Stereo Photographers, A-Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

INTRODUCTION

This directory of Iowa stereo photographers is based on extensive research over many years, a process that is on-going and never-ending. More complete biographical information, evidence of expanded activities and studio locations, and more precise dates for these photographers are documented within the research files of the State Historical Society of Iowa. While thousands of photographers operated studios in Iowa, the information in this directory focuses only on those who practiced stereo photography, approximately 360 individuals.

The dates, and even the names, of the photographers are taken from various sources, and these sources may contradict each other. Many photographers spent a few years in one town and moved on, a phenomenon almost impossible to fully document. A photographer may have visited several towns within one decade.

Likewise, partnerships may have lasted only a few years, and an individual might form a joint venture more than once. In some instances, images were created by the individual photographer even if distributed under the name of a partnership. The directory attempts to identify those professionals who actually set up studios or announced their services in city directories or advertisements. It does not include all of the photographers' assistants, whether family member or hired help.

By nature, the directory is selective due in part to the scarcity of historical records. Attempts were made to authenticate information or reconcile variances by identifying multiple sources to confirm or verify facts. Nonetheless, the spelling of the photographers' names on the stereographs themselves varied. The company that made the mounts or the local printer who hand-set type often made errors in the spelling of the photographer's name or even that of the town itself. The inconsistencies in style and presentation between photographers, or even within one photographer's career, mean many cards lack any imprints or labeling.

Photographers sometimes identified the town in which they worked on the side or back of the stereograph, while others used their imprint to advertise series of stereo views for sale. They ventured far from the studio, as indicated by the backlists and hand labeling of images. Some may have set up branch studios that they only visited on certain days or, less frequently, brought their photo wagon or temporary studio to town. The towns and dates listed in the directory are based more on printed sources than on information from the stereographs themselves.

Without specifically citing all of the sources used in compiling this list, basic research for this directory relied upon county histories, newspapers, advertisements, city directory listings, atlases, census records, and biographical files. Confirmations came through additional research conducted by JoAnn Burgess and direct examination of the Juhl collection of Iowa stereographs. Members of the National Stereoscopic Association constantly report “sightings” and research findings, which has resulted in the national directory of stereo photographers created by Darrah and Treadwell.

Although at present our knowledge is primarily limited to nineteenth-century photographers, research into the lives of Iowa photographers continues. JoAnn Burgess is compiling a directory of Iowa photographers that will reach beyond the scope of this directory of Iowa stereo photographers. About ten percent of the photographers working in Iowa before 1900 made stereographs and the images in Iowa Stereographs: Three-Dimensional Visions of the Past (1997) offers a rare sample of their work.

KEY

Knowledge of the following terms and phrases will be helpful to the reader in better understanding the biographical data in this directory.

Stereograph sizes:

The mount of the stereograph is the hard cardboard backing on which the dual images have been applied by the photographer.

Stereo size refers to the mount on which the two images have been pasted. The standard size is 3 and 1/2 inches by 7 inches and all, unless otherwise indicated, are of this size.

Cabinet Size refers to the mount of stereographs that are larger than the standard stereo size. Cabinet size mounts are 4 inches by 7 inches.

Oversize refers to a mount that is larger than 4 inches by 7 inches.

Curved mount refers to a mount that is slightly curved for better dimensional viewing, usually on dark gray mounts.

Research sources:

N. S. A. refers to the National Stereoscopic Association and specifically to a book by T. K. Treadwell and William C. Darrah entitled, Stereographers of the World (1994). This utilized research done by the authors and other members of the association in an attempt to list all known stereo photographers.

Darrah refers to William Darrah, early stereograph collector and writer; whose works include The World of Stereographs (1977) is the recognized expert in the field. Working methodically, Darrah seldom recorded the name of a photographer unless he had actually seen an example of their work. When Darrah’s name appears as a citation, one can be sure that this photographers work has been seen and recorded.

Burgess refers to research done on 19th century Iowa photographers by Jo Ann Burgess in a yet unpublished manuscript that identifies Iowa photographers by name, partnership, dates of studios, and towns.

SHSI refers to the State Historical Society of Iowa. Located in Des Moines and Iowa City, negatives of the stereographs mentioned are available to researchers.

Other terms:

Pirated view refers to a stereograph that contains an image made from another photographer's negative. These were often views of other parts of the United States or the world and were placed on mounts containing the name of the Iowa photographer.

Carte-de-visite refers to a single image photo card measuring 2 and 1/2 by 4 inches. Stereographs were not made in this size.

Unmarked refers to the fact that the photographer's name does not appear on the stereograph.

Backlists refers to the names and numbers of other stereographs in a series. This was done as an advertising tool to encourage the purchase of additional views. The listing of other views available in the series was placed on the back of the mount.

Series numbers refers to numbers placed on the front or the back of the mount. One can see by the number how many views have possibly been created by this particular photographer in at least that series.

“(year) +” refers to the fact that the photographer worked up to this year and possible beyond

Embossed mount refers to the pressing of the photographers name and address into the mount itself. This was unusual but was done by some photographers.

“Name may have been....” refers to the fact that often mistakes were made on mount printing and misspelling of the photographer's name and address did occur.

A

ADAMS, ASA W. (1842–1915)

Adams had a studio in Decorah, Winneshiek County. A prominent series was “Snow Views.” The backlist on this series shows seventeen views “on the Iowa & Dacotah Division of the M. and St. P. R. R. between Calmar and Charles City, Iowa, taken on Mar. 3d, 4th & 5th, 1873.” He further advertised on the back of the card that “copies can be had for twenty–five cents each”. At one time, he had a partnership called Adams & Shear in Decorah in the 1860s, but there are no known stereographs from this partnership.

