Rendall, Steven Arnold (see Sutterly & Rendall)→

JAMES KIMBALL SUTTERLEY (b. c. 1834, New Jersey) & STEVEN ARNOLD RENDALL (dates unknown)Sutterley & Rendall (active in Petaluma September 24, 1870 – 1871) Sutterley worked as a daguerreian with his brother, Clement Sutterley, in Chicago from 1857 to 1860. By 1862 they had moved West working as itinerant photographers throughout Nevada, Idaho, Utah and California. Taking over the Petaluma studio of Bryan R. Johnson on September 24, 1870, J. K. Sutterley partnered with Stephen A. Rendall to establish, “Sutterley & Rendall, Photographers, Main Street, Petaluma, Cal.” They worked together until 1871 when the studio was sold to Richard Reece Percival. Palmquist, pgs. 454, 533-537; Mautz, pgs. 135 & 146.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.173.

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Noble, Skelton Stanford (see Noble & Fell)→

SKELTON STANFORD NOBLE (b. c. 1833 Missouri; active in Petaluma 1874-1876) Noble traveled throughout California staying in numerous communities for various amounts of time. He worked in Petaluma with A. W. Fell in the Noble & Fell partnership in 1874 and sometime after operated the studio by himself as the imprint of his cartes de visit replace “Noble & Fell’s” with simply “S. S. Noble, Sunbeam Gallery, Main Street, Petaluma, Cal. Next door to Wickersham’s & Co’s Bank.” Palmquist, pgs. 420-421; Mautz, pg. 99 and 128.

A. W. FELL (active in Petaluma 1874) Fell partnered with Skelton Stanford Noble in Nobel & Fell’s Sunbeam Gallery, Main Street, Petaluma, 1874. Palmquist, pgs. 420-421; Mautz, pg. 99.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.154

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Noble & Fell

SKELTON STANFORD NOBLE (b. c. 1833 Missouri; active in Petaluma 1874-1876) Noble traveled throughout California staying in numerous communities for various amounts of time. He worked in Petaluma with A. W. Fell in the Noble & Fell partnership in 1874 and sometime after operated the studio by himself as the imprint of his cartes de visit replace “Noble & Fell’s” with simply “S. S. Noble, Sunbeam Gallery, Main Street, Petaluma, Cal. Next door to Wickersham’s & Co’s Bank.” Palmquist, pgs. 420-421; Mautz, pg. 99 and 128.

A. W. FELL (active in Petaluma 1874) Fell partnered with Skelton Stanford Noble in Nobel & Fell’s Sunbeam Gallery, Main Street, Petaluma, 1874. Palmquist, pgs. 420-421; Mautz, pg. 99.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.154

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Ormsby, Elon D. (see Ross & Ormsby)→

ROSS & ORMSBY was a Petaluma photography studio operated by George Colvaine Ross (born February 12, 1832, Edinburgh, Scotland; died 1893, Petaluma, California) and Elon D. Ormsby (died March 6, 1895, Oakland, California). For information on George Ross, see his separate entry on this website: George Colvaine Ross. According to his obituary, Elon D. Ormsby arrived in San Francisco in 1866, moved to Petaluma and then Stockton, finally settling in Oakland in 1877 establishing his studio at 1055 Broadway. In Ross & Ormsby’s first Petaluma advertisement published May 20, 1869, Ormsby was touted as a former employee of the celebrated gallery of Bradley & Rulofson in San Francisco. An Oakland Tribune announcement referring to Ormsby and repeatedly published in January and February 1883, stated, “Oakland can boast of possessing the finest portrait photographer in America, as is proven by the Committee in the National competition recently held in Philadelphia.”

Petaluma Photography Studio: The Ross & Ormsby studio was located, “At Ross’ old gallery, Main Street, two doors above the Wickersham + Co’s bank”. Ross, already an established portrait photographer in Petaluma, renamed his studio, placing his new partner’s name after his own.

Active in Petaluma: The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869. Exactly when Ross & Ormsby was terminated has not been determined. The last advertisement for the studio in a Petaluma paper appeared on June 11, 1870, and the Stockton Daily Evening Herald reported on August 2, 1870 that Ormsby had set up a gallery on El Dorado Street. It is notable that the Ross & Ormsby carte de visite portrait of Charles Austin Eastman in this collection has a date of 1871 on its back side. This may be misleading; it may simply have been the result of Ross exhausting previously printed card inventory.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 163; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 461 column 2; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 20, 1869, p.2; Sonoma Democrat, June 12, 1869, p.5, column 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, June 11, 1870, p. 3; Daily Evening Herald (Stockton, CA), August 2, 1870, p. 3; Oakland Tribune, Jan. 16, 1883, p. 1; Oakland Tribune, March 6, 1895, p.3.

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Shattuck, W.L. (see La Motte Studio)→

LA MOTTE STUDIO On October 4, 1907, the Petaluma Argus-Courier reported on the front page that W. L. Shattuck, who had recently arrived into Petaluma, had purchased Brown’s photographic studio on Main Street, and that after its renovation, it would be known as La Motte Studio. Later in the year, an advertisement for La Motte Studio claimed that it provided, “Platinums in Sepia or Black and White, also Platinas”. It also declared their motto to be, “prompt delivery and satisfactory work”, and that the proprietor was W. M. Gray. There is no documentation verifying that W. L Shattuck or W. M. Gray were professional photographers. Shattuck may have simply been an investor, and Gray a manager. The photographer who created the La Motte Studio’s portraits is unidentified.

The Petaluma Argus-Courier reported on October 4, 1909, that Gray had sold the La Motte Studio to George L. Brady of Watsonville who had not announced his plans for the future. The address of the La Motte Studio was recorded as both 164 and 818 Main Street.

Active in Petaluma: October 4, 1907 - October 4, 1909

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, October 4, 1907, p. 1; December 25, 1908, p. 6; October 4, 1909, p. 3. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 9, 1908, p. 1.

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Fell, A.W. (see Noble & Fell)→

SKELTON STANFORD NOBLE (b. c. 1833 Missouri; active in Petaluma 1874-1876) Noble traveled throughout California staying in numerous communities for various amounts of time. He worked in Petaluma with A. W. Fell in the Noble & Fell partnership in 1874 and sometime after operated the studio by himself as the imprint of his cartes de visit replace “Noble & Fell’s” with simply “S. S. Noble, Sunbeam Gallery, Main Street, Petaluma, Cal. Next door to Wickersham’s & Co’s Bank.” Palmquist, pgs. 420-421; Mautz, pg. 99 and 128.

A. W. FELL (active in Petaluma 1874) Fell partnered with Skelton Stanford Noble in Nobel & Fell’s Sunbeam Gallery, Main Street, Petaluma, 1874. Palmquist, pgs. 420-421; Mautz, pg. 99.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.154

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Easterly, George Bascombe (see Easterly & Company)→

GEORGE BASCOMBE EASTERLY (b. 1859 Russell County, Virginia; d. 1906 Lake County, California) (active in Petaluma 1891-1895) Easterly opened a studio, Easterly & Company, in Petaluma in 1892 and moved to Lake County, California in 1895 where he opened a studio in the community of Glenbrook.

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Joslin, Amon James Tuft (see Joslin & Company/Petaluma Photo Parlors)→

JOSLIN & COMPANY was established by the photographer Amon James Tuft Joslin. Under the name of Joslin & Company, he and his assistant(s) operated the photography studio under the name “Petaluma Photo Parlors”. It was located at 850 Main Street opposite the American Hotel.

Active in Petaluma: Joslin opened the Petaluma Photo Parlors in November of 1893, and left the studio, departing Petaluma for Chico, in April 1897.

