. Dwight Plympton Conklin wearing dark bracelets and necklace with
cross
(photDAG 18)
[approximately 1853-1855]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Photographer: Robert H. Vance. Imprint inside case: "R. H. Vance, Premium Daguerrean
Galleries, San Francisco, Sacramento & Marysville." Date based on years Vance was
operating in those three locations. Sitter identified by unknown source at time of
transfer.
Custodial History
Transferred from Dwight Plympton Conklin correspondence (mssHM 74171-74186) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 19
Unidentified little girl, seated in chair [Conklin family?] (photDAG 19)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Dwight Plympton Conklin correspondence (mssHM 74171-74186) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 20
Unidentified young woman with long curls [Conklin family?] (photDAG 20)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Dwight Plympton Conklin correspondence (mssHM 74171-74186) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 21
Unidentified little girl holding posy of flowers [Conklin
family?]
(photDAG 21)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Dwight Plympton Conklin correspondence (mssHM 74171-74186) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 22
Unidentified girl in standing portrait [Conklin family?] (photDAG 22)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Dwight Plympton Conklin correspondence (mssHM 74171-74186) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 47
Cave Johnson Couts wearing Mexican War U.S. Army uniform (photDAG 47)
[approximately 1846-1848]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Cave Johnson Couts (1821-1874) was a U.S. Army officer sent to Mexico in 1847, and
later to California, where he married Isidora Bandini, a daughter of Don Juan Bandini.
Date based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Cave Johnson Couts papers (mssCT 1-2613) in approximately late-20th
century.
Box 168
C. [Anigal?] Cummings, a young woman (photDAG 168)
1862
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 50 x 60 mm (ninth
plate format) + lock of hair
Scope and Contents
Inside case is a small piece of paper with a lock of auburn hair attached with
thread, and handwriting: "C. [Anigal?] Cummings, 1862."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Jennifer Nunnery, March 2014, daughter of Pat Varney, a former Huntington
staff member.
Box 15
Unidentified little boy wearing hat [Damon family?] (photDAG 15)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format), top of case missing
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from John Fox Damon papers (mssHM 4300-4362) in approximately late-20th
century.
Box 16
Portrait of young couple, man with arm around woman [Damon
family?]
(photDAG 16)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from John Fox Damon papers (mssHM 4300-4362) in approximately late-20th
century.
Box 90
James D. Hague as a young boy about 7 years old (photDAG 90)
[approximately 1843]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
James D. Hague (1836-1909) was a mining engineer. Date based on estimated age of
sitter and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from James D. Hague papers (mssHague papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Related Materials
James D. Hague photograph collection, photCL 358.
Box 91
James D. Hague as an adolescent boy (photDAG 91)
[approximately 1847]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on estimated age of sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from James D. Hague papers (mssHague papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Related Materials
James D. Hague photograph collection, photCL 358.
Box 93
James D. Hague as a young man (photDAG 93)
[approximately late
1850s-1860s]
Physical Description: Print in case; image 14 x 11
cm
Scope and Contents
Date based on estimated age of sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from James D. Hague papers (mssHague papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Related Materials
James D. Hague photograph collection, photCL 358.
Box 88
James D. Hague as a young man, hand-colored portrait (photDAG 88)
[approximately 1850-1858]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Photographer: "Meade Bros. 288 Broadway, New York." Date based on years photographer
operated at that address.
Custodial History
Transferred from James D. Hague papers (mssHague papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Related Materials
James D. Hague photograph collection, photCL 358.
Box 127
Augustin Ward Hale as a young man (photDAG 127)
[early 1840s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Augustin Ward Hale (1814-1902) was a businessman who came to California in 1849 and
created the Saucelito Water Company in 1851. Date based on age of sitter and
photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Augustin W. Hale Papers (mssHale papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Box 128
Augustin Ward Hale with his daughter Agness on his lap (photDAG 128)
[approximately 1843]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Identifications from note inside case. Date based on age of Agness Hale, born
1842.
Custodial History
Transferred from Augustin W. Hale Papers (mssHale papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Box 129
Miniature photograph album of 22 tintype portraits [Hale or Jones-Welles
families?]
(photDAG 129)
[approximately 1860s]
Physical Description: Album of 22 tintypes; album 47 x
45 mm, images 32 x 25 mm (gem photograph format)
Scope and Contents
A miniature bound album with paper board mats containing tintypes of various people.
Some people are identified in handwriting below their portrait: Fannie Winslow;
[Isanna?] [Page?]; Caroline Flint; Lucy [Huntron?]; Leslie [Huntron?]; Mr. Winslow;
Fannie Winslow; Emma Flint; Eva Flint; Martha Davis; Lizzie [Barnard?]. These names
don't correspond to Hale family members but may be members of the Jones-Welles
families; see mssHale papers. Date estimated based on content and format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Augustin W. Hale Papers (mssHale papers) in 1998.
Box 7
[Mary Emma Hoyt?] in profile, wearing a plaid dress (photDAG 7)
[1849-1852 or 1863]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
A note with the item reads: "Mary Emma Hoyt, a school teacher in Los Angeles, 1863,"
however the brass mat has the stamp of photographers Silas A. and William B. Holmes,
289 Broadway, New York ("Holmes, 289 Broadway"), who operated from 1849-1852. Possibly
this is not the original mat for this photograph, or the identification may be
incorrect.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Turner, 1943.
Box 66
Josephine Jennings, wearing double strand of pearls (photDAG 66)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Identification from donor. Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Walter C. Beckwith and May Beckwith, approximately mid-20th century.
Box 57
Theodore D. Judah about 15 years old (photDAG 57)
1841
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Theodore D. Judah (1826-1863) was an engineer who played a crucial role in building
the first transcontinental railroad. Handwriting in ink on inside cover: "Theodore D.
Judah, 1841."