According to the Decorah Republican, November 18, 1915: “Mr. Adams was born February 26, 1842, at Sheffield, Ohio, and came to Iowa when quite young. He learned the photographer’s business at McGregor when he was twenty-one years of age and then came to Decorah and established a business that he carried on here for twenty-one years, when he moved with his family to Waterloo and opened a studio which he operated until his health failed some fifteen years ago. For several years after he disposed of his business he continued to do special photographic work which did not tax his strength. On November 28, 1866, he married Emma J. Fuller who survives him. To this union four children were born.” He is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer. His Decorah business was purchased by O. E. Borlaug. He was buried back in Decorah on November 11, 1915. (See also History of Winneshiek and Allamakee Counties, Iowa, 1882, p. 548.)

There are eleven examples of this photographer's work in the SHSI collection, all of local Decorah views of which five are of the “Snow Views” series.

ADAMS, GEORGE H.

Adams had a studio in Walnut, Pottawattamie County, in the 1880s and 1890s. He was also, according to Burgess, in Avoca in 1880, in Lewis in 1883, and in Griswold in 1883–1897. These were probably branch studios in some of the neighboring towns or towns that he regularly visited for photographic work. There are no views by Adams in the SHSI but some have been seen by members of the NSA with Walnut as the town of origin. Two rare views have been reported on cabinet mounts. Adams used the term “Artist” on the mounts.

ADAMS, W. G.

The NSA (Darrah) supplied the name of this photographer. It is thought that W. G. Adams worked in Waterloo in the 1880s. Members of the NSA (Darrah) have seen a view. No other information is as yet available on Adams, and no known examples of his work are in the SHSI.

ADDIS, ALFRED S.

The NSA believes that Addis worked in Silver City, New Mexico; Santa Barbara, California; Los Cruces and Lake Valley, New Mexico; as well as in Dubuque, Iowa. He is thought to have died in El Paso, Texas, in 1886. Thought to have been in San Francisco in 1865, so unsure of when he may have been in Dubuque. He is not in the Dubuque city directories. Information exists on his work in the western states, but no information has been located about his time in Iowa.

ALLEN

Little information has been found concerning Allen. Had partnership as Chatfield and Allen, and it is thought that the stereographs bore this name. Members of the NSA (Darrah) have seen at least one example. It is thought the partnership existed in Keokuk in the 1870s.

ANSCHUTZ, HERMAN M. (1869–?)

Anschutz had a studio in Keokuk, Lee County, throughout the 1890s, 1900s, and 1910s. The History of Lee County Iowa, 1914, vol. 2, pp. 111–112, states: “Herman M. Anschutz, son of Friedolin Anschutz, was born in Keokuk, November 2, 1869, and the public school of the city afforded him his educational privileges. When quite young he took up the study of photography under the direction of his brother-in-law George Hassall, and subsequently he purchased the business and has since been alone. He is today at the head of the largest photographic establishment in the state and the work done in his gallery is of superior order. In 1910, he built his present fine studio, which is splendidly equipped with all the modern facilities and accessories that make for efficient, high-grade art. Possessing himself an artistic temperament, he readily recognizes the value of light and shade, of pose and of all the other things that feature as scientific forces in producing the best photographic results. In 1903, Mr. Anschutz was married to Miss Grace C. Smith, a daughter of John Smith, a pioneer settler of Lee County, and they have two children, Adelaide and John. The parents are members of the Methodist Church and Mr. Anschutz also holds membership in the Masonic fraternity. In these two associations are found the rules which govern his conduct and the principles which guide him in every relation of life. He is a man of noble purpose, commanding the respect and confidence of all who know him. In private life, as in his professional career, he stands for the highest efficiency obtainable. In the field of photography he has won a most enviable reputation, his studio largely setting the standard of photographic art in this state.”

Examples of this photographer's stereographic work have been seen by members of the NSA (Darrah). His work was mainly done in the first decades of the twentieth century. He had a partnership as Hassall and Anschutz. No known stereographs from this partnership.

ARAAH, PROF. ANTHEONIA

Araah had a studio in Oxford Junction, Jones County, from 1876 to 1904, and stereographs produced probably bear this city's name. He was also said to have had branch studios in the following places near Oxford Junction: Onslow (1880–1882), Maquoketa (1882), Garfield (1884), and Monticello (1887). According to Burgess, there was also an M.A. Araah in Oxford Junction (1876–1904). Antheonia Araah is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as being in Oxford Junction at that time.

Views by this photographer have been seen by the NSA (Darrah), and one of his views from, perhaps Oxford Junction, is in the SHSI collection.

ARMSTRONG, C. M.

Members of the NSA report having seen a single rare view by this photographer. It is thought he worked in the 1870s. He worked in Leon in Decatur County. Nothing else is known at this time.