Biographical Note: Amon James Tuft Joslin was born in 1839 in Rockwood, New York and died in 1913 in San Benito County, California. He is best known for his association with an ambrotype taken of Abraham Lincoln on May 27, 1857 in Danville, Illinois. The portrait remains a subject of controversy. According to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Joslin had worked for John M. Pickett as a photographic assistant in Iowa in the 1860s. This was reported in 1895 when Pickett was working as a photographer in Hollister, California and in October of that year traveled to Petaluma to visit his former employee. Between 1893 and 1897, Joslin spent three and one half eventful years in Petaluma as a photographer. He announced the opening of his studio declaring, “instantaneous exposures”, “views and interior work to order”, and “special attention given to enlarging small pictures in crayon, ink, oils and water colors”. In December 1895 Joslin’s wife was poisoned when she mistook his photographic chemicals for cider. In May 1896 Joslin’s photographic assistant, S. W. Freeze was arrested for stealing Joslin’s photographic equipment. In April 1897, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that Joslin and his wife enjoyed their years in Petaluma, but decided to transfer to Chico, California where Joslin had already opened a photographic studio. In December 1897 the paper reported that Joslin had written a letter and sent photographs of scenery taken in Lassen County, and that he was soon to start off for the state of Illinois. It is of note that from July 13 through July 22, 1898 the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier ran an advertisement announcing the sale of photographs “below cost” at the “Petaluma Gallery” described as “Joslin’s Old Gallery” located opposite the American Hotel.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 141; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Nov. 22, 1893, p.7; Dec. 6, 1893, p.1; Oct. 1, 1895, p.4; Dec. 17, 1895, p.1; May 27, 1896, p.1; July 15, 1896, p.5; April 5, 1897 p.1 and 3; Dec. 4, 1897, p.3; July 13, 1898, p.2.

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Healy, Edwin Ruthven (see Healy Ground Floor Gallery)→

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (b. 1856 Moscow, Iowa; d. Marin County, California 1923) and ADA “ADDIE” V. GOSSAGE HEALY (b. 1860 Petaluma, California; d. Berkeley, California 1923). Edwin and Ada Healy were married, and both were listed in California directories as photographers. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. Ada was a native of Petaluma and a daughter of the Petaluma pioneers, Jerome Bonaparte Gossage (1824-1886) and Rachel Ann Henry Gossage (1831-1912). Edwin, a native of Iowa, was listed in 1879 as working in Petaluma as a painter. After their marriage in 1881, Ada and Edwin moved often within California, serially establishing photography studios in Oakland, San Francisco, St. Helena, and Hanford before returning to Petaluma in 1896 to open the “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” at 816 Main Street. It has been concluded that Edwin and Ada served as their studio’s photographers; however, between August 1903 and February 1904, the Healy gallery was managed by William Blodgett Cook( b. 1861), a photographer associated with Woodland and Colusa, California. There is one portrait in this archive taken by Cook at the Healy Gallery. After securing the services of the marketing company, C. W. Mills, the Healy’s sold their gallery in June 1905 to photographer Thorsten Lawson. The Petaluma Morning Courier reported that the E. R. Healy Gallery changed hands and that “Mr. Healy will devote his time to his mining interests.” The 1905 Sonoma County Directory listed Edwin’s occupation as “mining”, and listed Ada as a photographer.

While living in Petaluma, Ada and Edwin resided at 785 Keller Street and later at 857 Fifth Street. They lived together in Petaluma for nine years and were active members of the community. Ada was a soloist who participated in many musical presentations and organized and served the local order of the Rathbone Sisters. Edwin was a prominent member of the Order of Pythias and the Brotherhood of American Yeoman. Possibly out of concern for his camera equipment, he spearheaded a successful community project to purchase and operate a sprinkling wagon to control the dust in downtown Petaluma stirred up by traffic on Main Street. Ada and Edwin had four children: Myrtle, Clyde, Ester, and Virgie, their youngest, who died tragically at 15. In March 1906, Ada and Edwin moved to Berkeley, where their daughter, Myrtle, attended university. Both are buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: “Healy Ground Floor Gallery” 816 Main Street, and later at 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California

Active in Petaluma: 1896 to June 1905

Bibliography: Palmquist, Peter, E., “Healy, Addie G.,” Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography Before 1901, Eureka Printing Co., 1990, pp. 111 -112; Palmquist, Peter E., “Healy, Addie G.”, Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography 1900-1920, Eureka Printing Co., 1991, pp. 164-165; Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 134; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, October 15, 1897, p. 2; April 9, 1898, p. 1; September, 25, 1902, p.1; August 14, 1903, p.4; June 22, 1905, p.1; June 25, 1905, p. 1; March 21, 1906, p.1. Petaluma Argus-Courier, May 25, 1905, p.2; June 30, 1905, p.6; March 9, 1923, p. 3; January 29, 1923, p.5. Woodland Daily Democrat, February 26, 1904; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

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Healy, Ada “Addie” Gossage (see Healy Ground Floor Gallery)→

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (b. 1856 Moscow, Iowa; d. Marin County, California 1923) and ADA “ADDIE” V. GOSSAGE HEALY (b. 1860 Petaluma, California; d. Berkeley, California 1923). Edwin and Ada Healy were married, and both were listed in California directories as photographers. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. Ada was a native of Petaluma and a daughter of the Petaluma pioneers, Jerome Bonaparte Gossage (1824-1886) and Rachel Ann Henry Gossage (1831-1912). Edwin, a native of Iowa, was listed in 1879 as working in Petaluma as a painter. After their marriage in 1881, Ada and Edwin moved often within California, serially establishing photography studios in Oakland, San Francisco, St. Helena, and Hanford before returning to Petaluma in 1896 to open the “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” at 816 Main Street. It has been concluded that Edwin and Ada served as their studio’s photographers; however, between August 1903 and February 1904, the Healy gallery was managed by William Blodgett Cook( b. 1861), a photographer associated with Woodland and Colusa, California. There is one portrait in this archive taken by Cook at the Healy Gallery. After securing the services of the marketing company, C. W. Mills, the Healy’s sold their gallery in June 1905 to photographer Thorsten Lawson. The Petaluma Morning Courier reported that the E. R. Healy Gallery changed hands and that “Mr. Healy will devote his time to his mining interests.” The 1905 Sonoma County Directory listed Edwin’s occupation as “mining”, and listed Ada as a photographer.

While living in Petaluma, Ada and Edwin resided at 785 Keller Street and later at 857 Fifth Street. They lived together in Petaluma for nine years and were active members of the community. Ada was a soloist who participated in many musical presentations and organized and served the local order of the Rathbone Sisters. Edwin was a prominent member of the Order of Pythias and the Brotherhood of American Yeoman. Possibly out of concern for his camera equipment, he spearheaded a successful community project to purchase and operate a sprinkling wagon to control the dust in downtown Petaluma stirred up by traffic on Main Street. Ada and Edwin had four children: Myrtle, Clyde, Ester, and Virgie, their youngest, who died tragically at 15. In March 1906, Ada and Edwin moved to Berkeley, where their daughter, Myrtle, attended university. Both are buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” 816 Main Street, and later at 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California

Active in Petaluma: 1896 to June 1905

Bibliography: Palmquist, Peter, E., “Healy, Addie G.,” Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography Before 1901, Eureka Printing Co., 1990, pp. 111 -112; Palmquist, Peter E., “Healy, Addie G.”, Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography 1900-1920, Eureka Printing Co., 1991, pp. 164-165; Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 134; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, October 15, 1897, p. 2; April 9, 1898, p. 1; September, 25, 1902, p.1; August 14, 1903, p.4; June 22, 1905, p.1; June 25, 1905, p. 1; March 21, 1906, p.1. Petaluma Argus-Courier, May 25, 1905, p.2; June 30, 1905, p.6; March 9, 1923, p. 3; January 29, 1923, p.5. Woodland Daily Democrat, February 26, 1904; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

