Vestal, Amelia Nancy Ayers (1852-1930) (1 of 3)

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of Amelia Ayers

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

EJOHN QUINCY REED was born in 1841 in Abington, Massachusetts and died in 1902 in Petaluma. He worked as a photographer in Petaluma for over 25 years, moving his studio within the community to several different locations. He arrived into Petaluma from Stockton in 1870 and continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma until at least 1898. Many of his portraits of Petaluma’s citizens are of exceptionally fine quality. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Names: Amelia Nancy Ayers Vestal

Description:

Biographical Note: In 1852, Amelia Ayers was born in Illinois to early Petaluma pioneers William Ayers (1829-1899) and Martha Wade Ayers (1829 or 30 - 1890). Her parents brought her to California as an infant and raised her in Analy and Petaluma. Later in her life, she lived in Santa Rosa. On July 2, 1874, she married Lemuel H. Vestal (1841-1923). Together, they had at least three children: Lena E. Vestal Hall (1877-1968), Warren Eugene Vestal (1883-1973), and William Thomas Vestal (1885-1947). Amelia was buried in the Santa Rosa Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Family Affiliation: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231487662/amelia-n-vestal. This website has numerous portraits of additional Vestal and Ayers family members.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

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

Medium: Gelatin or collodion 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. 

Vestal, Amelia Nancy Ayers (1852-1930) (1 of 2)

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Hugh S. Anderson’s Portrait Photograph of Amelia Nancy Ayers (Vestal)

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

HUGH S. ANDERSON  was born in 1826 in Scotland and died in 1900 in San Francisco, California. He was active in Petaluma as early as January 1872, and he departed Petaluma in December 1873. His Sunbeam Gallery was located, “At the Old Stand, Opposite H. C. Taft & Co.’s”. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)



THE SITTER:

Name: Amelia Nancy Ayers (Vestal)

Description: This portrait was taken of Amelia Nancy Ayers when she was between 20 and 21 years old. She sits erect, gazing fixedly to the right. She is attired in a black front-button blouse and matching skirt. A dark cloth belt with a metal rectangular buckle cinches her waist. She wears four adornments around her neck: a thin black choker from which hangs a round, metal pendant; a white lace collar; a flattened cloth bow; and a long metal chain, which may be a type of chatelaine. It appears to end in a set of keys tucked into her belt. She wears two additional ornaments: a large drop earring and a garland of white lace which cascades down the right side of her hair.

Biographical Note: In 1852, Amelia Ayers was born in Illinois to early Petaluma pioneers William Ayers (1829-1899) and Martha Wade Ayers (1829 or 30 - 1890). Her parents brought her to California as an infant and raised her in Analy and Petaluma. Later in her life, she lived in Santa Rosa. On July 2, 1874, she married Lemuel H. Vestal (1841-1923). Together, they had at least three children: Lena E. Vestal Hall (1877-1968), Warren Eugene Vestal (1883-1973), and William Thomas Vestal (1885-1947). Amelia was buried in the Santa Rosa Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Family Affiliation: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231487662/amelia-n-vestal. This website has numerous portraits of additional Vestal and Ayers family members.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus, “The Ayers Reunion,” May 28, 1908, p. 2. Santa Rosa Republican, Jan. 13, 1930, p.2; Jan. 14, 1930, p. 3.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

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

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Handwritten in script in pencil along the bottom edge of the card is: “Amelia N. Ayers”.

Description, back: Hugh Anderson’s imprint appears in red ink in the center of the card. Below this, handwritten in back marker is; “Amelia Nancy Ayers Vestal”.

Date: January 1872 - December 1873.

Condition: Both the front and back sides of this carte de visite are slightly soiled.

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. 