ARMSTRONG, SAMUEL MC DOWEL (1849–1923)

Armstrong's studio was in Washington, Washington County, in the 1880s and 1890s. From Portrait and Biographical Album, Washington Co., Iowa, 1887, p. 428: “Samuel M. Armstrong, photographer, Washington, was born Oct. 1, 1849, in Allegheny County Pa, and is the son of David H. and Leticia (Melville) Armstrong. Soon after the birth of Samuel, the family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, and from that place to Washington, this state, in 1856, where our subject grew to manhood, and where he has since continued to reside with the exception of about two years. In his boyhood and youth Samuel Armstrong attended the public schools of Washington, and for a time assisted his father at the mason's trade. About 1868 he went into the gallery of A. Kracaw to learn the trade of a photographer, which he mastered in all its details and in 1873 purchased a half interest in the business which he continued for one year, when he sold out and went to Springfield, Missouri, where he purchased a gallery, and resided one year. He then returned to Iowa and located at Fairfield, where he also remained one year. Returning to Washington in 1878, he purchased the old gallery then being run by M. W. Owen, where he has since continued having established a trade second to but few galleries, even in larger cities. Photography, which has from the beginning been classed among the trades, is now beginning to be ranked among the professions, and not without reason. Not only mechanical skills, but artistic taste, is now required of a first class photographer. To meet the requirements it is necessary for one to study and experiment, that perfection may be attained. That Mr. Armstrong is studious, that he is abreast with the times, a glance at his work will attest. Every new improvement in his line is adopted, and as a consequence he has the trade of which mention has been made. Samuel M. Armstrong and Miss Alice May Yearick were united in marriage Dec. 10, 1873. She is a native of Knox County, Ohio, born Nov. 19, 1852, and is a daughter of Henry E. and Mary Yearick. Mrs. Armstrong came with her parents to Washington in 1855, here grew to womanhood, and has here since continued to reside. She is a lady of refinement and intelligence and is to her husband truly a helpmate. Both of them are members of the Presbyterian Church, and do their part in sustaining the cause in Washington. Mr. Armstrong has been a member of the choir for many years. He is also a Member of Washington Lodge No. 26, AF & AM and politically is a Republican.” He is listed as being a photographer in Washington in the 1881 Gazetteer.

The NSA supplied the name of this photographer, and there are no stereographs by Armstrong in the SHSI collection. NSA reports seeing six rare views on cabinet mounts.

ATHERTON, ALBERT CARL

Atherton had his studio in Charles City, Floyd County, in the 1890s. Also, according to Burgess, he may have been in Cedar Falls during that period. The name of Atherton as a stereographer was supplied by the NSA (Darrah). There are none of his stereographs in the SHSI, and no biographical data are known at this time.

ATKINSON, CHARLES A.

Atkinson had a studio in Davenport, Scott County, in the 1860s. A single view has been reported by NSA members of a boat on a river. No other information is known concerning his work.

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B

BABCOCK, WARNER D.

Babcock had a studio in Grinnell, Poweshiek County, in the 1880s. According to Burgess, he may have also had studios in Union (1880) and Marengo (1884). The only known stereographs by Babcock are of the 1882 Grinnell tornado, and a hand-numbered series indicates at least twelve views in this series. All of these views are in the SHSI collection, and all are from his Grinnell studio.

BACON, GEORGE

The name of Bacon was supplied by the NSA (Darrah). They thought he worked in the 1870s. There is one example that is possibly of his work in the SHSI collection but a photographer named George A. Bacon also worked in Pekin, IL. This could have been the previous residence of this same photographer. The view may or may not have been taken in Iowa. It is a birds-eye-view of the business area of the town.

BAGLEY, W. E.

Bagley had a studio in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County. It is thought his studio existed in the 1880s. Burgess lists a E. W. Bagley in Dyersville, Dubuque County, in 1876. There is one example of his work in the SHSI collection (of Emmetsburg) and a view from his studio on Main Street in Dyersville has also been seen. It is of the residence of John J. Robins, Esq. In 1880.

BAKER, JAMES GEDDES (1868–?)

Baker had a studio in Columbus Junction, Louisa County, in the early 1890s. Prominent series were the Chautauqua Series (1904) and the train wreck (1905). In the History of Louisa County Iowa, vol. II, 1911, pp. 101–102, it is recorded: “James Geddes Baker, who is successfully engaged as a photographer at Columbus Junction, was born in Louisa County March 12, 1868, a son of Benjamin Stephen and Nancy Agnes (Wykert) Baker. The father was a native of New York state and the mother of West Virginia, later becoming a resident of Louisa County in 1835. Mr. Baker, Sr., was a carpenter but during the later years of his life devoted his attention to farming. He died in 1882, the mother being called away three years later. They were the parents of two children: Benjamin Franklin, who is now living in Louisa County, and James Geddes. In 1895, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Clara Elizabeth Grafe, a daughter of Theodore and Elizabeth Grafe. Mrs. Baker died in the fall of 1898, leaving a son, James Walter, who was born in February of the same year. On May 11, 1907 Mr. Baker was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Bessie Forbes, a daughter of William C. and Henrietta (Kincaid) Forbes. Politically, Mr. Baker is an earnest supporter of the Republican Party and fraternally is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Fraternal Aid Society. Mrs. Baker attends the Reformed Church.”

Thirty views by Baker are in the SHSI collection. Some are from the train wreck series and some from the Chautauqua series. The numbers on these series number into the 100s so both series may have been quite large.

BAKER, W.

The name of Baker as a Marshalltown photographer was supplied by the NSA (Darrah). Members had seen examples and believed he worked in the 1870s. No examples of his work are available through the SHSI, and no biographical data are available at this time.

BALDWIN, CASSIUS M. (1848–?)