Custodial History
Transferred from Theodore D. Judah papers (mssHM 55637-55655) in approximately
late-20th century.
Box 58
Theodore D. Judah about 24 years old (photDAG 58)
1850
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
Handwriting in ink on inside cover: "Theodore D. Judah, 1850."
Custodial History
Transferred from Theodore D. Judah papers (mssHM 55637-55655) in approximately
late-20th century.
Box 59
Theodore D. Judah wearing a suit with dark velvet collar and
cravat
(photDAG 59)
22 August 1848
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Handwriting in case under image reads: "Anna. August 22, 1848." Theodore D. Judah
(1826-1863) married Anna Ferona Pierce in 1847.
Custodial History
Transferred from Theodore D. Judah papers (mssHM 55637-55655) in approximately
late-20th century.
Box 60
Theodore D. Judah wearing waistcoat with watch chain (photDAG 60)
[late 1850s-1863]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on age of sitter and photograph type.
Custodial History
Transferred from Theodore D. Judah papers (mssHM 55637-55655) in approximately
late-20th century.
Box 71
Portrait of a woman [Lathrop family] (photDAG 71)
[approximately 1860s-1890s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Items photDAG 71-79 identified by donor only as "Lathrop family photos." The donor's
father was Luther R. Lathrop, born in Maine about 1855. Dated based on content and
photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Louise L. (Lathrop) Oakey, June 1972.
Related Materials
Lathrop family photograph album, photCL 446.
Box 72
Portrait of a young boy holding a baby [Lathrop family] (photDAG 72)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Louise L. (Lathrop) Oakey, June 1972.
Related Materials
Lathrop family photograph album, photCL 446.
Box 73
Portrait of a woman wearing a hairband [Lathrop family] (photDAG 73)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Louise L. (Lathrop) Oakey, June 1972.
Related Materials
Lathrop family photograph album, photCL 446.
Box 74
Portrait of a woman wearing hat and gloves [Lathrop family] (photDAG 74)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Louise L. (Lathrop) Oakey, June 1972.
Related Materials
Lathrop family photograph album, photCL 446.
Box 75
Portrait of a baby [Lathrop family] (photDAG 75)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Decorative, hand-painted hard case with inlaid pearl. Image is deteriorating. Date
based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Louise L. (Lathrop) Oakey, June 1972.
Related Materials
Lathrop family photograph album, photCL 446.
Box 76-77
Two portraits in one case, of a man and a boy [Lathrop family] (photDAG 76-77)
Tintype approximately 1860s-1890s,
ambrotype 1864
Physical Description: Tintype and ambrotype in one
case; plates 50 x 60 mm (ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Case has mat made for two photographs: Tintype of a man (photDAG 76) and ambrotype of
a young boy (photDAG 77). Ambrotype has "1864" scratched on the back.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Louise L. (Lathrop) Oakey, June 1972.
Related Materials
Lathrop family photograph album, photCL 446.
Box 78
Portrait of a boy holding a book [Lathrop family] (photDAG 78)
1858 February 24
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Handwriting inside case under image: "Feb. 24, 1858."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Louise L. (Lathrop) Oakey, June 1972.
Related Materials
Lathrop family photograph album, photCL 446.
Box 79
Portrait of a woman sitting in a garden, wearing a hat with feathers [Lathrop
family]
(photDAG 79)
[approximately 1900s]
Physical Description: Print in case; image 11 x 14
cm
Scope and Contents
Photographic print in a commercially-made travel case. Date based on image
content.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Louise L. (Lathrop) Oakey, June 1972.
Related Materials
Lathrop family photograph album, photCL 446.
Box 84
Amanda Dunn Lefler, age 13, wearing lace fingerless gloves (photDAG 84)
[approximately 1858]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype in frame; plate 70
x 83 mm (sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Handwritten note with photograph reads: "Amanda Dunn (Lefler). Age 13. Illinois."
Research shows she was born in Farmington, Illinois, 1845. Date based on estimated age
of sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from John Haskell Kemble commercial maritime ephemera collection (ephJHK)
in approximately late-20th century.
Box 64
Abraham Lincoln (photDAG 64)
[approximately 1864]
Physical Description: Tintype in round frame (campaign
button); image diameter 35 mm
Scope and Contents
Photograph of an engraving of Lincoln after a photograph by Anthony Berger, February
9, 1864. This item was most likely a campaign button for the 1864 presidential
election.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased as part of Judd Stewart collection, 1922.
Existence and Location of Copies
See another copy held in Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
(2008680240).
Box 110
Abraham Lincoln (photDAG 110)
[approximately 1865]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Photograph of a lithograph by Currier and Ives published 1865.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased as part of Judd Stewart collection, 1922.
Box 111
Abraham Lincoln, in profile (photDAG 111)
[approximately 1857]
Physical Description: Print in frame; image 16 x 13
mm
Scope and Contents
A thumbnail-size portrait of Lincoln, in profile. Copy of an 1857 photograph by
Alexander Hesler.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased as part of Judd Stewart collection, 1922.
Box 112
Abraham Lincoln (photDAG 112)
[approximately 1858]
Physical Description: Print in frame; image 12 x 9
cm
Scope and Contents
Halftone reproduction of a photograph by W. P. Pearson made in Illinois, August 26,
1858. Image is transposed from original. Back of frame has label: "Swain's Fine Art
Store, 317 W. Front St., Plainfield, NJ."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased as part of Judd Stewart collection, 1922.
Box 113
Abraham Lincoln (photDAG 113)
[approximately 1864]
Physical Description: Print in frame; image 13 x 8
cm
Scope and Contents
Copy of photograph by Mathew Brady, 1864. Marked in pencil on back of image:
"Handy[?] Photographer."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased as part of Judd Stewart collection, 1922.