Vestal, Warren Eugene (1883-1973)

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LAFAYETTE F. SHEPPARD’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF William Thomas Vestal and Warren Eugene Vestal

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: LAFAYETTE F. SHEPPARD was born in 1852 in Ohio and died in 1940 in Inglewood, California. He established his photographic gallery in Petaluma in February of 1886, “in the rooms formerly occupied by Lewis Dowe”. It was located at 59 1/2 Main Street next door to the First National Bank Building. Sheppard continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma at least through June of 1891. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Names: William Thomas Vestal and Warren Eugene Vestal

Description: The two Vestal brothers appear in this double portrait in front of a staged brick wall behind which is a painted backdrop depicting a gray coastal scene. Will, a toddler, is on the left and Warren, a child of 4 or 5, is on the right. The boys are dressed in matching outfits. They wear pleated skirts, a front-buttoned vest, and a jacket, all in the same fabric. Topping their jackets is a white lace bordered collar.

Biographical Note: According to his obituary, Warren was born at the Vestal Station in Two Rock. He graduated, along with his sister Lena, from the Santa Rosa Business College in 1900. He and his brother, William, managed a large poultry farm at Stony Point, and at sometime prior to 1911, they sold it and moved to Santa Rosa to establish a hatchery. Warren also worked as an automobile salesman and was connected with the Silvershield Realty and Insurance Company in Santa Rosa. Warren is buried in the Santa Rosa Memorial Park.

Family Affiliation: Warren Eugene Vestal was a son of early pioneers, Lemuel Hadley Vestal (1841-1932) and Amelia Nancy Ayers Vestal (1852-1930). Among his siblings were Lena Ester Vestal Hall ((1878-1968) and William Thomas Vestal ((1885-1947). Warren was married to Ethel Francis Huckins Vestal (1888 - 1966). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/126367284/warren_e_vestal.

Bibliography: The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa), January 27, 1926, p. 2; December 23, 1973, p.28. Santa Rosa Republican, Jan 4, 1911, p.4. Sonoma West Times and News, June 20, 1900, p. 3.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, 10.8 x 16.4

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Embossed in the left bottom corner is the photographer’s imprint, “L. F. Sheppard”. Directly above the imprint, handwritten in script in pencil is: “Will Vestal”. Opposite this name is: “Warren Vestal married Ethel”. Below this is: Sons of Millie + Lemuel Vestal”.

Description, back: Handwritten in script in black marker along the left side of the bottom edge is: “Will Vestal”. Along the right side of the bottom edge is: “Warren Vestal”. Below these inscriptions is written: “Sons of Millie and Lemuel Vestal”. (Millie was a nickname given to their mother, Amelia.)

Date: 1887 or 1888

Condition: There is a water stain on the top edge of the front of this cabinet card.

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. 

Vestal, William Thomas (1885-1947)

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LAFAYETTE F. SHEPPARD’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF William Thomas Vestal and Warren Eugene Vestal

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: LAFAYETTE F. SHEPPARD was born in 1852 in Ohio and died in 1940 in Inglewood, California. He established his photographic gallery in Petaluma in February of 1886, “in the rooms formerly occupied by Lewis Dowe”. It was located at 59 1/2 Main Street next door to the First National Bank Building. Sheppard continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma at least through June of 1891. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Names: William Thomas Vestal and Warren Eugene Vestal

Description: The two Vestal brothers appear in this double portrait in front of a staged brick wall behind which is a painted backdrop depicting a gray coastal scene. Will, a toddler, is on the left, and Warren, a child of 4 or 5, is on the right. The boys are dressed in matching outfits. They wear pleated skirts, a front-buttoned vest, and a jacket, all in the same fabric. Topping their jackets is a white lace- bordered collar.

Biographical Note: William Thomas Vestel was born in the Stony Point area and lived in Sonoma County all his life. He and his brother, Warren, managed a large poultry farm at Stony Point which they sold prior to 1911. They then moved to Santa Rosa and established a hatchery. William operated a cigar store on Fourth Street for many years and was a long-time member of the Santa Rosa Aerie No. 210, F.O.E.

