Pifer and Becker

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Wilshire Building, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

The short history of Pifer and Becker of Cleveland:
1891
Cleveland, OH, city directory, Urlin and Becker as photographer 94-100 Wilshire bldg., 209 Superior
1892
Cleveland, OH, city directory, Urlin and Becker as photographer 94-100 Wilshire bldg., 209 Superior
1892 Jun 29
Ravenna (OH) Democrat, news/ad for Piper and Becker Photo Palace, Wilshire Bldg, Cleveland, OH
1892 Dec 15
Ravenna (OH) Democrat, Display Ad for Piper and Becker Photo Palace, Wilshire Bldg, Cleveland, OH
1893
Cleveland, OH, city directory, Urlin and Becker as photographer 94-100 Wilshire bldg., 209 Superior

1893 Mar 22
Ravenna (OH) Democrat news item about the wedding of G N Pifer
1894
Cleveland, OH, city directory, Urlin and Becker as photographer 94-100 Wilshire bldg., 209 Superior
1895
Cleveland, OH, city directory, Urlin and Becker as photographer 94-100 Wilshire bldg., 209 Superior
1896
Cleveland, OH, city directory, Urlin and Becker as photographer 94-100 Wilshire bldg., 209 Superior
1897
Cleveland, OH, city directory, "Urlin Becker", successor to Pifer and Becker. 94 Wilshire Bldg (This must be a misprint. No "Urlin Becker" has been found.) The studio must have been just closed by Frank Becker, the only photographer named Becker in Cleveland.

1898
Cleveland, OH, city directory, no “Urlin” Becker listed; no studio at 209 Superior is listed; George N Pifer is NOT listed in residential section

The partnership of George N Pifer and Frank Becker lasted just five years, 1892 through 1897.

During that time, at least, George N Pifer lived next door at 208 Superior. Also note, some newspaper items spell the name Piper, but the city directory spells it Pifer.

After that the studio in the Wilshire Building at 209 Superior, Cleveland, Ohio, was closed and Frank Becker continued in his studio at 771 Loraine. No other photographer was listed at the Superior address in the next few years.

Ravena (OH) Democratic Press - 29 Jun 1892

Ravena (OH) Democratic Press - 15 Dec 1892

Ravena (OH) Democratic Press - 22 Mar 1893

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Wilshire Building, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

Reverse of card at left

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Wilshire Building, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Wilshire Building, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Wilshire Building, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Wilshire Building, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Wilshire Bldg, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

photographer: Pifer and Becker
Wilshire Bldg, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site

photogrpher: Urlin and Becker
Wilshire Building, Cleveland, OH
example from auction site
Urlin and Becker were partners in 1891-1892

Not the one you were looking for? Here's the photographer's INDEX by name. All the Cabinet Card photographers of the 19th century found in LOST GALLERY are listed there.

This is a work always in progress.

Aditional information and new examples are always welcome. Any additional information will help narrow the time that these precious antiques were made.

All submissions should be free of glare and shadows.
Do not crop.
Leave a border around each card. The edges are sometimes an important clue to the age of the card.
Email to the address found in the profile at the bottom of this page.

Some examples on this page have been enhanced or restored for clarity and presentation here.

This page is free for educational and research purposes only but, as always, if the original owner of any of these examples objects to the use on this page, just let me know and they will be immediately removed.

Joseph Theodore Bertrand

photographer Bertrand
205 1/2 S Main, Los Angles, CA
example from LOST GALLERY
(Probably made between Nov 1890 and 1897)

Following photographer Bertrand through his career was difficult. There are lots of gaps in this history. It appears his longest stay at one address was from Nov 1890 to sometime in 1897. This was at 205 1/5 S Main, in Los Angeles, CA.

It is possible that he worked for a bit in Spokane, WA, but no records have been found to support this.


