Haskell, Betsy

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of Betsy Haskell

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Name: Betsy Haskell

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  Carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10. 5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  The Ann Nisson Collection, digital copy by permission. 2019-887-14

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

“A Gentleman in a Right Facing Profile With a Distinctive Hair Style”

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of

“A Gentleman in a right facing profile with a distinctive hair style”

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Name: Unknown

Description: In this portrait, the sitter’s shoulders are almost full frontal while he turns his head to display an almost full right profile. He is attired in a jacket with large lapels, a matching vest, a white shirt and a large dark bowtie. Curiously the second button of his vest is not buttoned. His demeanor is serious and stern. His hair has been combed in a distinctive manner most probably meant to conceal a bald patch.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:


THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  Carte de visite, approximately 6.1 x 9.8 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This right facing profile portrait is set within a vertical oval.

Description, back: The back of this carte de visite is either blank or contains only an accession number.

Date: May 20, 1869 to June 11, 1870

Condition: This carte de visite is slightly soiled.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2023-946-02

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Wilson, George (1869-1870)

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of GEORGE WILSON

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Name: William David Ayers

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6 x 10 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  The Cyndi Logan Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Ayers, William David (1869-1929) (1 of 2)

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of William david ayers

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Name: William David Ayers

Description: In this portrait, William David Ayers appears as a baby of 1 or 2 years old. He sits on a fabric-covered studio prop, and behind him is a drape. He is attired in a dark dress and holds what appears to be an adult’s cap with both his hands. The baby appears calm but apprehensive. His dark hair has been parted on both his left and right sides, a style typical of the time.

Biographical Note: William David Ayers was born at his family’s ranch in Stony Point, and when he was eleven years old, they moved to Petaluma. For many years, he worked at the Petaluma branch of the Wells Fargo Company and earned additional income by investing in Petaluma real estate. Although William was living in San Francisco at the time of his death, he was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Family Affiliation: William David Ayers was the youngest child of early Petaluma pioneers William Ayers (1829-1899) and Martha Wade Ayers (1829 or 30 - 1890). In 1892, William married Ada Mae Carlisle Ayers (1875-1931). Together, they had at least three children: William D. Ayers III, Mervyn W. Ayers, and Harry W. Ayers. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125529520/william_david_ayers. There are numerous additional portraits of the Ayers family members on this website.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, Jan. 4, 1929, p. 8.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6 x 10 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This carte de visite portrait is framed within a vertical oval, and handwritten in script in pencil along the bottom edge of the card is: “William David Ayers”.

Description, back: Ross & Ormsby’s imprint appears in the center, and handwritten in script in black marker along the bottom is: “William David Ayers”.

Date: May 1869 - June 1870

Condition: Both the front and the back side of this carte de visite are soiled, and there is extensive spotting throughout.

Owner:  The Cyndi Logan Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Unidentified Women 2022-952-01-28d

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of two unidentified women

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)


THE SITTERS:

Names: Unknown

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:


THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  Carte de visite, approximately 6.1 x 9.8 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2022-952-01-28d, Schwobeda/Bloom/Taylor/DeMartin Family & Friends Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Unidentified Couple 2022-952-01-pg7c

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of an unidentified couple

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTERS:

Name: Unidentified

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  Carte de visite, approximately 6.1 x 9.8 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, Schwobeda/Bloom/Taylor/DeMartin Family & Friends Album, 2022-952-01-pg7c

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Whitney, Nancy Jane "Jennie" (1855-1938)(see Morrow)→

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney Morrow (When this portrait was taken, the sitter would have been known by her birth name, Whitney.)

Description: In this head-and-shoulder portrait, Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney is between 14 and 16 years old. She is attired in a simple, draped, dark, high-necked, blouse. Surrounding her neck are two banded collars, one white, one black giving her a stoic, almost clerical appearance. Pinned to the black collar is a small, round brooch. Her center-parted hair is combed to the back of her head and secured by a thin headband.