Family Affiliation: William Thomas Vestal was the son of early Petaluma pioneers Lemuel Hadley Vestal (1841-1932) and Amelia Nancy Ayers Vestal (1852-1930). Among his siblings were Lena Ester Vestal Hall ((1878-1968) and Warren Eugene Vestal (1883-1973). William was married to Georgia T. Vestal (1891-1963). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76940785/william-t-vestal.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus-Courier, Nov. 18, 1947, p. 6. Santa Rosa Republican, Jan 4, 1911, p.4; Nov. 18, 1947, p. 4.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, 10.8 x 16.4

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Embossed in the left bottom corner is the photographer’s imprint, “L. F. Sheppard”. Directly above the imprint, handwritten in script in pencil is: “Will Vestal”. Opposite this name is: “Warren Vestal married Ethel”. Below this is: Sons of Millie + Lemuel Vestal”.

Description, back: Handwritten in script in black marker along the left side of the bottom edge is: “Will Vestal”. Along the right side of the bottom edge is: “Warren Vestal”. Below these inscriptions is written: “Sons of Millie and Lemuel Vestal”. (Millie was a nickname given to their mother, Amelia.)

Date: 1887

Condition: There is a water stain on the top edge of the front of this cabinet card.

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. 

Vestal, Amelia Nancy Ayers (1852-1930) (2 of 2)

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Petaluma Photo Parlors’ Portrait Photograph of Amelia Nancy Ayers Vestal

PHOTOGRAPHER / PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

JOSLIN & COMPANY was established by the photographer Amon James Tuft Joslin. He was born in 1839 in Rockwood, New York, and died in 1913 in San Benito County, California. He established the Petaluma Photo Parlor under the name of Joslin & Company in November 1893, and left the studio, departing for Chico, California in April 1897. (For additional information on Joslin and Company and to view all portraits produced by the studio in the collection, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Amelia Nancy Ayers Vestal

Description: In this head-and-shoulders portrait, Amelia Nancy Ayers Vestal looks up and to her right with a confident gaze. She is attired in a high-necked satin blouse and a jacket with very large lapels and wide gathered sleeves. She has a mound of short curls at the crown of her head, and the remainder of her hair has been combed to the back of her head.

Biographical Note: In 1852, Amelia Ayres was born in Illinois to early Petaluma pioneers William Ayers (1829-1899) and Martha Wade Ayers (1829 or 30 - 1890). Her parents brought her to California as an infant and raised her in Annaly and Petaluma. Later in her life, she lived in Santa Rosa. On July 2, 1874, she married Lemuel H. Vestal (1841-1923). Together, they had at least three children: Lena E. Vestal Hall (1877-1968), Warren Eugene Vestal (1883-1973), and William Thomas Vestal (1885-1947). Amelia was buried in the Santa Rosa Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Family Affiliation: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231487662/amelia-n-vestal. This website has numerous portraits of additional Vestal and Ayers family members.

Bibliography: Petaluma Argus, “The Ayers Reunion,” May 28, 1908, p. 2. Santa Rosa Republican, Jan. 13, 1930, p.2; Jan. 14, 1930, p. 3.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm  

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Handwritten in script in pencil along the bottom edge of the card is: “Amelia Nancy Vestal”.

Description, back: Handwritten in script in pencil along the top edge is: “Amelia Nancy Vestal”. Handwritten in script in black marker along the bottom edge is: “Amelia Nancy Vestal”.

Date: November 1893 - April 1897

Condition: This cabinet card is in good 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. 