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Cook, William Blodgett

WILLIAM BLODGETT COOK: Carl Mautz records that William Blodgett Cook was active as a photographer in Willows, California between 1866 and 1895. Mautz also records that Cook operated photo studios in Placerville, Auburn and Colusa, California.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: It was reported in the Petaluma Argus-Courier on March 7, 1900 that “W. B. Cook of Colusa, an old friend of Rev. Allen, has purchased the business of Roy Crawford, photographer.” The name Cook gave to this studio, which was located at 850 Main Street opposite the American Hotel, has not been determined, and no photographs have been found that were taken at this location. He advertised his services throughout the spring and early summer of 1900, but left Petaluma for Colusa, California in late June. It appears Cook managed photo studios in both Colusa and Woodland around this time. In 1903 his Woodland, California studio was taken over by F. L. McKay, and the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier on August 14, 1903 reported that Cook was to take charge of the Healy photographic parlors on Main Street while E. R. Healy attended to the interests of his goldmines. On August 20, 1903 the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that Cook’s household goods were moved from Woodland to the Blackburn house on B Street. Cook stayed only a short time in Petaluma. He was last mentioned in Petaluma papers in December 1903, and it was reported in the Woodland Daily Democrat on February 26, 1904 that he had left Petaluma to return to his ranch west of Woodland.

Active in Petaluma: March 1900 to June 1900; August 1903 to February 1904

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 114. Petaluma Argus-Courier, March 7, 1900, p.1; March 19, 1900, p.3. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, March 12, 1900, p.3; March 19, 1900, p.1; June 27, 1900, p. 1; August 14, 1903, p.4; August 20, 1903, p.1. Woodland Daily Democrat, July 27, 1903, p.4; January 7, 1904, p. 1; February 26, 1904, p. 4.

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Goehner, Gustave Adolph

GUSTAVE ADOLPH GOEHNER  was born in 1852 or 1853 in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1870. According to Wisconsin history records, Goehner began working as a photographer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1886. Minnesota Historical Society records document him working as a photographer in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the 1890s. By June 1906, he arrived in Petaluma and established his photographic studio on the upper floor of the Wickersham building on Western Avenue. An announcement for the studio opening proclaimed, “Mr. Goehner’s reputation as a photographer extends from New York to San Francisco and as an author of photographic works and an authority of photographic crafts he is not only well and favorably known in America but in Europe as well.” On May 13, 1912, Goehner posted a notice in the Petaluma Argus-Courier addressed to all amateur photographers, “Kodakers”, announcing the intention to form a camera club and to hold its first meeting at Brady’s Studio, 170 Main Street, over the Gem Theater. By 1922, Goehner had retired and moved to Southern California. In the summer of 1923, he worked with his son, Gustaf, to produce the scenery for the Los Gatos, California Annual Pageant.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: In June 1906, Goehner opened his Petaluma photographic studio on the upper floor of the Wickersham building on Western Avenue. On August 13, 1915, a newspaper announcement reported that he had reopened his old studio at 17 Western Avenue. He may have temporarily closed his studio for renovation. The announcement described “Goehner’s Home Studio” as newly equipped with the best lenses and cameras.

Active in Petaluma: June 1906 - early 1920s

Bibliography: http://www.jsenterprises.com/john/famhist/html/I397.html; https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/pdfs/WHI-Wisconsin-Photographers-Index-1840-1976.pdf; https://mnhs.gitlab.io/archive/photographers/www.mnhs.org/people/photographers/G.html. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, June 28, 1906, p. 3; August 13, 1915, p. 3. Petaluma Argus-Courier, August 4, 1906, p.4; May 13, 1912, p.6. Los Gatos Star, June 21, 1923, p.1; June 28, 1923, p.10.

Hough, Earl Burton

EARL BURTON HOUGH was born in 1878, 1879, or 1880 in Martinez, California, and died in 1976 in Redford, Michigan. As a young man, he worked for the famous San Francisco portrait photographer Isaiah West Taber (1830-1912). In 1900, he married Beatrice Minerva Singleton in San Rafael, California, and they immediately moved to Honolulu, Hawaii.  Hough soon returned to California and, by the end of 1901, was working in Petaluma at the E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery. By February 1902, Hough opened his own Petaluma photographic studio, which, according to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, was “an elaborate affair”.  Additionally, Hough employed the retoucher, Julius Geohner of Chicago, to assist with his work. Hough employed several techniques to attract customers to his studio: vintage photographs from Petaluma’s past with many recognizable “old-timers” were displayed; “new platinum artist proof photos” were offered to each person placing an order; and the city officers were invited to sit for their portraits with the expectation of installing them at City Hall.  Hough’s efforts appear to have been in vain; his Petaluma studio was in business for only five months. 

Petaluma Photographic Studio: The location of Hough’s studio was reported to be in the space formerly occupied by the J. C. Wahlen jewelry store on Main Street in the Phoenix block.  Hough advertised his studio in the Petaluma Argus-Courier from March through May 1902.  Some advertisements reported the address as 835 Main Street, but others reported 823 Main Street. In May 1902, his studio was described as “across the street from the Argus office”.  On May 25, 1902, it was reported that Robert Peterson Dammand (1855-1936) had purchased Hough’s gallery and that Dammand would take possession on the first of  June.

Active in Petaluma: February 1902 to June 1902

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier: April 17, 1902, p.4; March 17, 1902, p.4; May 25, 1902, p.1. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier: January 20, 1902, p.4; January 23, 1902, p.2; February 17, 1902, p.1; March 1, 1902, p.3; March 14, 1902, p.4; April 12, 1902, p.1; April 17, 1902, p.1; May 9, 1902, p.1; May, 26, 1902, p.4; June 25, 1902, p.4. San Francisco Call, June 8, 1900, p. 9.

As of 2022, there are no portraits by Earl Burton Hough in this archive.  

Dammand (Dammond), Robert Peterson

ROBERT PETERSON DAMMAND (Dammond) was born on September 6, 1855, in Horsens, Denmark, and died on January 27, 1936, in Glendale, California. He emigrated to the United States in 1880, settling in Story City, Iowa. During the 1880s, Dammand worked as a photographer in Des Moines, Iowa. He partnered with C. J. Daugherty at 500 East Walnut Street, and together they produced a series of stereographs entitled “Views of Des Moines & Vicinity”. He later moved to Southern California, setting up studios in San Diego and Escondido. By December 1898, Dammand returned to Iowa, setting up a studio in Oskaloosa. By November 1901, Dammand moved to Petaluma, took up residence on D Street, and located his photographic studio opposite the American Hotel over the Steiger Building on Main Street. Beginning in 1902, Dammand ran advertisements in the local Petaluma papers that claimed, “Go to R. P. Dammond, opposite American Hotel, he will make you anything you want from a stamp to a life size portrait. He does the cheapest and best work in town.” Dammand produced a variety of cabinet cards depicting individuals as well as group portraits. In May 1902, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that he photographed the members of the Y division of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. In late July 1905, Dammand departed Petaluma to set up a studio in Richmond, California. This photographer’s name appears in newspapers and on his photographs’ imprints at times as “Dammand” and at others as “Dammond”. Research has not ascertained an official date for this change; it may simply be that the versions were used interchangeably.

Petaluma Photography Studio: R. P. Dammand (Dammond), Petaluma Photo Parlors CAL. In September 1901, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that J. W. McMillan had “disposed of his photograph business to R. P. Dammand of San Diego”. From November 1901 until April 1902, Dammand advertised his studio in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier as “opposite the American Hotel”. This location was also described as over “Steiger’s store”. In May 1902, Dammand purchased Earl Burton Hough’s photograph parlors located on Petaluma’s Main Street in the Phoenix Block. Beginning in June 1902, the wares of the jewelry store owned by C. V. Mount were displayed in the studio. Throughout April and May 1905, Dammand advertised his gallery in the Petaluma Argus-Courier as “over the Racket store”. Throughout June and July 1905, it was advertised as “over Atwater’s store”, and customers were advised to come soon because Dammand intended to depart Petaluma on or about July 15.