Baldwin had a studio in Des Moines, Polk County, in the 1870s to the 1890s. Had partnership called Baldwin and Daughtery. Was also known to have been photographer in Santa Cruz, California. The History of Polk County, Iowa, 1880, p. 768, provided the following sketch: “Baldwin, C. M. Proprietor of the Capital City Art Gallery, corner of East Walnut and Fifth Streets. Mr. Baldwin is a native of Indiana, having been born in Grant County, that state, January 27, 1848. There he resided until he was 17 years of age when his father removed to Michigan, where he resided some two years, when he came to Iowa, locating in Marshall County. During the time he resided in that county he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1874 he came to Des Moines and for some four years was in the employ of M. C. Lewis. In October, 1878, he bought Mr. Lewis out and has since been conducting the business, having large and commodious rooms on the northeast corner of East Walnut and Fifth. He was united in marriage to Mrs. L. J. Atkinson, a native of Ohio, December 25, 1876. Have buried two children: Ella and Stella.” Baldwin is also listed in the 1881 Gazetteer so was working in Des Moines at that time. One of Baldwin's back stamps advertised, “Publisher of fine stereoscopic views of Des Moines, Iowa, and vicinity, interior and exterior of Iowa's capitol. Also Colorado and the Mountains.” On these he listed his town to be East Des Moines, Iowa. A backlist on one card has fifty-four views listed in a series called “Series of Clear Creek Canon.” All views in this series are of western (Colorado and Idaho) views except number 54 and that is called the “New State House, Des Moines, Iowa.” There are thirty-two views in the SHSI collection and most of these show the interior and exterior of the state capitol. There are also six views by the partnership of Baldwin & Daugherty, also listing an East Des Moines address and showing exterior views of the capitol. Most of Baldwin's work seems to have been done on the cabinet size mounts. There are no Colorado views in the SHSI collection.

BARBER, EARL (1852–1896)

No other information is available on this photographer. The NSA (Darrah) supplied his name as they had seen at least one view by him. They felt he worked in Waterloo in the 1870s.

BARKE, J. F.

Had studio called the Excelsior Gallery in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, in the 1880s. The studio was on First Avenue, between Fifth and Pearl Streets. A prominent series was “Views of Council Bluffs and Vicinity.” He is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as a photographer in Council Bluffs. He is also listed by the NSA as having a studio in Missouri Valley, Harrison County, in the 1880s. He may have also produced stereographs using this city as the place of origin.

The SHSI collection has four views by Barke in Council Bluffs. They are from the “Views of Council Bluffs and Vicinity” series and feature local views such as the First National Bank and the high school building. The name may have also been printed as Barks.

BARNARD, ALONZO A.

Barnard has a studio in Waukon, Allamakee County, in 1880s and 1890s. Had partnership as Huffman & Barnard. He was the son-in-law of his partner, P. C. Huffman, having married Huffman’s daughter, Della. His brother, Thomas Nathan Barnard, went to Idaho and produced stereographs there.

Three views by Huffman & Barnard are part of the SHSI collection. These show local views such as the Catholic church interior and a Mississippi River view. No known stereographs by Barnard alone are known to exist.

BARNES, HARVEY C.

Barnes had a studio in West Liberty, Muscatine County. There is an example of his work in the SHSI. He was in a partnership called Jacoby & Barnes and the SHSI collection includes four views by this partnership. According to Burgess, he was active in the years around 1892. This may be the same Barnes that is listed as being in Newton.

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BARNES

Barnes had a studio in Newton, Jasper County. There was a partnership called Barnes and Kennedy. It is unclear whether this is the same photographer that was in West Liberty. The name of Barnes in Newton was supplied by the NSA and they felt he was working there in the 1870s. They report having seen a single view of a farmhouse.

BARNETT, L. M. G.

Barnett was said to have had studio in Davenport, Scott County. Burgess also thought he was in Des Moines in the 1860s and 1870s. She also lists a S. M. G. Barnett in Des Moines in 1865. This name was seen in the Directory of Civil War Photographers. The Barnett name is not listed, however, in any available Davenport city directory as a photographer. The NSA members report having seen at least a single view of a city building. They also felt he probably made stereographs in Des Moines. Burgess lists two partnerships with the Barnett name, Schreck & Barnett (1866) and Barnett & Stiffler (1871–1873). Both were in Des Moines. Neither of these partnership is known to have made stereographs.

BEATTY, WILLIAM (1844–1913)

Beatty had a studio in Sigourney, Keokuk County, in the 1880s and 1890s. In the Keokuk County News of April 24, 1913: “William Beatty, Sr. Dead -Word has been received here the first of the week by the Shanagfelt Brothers living east of town, that Wm. Beatty, Sr. had died at his home in Los Angeles. No particulars are obtainable regarding the cause of death, though he had been a sufferer of heart trouble. The body will very likely be brought here for burial. Mr. Beatty visited here last summer and enjoyed meeting his many friends again, who regret to hear of his death.