Timeline
1859-1932

1859 Aug
Missouri, 1900 and 1910 US census, Joseph Theodore Bertrand is born here according to these two census reports
1878
Chicago, IL, city directory, Joseph Bertrand not listed; (Unrelated) Stephen Bertrand is listed as painter at 51 West Pearson
1882
Chicago, IL, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand as Artist; boarding at 316 Indiana;

1885
Chicago, IL, city directory, Joseph Bertrand as molder(This may not be the right Joseph Bertrand; res 550 Blue Island; also listed Stephen A Bertrand (no relation) as photographer, 149 Chicago av; res 215 Chicago Av
1887 Dec 16
Washington, DC, The Evening Star, obituary for Amanda L Roby, says her daughter Amanda Mullrowney (Mrs J T Bertrand) is in San Francisco, CA; assuming here that Mr Joseph Theo Bertrand is also in San Francisco, CA at this date; (California records indicate that J T Bertrand and A M Mullowney were not married until June 1890)
1887, 1888
Chicago, IL, city directory, J T Bertrand NOT listed; Stephen A Bertrand as photographer at 149 Chicago av, res 215 Chicago Av
1887
Los Angeles, CA, city directory, J T Bertrand as photographer; res 707 so Hill
1888
Chicago, IL, city directory, J T Bertrand NOT listed; Stephen A Bertrand as photographer at 147 Chicago av, res 215 Chicago Av

1888
Los Angeles, CA, Corran’s LA Directory, J T Bertrand, photographer, 413 North Main (This is the only record found with this address. Of course, given that Bertrand is shown to have moved often, it is quite possible this was one of his actual locations.)
1888
Los Angeles CA, city directory, Voter list, J T Bertrand as photographer at 707 s Hill; res same
1890 Jun 10
Los Angeles, CA, state records, J T Bertrand and Annie L Mullowney are married (Note that the 16 Dec 1887 obituary for Annie Mullowney’s mother implies A L Mullowney is already married to J T Bertrand and living in San Francisco, CA.
1889 Feb 12
Los Angeles (CA) Herald, small ad for Bertrand Studio at 413 N Main, in Los Angeles
1889 Nov 25
Los Angeles (CA) Herald, small ad for Bertrand Studio at 413 N Main, in Los Angeles
1890
Los Angeles, CA, voter list, J T Bertrand as photographer; res 345 S Hill

1890 Jan 05
Los Angeles (CA) Herald, small notice that Bertrand and Stein are moving to the Southwest corner of Main and Second streets on Jan 20
1890
Los Angeles, CA, city directory Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; with WF Stein at SE corner of Seventh and So Hill
1890 May 01
Los Angeles (CA) Evening Express, small ad for Bertrand studio at corner of Main and Second AND 513 N Main
1890 Jun 11
Los Angeles (CA) Herald, AND Los Angeles (CA) Evening Express, two conflicting notices, same day, one says Annie L Mullony of Michigan is to marry Joseph F Bertrand of Louisiana. The other says Annie L Mullany is to marry Joseph T Bertrand, both of Los Angeles
1890 Jun 13
Los Angeles (CA) Evening Express, notice that J T Bertrand and Annie Mullowny are married
1890 Jul 20
Los Angeles (CA) Herald, small ad says Bertrand and Stein new studio is open at SW Corner of Main and Second streets

1890 Nov 30
Los Angeles (CA) Times, small ad for Bertrand and Co at 205 ½ So Main
1890 Dec 21
Los Angeles (CA) Herald, small ad says Bertrand and Co are at 203 ½ So Main
1891
Los Angeles, CA, city directory, Bertrand and Co, (Bertrand and William F Stein) at 513 Main and 205 ½ So Main; res 345 S Hill
1891 Sep 03
Los Angeles (CA) Times, small item: Bertrand and Co -at the corner of 2nd and Main
1892
Los Angeles, CA, California Voter List, J T Bertrand as photographer; res 127 E Third
1893
Los Angeles, CA, city directory Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; res 127 E Third; with William F Stein as Bertrand and CO at 205 ½ So Main
1892 Jun 02
Los Angeles (CA) Times, small ad says studio is at 205 S Main Street 1892 Oct 15
Los Angeles (CA) Times, article about sculptor says he is located with “A. Bertrand, photographer, Corner of Second and Main

1893 Jun 28, Sep 09
Los Angeles (CA) Times, small ad says Bertrand is at 205 S Main
1894 Los Angeles, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; Bertrand and Co. with William F Stein, at 205 ½ So Main 1895
Los Angeles, CA, Maxwell's Los Angeles Directory and Gazetteer of Southern California, Bertrand & Co., photographer, 205 1/2 S. Main
1896
Los Angeles, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand and W F Stein as photographer; res 343 Buena Vista
1896 Feb 27
Los Angeles (CA) Herald, article about x-rays mentions J T Bertrand gallery at 205 ½ South Main
1897
Los Angeles, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand and W F Stein as photographer; studio at 205 ½ So Main; Bertrand NOT listed in business directory, only Stein listed at 205 ½ S Main
1899
Los Angeles, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand AND W F Stein NOT listed, (bus pages only available)