Active in Petaluma: November 1901 to July 1905

Bibliography:

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Petaluma Photo Gallery

The Petaluma Photo Gallery was advertised between July 7 and July 23, 1898 in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier. The advertisement was run 16 times and is the only mention of the gallery in the Petaluma papers. The large advertisement for the gallery claimed that photographs were available below cost and were finished by a, “First-Class Workman from San Francisco”. At the bottom of the advertisement was written, “Remember the place is Opp. American Hotel, Joslin’s Old Gallery”. Amon James Tuft Joslin had departed Petaluma for Chico, California in April of 1897, presumably leaving his photographic studio “opposite the American Hotel” empty and available at 850 Main Street.

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Ross, George Colvaine

GEORGE COLVAINE ROSS was born February 12, 1832 in Edinburgh, Scotland and died in 1893 at the age of 60 in Petaluma, California. Prior to his arrival in Petaluma, Ross was a dance instructor in Napa, California teaching classes at the Napa Gymnasium between November 1862 and January 1863. Unlike the other nineteenth century Petaluma photographers, Ross lived in Petaluma for many years. Arriving in Petaluma in 1855 at age 23, he established a house painting business and later taught dancing lessons as a side business. In 1862 he began his profession as a photographer, moving his studio within the city several times as noted on his various carte de visite and cabinet card imprints. In 1869 he was also part of a short-lived, photographic studio partnership with E. D. Ormsby on Main Street in Petaluma, (see Ross and Ormsby). Ross was among the most prolific Petaluma portrait photographers, and his work was of exceptionally high quality. Ross was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park. It is notable that in his will, Ross bequeathed $500 to his fellow Petaluma photographer and competitor, John Quincy Reed, (Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 31, 1893, p.1).

Petaluma Photographic Studio: George Ross moved his studio within Petaluma several times. His first studio was advertised beginning in July of 1863 as located on Main Street in the Old Post Office opposite the Phoenix Block. Beginning in June of 1864, his studio was advertised as located over Snow’s Cheap Cash Store in Maynard’s New Building on Main Street. During Ross’ brief partnership with *** Ormsby, their studio was advertised beginning in May of 1869 as located on Main Street two doors above Wickersham & Company Bank. Ross studio located above Chapman’s Furniture Store opposite the American Hotel opened in September, 1870. What appears to have been Ross’ last studio location was opened by 1880 on 36 Main Street Opposite the American Hotel, and Ross continued at that location until his retirement in****.

Active in Petaluma: July 1862 - sometime after 1892. George Ross arrived in Petaluma in 1855, but did not begin his professional career as a portraitist until July 19, 1862 when he opened his first photographic studio. He continued to serve the community of Petaluma as a portrait photographer until, “the illness which resulted in his death compelled him to retire.” According to his obituary, Ross became disabled in 1888, 5 years before his death, but he continued to produce portraits at least until 1892.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 163; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 461-463; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Jean Rosenbloom, “George Ross - Petaluma Photographer,” The Photographist, no. 38 (Fall 1977), p.14; Napa County Reporter, Nov. 29, 1862, p. 3, column 2; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 31, 1893, p.1; Sonoma Democrat,Vol. XXXVI, No. 16, January 28,1893, p. 6, column 3. ; The Daily Courier, Petaluma, January 31, 1893, p.1.

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Anderson, Hugh S.

HUGH S. ANDERSON was born in 1826 in Scotland and died in 1900 in San Francisco, California. He worked as an ambrotypist and paper photographer in Eureka, Hydesville, and San Francisco, California before opening his “Sunbeam Gallery” in Petaluma. According to the Petaluma Weekly Argus, Anderson was operating his gallery in Petaluma as early as January 1872. Between February 1873 and October 1873 Anderson advertised his gallery in the Petaluma newspapers as located, “At the Old Stand, Opposite H. C. Taft & Co.’s”. By December 1873 Anderson’s “Sunbeam Gallery” was taken over by Noble & Fell. By 1876, Anderson had returned to San Francisco to work as a photographer for William Shew. Later in his life, Anderson worked as a photographic supply salesman and a manufacturer of cameras.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Anderson operated his “Sunbeam Gallery”, “At the Old Stand, Opposite H.C. Taft & Co.’s”, 649 Main Street.

Active in Petaluma: c. January 1872 - c. December 1873

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 100; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 82-84; Peter Palmquist, “Hugh S. Anderson,” Daguerreian Annual, Lake Charles, LA, Daguerreian Society, 1991, pp. 247-51; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Jan. 27, 1872, p.3; Petaluma Evening Argus, Feb. 18, 1873, p. 1; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Dec. 5, 1873, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Dec. 19, 1873, p.2.

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Brown, Charles S.

CHARLES S. BROWN’S birth and death dates have not been determined. In February 1906, he established the “Brown Studio” in Petaluma at 818 Main Street, the space previously occupied by the photographer Thorsten Lawson who in turn had purchased the space from photographers Edwin and Ada Healy. On October 7, 1907, the drill team of the Petaluma Lodge of Fraternal Brotherhood was photographed in full uniform at Brown Studio. Later that month, the Brown Studio was purchased by W. L. Shattuck and renamed La Motte Studio.

Petaluma Studio: “Brown Studio”, 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California.

Active in Petaluma: February 1906 - October 1907

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, February 24, 1906, p.3; October 6, 1906, p.8; October 4, 1907, p. 1; October 7, 1907, p.4. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, March 3, 1906, p. 1.

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Butler, Edward Payson

EDWARD PAYSON BUTLER was born in 1834 in Clinton, Pennsylvania and died in 1923 in Saratoga, California. Butler was an ambrotypist and paper photographer, and in January 1862 he took over the photographic gallery of Giles Pease Kellogg located within Petaluma’s Phoenix Block and renamed it, “Butler’s Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery”. Butler marketed himself as Kellogg’s successor and proclaimed in his advertisements, “In order to meet the demands of the times, I am now taking pictures of all styles, in the very best manner, at the following reduced rates: medium ambrotype pictures, taken for $1.00 to $1.50 each. Photographs, full size $3.00 for the first and $1.00 for each additional one. Album and card pictures, $4.00 per dozen. Daguerreotypes copied and pictures inserted in rings and lockets, in superior style. Views of buildings taken at short notice. Pictures of children taken in the best manner. Entire satisfaction guaranteed.” This was followed by an invitation to call and examine specimens of his work at his residence on the second floor of the Washington Hotel. According to the Petaluma Argus, Butler co-partnered with Bryan Johnson in December 1862, and they worked together at the gallery until April 1863 when Johnson took sole possession of the business. Butler departed Petaluma in May 1863 and continued his work as a photographer in the California cities of Watsonville, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz, and in the Nevada cities of Virginia City and Reno.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Butler opened his “Butler’s Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery” in July 1862 within Petaluma’s Phoenix Block second floor, Main Street.

Active in Petaluma: January 1862 - April 1863

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 110; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, p. 143; Sonoma County Journal, January 17, 1862, p. 2; Petaluma Argus, July 16, 1862, p. 3; Petaluma Argus, December 31, 1862; Sonoma Democrat, December 6, 1862, p. 4, column 5.

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits that can be definitively attributed to this important, early photographer; however, there are several early ambrotypes without an identified photographer which may have been created by him. You can find these portraits by typing “Butler” in the search bar above.