From the Keokuk County News of May 8, 1913: “William Beatty was born in Newark, Ohio, March 10th, 1844 and died in Los Angeles at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Renfrew, April 21st, 1913 of heart failure at the age of 69 years, 1 month and 11 days. In 1855 he with his parents moved to Wisconsin, where they lived until 1856 and then settled in Burlington, Iowa, and in 1857 changed their place of residence to Johnson County, Mo. While living there William learned the art of photography and engaged in that occupation many years. He came to this county in 1870 and followed his profession until a few years before he left here. He and his wife moved to Los Angeles, California, about ten years ago. He married Miss Katie Shanafelt in February, 1870. They had four children, three of whom survive him, Mrs. Lottie Renfrew, of Los Angeles, William D. of Pharr, Texas, and Dr. J. David of Los Angeles. Mrs. Beatty died in July 1910. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Masonic Order and IOOF. Joined the Methodist church in Sigourney, July 1st, 1897. William Beatty was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion and his record given below will convince all he was a gallant soldier and stuck to the service as long as the war lasted. It will be noticed he was wounded four times and suffered in that way, all one soldier should bear. He first enlisted in U. S. service in August 1861 near Sedalia, Mo. as a private in Independent Company of Mounted Infantry. Was captured at Lexington, Mo. in September, then paroled on October 9, 1861. Re-enlisted as private in Company “C” 14th Iowa Infantry at Burlington, Iowa. Was discharged February 29, 1864 for re-enlistment at Fort Dredly and was re-enlisted or transferred to Company “M” Seventh Iowa Cavalry. Was finally discharged at Sioux City, Iowa, June 22nd, 1866 by reason of the close of the war. Was wounded in right foot at Lexington, Missouri again wounded between ankle and knee, again on knee cap and was injured in chest by an explosion at the siege of Lexington. Funeral services were held in Los Angeles, April 27th. The body was accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Renfrew and son, W. D. of Pharr, Texas. Funeral services were held in the M. E. Church in Sigourney May 4th conducted by Rev. Lloyd Lanning, the pastor of the church. After which the Grand Army and IOOF, each held a short service and there the Masonic Fraternity held services at the grave. It rained hard all day but the church was crowded full of old friends. Deceased was shot ten times, four times in the army, five times by a robber, and once accidentally in Sigourney, which no doubt shortened his life many years. Mr. Beatty was a splendid man and the type of citizen any town is proud to claim. Friendly, kind, considerate. He will be mourned by his family and sadly missed by his wide circle of friends.”

Stereographs by this photographer have been seen by the NSA (Darrah). He worked in Sigourney from 1870 until about 1903. No stereographs of his work are available through the SHSI.

BELL

Bell had a studio in Ottumwa, Wapello County. The studio was at 211 East Main Street. He produced a series entitled, 1903 Series Bell’s Stereoviews of Iowa that contained many views of Ottumwa and the surrounding area. Some views were embossed with “Bell”. He also made views of Colorado.

BELL, ISAAC A.

Bell had a studio in Donnellson, Lee County, in the 1870s. The NSA of a portrait of children and dolls has reported a single view. Burgess lists him during 1891–1895 in Donnellson, but also having worked in Ft. Madison and Farmington at a later time. While in Ft. Madison, he had a partnership called Bell & Courtright. There are no stereographs by Bell available in the SHSI collection.

BELVEAL, E. S.

Belveal had his studio in Ottumwa, Wapello County. Later, it is believed he may have gone to Butte, Montana. Views by this photographer have been seen by the NSA members (Darrah). They felt he was in Ottumwa in the 1880s and 1890s. No other biographical information exists, and no views are available at the SHSI.

BENTON, W. E.

Benton had a studio in Missouri Valley, Harrison County. The gallery was named the Excelsior Gallery. The SHSI has two extremely interesting stereographs by an unknown photographer (but probably by Benton) -- one of the interior and one of the exterior of Benton’s gallery, plus one other view (labeled Benton) of the Loess Hills.

BERNARD, A. L.

Bernard's studio was in Avoca, Pottawattamie County, in the 1870s and 1880s. He is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer. The SHSI collection has three images by A. L Bernard.

BERTRAND, EDISON E.

Bertrand had a studio in Cresco, Howard County, in the 1870s and 1880s. There was also an E. E. Bertrand, according to Burgess, in Independence in the 1880s as part of a partnership called Barclay & Bertrand. This was probably the same person. The name was supplied by the NSA (Darrah) as they had seen an example of his work in Cresco. He is also listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as being a Cresco photographer. No examples of his work are available at the SHSI.

BEVERAGE, MAURICE C.

Beverage had a studio in Marshalltown, Marshall County, in the 1870s through the 1890s. He had a partnership as Beverage & Jessup. A single view, probably by this partnership, has been reported by the NSA; a non-stereo view of a drawing of Iowa Soldier's Home in Marshalltown. Burgess also lists a Morris C. in Dubuque in 1889. Maurice C. Beverage is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as a Marshalltown photographer.

BILBROUGH, JOHN E. (1840–?)

Bilbrough had a studio in Dubuque, Dubuque County, from 1864 to 1899. Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa, 1894, pp. 266–267, says this about Bilbrough: “It is an important principle in human nature to admire the artistic and beautiful, not only as representing scenery, but also personal friends. As an artist of high character, who has done much to improve and raise the standard of art work in photography, we mention the name of Mr. Bilbrough, whose studio is situated on the southwest corner of Main and Eighth Streets, Dubuque. A native of England, our subject was born in Derby, Derbyshire, February 18, 1840, being the son of William and Mary (Roland) Bilbrough. In the school of Brentwood, in Essex, he gained a good education, and completed his studies in Leeds, Yorkshire. In his native land he learned the art of photography, but did not commence in business in England. In 1861 he immigrated to the United States, coming via the Dominion of Canada, and spending fifteen months in Toronto. He then crossed to Wisconsin, where he spent three years. Later he made a short sojourn in Chicago. The year 1864 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Bilbrough in Dubuque, where he has since devoted his entire attention to his art. He occupies commodious rooms, which he has fitted up into a first class studio supplied with the latest appliances of photography. In point of years of active business he is the oldest photographer in the eastern part of the state, and is both widely and favorable known. He has an extensive trade, and is prepared to turn out a fine shape everything from a minette to a life size picture finished in pastel, crayon, or watercolors. The marriage of Mr. Bilbrough occurred in 1874, and united him with Miss Julia A. Van Evra, an accomplished lady then living in Akron, Ohio. Socially our subject affiliates with the Masonic Lodge No. 125, AF and AM, Dubuque Chapter, R.A.M. and Siloam Commandery No. 3, K.T. in religious belief he is a member of the Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belongs. They have a comfortable home on Broadway, to which are welcomed their host of warm personal friends.”