>1900 Jun 09
San Francisco, CA, US census, Joseph Bertrand, res 204 San Jose Ave, Marital Status: Divorced; Relation to Head: Boarder; born in Missouri; Voter Reg: as Joseph Theo Bertrand, no occupation listed
1901
Los Angeles, CA, city directory, J T Bertrand NOT listed
1902
San Francisco, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; res 204 San Jose, CA
1903
San Francisco, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; manager of Miniature Portrait Co.; res 204 San Jose
1904
San Francisco, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; res 204 San Jose av
1905
No listings found; 1906 not available
1907
San Francisco, CA, city directory Joseph T Bertrand as photographer at 1615 Fillmore; res 747 Fillmore

1907 Oct 10
San Francisco, CA, voter registration Joseph Theo Bertrand age 46, as photographer; res 747 Fillmore
1908 Oct 08
San Francisco, CA, voter registration Joseph Theo Bertrand age 49, as photographer; res 747 Fillmore
1909
San Francisco, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand as salesman for Artura Photo Papers co; res 326 Hayes
1912, 1913
San Francisco, CA, Voter registration, Joseph Theo Bertrand as Commercial Traveler; res 50 Golden Gate Av
1914, 1916
San Francisco, CA, city directory, Joseph Theo Bertrand as salesman; res 278 Golden Gate
1920 Jan 16
San Francisco, CA, US census J T Bertrand, as photographer, boarding at 335 Stockton Street
1921, 1922
San Francisco, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; res 335 Stockton

1926
Los Angeles, CA, voter list, Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; res 63 Lime Av 1927
Long Beach, CA, city directory, Jos T Bertrand as photographer for Kemp Studio; res 46 Chestnut av
1929
Los Angeles, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand as manager of Martel-Howlett Studios; res 126 E First
1930
Los Angeles, CA, voter list, Joseph T Bertrand as photographer; res 254 American
1931
Los Angeles, CA, city directory, Joseph T Bertrand NOT listed
1932 Dec 10
Los Angeles, CA, Death Index, Joseph T Bertrand is dead at age 74

Following is a recap showing only the studio locations.

Recap (locations only)
1888
As photographer at 707 Hill, Los Angeles, CA
1890
As photographer with Bertrand and Stein, at SE cor 7th and South Hill, Los Angeles, CA; (possibly the same as 707 Hill)
1891
As photographer with J T Bertrand and Co (with William Stein), 513 N Main and 205 ½ S Main, Los Angeles, CA
1893, 1894, 1896, 1897 (1898 not available)
As photographer with Bertrand and Co (Bertrand and Stein) 205 ½ S Main, Los Angeles, CA
1899
Bertrand and Co NOT listed
1900, 1901, 1902
Bertrand as photographer but no studio listed
1903
Bertrand as manager of Miniature Portrait Co, 8 Sixth St
1904
Bertrand as photographer, business pages lists Bertra”u”d and Packscher at 1627 Fillmore but this is not a misprint, it is not Bertrand

1907
Bertrand as photographer with own studio at 1615 Fillmore
1908
Bertrand as photographer; studio unknown
1909
Bertrand as salesman for Artura Photo Papers
1910, 1911
Bertrand whereabouts unknown
1912 thru 1916
Bertrand as salesman
1917
From here until his death in 1932 he apparently worked as a photographer but never for his own studio.
1927
Bertrand as photographer for Kemp Studio
1929
Bertrand as photographer for Martel-Howlett studio

If you have any additional information that will help tell where this photograph was and when, please leave a note.

Los Angeles(CA)Herald -
20 May 1889 Los Angeles(CA)Herald -
25 Nov 1889 Los Angeles(CA)Herald -
05 Jan 1890 Los Angeles (CA) Evening Express - 01 May 1890

Los Angeles (CA) Evening Express -
10 May 1890 Los Angeles (CA) Herald -
11 Jun 1890 Name wrong, origin wrong

Los Angeles (CA) Evening Express -
11 Jun 1890 Name right, origin right

Los Angeles (CA) Herald -
13 Jun 1890 Middle initial wrong

Los Angeles (CA) Evening Express -
13 Jun 1890

Los Angeles (CA) Herald -
22 Jun 1890 Los Angeles (CA) Herald -
20 Jul 1890 Los Angeles (CA) Evening Express -
21 Aug 1890 Los Angeles (CA) Times -
30 Nov 1890