Box 114
Abraham Lincoln (photDAG 114)
[approximately 1864]
Physical Description: Print in frame; image 50 x 38
mm
Scope and Contents
Photograph of an engraving after a photograph by Mathew Brady taken February 4,
1864.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased as part of Judd Stewart collection, 1922.
Box 115
"Abraham Lincoln, the Next President of the United States" campaign
badge
(photDAG 115)
[approximately 1860]
Physical Description: Lithograph in frame (campaign
button); image 77 x 60 mm
Scope and Contents
Campaign badge with lithograph image of a clean-shaven Lincoln and words: "Abraham
Lincoln, the Next President of the United States." Image is very faded.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased as part of Judd Stewart collection, 1922.
Box 70
Jennie Mitchell of Boonville, wearing ring hand-colored gold (photDAG 70)
[approximately 1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 50 x 60 mm (ninth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Written in bottom of case: "Jennie Mitchell, Boonville." Research suggests this may
be Arthusia Jane "Jennie" Mitchell (1850-1933), buried in Boonville Cemetery, Texas.
Date based on estimated age of sitter.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of John Weaver, September 1989.
Box 69
Portrait of a little girl with scowl [Mitchell family?] (photDAG 69)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Ancestor of donor's wife. Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of John Weaver, September 1989.
Box 44
Thomas Jefferson Payne and his son, Benjamin Howard Payne (photDAG 44)
[approximately
mid-1850s-1860s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 8 x 11 cm (quarter
plate format)
Scope and Contents
A young man, Benjamin Howard Payne (1828-1867), has his arm around his father, Thomas
Jefferson Payne (1800-1867). Identifications from donor, who said the Paynes were from
St. Louis, Missouri. Date based on estimated ages of sitters.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary A. Larrabee Bourque, 1979.
Box 10
Edgar Allan Poe (photDAG 10)
[approximately 1849]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
A daguerreotype of a daguerreotype portrait of author Edgar Allan Poe taken in the
studio of photographer William A. Pratt in Richmond, Virginia, in September, 1849. Poe
is seated, wearing coat, vest and loose tie, with his hand at his waist. Poe died
weeks later on October 7, 1849, in Baltimore. This is a daguerreotype copy, laterally
reversed, of the original daguerreotype, which is sometimes called the "Thompson"
daguerreotype.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from the Anderson Galleries, New York, through the agency of George D.
Smith, January 1911.
Custodial History
This item was previously owned by poet and critic Edmund Clarence Stedman before it
was consigned to Anderson Galleries for auction. See "Catalogue of the library of
association and the autograph collection of Edmund Clarence Stedman," item no. 2287,
(New York: The Anderson Auction Company, 1911). For a complete history of this
portrait see: Deas, Michael J. "The Portraits and Daguerreotypes of Edgar Allan Poe,"
(University Press of Virginia, 1989).
Existence and Location of Originals
Original in the collection of Columbia University.
Box 117
Mary Alice Prentice (Huntington) (photDAG 117)
[approximately 1870s]
Physical Description: Print in case; case 80 x 70
mm
Scope and Contents
Mary Alice Prentice (1852-1916) was the first wife of Henry E. Huntington. Date based
on estimated age of sitter.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Existence and Location of Copies
Another copy of this photograph is in: Collection of Henry E. Huntington family,
residence and estate photographs, photCL 285 (13).
Box 118
Portrait of unidentified man [Prentice-Stoddard-Saunders
families?]
(photDAG 118)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Possibly a member of the Prentice family, according to donor. Note from donor for
items 117-126 reads: "Grandpa Prentice - dag. / Dag. unknown lady with curls. /
Grandma[?] Prentice photo / Great grandpa Stoddard photo / Annie[?] Hatch / Aunt Mary
Emmons Von Stoddard." Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 119
[Mary Emmons Von Stoddard?] (photDAG 119)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Possibly Mary Emmons Von Stoddard, an aunt of the donor. Sticker on back of case
appears to say "Mary." Image deteriorating. Date based on years of major usage of
daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 120
Portrait of unidentified man [Prentice-Stoddard-Saunders
families?]
(photDAG 120)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 35 x 41 mm
(sixteenth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Advertisement in case says "Great Reduction in the Price of Ambrotypes" and is signed
by photographer: E. [Clayton?]. Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 121
Adolescent girl wearing a large cross on a necklace
[Prentice-Stoddard-Saunders families?]
(photDAG 121)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 122
Portrait of a woman with a small child on her lap [Prentice-Stoddard-Saunders
families?]
(photDAG 122)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Possibly Sally Edwards Saunders (1792-1873), according to donor. Date based on years
of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 123
Portrait of a woman with hand-colored cheeks [Prentice-Stoddard-Saunders
families?]
(photDAG 123)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 124
Portrait of a man with hand-colored cheeks [Prentice-Stoddard-Saunders
families?]
(photDAG 124)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 125
Portrait of unidentified man [Prentice-Stoddard-Saunders
families?]
(photDAG 125)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Photograph of an oil painting. Date based on years of major usage of
daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 126
Portrait of a woman and a young girl in fancy dresses
[Prentice-Stoddard-Saunders families?]
(photDAG 126)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edwards H. "Ned" Metcalf, 1990, grandson of Mary Alice Prentice and Henry E.
Huntington.
Box 92
Col. Horace Randal and his wife, Nannie (photDAG 92)
[approximately 1855-1857]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 60 x 90 mm, not
cased
Scope and Contents
Horace Randal (1833-1864) was a Confederate States Army colonel in the 28th Texas
Cavalry Regiment. Information in file from an unknown source says in the photograph he
is wearing the uniform of 2nd lieutenant of the 1st U.S. Dragoons, which he joined in
1855. Photographer: Tomlinson Ambrotypes, Broadway, N.Y.
Custodial History
Transferred from James William Eldridge collection (mssEG Boxes 1-82) in
approximately late-20th century.