The 1873–74 Dubuque City Directory states: “Mr. Bilbrough became a skillful artist in photographic art some ten years ago, and is now one of the best in Dubuque. Many parlors and center tables are adorned by the photographs taken by Mr. Bilbrough, and though they cost a dollar or two, they could not now be bought for a hundred and some of them not for a thousand dollars.” The directory also claims that Bilbrough made porcelain pictures, and that in all styles of his art, he excelled, and that no customer ever found fault with Bilbrough's work. An ad in the 1877 Dubuque City Directory says: “E. Bilbrough, Artistic Photographer Southwest cor. 8th and Main, Dubuque, Iowa, I possess one of the largest lenses made by Dallmeyer of London, especially adapted for life size portraits - the only one in the state.”

A series was entitled “Views of Dubuque & Vicinity.” The SHSI collection consists of eight stereographs by Bilbrough including three views of a four-view series on the wreaths given by groups in Dubuque to Mrs. Garfield in sympathy following the death of the president. The other views are of scenic views around the city of Dubuque.

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BINGHAM, F. V.

Bingham had a studio in Clermont, Fayette County. A prominent series was entitled “Beauties of Clermont.” A J. P. Calvin of Clermont, Iowa published his views. There was a backlist of thirteen images, which begin with a 100 number. At least two of these views were taken on the grounds of the residence of William Larrabee and are available at the SHSI. The others are of scenes around Clermont. Bingham probably was working in the 1880s. It is not known if Calvin was also a photographer.

BITTENBENDER, LEVI C.

Bittenbender had a studio in Knoxville, Marion County, in the 1870s and 1880s. He was thought to have married Hannah Smith on October 15, 1879. He is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as a Knoxville photographer. The NSA reports having seen a single view by Bittenbender, that of a home. There are no views by this photographer in the SHSI collection.

BLACKHALL, JOHN

Blackhall was a Clinton photographer beginning in the 1860s through the 1870s. He had a studio at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Second Street. A prominent series was entitled “Views of Clinton and Vicinity.” It was also thought that he sold pirated views of the Chicago fire of 1871. The SHSI has a single view in their collection, that of a rail bridge on the Mississippi River.

BLAIR, LYMAN G.

Blair had a studio in Ida Grove, Ida County, in the 1870s and 1880s. He may have also had, according to Burgess, a studio in Odebolt in 1879. NSA members say that he made rare views of the Mississippi River, but this may have confused with the Missouri River. He is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as an Ida Grove photographer. There are two views by Blair in the SHSI collection. One shows a street parade and the other shows a hailstorm in Denison on June 12, 1877. From History of Western Iowa, p. 565: “L. G. Blair, photographer, was born in Ill.; moved to Wis. when quite young, and in 1876 moved to Denison, Ia. He came to Ida Grove in 1879, and established business. He has a branch establishment in Odebolt; is prepared to do first class work at low prices.”

BLAIR, ROBERT H.

The name of Blair as a Keokuk stereographer was supplied by members of the NSA. They thought he worked there in the 1860s. According to the Directory of Civil War Photographers, he was in Keokuk in 1864. There is none of his work available through the SHSI and no biographical information.

BLAIR, WILLIAM E.

Blair was believed to have had a studio in Sac City, Sac County, in the 1870s and 1880s. Burgess also lists him in Rock Rapids in 1889–1895 and Belle Plaine 1897–1899. His name was supplied by the NSA. They reported a single view of an unidentified home. It is unknown if there was a relationship between him and Lyman Blair of Ida Grove or Robert Blair of Keokuk.

BORLOUG, OLE E. (1856–1894)

Borloug (Borlaug) had a studio in Decorah, Winneshiek County. Previously a photographer in Calmar, Winneshiek County, he was said to have produced stereographs at both localities. Though a W. A. Borlaug has also been said to have produced stereographs in Calmar and Decorah, this has not been verified and may just be confusion concerning the name of this photographer. According to Burgess, there was also a John E. Borlaug in Decorah (1895–1897) but this relationship is unknown. An obituary in the Decorah Republican of April 5, 1894 states: “At his home in this city, Thursday, March 29th of consumption, O. E. Borlaug, in his 37th year. O. E. Borlaug was born in Wisconsin, June 22, 1856. In 1864, he came to Winneshiek County with his parents and settled near Calmar. His home was on the farm and in Calmar until about seven years ago when he came to Decorah and purchased the photography business of A. W. Adams. Some two years ago he became a victim of the disease which caused his death. Before dying he arranged all his business affairs. He leaves an invalid wife and three children, comfortably provided for. The remains were taken to Calmar, Tuesday, for burial in the family lot.

Also an article from the Decorah Republican of December 11, 1890, regarding a fire in Calmar on December 10, 1890, reports: “The flames soon communicated to Borlaug's picture gallery and in spite of all that could be done, the two buildings were soon in ashes.”