Vestal, Lemuel Hadley (1841-1932)

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Petaluma Photo Parlors’ Portrait Photograph of Lemuel Hadley Vestal

PHOTOGRAPHER / PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

JOSLIN & COMPANY was established by the photographer Amon James Tuft Joslin. He was born in 1839 in Rockwood, New York, and died in 1913 in San Benito County, California. He established the Petaluma Photo Parlor under the name of Joslin & Company in November 1893, and left the studio, departing for Chico, California in April 1897. (For additional information on Joslin and Company and to view all portraits produced by the studio in the collection, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Lemuel Hadley Vestal

Description:

Biographical Note: Lemuel Hadley Vestal was a native of Missouri. At the age of 11, he crossed the plains with his family, arriving in the Sacramento Valley in 1852. He owned a ranch in the Stony Point section near Petaluma’s Washoe House. After retiring, he lived in Petaluma and later in Santa Rosa. In 1932, he was buried in the Santa Rosa Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Family Affiliation: Lemuel Hadley Vestal was the son of early pioneers Obedience “Biddy” Vestal (1804-1888) and Thomas Curran Vestal III (1801-1880). Both were natives of North Carolina, and both were buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Cemetery. Lemuel was the brother of fellow Petaluman, Lewis Vestal (1824-1911). In 1874, Lemuel married Amelia Nancy Ayers (1852-1930). He was survived by three of his children: Lena Esther Vestal Hall (1877-1968), Warren Eugene Vestal (1883-1973), and William Thomas Vestal (1885-1947). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231487721/lemuel-h-vestal.

Bibliography: Petaluma Weekly Argus, March 10, 1888, p. 3. Petaluma Argus-Courier, March 6, 1911, p. 6; December 26, 1923, p. 8.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm  

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: James T. Joslin’s imprint appears along the bottom edge of the card, and above it handwritten in script in pencil is: “Lemuel H. Vestal”.

Description, back: Handwritten in script in pencil along the top edge is: “L. h. Vestal”. Handwritten in script in black marker along the bottom edge is: “Lemuel Vestal”.

Date: November 1893 - April 1897

Condition: This cabinet card is in good 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. 

Vought, Ruth R. (1897-1902)

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of Ruth R. Vought

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: unidentified. This portrait may have been taken in Humboldt County, Iowa, where Ruth R. Vought was born and died at the age of five.

THE SITTER:

Name: Ruth R. Vought

Description: According to the inscription on the back, this portrait of Ruth R. Vought was taken when she was 3 1/2 years old. She is seated and holds a doll in her lap. Ruth looks directly and intently into the camera. Her very long, abundant, wavy hair has been center-parted and gathered at each temple with a ribbon. She wears a child’s play smock. Her cuffs are adorned with a thin ribbon, and she wears a bracelet on her right wrist.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: Ruth’s parents were Sumner S. Vought (1860-1946) and Ella Smith Vought (1863-1950). Sumner Vought was a partner in the early Santa Rosa Potter hardware store. Sumner Vought, his wife, Ella Smith Vought, and his father, Lawrence Vought (1825-1915) are buried in Shiloh Cemetery, Windsor, California. Ruth had three sisters. Like Ruth herself, two died in early childhood and were born and buried in Humboldt County Iowa. See the companion portrait of her other sister, Agnes E. Vought Wiebert (1895-1953), in this archive. The original of this portrait remains as donated to the PHL&M in the vintage Church Family album.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  Cabinet card

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This portrait is set within a vertical oval and surrounded by a heathered, grey mat. Along the bottom edge of the card is handwritten in black ink, “Agnes sister”.

Description, back: Along the top edge of the card handwritten in pencil is, “Ruth R. Vought 3 1/2 yrs. old”.

Date: 1901

Condition: This cabinet card is in good condition.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-03-p14-p9, Church Family 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. 

Vonsen, George 1978-80-33

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of George & Kit Vonsen

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

JOHN QUINCY REED was born in 1841 in Abington, Massachusetts and died in 1902 in Petaluma. He worked as a photographer in Petaluma for over 25 years, moving his studio within the community to several different locations. He arrived into Petaluma from Stockton in 1870 and continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma until at least 1898. Many of his portraits of Petaluma’s citizens are of exceptionally fine quality. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

THE SITTERS:

Names: George & Kit Vonsen

Description: Cabinet card of a toddler, Kit Vonsen and her brother George. Vonsen is standing, with his arm resting on a simple studio chair. He is wearing a simple button up jacket with shorts and high socks. Kit sits in the chair wearing a dress with black stripes around the hemline and sleeves with a white collar. She has on a black beret. The lack of studio props, and photographer’s name at the bottom of the card date the photo to the early 1880s.