Existence and Location of Copies
See copy print of this image in Photo File collection, photPF 4908.
Box 159
Alice Rix holding young girl, Annie Rix, in her lap (photDAG 159)
[1855-1856]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 83 x 70 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Note with item reads: "Alice Rix aged 27, Annie Rix, Born 1855." Presumably mother
and child; date based on approximate age of child.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 158
Unidentified young child [Rix or Hamlin family?] (photDAG 158)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 35 x 41 mm
(sixteenth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 160
Unidentified young man [Rix or Hamlin family?] (photDAG 160)
[mid-1850s-1880s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 50 x 60 mm (ninth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 161
Unidentified man with stern gaze, wearing cravat [Rix or Hamlin
family?]
(photDAG 161)
[mid-1850s-1880s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 162
Unidentified young boy wearing vest and coat [Rix or Hamlin
family?]
(photDAG 162)
[mid-1850s-1880s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format). Glass over tintype cracked.
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 163
Unidentified woman [Rix or Hamlin family?] (photDAG 163)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 35 x 41 mm
(sixteenth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Writing in bottom of case under image: "H. H. [Wright?]." Date based on years of
major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 164
Unidentified young woman [Rix or Hamlin family?] (photDAG 164)
[approximately 1848-1849]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Platemaker's mark on back of plate: "Jones & Co. N.Y." Date based on years
company was active, 1848-1849.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 165
Unidentified young woman with cheeks hand-colored [Rix or Hamlin
family?]
(photDAG 165)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 166
Three unidentified children in group portrait [Rix or Hamlin
family?]
(photDAG 166)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 11 x 14 cm
(half plate format)
Scope and Contents
Two boys in matching coats and a younger girl. Date based on years of major usage of
daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 167
Stereoscopic photograph of unidentified man [Rix or Hamlin
family?]
(photDAG 167)
[approximately 1853-1859]
Physical Description: Stereoscopic daguerreotype in
fold-out viewing case; each plate 8 x 11 cm (quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
Portrait of a man standing with his hand alongside his face. Two daguerreotypes are
in a special viewing case with a fold-out leather viewer embossed "Mascher's Improved
Stereoscope, Phila. Patent March 8th, 1853." Date based on patent date and years of
major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Peggy (Thornton) Hamlin, May 2012.
Related Materials
Hamlin family collection of photographs, photCL 523.
Box 23
Mary E. (Jenkins) Rowley at 35 years old, wearing brooch (photDAG 23)
1859 March 17
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 83 x 70 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Handwriting on inside cover reads: "Mary E. Rowley at 35. March 17, 1859." Mother of
Mrs. H. H. Sinclair and the wife of Levi Rowley. Information from donor.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Sinclair, 1938.
Related Materials
Sinclair, Rowley, and Jenkins family photograph album, photCL 12; Sinclair, Rowley,
Jenkins, family photographs, photPF 120-149; Henry Harbinson Sinclair papers,
mssSinclair papers.
Box 25
Levi Rowley (photDAG 25)
1852 February
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
Handwriting on inside cover reads: "L. Rowley. Feb. 1852." Levi Rowley (1814- ),
husband of Mary E. (Jenkins) Rowley. Information from donor.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Sinclair, 1938.
Related Materials
Sinclair, Rowley, and Jenkins family photograph album, photCL 12; Sinclair, Rowley,
Jenkins, family photographs, photPF 120-149; Henry Harbinson Sinclair papers,
mssSinclair papers.
Box 14
Two unidentified young men, possibly brothers [Rowley or Jenkins
family?]
(photDAG 14)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 83 x 70 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Note with item reads: "These may be two of Mary E. Jenkins' (Mrs. Levi Rowley)
brothers. Thomas? Jenkins, Edwin? Jenkins." Date based on years of major usage of
daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Sinclair, 1938.
Related Materials
Sinclair, Rowley, and Jenkins family photograph album, photCL 12; Sinclair, Rowley,
Jenkins, family photographs, photPF 120-149; Henry Harbinson Sinclair papers,
mssSinclair papers.
Box 98
Donald McMeal Shorb as a little boy, in tweed suit, holding cane and
hat
(photDAG 98)
[approximately 1888-1890]
Physical Description: Albumen print in frame; image 13
x 9 cm
Scope and Contents
Donald McMeal Shorb (1883-1933). Photographer: Jarvis, Pasadena. Date based on
estimated age of sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 100
Ethel Shorb and unidentified man (photDAG 100)
[approximately 1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 60 x 90
mm
Scope and Contents
Ethel Rebecca Shorb (1880-1959) was the daughter of James De Barth Shorb. The man is
possibly John Gaylord Church, who wrote Ethel many love letters (see mssShorb papers).
Photographer: Cliff House Tintype Gallery, San Francisco. Date based on estimated age
of sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 89
Margaret McMeal Shorb, wearing lace cap and gloves (photDAG 89)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Margaret McMeal Shorb (1801-1873) was the mother of James De Barth Shorb (1842-1896).
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 97
Portrait of a young man, hand-colored [Shorb family?] (photDAG 97)
[mid-1850s-1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 50 x 60 mm (ninth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 102
Portrait of a baby [Shorb family?] (photDAG 102)
[mid-1850s-1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 90 x 50 mm, not
cased
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 103
Portrait of a baby [Shorb family?] (photDAG 103)
[mid-1850s-1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 80 x 60
mm
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 104
Portrait of a young boy wearing riding gear [Shorb family?] (photDAG 104)
[mid-1850s-1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 90 x 70
mm
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 105
Miniature painted portrait of a young man [Shorb family?] (photDAG 105)
undated
Physical Description: Miniature painting; 50 x 60
mm
Scope and Contents
Head portrait in pastel[?].