There are several examples of his work in both Decorah and Calmar in the collection at the SHSI.

BOURNE, A. J.

Bourne had a studio in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, and it is thought he created mainly local views. Two views of residences in Cedar Rapids are in the SHSl collection. Burgess lists an Albert Bourne in Cedar Rapids in 1880-1884 and lists this as an apprenticeship. She also lists an A. F. Bourne in Belmond and Clarion in 1892

BOWEN, R. JUDSON

Bowen had a studio in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, that was located in Miller's Block, Westside. Was in partnership as Haddock & Bowen. Bowen is listed in 1899 Waterloo city directory as 324 East 4th, residence 220 E. 4th. In 1901, he is listed as 216 E. 5th, residence 904 Sycamore. Although no examples of Haddock & Bowen stereographs exist in the SHSI, there are examples of their work at the Grout Museum in Waterloo.

BOYD, WILLIAM F.

Boyd had a studio in Des Moines, Polk County. Burgess also lists a Boyd in Winterset (1866) and a Boyd in Des Moines from 1870–1889+. This may have been William F. or possibly Frank Boyd, who as Boyd & Barrett was in Des Moines in 1876–1877. Burgess also lists a La Roche & Co. as having a connection. William F. Boyd is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as a Des Moines photographer. Examples of his work have been seen by NSA members and one example is in the SHSI collection. There is also a CDV that might be a portrait image of his child. It is entitled, “Baby Boyd” and is taken by William Boyd’s studio.

BRANDT BROTHERS

The Brandt Brothers had studios in Avoca and Walnut in Pottawatamie County. Stereographs were probably made at both locations. They worked during the 1880s and the 1890s. There were three brothers who seemly worked in the studio: Fred, Henry, and William F. This name was supplied by the NSA. A view by Brandt Brothers was reported by Darrah. They used the term “Art Studio” to describe their gallery.

BRASCH, H. K.

Brasch had a studio in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, in the early 1900s. He was listed in the Waterloo city directories at 100 1/2 East 4th, residence same. This listing was from 1904 to 1912. He made curved mount views. There are ten views by Brasch in the SHSI collection. All are local views of Waterloo sights.

BREWER, WILLIAM HENRY (1838–?)

Brewer had a studio in Shenandoah, Page County, in the 1870s through the 1890s. From Biographical History of Page County, Iowa, 1890, pp. 622–623: “William Henry Brewer, an old and highly esteemed resident of Shenandoah, was born in Washington County, Indiana, January 10, 1838 and is a son of Oliver H. and Alvira (Westfall) Brewer who were married in Indiana, where their parents had settled at an early date.... William Henry remained at home with his father until he was twenty-five years old, when he married October 14, 1862, to Miss Mary Ann Procter, a native of the Hoosier State.... To Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have been born two children: George O. who is conducting a mercantile business of his own and who is a highly respected young man of twenty-five years, and Hattie, an attractive girl of sixteen years. The parents are connected with the Congregational Church. In politics our subject stands squarely with the Democrats, having fixed convictions on all questions of public interest.”

There is a single example of this photographer's work in the SHSI collection. It would appear as if he mainly issued local views around Shenandoah.

BRIGGS, J. P.

The name of this photographer was supplied by the NSA (Darrah), and members had seen examples of his work. He had studio in Mitchell, Mitchell County. The SHSI has a carte-de-visite of the exterior of his studio in Mitchell and a stereograph by an unknown photographer, possibly Briggs, of the town of Mitchell. He probably worked in the 1870s. No biographical information is known.

BROWN, HENRY R.

Brown had a studio in Sioux City, Woodbury County, in the 1880s and 1890s. A prominent series was “Corn Palace Views.” He had a partnership as Brown & Wait. There was also a Harry R. Brown in Sioux City in the early 1890s and an F. E. Brown in the city directories in 1891–92. No known relationship exists between these men and Henry R. Brown. Henry R. Brown is first mentioned in the city directories in 1889–90 as having a studio at 413 4th. The 1890–91 Sioux City directory lists Brown & Wait at that same address. The SHSI has a single view by Brown showing a bird's eye view of Sioux City. NSA members have also seen other views of local scenes. The partnership of Brown & Wait also produced stereographs and one is in the SHSI collection..

BRYAN, SYLVESTER T.

Burgess lists a Bryan & Twiford partnership in Burlington, Des Moines County, in 1874–1875. Studio of Bryan was at 318 1/2 Hedges Block. The skylight of his studio may be pictured in one of his stereoviews entitled “4th Street looking South.” He also had a partnership with Harvey as Bryan & Harvey. Some cards say S. T. Bryan, successor to Bryan & Harvey, Photographic Artists. He is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as a Burlington photographer. Fifteen views of Burlington by Bryan exist in the SHSI collection.