Crawford, Roy

ROY CRAWFORD’S birth and death dates have not been determined. According to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Roy Crawford set out his sign for the “Crawford Gallery” in April 1898 in front of the Tann building on Main Street. By September 1898 he had moved into the space formerly occupied by the “Joslin Gallery” at 850 Main Street, opposite the American Hotel. In March 1900 it was reported in the Petaluma Argus-Courier that W. B. Cook, a photographer from Colusa, had purchased the “Crawford Gallery”.

Petaluma Photography Studio: Between April 1898 and September 1898, the “Crawford Gallery” was located “in front of the Tann building”, Main Street. Between September 1898 and March 1900 it was located opposite the American Hotel at 850 Main Street.

Active in Petaluma: April 1898 - March 1900

Bibliography: Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, April 6, 1898, p. 3; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Sept. 30, 1898, p. 4; Petaluma Argus-Courier, March 7, 1900, p.1.

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Dowe, Lewis

LEWIS DOWE was born in 1837 in Hanover, Grafton County, New Hampshire and died in 1919 in Portland, Oregon. He arrived in Petaluma in September 1875 and set up his photography studio in the rooms formerly occupied by photographer Hugh Anderson (b. 1826; d.1900; active in Petaluma Jan. 1872 - Dec. 1873) which were located at 649 Main Street. Dowe worked in Petaluma as both a “view” and portrait photographer. He and his wife were musicians and very socially active in Petaluma throughout their seven year residency. The couple lived on D Street and in October of 1878 the Petaluma Weekly Argus made special note of the fact that they installed a telephone line between their home and photography studio. The Petaluma Courier reported in November 1880 that Dowe created a “life-size” portrait of General Vallejo stating, “It is as perfect as can be, and shows the old soldier to the best advantage.” In March 1882 Dowe departed Petaluma and continued his profession in San Francisco. As early as March 15, George Ross (1832-1893), a fellow Petaluma photographer, purchased Dowe’s negatives, and Ross advertised in Petaluma newspapers between March 15, 1882 and October 1887 that he would make copies from Dowe’s negatives “on the most advantageous terms”. Dowe’s obituary, published in the The Oregon Daily Journal, stated, “He was reputed to be the first man on the coast to manufacture dry plates and portable cameras.”

Petaluma Photography Studio: It was reported Dowe’s studio occupied the same space which had previously been utilized by the Petaluma photographer, Hugh Anderson which were located at 649 Main Street.

Active in Petaluma: September 1875 to March 1882

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 119; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Sept. 17, 1875, p.3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Oct. 25, 1878, p. 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 16, 1879, p. 3; The Petaluma Courier, Nov. 17, 1880, p. 3; The Petaluma Courier, March 8, 1882, p. 3; The Petaluma Courier, March 15, 1882, p. 3; The Oregon Daily Journal, Nov. 30, 1919, p.18.

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Easterly & Company

GEORGE BASCOMBE EASTERLY (b. 1859 Russell County, Virginia; d. 1906 Lake County, California) (active in Petaluma 1891-1895). On September 23, 1891 the Petaluma Courier reported that Easterly & Company had taken over Sheppard’s gallery. This gallery was located one door above the First National Bank at 649 Main Street. By 1895 George Easterly had moved to Lake County, California where he opened a studio in the community of Glenbrook.

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Healy Ground Floor Gallery

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (b. 1856 Moscow, Iowa; d. Marin County, California 1923) and ADA “ADDIE” V. GOSSAGE HEALY (b. 1860 Petaluma, California; d. Berkeley, California 1923). Edwin and Ada Healy were married, and both were listed in California directories as photographers. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. Ada was a native of Petaluma and a daughter of the Petaluma pioneers, Jerome Bonaparte Gossage (1824-1886) and Rachel Ann Henry Gossage (1831-1912). Edwin, a native of Iowa, was listed in 1879 as working in Petaluma as a painter. After their marriage in 1881, Ada and Edwin moved often within California, serially establishing photography studios in Oakland, San Francisco, St. Helena, and Hanford before returning to Petaluma in 1896 to open the “E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery” at 816 Main Street. It has been concluded that Edwin and Ada served as their studio’s photographers; however, between August 1903 and February 1904, the Healy gallery was managed by William Blodgett Cook( b. 1861), a photographer associated with Woodland and Colusa, California. There is one portrait in this archive taken by Cook at the Healy Gallery. After securing the services of the marketing company, C. W. Mills, the Healy’s sold their gallery in June 1905 to photographer Thorsten Lawson. The Petaluma Morning Courier reported that the E. R. Healy Gallery changed hands and that “Mr. Healy will devote his time to his mining interests.” The 1905 Sonoma County Directory listed Edwin’s occupation as “mining”, and listed Ada as a photographer.

While living in Petaluma, Ada and Edwin resided at 785 Keller Street and later at 857 Fifth Street. They lived together in Petaluma for nine years and were active members of the community. Ada was a soloist who participated in many musical presentations and organized and served the local order of the Rathbone Sisters. Edwin was a prominent member of the Order of Pythias and the Brotherhood of American Yeoman. Possibly out of concern for his camera equipment, he spearheaded a successful community project to purchase and operate a sprinkling wagon to control the dust in downtown Petaluma stirred up by traffic on Main Street. Ada and Edwin had four children: Myrtle, Clyde, Ester, and Virgie, their youngest, who died tragically at 15. In March 1906, Ada and Edwin moved to Berkeley, where their daughter, Myrtle, attended university. Both are buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: “Healy Ground Floor Gallery” 816 Main Street, and later at 818 Main Street, Petaluma, California

Active in Petaluma: 1896 to June 1905

Bibliography: Palmquist, Peter, E., “Healy, Addie G.,” Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography Before 1901, Eureka Printing Co., 1990, pp. 111 -112; Palmquist, Peter E., “Healy, Addie G.”, Shadowcatchers, A Dictionary of Women in California Photography 1900-1920, Eureka Printing Co., 1991, pp. 164-165; Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 134; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, October 15, 1897, p. 2; April 9, 1898, p. 1; September, 25, 1902, p.1; August 14, 1903, p.4; June 22, 1905, p.1; June 25, 1905, p. 1; March 21, 1906, p.1. Petaluma Argus-Courier, May 25, 1905, p.2; June 30, 1905, p.6; March 9, 1923, p. 3; January 29, 1923, p.5. Woodland Daily Democrat, February 26, 1904; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers

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Johnson, Bryan R.

BRYAN R. JOHNSON was born c. 1834 in New York State, but his death date and location have not been determined. He worked as a daguerreotypist, ambrotypist, and paper photographer in San Francesco (c. 1856-1857), Benicia (1858), and Oakland (1860) before arriving in Petaluma. According to an advertisement in the Petaluma Argus, Johnson entered a partnership with Edward Payson Butler in December 1862. They worked together at the “Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery” which had been opened by Butler in July 1862 within the “Phenix Block” on Petaluma’s Main Street. In April 1863, Johnson took sole possession of the studio and renamed it “Johnson’s Premium Pioneer Photographic Gallery”. In 1864 he relocated his studio twice, finally settling in the Doyle Building over the Morris Cigar Store on Main Street. His cartes de visites produced at this final location bear the imprint, “From B. R. Johnson’s Photographic Establishment, Doyle’s Building, Main Street, Petaluma”. Johnson advertised himself as doing “First Class Work” and his Petaluma studio as outfitted “in the most splendid style” featuring “the late improved frosted Lites, more generally used in the Eastern Cities”. In 1865 he traveled to New York City to study the recent improvements in photography demonstrated at the gallery of Mathew B. Brady and then returned to his Petaluma studio, which according to the Petaluma Weekly Argus, he sold to William Henry Lentz in October 1866.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Johnson worked at the “Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery”, Phoenix Block, second floor, Main Street in partnership with Edward Payson Butler between December 1862 - April, 1863. Johnson operated his “Johnson’s Premium Pioneer Photographic Gallery”, on Main Street in the Doyle Building over the Morris Cigar Store between April 1864 - October 1866.