Biographical Note: As a member of a prominent Petaluma family, Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney attended “Professor Lippitt’s Scientific & Classical Institute” on D Street in Petaluma, and served as a Sunday school teacher at St. John’s Episcopal Church under Reverend George Barbour Allen (1833-1918). On April 20, 1881, at the age 26, in her parent’s home at 6th and F Streets in Petaluma, she married George Pilson Morrow of Temescal, Alameda County, California (1858 -1904). George Morrow was connected with the grain industry and president of George P. Morrow & Company, 303 California Street, San Francisco. On June 7, 1897 the Petaluma Daily Courier reported that Nancy Jane had been elected to the School Board of Temescal, a neighborhood of Oakland, California. In 1904, George died at the age of 45. In 1938, Nancy Jane died at age 81. Both were buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.

Family Affiliation: Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney was the second daughter of the prominent Petaluma pioneers, Albion Paris Whitney (1825-1884) and Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney (1832-1917). Her father was a California State Senator and wealthy businessman. Her mother managed the family business after his death and was an active participant in the women’s suffrage movement. Her paternal grandmother was Olive Parlin Whitney (1791-1874), and her siblings were Cleora Melissa Whitney Hewlett, Arthur Leslie Whitney, Leona Merrill Whitney, Marcella “Ella” Whitney Wheaton, Albion Harvey Whitney and Clara Whitney Spears. With her husband, George Pilson Morrow (1858-1904) Nancy Jane had two children, Rachel Morrow and George Whitney Morrow. Following in his maternal grandfather’s footsteps, George Whitney Morrow worked in the grocery industry.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  Carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10. 5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This portrait is a late example of earlier carte de visites containing a diminutive head-and-shoulder image of the sitter. Along the bottom left edge of the card, partially covered by the mounted photograph paper, is printed in ornate script and red ink, “Ross & Ormsby,”, and long the right edge is, “Petaluma.”.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive in pencil and then marked over repeatedly is, “Ella Lippitt Daugherity”. This may refer to Helen Marion Lippitt Dougherty (1860-1940), a daughter of early Petaluma pioneers, Edward Spaulding Lippitt (1824-1912) and Sarah Lucinda Lewis Lippitt (1832-1919). Below this is written, “Nancy Jane.” .

Date: May 1869 - 1870 or 1871

Condition: Both sides of this card are slightly soiled.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1981-835-23

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Morrow, Nancy Jane "Jennie" Whitney (1855-1938)(1 of 5)

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney Morrow (When this portrait was taken, the sitter would have been known by her birth name, Whitney.)

Description: In this head-and-shoulder portrait, Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney is between 14 and 16 years old. She is attired in a simple, draped, dark, high-necked, blouse. Surrounding her neck are two banded collars, one white, one black giving her a stoic, almost clerical appearance. Pinned to the black collar is a small, round brooch. Her center-parted hair is combed to the back of her head and secured by a thin headband.

Biographical Note: As a member of a prominent Petaluma family, Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney attended “Professor Lippitt’s Scientific & Classical Institute” on D Street in Petaluma, and served as a Sunday school teacher at St. John’s Episcopal Church under Reverend George Barbour Allen (1833-1918). On April 20, 1881, at the age 26, in her parent’s home at 6th and F Streets in Petaluma, she married George Pilson Morrow (1858-1904) of Temescal, Alameda County, California. George Morrow was connected with the grain industry and president of George P. Morrow & Company, 303 California Street, San Francisco. On June 7, 1897, the Petaluma Daily Courier reported that Nancy Jane had been elected to the School Board of Temescal, a neighborhood of Oakland, California. In 1904, George died at the age of 45. In 1938, Nancy Jane died at age 81. Both were buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.