BUSER, HENRY R. (1840–1903)

Buser had a studio in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, in the 1870s through the 1890s. It was called the Star Gallery. He also had a prominent series of views called “Scenery in Cedar Rapids.” He was the older brother of Joseph S. Buser whose primary place of residence of work was Mt. Vernon. Buser's studio during the 1880s was located at 53 South 1st Street. In 1878, he was known to be in partnership as Buser & Rifenburg. From the History of Linn County, Iowa, 1911, vol. 2, pp. 28–29: “In the thirty-five years of his residence in Cedar Rapids, Henry R. Buser so lived as to command the unqualified regard and esteem of his fellowmen. He was, during that period, engaged much of the time in the conduct of a photographic studio and the excellence of his work won him liberal public support. It was his sterling traits of character, aside from his business connection, however, that gained him the firmest hold on the affections of his friends. He was a man who stood foursquare to every wind that blows. There were never any equivocal phases in his life but rather an open record which all might read. Born on a farm near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on the 3rd of April 1840 he there remained until 1858 when the family decided to seek a location in the west, and with two brothers he made the journey across Ohio and Indiana by wagon. They first took up their abode upon a farm near Warren, Illinois, where Henry R. Buser made his home until after the outbreak of the Civil War. He was twenty-two years of age, when in response to the country's call for troops, he offered his services to the government and joined the boys in blue of Company K, Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry. With that command he took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, the siege of Atlanta, and other important engagements which led up to the final victories that crowned the Union armies. His was a most creditable military record, characterized by loyalty and by bravery upon every battle field.... Just before coming to Cedar Rapids, Mr. Buser was married on the 6th of February 1868 to Miss Mary Elizabeth Gann and unto them were born two sons, who are yet living; Edward, now connected with the shoe trade of the city, and Frank, a real-estate dealer.... Two other children died in infancy. The death of the husband and father occurred April 12, 1903, after a residence of more that a third of a century in Cedar Rapids.... His home life was largely ideal and his best traits of character were ever reserved for his own fireside. His family found him a devoted husband and father who did everything in his power to promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children. In fact, he possessed many traits of character which made him a valued member of the community and enshrined his memory in the hearts of those who knew him.”

Buser used some of the following words on his mounts: “Photographed by ‘The Star Gallery’,” “Photographs of every description,” and “Scenery in Cedar Rapids.” Buser is listed in the 1881 Gazetteer as a Cedar Rapids photographer. The SHSI has thirteen stereographs by Henry Buser, all local views.

BUSER, JOSEPH S. (1845–?)

Joseph S. Buser had a studio in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, at E. 4th and Water from 1873–74 and in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, in the 1880s, located at 49 South First Street. Was also in Lansing, Allamakee County (1860s); Mt. Vernon, Linn County (1880s and 1890s); Mechanicsville, Cedar County, and Lisbon, Linn County (1880s). There are also Henry R. in Cedar Rapids (1870s–1890s), the brother of J. S. Buser, and Edward J. in Cedar Rapids (90s) whose relationship to the two brothers is unknown. The History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, 1878, p. 464, states: “Mr. Buser was born in Lycomining County, Pennsylvania, in 1845 and emigrated to Grant Co., Wisconsin, in 1858 where he resided until going to Warren, Illinois, engaging in business with his brother. After one year, he went to Fulton, Illinois, and to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Monroe, Wisconsin, where he bought a gallery and from which place he came to this country in 1873 where he has been engaged in business.

From the Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa, 1901, pp. 869–870: “J. S. Buser, the well-known and popular photographer of Mt. Vernon, was born in Pennsylvania, of which state his parents, Hacob and Nancy (Rothrauff) Buser, were also natives. The family came west in 1859 and settled near Warren, Illinois, though just across the line in Wisconsin. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died there in 1881, when about seventy-three years of age. The mother survived him several years, dying May 13, 1900, when past the age of ninety-three. In their family were eleven children, namely: John married Sarah DeHasse, and both died in Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Mary is the widow of John Dershane and resides in Bird City, Kansas; Samuel is also married and makes his home in Warren, Illinois; Levi married Jane Maheny, who is deceased, and he is again married and lives in Warren, Illinois; Lydia is the wife of Erastus Mellinger and resides in Pine Island, Minnesota; Henry R. married Elizabeth Gann and makes his home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Ellis married a Miss Thornton and lives in Dawson, Nebraska; J. S., our subject, is the next of the family; and Emma died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Buser, of this review, began his education in the district schools, his father having donated part of the old homestead farm on which to erect a school house.... He attends the Methodist Church, and is a supporter of the Republican Party. On the 2nd of May, 1893, Mr. Buser was married at Cedar Rapids to Mrs. Mary A. Bruch, a daughter of John and Mary M. (Metzgar) Mingle, both natives of Pennsylvania....”

The first auto in Mount Vernon was bought by J. S. Buser in 1906. There is a photo of Mr. and Mrs. Buser in this car in A Centennial History of Mount Vernon, Iowa, 1847–1947, pp. 96–97.

J. S. Buser made stereographs in several Iowa cities. The SHSI collection contains twenty four images of his time in Waterloo, two images of his work in Cedar Rapids, and one image made while he was in Lansing. He probably made views while in Mount Vernon but none are available in the SHSI. Prominent series while he was in Waterloo were entitled “Iowa Scenery” and “Home Scenery - Iowa Series.”

BYERLY, ORISON (1836–?)

Byerly had a studio in Parkersburg, Butler County, in the 1880s and 1890s. Burgess also lists Byerly as having lived in Dubuque, Farley, and Jesup. In 1880 census he was listed as living in Jesup, Buchanan County. At that time he was 45 years old and his place of birth was Ohio. His wife was Hattie, aged 35, and he had a son Frederick, aged 9, who was born in Iowa.

From the History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa, 1883, p. 440: “His wife is a native of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Byerly have two children - Lilly and Frederick. They lost their oldest daughter at Farley, Iowa.” Byerly worked in the 1870s and 1880s. An ad for his work appears in the March 13, 1884, Parkersburg Eclipse.

There are several examples of Byerly's work in the SHSI.

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C

CAMMACK, WALTER R.