Active in Petaluma: Johnson was active in Petaluma beginning in December 1862. He sold his studio in October 1866, but according to Peter Palmquist, he continued working in Petaluma until at least 1867.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 140; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 325-326; Johnson PDF; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Argus, Dec. 31, 1862, p. 2; Petaluma Argus, April 29, 1863, p.2; Petaluma Argus, Sept. 30, 1863, p.3; ; Petaluma Weekly Argus, April 21, 1864, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Oct. 4, 1866, p.2.

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Joslin & Company/Petaluma Photo Parlors

JOSLIN & COMPANY was established by the photographer Amon James Tuft Joslin. Under the name of Joslin & Company, he and his assistant(s) operated the photography studio under the name “Petaluma Photo Parlors”. It was located at 850 Main Street opposite the American Hotel.

Active in Petaluma: Joslin opened the Petaluma Photo Parlors in November of 1893, and left the studio, departing Petaluma for Chico, in April 1897.

Biographical Note: Amon James Tuft Joslin was born in 1839 in Rockwood, New York and died in 1913 in San Benito County, California. He is best known for his association with an ambrotype taken of Abraham Lincoln on May 27, 1857 in Danville, Illinois. The portrait remains a subject of controversy. According to the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Joslin had worked for John M. Pickett as a photographic assistant in Iowa in the 1860s. This was reported in 1895 when Pickett was working as a photographer in Hollister, California and in October of that year traveled to Petaluma to visit his former employee. Between 1893 and 1897, Joslin spent three and one half eventful years in Petaluma as a photographer. He announced the opening of his studio declaring, “instantaneous exposures”, “views and interior work to order”, and “special attention given to enlarging small pictures in crayon, ink, oils and water colors”. In December 1895 Joslin’s wife was poisoned when she mistook his photographic chemicals for cider. In May 1896 Joslin’s photographic assistant, S. W. Freeze was arrested for stealing Joslin’s photographic equipment. In April 1897, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier reported that Joslin and his wife enjoyed their years in Petaluma, but decided to transfer to Chico, California where Joslin had already opened a photographic studio. In December 1897 the paper reported that Joslin had written a letter and sent photographs of scenery taken in Lassen County, and that he was soon to start off for the state of Illinois. It is of note that from July 13 through July 22, 1898 the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier ran an advertisement announcing the sale of photographs “below cost” at the “Petaluma Gallery” described as “Joslin’s Old Gallery” located opposite the American Hotel.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 141; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, Nov. 22, 1893, p.7; Dec. 6, 1893, p.1; Oct. 1, 1895, p.4; Dec. 17, 1895, p.1; May 27, 1896, p.1; July 15, 1896, p.5; April 5, 1897 p.1 and 3; Dec. 4, 1897, p.3; July 13, 1898, p.2.

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Kellogg, Giles Pease

GILES PEASE KELLOGG (b. c. 1825 Massachusetts; active in Petaluma, 1856-1862). Kellogg is the first photographer documented as working in Petaluma. On January 10, 1856 he established Kellogg’s Daguerrean Gallery (aka Petaluma Daguerrean Rooms) on Main Street in Petaluma, “next door to Dr. Brown’s Drug Store”. In his early advertisements, he is proclaimed to be a “Daguerrean Artist” and his daguerreotypes as “perfect likenesses”. His gallery is described as a splendid suite of rooms, with an operating room “furnished with a mammoth sky-light, arranged on the most scientific plan, which, with the latest improvements in cameras, apparatus and chemicals enables Mr. Kellogg to produce pictures of the ‘human face divine’ in a style of excellence not to be surpassed.” By May 1856, Kellogg was offering a new type of portrait to his clients, the ambrotype, which he described as a “new and most perfect method” especially appropriate “for taking true and correct pictures of children and infants”. Late in 1857 Kellogg advertised that he was now producing images with “colors beautifully blended.”

Kellogg married Millie D. Laird (1837-1863) in Sonoma, California on August 26, 1858. (The Society of California Pioneers Museum and Library owns a notable carte de visite portrait of Kellogg taken by his fellow Petaluma photographer, Brian Johnson. Its inscription is a marriage proposal to Millie.)  In April 1860, Kellogg moved his studio to Petaluma’s Phoenix Block,  and advertised it as an ambrotype gallery where he was, “…prepared to furnish shadows true to life, at a very low figure.” He also advertised that at this location, “Ambrotypes of deceased persons taken on the shortest notice.” In January 1862, Edward Payson Butler took over the studio.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Kellogg’s Daguerrean Gallery aka Petaluma Daguerrean Rooms, Main Street, Petaluma, January 1856 - April 1860. Kellogg’s Ambrotype Galleries, Phoenix Block, Second Floor, April 1860 - January 1862.

Active in Petaluma: January 1856 to January 1862

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus, Sept. 3, 1861, p.2; Nov. 19, 1861, p.2. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, May 2, 1904, p.3. Sonoma County Journal, January 19, 1856, p. 3; Feb. 9, 1856, p.2; May 3, 1856, p.2; Aug. 29, 1856, p.3; Jan. 2, 1857, p.2; Ja. 9, 1857, p.3; Dec. 9, 1859, p.5; Feb. 10, 1860, p.2; April 13, 1860, p.4; July 20, 1860, p.4; Jan. 17, 1862, p.2. Sonoma Democrat, December 6, 1862, p. 4, column 5. Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 142; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, p. 345.

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits that can be definitively attributed to this important, early photographer; however, there are several early ambrotypes without an identified photographer which may have been created by him. You can find these portraits by typing “Kellogg” in the search bar above.

La Motte Studio

LA MOTTE STUDIO On October 4, 1907, the Petaluma Argus-Courier reported on the front page that W. L. Shattuck, who had recently arrived into Petaluma, had purchased Brown’s photographic studio on Main Street, and that after its renovation, it would be known as La Motte Studio. Later in the year, an advertisement for La Motte Studio claimed that it provided, “Platinums in Sepia or Black and White, also Platinas”. It also declared their motto to be, “prompt delivery and satisfactory work”, and that the proprietor was W. M. Gray. There is no documentation verifying that W. L Shattuck or W. M. Gray were professional photographers. Shattuck may have simply been an investor, and Gray a manager. The photographer who created the La Motte Studio’s portraits is unidentified.

The Petaluma Argus-Courier reported on October 4, 1909, that Gray had sold the La Motte Studio to George L. Brady of Watsonville who had not announced his plans for the future. The address of the La Motte Studio was recorded as both 164 and 818 Main Street.

Active in Petaluma: October 4, 1907 - October 4, 1909

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, October 4, 1907, p. 1; December 25, 1908, p. 6; October 4, 1909, p. 3. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 9, 1908, p. 1.