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 109
Miniature painted portrait of a man [Shorb family?] (photDAG 109)
undated
Physical Description: Miniature painting on ivory; 50 x
60 mm
Scope and Contents
Accompanying item was a pencil drawing of a young man. Received in envelope printed
"Robert G. Cleland, Duarte, Ca."
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 85
Portrait of a woman wearing a bonnet adorned with cloth roses [Sproston
family?]
(photDAG 85)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from John Sproston papers (mssSproston papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Related Materials
Sproston family photograph album, photCL 170.
Box 86
Portrait of a young man with cigar [Sproston family?] (photDAG 86)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Same man in photDAG 87. Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from John Sproston papers (mssSproston papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Related Materials
Sproston family photograph album, photCL 170.
Box 87
Portrait of a young man [Sproston family?] (photDAG 87)
[approximately 1859]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype in tortoise shell
case with inlay; plate 50 x 60 mm (ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Same man in photDAG 86. Small piece of paper behind photograph reads: "With respect
of S. P. Allen, Clerk [of the] Senate, Albany, N.Y." Allen held this position in 1859;
it is unclear if he is the sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from John Sproston papers (mssSproston papers) in approximately late-20th
century.
Related Materials
Sproston family photograph album, photCL 170.
Box 56
Charles Lyman Strong and three unidentified men in group portrait (photDAG 56)
[mid-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 16.5 x 21.5
cm (whole plate format)
Scope and Contents
Charles Lyman Strong (1826-1883) is third from left. He was superintendent of the
Gould-Curry mine in Virginia City, Nevada, in 1861. Before that he was in San
Francisco, where this photograph was made in the mid-1850s. Information from early
catalog record for this image; source unknown.
Custodial History
Transferred from Harriet Williams Russell Strong papers (mssHS 1-938) in
approximately late-20th century.
Related Materials
Collection of Russell-Strong family photographs, photCL 155.
Box 155
Jane Thoreau (photDAG 155)
[approximately 1852-1853]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Jane Thoreau (1784-1864) was the aunt of Henry David Thoreau. Note in case reads:
"Jane Thoreau, aunt to Henry D. Thoreau." Date estimated based on format and age of
sitter. This photograph was part of the collection Prudence Ward and Anne J. Ward
correspondence, which contains a letter from Maria Thoreau, February 23, 1864, in
which she refers to herself and [sister] Jane having had their pictures taken at
"Southworth's" (Item mssHM 68721). She is probably referring to other photographs
taken in the old Southworth & Hawes studio, and not this daguerreotype, which is
estimated to be dated much earlier.
Custodial History
Transferred from Prudence Ward and Anne J. Ward correspondence (mssHM 68710-68772) in
2006.
Box 149
Portrait of unidentified man [Thoreau - Sewall families?] (photDAG 149)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; 50 x 60 mm (ninth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Possibly Joseph Osgood, Sr.[?] according to library curator, 2002. Image
deteriorated. Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Thoreau and Sewall families papers (mssHM 64835-64969) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 150
Portrait of a woman in dark bonnet, with cheeks hand-colored [Thoreau -
Sewall families?]
(photDAG 150)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Possibly Caroline Ward Sewall or Ellen Sewall Osgood [?] according to library
curator, 2002. Image deteriorated. Date based on years of major usage of
ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Thoreau and Sewall families papers (mssHM 64835-64969) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 151
Portrait of a boy wearing white collar [Thoreau - Sewall
families?]
(photDAG 151)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Possibly Joseph Osgood, Jr.[?] according to library curator, 2002. Date based on
years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Thoreau and Sewall families papers (mssHM 64835-64969) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 152
Portrait of a girl wearing plaid dress [Thoreau - Sewall
families?]
(photDAG 152)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Possibly Elizabeth Osgood Davenport or Ellen Devereaux Osgood [?] according to
library curator, 2002. Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Thoreau and Sewall families papers (mssHM 64835-64969) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 153
Portrait of an adolescent girl [Thoreau - Sewall families?] (photDAG 153)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Possibly Elizabeth Osgood Davenport or Ellen Devereaux Osgood [?] according to
library curator, 2002. Image deteriorated. Date based on years of major usage of
ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Thoreau and Sewall families papers (mssHM 64835-64969) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 99
Anne ("Annie") Wilson, Mary E. Stone, and three others in group
portrait
(photDAG 99)
[approximately 1870s-1880s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 80 x 50
mm
Scope and Contents
Unidentified people are two women and one man. Anne ("Annie") Wilson (1858-1931) was
a daughter of Benjamin Davis Wilson. Mary E. Stone (b. about 1854) was the niece of
James De Barth Shorb. Date based on estimated age of sitters.
Custodial History
Transferred from Shorb family photograph collection (photCL 284) in approximately
late-20th century.
Related Materials
James De Barth Shorb papers, mssShorb papers.
Box 50
John B. Wilson, about 2 years old (photDAG 50)
[approximately 1848]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
John B. Wilson (1846-1870) was the son of Benjamin Davis Wilson and Ramona Yorba
Wilson. Image is slightly blurred. Date based on age of sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from Benjamin Davis Wilson family photograph collection (photCL 283) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 51
John B. Wilson as a young boy, holding a book (photDAG 51)
[approximately 1851]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype in frame; plate 8 x
11 cm (quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
John B. Wilson (1846-1870) was the son of Benjamin Davis Wilson and Ramona Yorba
Wilson. Date based on age of sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from Benjamin Davis Wilson family photograph collection (photCL 283) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 52
Postmortem photograph of child Margaret Hereford Wilson, lying on a bier with
flowers around her
(photDAG 52)
1857
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
Margaret Hereford Wilson (1854-1857) was the first daughter of Benjamin Davis Wilson
(1811-1878) and his second wife, Margaret S. Hereford Wilson (1820-1873). Enclosed in
case is a color photograph of her gravestone in San Gabriel Cemetery. See also variant
view: photDAG 53.