Los Angeles (CA) Times -
11 Dec 1890 Los Angeles (CA) Times -
03 Sep 1891 Los Angeles (CA) Times -
15 Oct 1892

Los Angeles (CA) Times -
09 Sep 1893

Los Angeles (CA) Times -
27 Feb 1896

Washington CD Evening Star -
16 Dec 1897

San Francisco (C) Call -
03 Nov 1907

Santa Barbara (CA) Independent -
22 Jun 1909

photographer: Bertrand
413 North Main, Los Angeles, CA
example from auction site

photographer: Bertrand
413 North Main, Los Angeles, CA
example from auction site

photographer: Bertrand
205 1/2 S Main (Opp Cathedral) Los Angeles, CA
example from auction site

Bertrand of Spokane Falls, WA. (NO connection to J T Bertrand has been made yet)

photographer: Bertrand
Spokane Falls, WA
example from auction site

photographer: Bertrand
Spokane Falls, WA
example from auction site

photographer: Bertrand
Spokane Falls, WA
example from auction site

Not the one you were looking for? Here's the photographer's INDEX by name. Listed here are all the Cabinet Card photographers of the 19th century found in LOST GALLERY. This is a work in progress. For a look at the original postings go to LOST GALLERY.

New examples and additional information are always welcome. Any additional information will help narrow the time that these precious antiques were made.
All submissions should be free of glare and shadows. Do not crop. Leave a border around each card. The edges are sometimes an important clue to the age of the card.

Some examples on this page have been enhanced or restored for clarity and presentation here.

This page is free for educational and research purposes only but, as always, if the original owner of any of these examples objects to the use on this page, just let me know and they will be immediately removed.

Samuel McDowell Armstrong

photographer: S M Armstrong
Hockenhull Bldg, Jacksonville, IL
Monogram seems to be "S M A"

Samuel McDowell Armstrong seems the best candidate for the photographer for this card. He is the only photographer Armstrong found in the general area. No documentation has been found that proves this Samuel Armstrong ever worked in Jacksonville, IL, but Chicago, IL was less than four hours away by rail in those days.

Samuel McDowell Armstrong
(1849-1923)

1849 Oct 01
Pennsylvania, state records, Samuel McDowell Armstrong is born to David H Armstrong and Leticia Melville
1868
Washington, IA, from bio sketch, Samuel Armstrong learns the photography trade at the gallery of Austin Kracaw
1870 Jun 29
Washington, IA, US census, Samuel Armstrong (age 20) as photographer; living with parents
1873
Washington, IA, from bio sketch, Samuel Armstrong purchases half interest in Austin Kracaw gallery

1873 Dec 10
Washington, IA, state records, Samuel Armstrong and Alice Yearick are married
1874
Washington, IA, from bio sketch, Samuel Armstrong sells interest in Kracaw Gallery and moves to Springfield, MO
1875
Springfield, MO, from bio sketch, Samuel Armstrong sells gallery in Springfield and moves to Fairfield, IA
1976
Fairfield, IA, bio sketch, after about a year in Fairfield, Samuel Armstrong returns to Washington, IA
1878
Washington, IA, bio sketch, Samuel Armstrong purchased gallery from M W Owen
1880 Jun 17
Washington, IA, US census, Samuel Armstrong as photographer; wife Alice as retoucher;
1884-1885
Washington, IA, Iowa state gazetteer, Samuel Armstrong as photographer
1888
Chicago, IL, city directory, Samuel Armstrong NOT listed

1899, 1901
Chicago, IL, city directory, Samuel M Armstrong as photographer at 186 43rd st
1900 Jun 11
Chicago, IL, US census, Samuel Armstrong as photographer; Wife Alice as photographer also ; res 186 43rd st
1902 and 1903 Business pages only
Chicago, IL, city directory, Samuel M Armstrong gallery not shown
1904 business pages only
Chicago, IL, city directory, Samuel M Armstrong as photographer at 186 43rd st
1905 business pages only
Chicago, IL, city directory, Samuel M Armstrong NOT listed
1906 business pages only
Chicago, IL, city directory, Samuel M Armstrong as photographer at 186 43rd st
1907 business pages only
Chicago, IL, city directory, Samuel M Armstrong NOT listed
1908, 1909 pages missing
1910 Apr 21
Chicago, IL, US census, Samuel Armstrong as photo paper salesman; boarding at 2126 Fremont St