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Lentz, William Henry

WILLIAM HENRY LENTZ was born in 1847 in Baltimore, Maryland. The date and place of his death have not been identified. Before arriving in Petaluma in October 1866, Lentz worked in San Francisco for Carleton Eugene Watkins, a famous photographer known for his views of Yosemite. Lentz began working as a photographer in Petaluma when he took over Bryan R. Johnson’s Petaluma studio. Taking advantage of the reputation Johnson had built in Petaluma, Lentz’s imprint stated, “From W. H. Lentz’s (Late Johnson’s) Photographic Gallery, Main St. Petaluma.” On October 4 the Petaluma Weekly Argus reported that Lentz had purchased Bryan R. Johnson’s “Pioneer, Premium Photograph Gallery, so long and favorably known as ‘Johnson’s Gallery.’” Lentz quickly began advertising his ability to produce sun pearls, ambrotypes, melancotypes and patent enamelled carte de visite. Lentz repeatedly advertised his services in the Petaluma papers using a clever, eye-catching technique of repeating his text on alternating spaces. On October 25, 1866 the Petaluma Weekly Argus reported that the City was indebted to Lentz for, “…a fine, large photographic view of Main Street. It is taken from the lower end of the street, and presents a life-like view of our business mart, with its fleet of ‘prairie schooners,’ heavily laden with Ceres and Pomona’s liberal gifts; its vehicles of every sort and description; its busy bustling masculine pedestrians, and fair daughters.” On October 10, 1867, Richard Percival advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus that he had purchased Lentz’s photographic rooms and was open for business. After this date it appears Lentz no longer worked as a photographer in Petaluma, and in October 1868, the Petaluma Weekly Argus announced that Lentz was to replace the deceased James Hunter (1824-1868) as the city’s Postmaster. Although praised for overseeing improvements to the post office in April 1869, by 1872 Lentz was on trial for defaulting as Postmaster. The Petaluma Weekly Argus reported that Lentz had been admitted on bail, failed to appear and was arrested in Virignia City.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: On October 4, 1866, Lentz purchased Bryan R. Johnson’s “Pioneer, Premium Photograph Gallery” which was located in the Doyle Building on Main Street and renamed it the “W. H. Lentz Photographic Gallery”. Lentz sold the gallery to Richard Percival in October, 1867.

Active in Petaluma: October 4, 1866 - October, 1867

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 146; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 364; Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 4, 1866, p.2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 18, 1866, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 25, 1866, p.2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, November 29, 1866, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Oct. 10, 1867, p. 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 21, 1868, p.4; Petaluma Weekly Argus, October 22, 1868, p.3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, April 22, 1869, p. 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, August 24, 1872, p. 3.

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Maclean, Dabirma (Birma) Still

DABIRMA (BIRMA) STILL MACLEAN (b. 1875 San Luis Obispo, California d. 1968 La Panza, California; active in Petaluma 1904 – 1920) Maclean was among the most prominent female photographers in California. She began her work as a photographer in her native county of San Luis Obispo and in 1904 she married and moved to Petaluma. There she continued her work with a special interest in public buildings and local scenes. In Petaluma she also produced real-photo postcards and portraits for local residents.

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits by this important, early photographer.

Bibliography: Dellard, Bill, “First Lady of Photography,” http://www.pasorobles-usa.com/PioneerPages/firstlady.htm; Charrier, Emily, “Famed Photographer Dabirma Still Maclean and Early Petaluma Farms,” Petaluma Argus-Courier, March 7, 2019;

Percival, Richard Reece

RICHARD REECE PERCIVAL was born in 1835 in England and immigrated to the United States in 1841 as a child with his parents. He died in Rhode Island in 1917. Percival arrived in Petaluma sometime before October 1867, and began advertising his services in the Petaluma Weekly Argus. He posted the price of his carte de visits as $3 per dozen, stated that special attention was given to children’s portraits, and announced that old pictures could be carefully copied and photographs retouched in oil, watercolor or India ink. In a clever attempt to gather clients, Percival permitted Walter S. Pierce to use his gallery to display and sell his pianos. In 1869 Percival announced he had something very special in his photographic line - something he had invented he called the “medallion photograph.” He recommended the public hurry in to his gallery to see them. Percival departed Petaluma sometime after May 1871 moving to San Jose where he continued his work as a photographer. According to the Petaluma Weekly Argus, Percival returned twice to Petaluma to visit friends and stated, “Dick says that Petaluma has improved wonderfully in the past few years, and he believes it is the best town in the State to-day.”

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Percival published an announcement in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on October 10, 1867 stating he had purchased the Johnson Premium Pioneer Photographic Gallery on Main Street, replacing William Henry Lentz as its operator. He renamed the gallery “R. Percival’s Gallery” and continued to advertise his services at this location in the Petaluma Weekly Argus through September 1870 when, according to the Petaluma Daily Crescent, James Kimball Sutterley and Stephen A. Rendall took over the establishment. In February 1871 Sutterley and Rendall split; Sutterley reunited with his brother, Clement; and together on February 25, 1871 they departed Petaluma to open a gallery in Napa and sold the Petaluma gallery back to Percival. On March 4, 1871 Percival began advertising his services once again in the Petaluma Weekly Argus, and his final advertisement appears in the paper on May 27, 1871.

Active in Petaluma: October 1867- September 1870; March 1871 - at least May 1871

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 157; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, (Palmquist does not list Percival, but includes information about his sale and repurchase of the Johnson Photographic Gallery from Sutterly and Rendall in September of 1870 and February of 1871, p. 536 top of first column); https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Oct. 10, 1867, p. 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, Jan. 2, 1868, p. 2; Petaluma Daily Crescent, Oct. 12, 1870; Petaluma Weekly Argus, March 4, 1871,, p. 2; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 27, 1871, p.1; Petaluma Weekly Argus, February 6, 1874, p. 3 and November 22, 1878, p. 3.

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Reed, John Quincy

JOHN QUINCY REED was born in 1841 in Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, and died on April 14, 1902, in Petaluma. Before arriving in Petaluma he worked as a photographer in Virginia City, Nevada, and Stockton, California. The first mention of a Petaluma photographic studio run by Reed appears in the Petaluma newspapers beginning in February 1872. Unlike most of Petaluma’s other pioneer photographers, who were essentially itinerant, Reed worked consistently in Petaluma as a photographer for at least 25 years. Many of the portraits Reed created of the citizens of Petaluma are of exceptionally fine quality, and appropriately, Reed’s imprint stamped on the back of his carte de visite portraits proclaim him to be, in elaborate script surrounded by ornate flourishes, a “Photographic Artist”. His obituary candidly stated, “He was a true Bohemian, and although peculiar in some respects, had many warm friends, and in his early days was one of the best known of our local citizens. He never married.” In his final years, Reed lived at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, a boarding house for working men, and was employed by Achille Kahn, a Petaluma grocer. According to his obituary, in his final illness, Reed was attended to by Petaluma physician George Ivancovich (1850-1924), and Kahn made his funeral arrangements. The funeral was held in Petaluma at the J. S. Blackburn parlor, and Reed’s body was cremated at the Odd Fellow’s crematory in San Francisco. His ashes were returned to the city of his birth, Abington, Massachusetts, where they were laid to rest in Mount Vernon Cemetery. (According to the scholar, Peter Palmquist, Reed was charged with arson in September of 1887 for setting fire to property in Petaluma at the corner of Cleveland and College Avenues. The present researcher cannot substantiate that claim and suggests further research is necessary.)

Petaluma Photographic Studio:   An announcement in the Petaluma Weekly Argus proclaimed that J. Q. Reed, in February 1872, took possession of the photography gallery formerly operated by Johnson. Bryan R. Johnson’s “Johnson’s Premium Pioneer Photography Gallery” was located on Main Street, on Doyle’s block over the Morris Cigar Store. Subsequently, Reed moved his studio to several different locations within Petaluma. By 1874 his studio was in the “American Hall, Main Street”. After that, his locations included “Over Wells, Fargo & Co’s Ex. Office, Main St.” and “Brick Block, opposite McGuire’s Drug Store, Main St.”.

Active in Petaluma: 1872 to at least 1898

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 161; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 452-453; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125465566/john-quincy-reed (a portrait of Reed can be viewed at this URL); Petaluma Weekly Argus: Feb. 24, 1872, p.3; Petaluma Courier: Jan. 15, 1896, p. 1; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier: March 26, 1895, p.1; April 14, 1902, p.1; April 15, 1902, p.2 .