Custodial History
Transferred from Benjamin Davis Wilson family photograph collection (photCL 283) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 53
Postmortem photograph of child Margaret Hereford Wilson, lying on a bier with
flowers around her
(photDAG 53)
1857
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
Variant view of photDAG 52.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Anne Patton, 1958.
Related Materials
Benjamin Davis Wilson family photograph collection, photCL 283.
Box 49
Maria de Jesus ("Sue") Wilson as a young girl about 5 or 6 years old, wearing
a necklace with a cross
(photDAG 49)
[approximately 1850]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Maria de Jesus Wilson (later Shorb) (1844-1917) was a daughter of Benjamin Davis
Wilson and Ramona Yorba Wilson; she was the wife of James De Barth Shorb. Date based
on estimated age of sitter.
Custodial History
Transferred from Benjamin Davis Wilson family photograph collection (photCL 283) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 40
Avilda Matilda Mickley Wolfe, 16 years old, wearing jewelry hand-colored
gold
(photDAG 40)
1863
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Avilda Matilda Mickley Wolfe (1847-1933). Wife of David Wolfe (photDAG 39). Date and
identification from donor, sitter's granddaughter.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary K. Wolfe, 1950.
Box 39
David Wolfe (photDAG 39)
[approximately 1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
David Wolfe (1831-1876). Husband of Avilda Matilda Mickley Wolfe (photDAG 40).
Identification from donor, sitter's granddaughter. Date based on estimated age of
sitter.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary K. Wolfe, 1950.
Box 41
Portrait of seated man, wearing waistcoat and cravat [Wolfe
family?]
(photDAG 41)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary K. Wolfe, 1950.
Box 42
Portrait of a man and woman, seated next to each other [Wolfe
family?]
(photDAG 42)
[mid-1850s-1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype in case; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary K. Wolfe, 1950.
Box 43
Portrait of a woman holding a small child [Wolfe family?] (photDAG 43)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary K. Wolfe, 1950.
Box 45
Portrait of a young boy [Wolfe family?] (photDAG 45)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mary K. Wolfe, 1950.
Box 9
Joseph Aldridge Worthington as a young man (photDAG 9)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Note originally with this item (now missing) read: "Daguerreotype of, as young man,
Aldridge Worthington, passenger on steamer 'Independence' wrecked off the coast of
[Margarita, Venezuela], 1853. 200 people drowned. He swam a mile to land with this
Bible in his pocket. Descendant of Dr. David Marchand." Research shows that this is
Joseph Aldridge Worthington (1835-1894). Date based on years of major usage of
daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs. H. M. Boehme, 1940.
Box 1
Mary A. (Worthington) McCloskey as a little girl, seated in chair (photDAG 1)
[approximately 1864-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Note with item reads: "Mary A. McCloskey, early California educator and poetess.
Former member of John C. Fremont chapter D.A.R. [Daughters of the American
Revolution]. Daughter of Aldridge Worthington. Descendant of Dr. David Marchand."
Research shows she was born approximately 1862, a daughter of Joseph Aldridge
Worthington (1835-1894) and Kate Murphy Worthington. Date based on age of sitter and
photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs. H. M. Boehme, 1940.
Box 27
Unidentified young man and woman sitting side-by-side (photDAG 27)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Grabhorn Press, 1945.
Box 28
Portrait of unidentified young man (photDAG 28)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Grabhorn Press, 1945.
Box 29
Portrait of unidentified man (photDAG 29)
[mid-1850s-1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 50 x 60 mm (ninth
plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Grabhorn Press, 1945.
Box 31
Portrait of unidentified woman wearing large white collar and striped
bow
(photDAG 31)
[approximately 1852-1860]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Photographer: George D. Hamilton, Boston. Stamped on mat: "G. D. Hamilton, 63 Court
Street." Date based on years photographer operated at this address.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Grabhorn Press, 1945.
Box 32
Portrait of unidentified man with full beard, wearing suit (photDAG 32)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Grabhorn Press, 1945.
Box 33
Portrait of two unidentified women, one younger and one older with
glasses
(photDAG 33)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Grabhorn Press, 1945.
Box 35
Portrait of unidentified woman, wearing wide lace collar (photDAG 35)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Grabhorn Press, 1945.
Box 36
Group portrait of seven businessmen, taken in California (photDAG 36)
[approximately 1853-1855]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 16.5 x 21.5 cm
(whole plate format)
Scope and Contents
Four of the men are identified in handwriting on a copy of this photograph in the
Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection (photCL 400, box 36),
by an unknown source: "Back row, left to right: William McKee, Charles Johnson, Alfred
Robinson (?) and man seated, second from right: Robert Carlisle." Photographer's
imprint on inside front cover: "Robert H. Vance, Premium Daguerrean Galleries, San
Francisco, Sacramento & Marysville." Date based on years that Vance had galleries
in these locations.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 38
Portrait of unidentified woman wearing brooch (photDAG 38)
[approximately 1855-1856]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Brooch and earrings are hand-colored gold. Photographer: Marcellus Kertson, New York.
Stamped on mat: "Kertson 421 Broadway. Cor. Canal St. N.Y." Date based on years
photographer operated at this address. A paper illustration of Abraham Lincoln and his
son Tad had been placed in the frame over the image; the ambrotype was found
underneath.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 137
Portrait of an unidentified man (photDAG 137)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 35 x 41 mm
(sixteenth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 138
Portrait of an unidentified man (photDAG 138)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 50 x 60 mm (ninth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 139
Portrait of two unidentified men posed at a gate with a studio
backdrop
(photDAG 139)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format); not cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 140
Portrait of unidentified young man in front of decorative studio
backdrop
(photDAG 140)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format); not cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 141
Portrait of young child being held still by a woman (photDAG 141)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format); not cased
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 142
Portrait of young child in a chair and a woman partially out of
view
(photDAG 142)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 90 x 63 mm, not
cased
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 143
Portrait of unidentified man (photDAG 143)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 50 x 60 mm (ninth
plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 144
Portrait of unidentified woman wearing a coat hand-colored blue (photDAG 144)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format); top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 145
Portrait of unidentified man and woman seated side-by-side (photDAG 145)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 146
Portrait of unidentified man, disheveled, with loose tie (photDAG 146)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 147
Portrait of unidentified older man and woman seated side-by-side (photDAG 147)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 148
Unidentified family portrait of a woman, two teenage girls, a young man, and
a boy
(photDAG 148)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Historical Society of Southern California photograph collection
(photCL 400) in approximately late-20th century.