1910 Business pages only
Chicago, IL, city directory, Samuel M Armstrong NOT listed
1920 Jan 07
Chicago, IL, US census, Samuel Armstrong as NO OCCUPATION; wife working as sales lady for a paper co; res 4226 Oakenwald av
1923 Dec 09
Chicago, IL, state records, Samuel M Armstrong dies at age 74

Dating this photograph can be no better than a guess. It was probably after 1888 and perhaps as late as 1907. There are some gaps in his Chicago city directory listings around 1900, so perhaps he was operating in Jacksonville, IL, then. When more evidence is found it will be added here.

Washington County, Iowa Biographical Dictionary via Ancestry.com - 1887

Chicago (IL) Tribune - 10 Dec 1923

William A Armstrong operated his gallery at 389 Broadway in Milwaukee, WI, from 1879 to 1897. He died 23 Aug 1897

photographer: William A Armstrong
389 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
example from auction site

reverse of the card at left

photographer: J F Armstrong
South Main Street, Rockford, IL
example from auction site

Not the one you were looking for? Here's the photographer's INDEX by name. Listed here are all the Cabinet Card photographers of the 19th century found in LOST GALLERY. This is a work in progress. For a look at the original postings go to LOST GALLERY.

New examples and additional information are always welcome. Any additional information will help narrow the time that these precious antiques were made.
All submissions should be free of glare and shadows. Do not crop. Leave a border around each card. The edges are sometimes an important clue to the age of the card.

Some examples on this page have been enhanced or restored for clarity and presentation here.

This page is free for educational and research purposes only but, as always, if the original owner of any of these examples objects to the use on this page, just let me know and they will be immediately removed.

Collins

Photographer: Collins
Broadway, Schuylerville, N. Y.
example from LOST GALLERY

Collins seems a very common name in New York State around the turn of the 20th century.

One Collins found connected with photography was Henry A. Collins in Courtlandville, New York in the 1880 US Census. He is listed there as 21 years old and his profession described as “works for photographer”. He is a lodger in the same house as Irving C. Page, photographer. He was born in New York and his parents came from England.

This however, is the only item found of photography with any Henry Collins.

This Henry A. Collins also had a son named Henry A. Collins.

The 1870 US Census lists four Henry A. Collins living in New York State. No photographers. The 1900 US Census shows there were at least two Henry A. Collins living in New York State. Again no photographers. Their professions mentioned were engineer, marine engineer, plumber, maintenance and shipping yard.

If the photographer was Henry Collins, it appears he was only in the business for a short time.

Another possible choice is Harry S. Collins. (1862-)
Harry S. Collins emigrated from England in 1887 and lived in New York State for the rest of his life, always as a photographer. But there is no documentation saying he was ever in Schuylerville, New York.

photographer: Collins
Broadway, Schuylerville, NY
Example from auction site

Following are examples from photographers named Collins.
No connection has been made to Collins of Schulerville, NY.

photographer: E M Collins
104 E First, Oswego, NY
example from auction site

photographer: Collins
Paola, KS
example from auction site

photographer: L A Collins
Rochester, NH
example from auction site

photographer: Collins
Kakota BLock, 7th St, Rapic City, SD example from ebay

photographer: Collins
Huntsville, AL
example from auctioin site

photographer: Collins
Huntsville, AL
example from auctioin site

photographer: Collins
Huntsville, AL
example from Flickr

photographer R B Collins
Dallas, OR
example from Cabinet Card Gallery

photographer R B Collins
Dallas, OR
example from auction site

Not the one you were looking for? Here's the photographer's INDEX by name. All the Cabinet Card photographers of the 19th century found in LOST GALLERY are listed there.

This is a work always in progress.

Aditional information and New examples are always welcome. Any additional information will help narrow the time that these precious antiques were made.

All submissions should be free of glare and shadows.
Do not crop.
Leave a border around each card. The edges are sometimes an important clue to the age of the card.
Email to the address found in the profile at the bottom of this page.

Some examples on this page have been enhanced or restored for clarity and presentation here.

This page is free for educational and research purposes only but, as always, if the original owner of any of these examples objects to the use on this page, just let me know and they will be immediately removed.