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Roberts, Dr. Harry Fowler

HARRY FOWLER ROBERTS was born in 1869 in Mankato, Minnesota, and died in February 1907 in Colfax, California, at age 38. After partnering with Ira A. Kautz in 1892 at the Sterling Studio, 912 2nd Street in Seattle, Washington, Roberts moved to Petaluma and opened a studio on Main Street across from the American Hotel. Throughout January, February, and March 1893, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier ran an advertisement for Roberts’ services. The ad was composed as an interview entitled “A Mystery Solved,” in which Roberts is referred to as the new photographer in town. Roberts is asked, “How is it that you claim to do better any more satisfactory work than the San Francisco artists?” Robert is then quoted as replying, “That is easy enough. I can show my patrons proofs of their photos, and if they are not entirely satisfied I will keep on giving sittings until they are pleased.” The exact date Roberts closed his studio in Petaluma has not been determined; however, it was reported in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier several times between August 1895 and February 1901 that Dr. Harry Roberts, former Petaluma photographer, was in town visiting friends. According to his obituary, written in the Ventura, California, Morning Courier, Roberts had arrived in Placer County in 1907 and, as a medical professional, had specialized in dentistry.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Roberts’ studio was on Main Street, across from the American Hotel.

Active in Petaluma: as early as 1892, as late as 1895

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 162; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv52062#idm6679; Morning Free Press (Ventura CA), February 5, 1907, p.1; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 12, 1893, p.2; April 11, 1894, p. 3; August 16, 1895, p.1; February 4, 1901, p. 4.

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Ross & Ormsby

ROSS & ORMSBY was a Petaluma photography studio operated by George Colvaine Ross (born February 12, 1832, Edinburgh, Scotland; died 1893, Petaluma, California) and Elon D. Ormsby (died March 6, 1895, Oakland, California). For information on George Ross, see his separate entry on this website: George Colvaine Ross. According to his obituary, Elon D. Ormsby arrived in San Francisco in 1866, moved to Petaluma and then Stockton, finally settling in Oakland in 1877 establishing his studio at 1055 Broadway. In Ross & Ormsby’s first Petaluma advertisement published May 20, 1869, Ormsby was touted as a former employee of the celebrated gallery of Bradley & Rulofson in San Francisco. An Oakland Tribune announcement referring to Ormsby and repeatedly published in January and February 1883, stated, “Oakland can boast of possessing the finest portrait photographer in America, as is proven by the Committee in the National competition recently held in Philadelphia.”

Petaluma Photography Studio: The Ross & Ormsby studio was located, “At Ross’ old gallery, Main Street, two doors above the Wickersham + Co’s bank”. Ross, already an established portrait photographer in Petaluma, renamed his studio, placing his new partner’s name after his own.

Active in Petaluma: The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869. Exactly when Ross & Ormsby was terminated has not been determined. The last advertisement for the studio in a Petaluma paper appeared on June 11, 1870, and the Stockton Daily Evening Herald reported on August 2, 1870 that Ormsby had set up a gallery on El Dorado Street. It is notable that the Ross & Ormsby carte de visite portrait of Charles Austin Eastman in this collection has a date of 1871 on its back side. This may be misleading; it may simply have been the result of Ross exhausting previously printed card inventory.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 163; Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, Stanford University Press, 2000, pp. 461 column 2; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; Petaluma Weekly Argus, May 20, 1869, p.2; Sonoma Democrat, June 12, 1869, p.5, column 3; Petaluma Weekly Argus, June 11, 1870, p. 3; Daily Evening Herald (Stockton, CA), August 2, 1870, p. 3; Oakland Tribune, Jan. 16, 1883, p. 1; Oakland Tribune, March 6, 1895, p.3.

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Sheppard, Lafayette F.

LAFAYETTE F. SHEPPARD was born in 1852 in Ohio and died in Inglewood, California in 1940. He arrived in California sometime before 1880 and was employed in various occupations in several cities throughout the state. In 1879 he married Maggie M. Sheppard whose family resided in Rollerville, Mendocino county. According to Carl Mautz, Sheppard had photographic galleries in Point Arena and San Jose in the 1880s. Sometime between 1884 and 1885 Sheppard was partnering with James K. Piggott at their jointly owned photographic gallery in Santa Rosa. In February of 1886, however, Sheppard advertised in the Petaluma Courier the opening of his own gallery in the space formerly occupied by Petaluma photographer, Lewis Dowe. The ad proclaimed, “The gentleman uses the newest instantaneous process in his art, and is prepared to do first-class work. A speciality will be made of babies’ photos, and good work will be guaranteed.” Sheppard continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma at least through June of 1891.

Petaluma Studio: Sheppard’s studio occupied the former rooms of the Petaluma photographer, Louis Dowe, one door above the First National Bank. On September 23, 1891 the Petaluma Courier reported Sheppard’s gallery had been taken over by Easterly & Company.

Active in Petaluma: February 1886 -1891

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, “Sheppard, Lafayette T. [sic],” Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 168; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographer; Petaluma Courier, Feb. 24, 1886, p.3; Aug. 4, 1886, p.2; August 13, 1890, p.5; September 23, 1891, p.2.

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Sutterley & Rendall

JAMES KIMBALL SUTTERLEY (b. c. 1834, New Jersey) & STEVEN ARNOLD RENDALL (dates unknown)Sutterley & Rendall (active in Petaluma September 24, 1870 – 1871) Sutterley worked as a daguerreian with his brother, Clement Sutterley, in Chicago from 1857 to 1860. By 1862 they had moved West working as itinerant photographers throughout Nevada, Idaho, Utah and California. Taking over the Petaluma studio of Bryan R. Johnson on September 24, 1870, J. K. Sutterley partnered with Stephen A. Rendall to establish, “Sutterley & Rendall, Photographers, Main Street, Petaluma, Cal.” They worked together until 1871 when the studio was sold to Richard Reece Percival. Palmquist, pgs. 454, 533-537; Mautz, pgs. 135 & 146.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p.173.

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Swart, John Simeon

JOHN SIMEON SWART (Active in Petaluma by June 1880) Swart was a partner in the “Miltz & Swart’s San Francisco Gallery,” 180 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa between 1877 and 1880. It is known he was working in Petaluma by June 1880 and by 1886 opened a studio on Broad Street in Nevada City, California. In 1895 he worked as a photojournalist for The San Francisco Call and the Pacific Coast News. Mautz, pg. 146.

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 173.

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits by this important, early photographer.

Wayne, Joseph

JOSEPH WAYNE, Wayne was a Petaluma photographer in the early 1900’s. He owned the GEM Theater in Petaluma where he displayed magic lantern images. It has been asserted that he named the GEM Theater after his children. It has also been asserted that Wayne was a red headed child who came across the plains in a covered wagon. His descendants are the Poehlmann & Wayne families currently living in Petaluma.

Wheldon, Rupert Henry

RUPERT HENRY WHELDON, (b. 1883 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, d. 1960 Salinas, California, active in Petaluma c. 1926 to 1942) Sometime before 1926 Wheldon traveled to California, and was listed in the Petaluma Directory as the proprietor and photographer of Sunset Studios located at 23 Western Avenue. Rupert maintained his studio until about 1942 when he retired and moved to Santa Barbara, California. He died in in Salinas, California on June 6, 1960.

Unfortunately, the PHL&M owns no portraits by this important, early photographer.

Non-Petaluma Photographers

The thumbnail portraits illustrated in this section all portray Petalumans, but were taken by non-Petaluma photographers. The portraits are listed alphabetically by the last name of the sitter. To view an enlarged version and read additional information on a portrait, simply click its thumbnail.

Unidentified Photographers

The thumbnail portraits illustrated in this section all depict Petalumans, but the photographers are unidentified. The portraits are listed alphabetically by the last name of the sitter. To view an enlarged version and read additional information on a portrait, simply click its thumbnail.