Box 94
Two unidentified women, one with hand on shoulder of other (photDAG 94)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Florence Barclay Hyatt photograph collection (photCL 178) in
approximately late-20th century.
Box 63
Portrait of Civil War drummer boy and his mother (photDAG 63)
[approximately 1863]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Portrait of a Union Army drummer boy with his mother. The boy's coat buttons are
hand-colored gold. Enclosed in case was a handwritten drilling schedule titled
"Drummers Calls for Daily Duty" from "Head Quarters, U.S. Forces, Port Hudson, Aug.
17, 1863. General Order No. 16" and is signed "By command of Brig. General George L.
Andrews / George B. Halsteed [sic], Capt. & A.A.G." This manuscript is cataloged
separately, see mssHM 54994. Correct name is: George B. Halsted (1820-1911).
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Etta Lee, May 1972.
Box 68
Portrait of a young man holding a large beaver-fur hat (photDAG 68)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Cataloger's note says this is a
German
actor (source of information unknown). Date
based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Custodial History
Transferred from Pasadena Playhouse records (mssPlayhouse) in approximately late-20th
century.
Box 34
Portrait of unidentified man (photDAG 34)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Image very faint. Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1979.
Box 67
Portrait of unidentified man wearing suit with velvet collar (photDAG 67)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 11 x 14 cm
(half plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 46
Portrait of unidentified elderly man and woman seated
side-by-side
(photDAG 46)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 30
Portrait of unidentified adolescent girl wearing beaded necklace (photDAG 30)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 50 x 60 mm
(ninth plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 95
Portrait of unidentified boy and girl (photDAG 95)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 96
Portrait of unidentified young woman sitting at a table (photDAG 96)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 107
Portrait of unidentified man (photDAG 107)
[approximately 1890s-early
1900s]
Physical Description: Opalotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
Label on back reads: "Dr. Louis Carlton Harmon, 2115 Estrella Avenue, Los Angeles,
Ca." It is unclear if this is the sitter. Date based on popular usage of opalotypes, a
photograph on milky white glass.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 108
Portrait of unidentified young girl (photDAG 108)
[approximately 1890s-early
1900s]
Physical Description: Opalotype; plate 16 x 13 cm, not
cased
Scope and Contents
Date based on popular usage of opalotypes, a photograph on milky white glass.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 130
Three unidentified women with hand-colored cheeks (photDAG 130)
[approximately 1860s-1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 11 x 14 cm (half
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1998.
Box 131
Portrait of two unidentified women in hats and fancy dresses (photDAG 131)
[approximately 1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 96 x 58
mm
Scope and Contents
Date based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1998.
Box 132
Portrait of unidentified young woman holding hat (photDAG 132)
[approximately 1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1998.
Box 133
Portrait of unidentified young child holding a paper fan (photDAG 133)
[approximately 1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1998.
Box 134
Two unidentified men in hats in front of painted mountain
backdrop
(photDAG 134)
[approximately 1870s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1998.
Box 135
Two portraits of men posed with studio props (photDAG 135)
[approximately 1870s-1880s]
Physical Description: 2 tintypes; plates 96 x 70
mm
Scope and Contents
Two tintypes in one case: two men facing camera, then same two men with one pouring
alcohol into the other man's cup. The men have fishing lures, rifle, and fishing pole
props. Dated based on content and photograph format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1998.
Mining views, buildings, and other subjects Series 2
approximately 1849-1900s
Physical Description: 0.84 Linear
Feet (9 boxes)
Arrangement
Arranged by subject.
Scope and Contents
This series begins with four ambrotypes or daguerreotypes of California miners, dating
from approximately 1849-1850s. The remaining five photographs are of various subjects:
First Baptist Church, San Francisco; a steam locomotive; main street of early Western
town Orleans, California; a musical band; and a clothes washing machine displayed on a
platform.
Box 26
[Smith's Bar on Feather River, Plumas County, California?] (photDAG 26)
[approximately 1855-1865]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 11 x 14 cm (half
plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
View of a long flume across a rocky canyon at a mining site. Men can be seen standing
on flume. Probable location determined by Library staff late-20th century based on
similarity to sketch of Smith's Bar by Lamson at California Historical Society. See
collection file for correspondence and copy of sketch. Date based on years of major
usage of ambrotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Grabhorn Press, 1945.
Box 37
Five miners posed at stream with shovels and pan (photDAG 37)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 70 x 83 mm
(sixth plate format)
Scope and Contents
Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Lucy D. Rice, November 1946.
Related Materials
William E. Lovett letters to Elizabeth Lovett Lee Davis, mssHM 16515-16516.
Box 55
Mining scene of a large group of miners posed while working on a rocky
riverbed [California?]
(photDAG 55)
[approximately 1849]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 11 x 14 cm
(half plate format), top half of case missing
Scope and Contents
View of about 30 men, including some Native Americans, with tools, working along a
rocky riverbank. A diversion flume structure visible behind miners. Handwritten note
accompanying photograph reads: "Gold mine of Walter Taylor, Taylorsville, Calif. 1849.