Biographical Note: Possible relation to M. Vonsen, a Petaluma merchant, though the extent is unknown. The Vonsen family has a grain and feed store on 1st and D street that was created in the early 1900s.

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back: George and Kit Vonsen

Date: circa 1880-1884

Condition:

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-80-33

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. 

Vonsen, Kit 1978-80-33

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of George & Kit Vonsen

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

JOHN QUINCY REED was born in 1841 in Abington, Massachusetts and died in 1902 in Petaluma. He worked as a photographer in Petaluma for over 25 years, moving his studio within the community to several different locations. He arrived into Petaluma from Stockton in 1870 and continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma until at least 1898. Many of his portraits of Petaluma’s citizens are of exceptionally fine quality. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

Active in Petaluma: 1874-1898

Biographical Note: Reed worked from several different studios during his time in Petaluma.  In 1874 his studio was in the “American Hall, Main Street,” thereafter it was “Over Wells, Fargo & Co’s. Ex. Office, Main St” and finally it was “Brick Block, opposite McGuire’s Drug Store, Main Street.”  According to Palmquist, Reed was charged with arson for setting fire to property in Petaluma at the corner of Cleveland and College Avenues.

Bibliography: Palmquist, pgs. 452-53; Mautz, pg. 134. 

THE SITTERS:

Names: George & Kit Vonsen

Description: Cabinet card of a toddler, Kit Vonsen and her brother George. Vonsen is standing, with his arm resting on a simple studio chair. He is wearing a simple button up jacket with shorts and high socks. Kit sits in the chair wearing a dress with black stripes around the hemline and sleeves with a white collar. She has on a black beret. The lack of studio props, and photographer’s name at the bottom of the card date the photo to the early 1880s.

Biographical Note: Possible relation to M. Vonsen, a Petaluma merchant, though the extent is unknown. The Vonsen family has a grain and feed store on 1st and D street that was created in the early 1900s.

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back: George and Kit Vonsen

Date: circa 1880-1884

Condition:

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-80-33

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. 

Vonsen, Kit 1978-80-32

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John Quincy Reed’s Portrait Photograph of Kit Vonsen

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

JOHN QUINCY REED was born in 1841 in Abington, Massachusetts and died in 1902 in Petaluma. He worked as a photographer in Petaluma for over 25 years, moving his studio within the community to several different locations. He arrived into Petaluma from Stockton in 1870 and continued to work as a photographer in Petaluma until at least 1898. Many of his portraits of Petaluma’s citizens are of exceptionally fine quality. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

Active in Petaluma: 1874-1898

Biographical Note: Reed worked from several different studios during his time in Petaluma.  In 1874 his studio was in the “American Hall, Main Street,” thereafter it was “Over Wells, Fargo & Co’s. Ex. Office, Main St” and finally it was “Brick Block, opposite McGuire’s Drug Store, Main Street.”  According to Palmquist, Reed was charged with arson for setting fire to property in Petaluma at the corner of Cleveland and College Avenues.

Bibliography: Palmquist, pgs. 452-53; Mautz, pg. 134.

THE SITTER:

Name: Kit Vonsen

Description: add, augment

Biographical Note: Cabinet card of a toddler Kit Vonsen. Vonsen is standing, with her arm resting on a simple studio chair. She is wearing a dress with a white lace collar. The lack of studio props, and photographer’s name at the bottom of the card date the photo to the early 1880's. The back of the card is incorrect, as it is Kit Vonsen in the photo. See 1978-80-33 for a photo of Kit with her brother George.

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back: Genevieve Marguerite Powers At six months

Date: circa 1880 - 1884

Condition:

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-80-32

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.