Family Affiliation: Nancy Jane “Jennie” Whitney was the second daughter of the prominent Petaluma pioneers, Albion Paris Whitney (1825-1884) and Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney (1832-1917). Her father was a California State Senator and wealthy businessman. Her mother managed the family business after his death and was an active participant in the women’s suffrage movement. Her paternal grandmother was Olive Parlin Whitney (1791-1874), and her siblings were Cleora Melissa Whitney Hewlett, Arthur Leslie Whitney, Leona Merrill Whitney, Marcella “Ella” Whitney Wheaton, Albion Harvey Whitney and Clara Whitney Spears. With her husband, George Pilson Morrow (1858-1904) Nancy Jane had two children, Rachel Morrow and George Whitney Morrow. Following in his maternal grandfather’s footsteps, George Whitney Morrow worked in the grocery industry.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  Carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10. 5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This portrait is a late example of earlier carte de visites containing a diminutive head-and-shoulder image of the sitter. Along the bottom left edge of the card, partially covered by the mounted photograph paper, is printed in ornate script and red ink, “Ross & Ormsby,”, and long the right edge is, “Petaluma.”.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive in pencil and then marked over repeatedly is, “Ella Lippitt Daugherity”. This may refer to Helen Marion Lippitt Dougherty (1860-1940), a daughter of early Petaluma pioneers, Edward Spaulding Lippitt (1824-1912) and Sarah Lucinda Lewis Lippitt (1832-1919). Below this is written, “Nancy Jane.” .

Date: May 1869 - 1870 or 1871

Condition: Both sides of this card are slightly soiled.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1981-835-23

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Dreese, Mrs.(given name and b. & d. dates to be determined)

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of Mrs. Dreese

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Mrs. Dreese (as identified on the back of the card)

Description: “Mrs. Dreese” sits in a studio chair with a fringed armrest and looks directly into the camera. She wears a dour expression and is attired in a simple, dark, dress cinched at the waist with a dark belt with a large, oval, silver, buckle. The top of her dress has front buttons, and her sleeves and cuffs are decorated with black ribbon. At her neck is a simple, wide-spread collar and a dark, thin, choker. She also wears an ornately carved brooch at her throat and a long chain which ends in what may be a locket.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: “Mrs. Dreese” may have been the wife of A. H. Dreese, a director of the Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma who served circa 1877-1882. A. H. Dreese was reported to have built a home at the corner of Western Avenue and Keller Streets in 1878. The Petaluma papers mention briefly in the 1870s Adolph, Emil and Hannah Dreese who may have been children of “Mrs. Dreese”.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6 x 10 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a stark, early, carte de visite which is devoid of any embellishments with the exception of the fringed armrest of the studio chair and a faint baseboard line.

Description, back: Handwritten vertically in pencil in cursive along the left edge is, “ Mrs. Dreese”. The photographers’ imprint, surrounded by foliated horizontal text dividers, appears in the center in a script with usually large serifs.

Date: May 1869 - 1870 or 71

Condition: This card is soiled, and the top right edge is frayed.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1994-633-34

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Eastman, Charles Austin (1848-1916)

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of Charles Austin Eastman

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

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). 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. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Charles Austin Eastman

Description: Charles Austin Eastman sits at ease with his left hand resting on his thigh, and his right arm on the fringed armrest of the studio chair. He is dressed in a sack jacket with large piped lapels. His trousers and vest are made of a dark, matching, plaid fabric. He wears a white shirt with a banded collar and a bow tie at his neck. He is clean shaven and has thick, wavy, hair.

Biographical Note: Like his sister, Petaluma pioneer, Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney, Charles Austin Eastman was born in New England. Possibly at her invitation, Charles arrived in Petaluma in the 1870s and lived here for some time, but by 1878 he had settled in Humboldt County. While living in Humboldt County, he worked as a tallyman in the lumber industry.

Family Affiliation: Charles Austin Eastman’s wife was Mary Graves. Among his siblings were Flora Eastman (1841-1863) and Petaluma pioneer, Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney (1832-1917). Their father was Otis Eastman (1806-1905) who lived several of his last years in Petaluma with his daughter, Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Along the bottom left edge of the card is written in ornate script and red ink, “Ross & Ormsby,”, and along the right edge is, “Petaluma.”.

Description, back: Handwritten along the top edge in pencil in cursive is, “Charley Eastman”, “1871”, and Susan D.’s brother”.

Date: 1871 (as identified on the back of the card). It is quite probable that the Ross & Ormsby studio only operated between May 1869 and the summer of 1870. The date of 1871 on the back of this card may be misleading; it may simply have been the result of Ross exhausting previously printed card inventory.

Condition: This carte de visite is soiled throughout, and both side edges and the top edge have been trimmed.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1981-835-24

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.