Uncle Walter died here in 1850," though this information has been disputed, since
Taylorsville in Plumas County was not active at this time. Possibly this is another
location named Taylorsville or misinformation. See collection file for correspondence
disputing location.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from D.W. Garber, 1962.
Existence and Location of Copies
Another copy of this image, laterally reversed, is in the collection of Univerisity
of California, Berkeley, Bancroft Library, BANC PIC 1905.16242:084--CASE.
Box 54
Louisiana Company's flume on the Mokelumne River (photDAG 54)
1853 October
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 11 x 14 cm
(half plate format)
Scope and Contents
View of flume, showing details, with tents in background in a canyon. Handwriting
inside case, under plate, reads: "Louisiana Company's Flume on the Mokelumne River.
Taken Oct. 1853. View of upper part of [__?] and all of the [Ramsbottom?] and a part
of the [Minters? Bank?]." A list of names follows: "Capt. Birdsall, Boston; Capt.
Bunker, Lowell; Demithy Reid, S.C.; Horatio Reynolds; H. E. Chesebrough &
[Mathew?] Lightman; Luke Chesebrough; G. Shannon; Tom Thompson; Lorna; Shorb [C?]
& Bell." In addition, another note inside the case reads: "Chesebrough's Flume,
Maquilumne [sic] River, Calaveras Co. Cal. 1852, 1853 & 1854."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from Schoyer's Books, 1960.
Box 62
View of Main Street, Orleans, Humboldt County, California (photDAG 62)
[approximately 1840s-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 11 x 14 cm
(half plate format), not cased
Scope and Contents
Street scene with people, storefronts, and signs for the Orleans Market, Orleans
Hotel, and a jewelry store. Date based on years of major usage of daguerreotypes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from John Cumming, July 1982.
Box 61
First Baptist Church of San Francisco, built 1849 (photDAG 61)
[approximately 1849-1850s]
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 16.5 x 21.5
cm (whole plate format)
Scope and Contents
Exterior of a wooden church with a small sign above window reading "Baptist Chapel"
and people standing in the doorway. The First Baptist Church of San Francisco was
organized in 1849 by Reverend Osgood Church Wheeler.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from Shorey's Bookstore, 1964.
Existence and Location of Copies
See also a print of this image inscribed by Rev. Wheeler's daughter, Photo file
collection (photPF 1539),
Box 48
Locomotive "Sam Cruse" and tinder filled with wood (photDAG 48)
[approximately late 1850s]
Physical Description: Ambrotype; plate 8 x 11 cm
(quarter plate format)
Scope and Contents
A white man and a Black man are standing on the locomotive, which is lettered with
the name "Sam Cruse." The Black man is likely an enslaved person, based on the
estimated year and location in the South. Samuel "Sam" Cruse (1796-1864) was an
executive with the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, as was his son, Samuel Ridgely
Cruse. Date of image based on year locomotive was built, in 1856 for the Memphis &
Charleston Railroad Company.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Box 136
View of a clothes washing machine on a small platform (photDAG 136)
[approximately 1890s-1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth
plate format)
Scope and Contents
"Welcome Washing Machine" on side of machine, which has rollers, a hand crank, and
basin. Dated based on content and photograph format.
Custodial History
Transferred from Papers related to the development of Pinto Basin, California (mssHM
68351-68366), in approximately late-20th century.
Box 101
Musical band of 12 members posed outside, with instruments (photDAG 101)
[approximately
1880s-1900s]
Physical Description: Tintype; plate 8 x 11 cm (quarter
plate format)
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Provenance unknown. In library as of 1992.
Modern ambrotypes and daguerreotypes Series 3
1992-2012
Physical Description: 0.28 Linear
Feet (3 boxes)
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Contents
A group of five daguerreotypes and ambrotypes made by artists born in the mid-20th
century. Two daguerreotypes by Robert Shlaer (b. 1943) depict a New Mexico landscape,
1992, and a group portrait of 201 Huntington Library employees posed in the
institution's Japanese Garden, 2003. Barret Oliver (b. 1973) made three ambrotypes in
2012 of the mausoleum of Henry E. Huntington and Arabella Huntington on the grounds of
the Huntington Library.
Box 116
Cliff Dwellings, Frijoles Canyon, Bandelier National Monument, New
Mexico
(photDAG 116)
1992 July 24
Physical Description: Daguerreotype in frame; plate 10
x 13 cm (4 x 5 in.)
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from Robert Shlaer, March 1996.
Related Materials
Robert Shlaer daguerreotypes of the American West and research notes, photCL 617.
Scope and Contents
Landscape view of rock cliffs and dwellings. Photographer: Robert Shlaer. Title, date
and copyright etched into metal back of photograph.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright held by Robert Shlaer, 1992.
Box 154
Group portrait of Huntington Library employees in the Japanese Garden,
Huntington Library, San Marino, California
(photDAG 154)
2003 January 27
Physical Description: Daguerreotype; plate 11 x 14 cm
(half plate format), with oval black paper mat, not cased
Scope and Contents
Photographer: Robert Shlaer. View of 201 employees posed in the Japanese Garden, with
elements of the garden visible. The collection file contains a typescript key
identifying almost all of the sitters.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Commissioned from Robert Shlaer by the Huntington Library to commemorate the 100th
anniversary of Henry E. Huntington's purchase of the estate.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright held by Robert Shlaer, 2003.
Box 169-171
Huntington Mausoleum, San Marino, Ca. (photDAG 169-171)
2012
Physical Description: 3 ambrotypes; plates 20 x 25 cm
(8 x 10 in.)
Scope and Contents
A series of three ambrotypes made by photographer Barret Oliver (b. 1973) using the
wet plate collodion process. The photographs were made in conjunction with the 2012
Huntington exhibition "A Strange and Fearful Interest: Death, Mourning, and Memory in
the American Civil War." Title from photographer.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Barret Oliver, 2013.
Related Materials