Chicago Photographer Zacharias K. Urbanowicz

Zacharias K. Urbanowicz (1873 – 1962) Chicago, Illinois photographer from at least 1910 – 1940. See the prior post for an early example of his work. The following is a rough time-line from online records:

1890 – Zacharias Urbanowicz. Departure from Hamburg, Deutschland (Germany) May 30, 1890. Ship name, Scandia. Age 18. Arrival New York, U.S.A. June 10, 1890.

1896 – Became a naturalized U. S. citizen in 1896 according to the 1920 census.

1900 – Federal Census not found.

1910 – Federal Census. Zacharias K. Urbanowicz. 4841 S. Ashland Ave. Proprietor of photo studio. Living with stepfather, John Zilgiewicz and mother, Domcoly[?]. Also in household are boarders, Joseph Kozlowski and Gabriel[?] Torozynski[?], both are photographers working from a studio, most likely working with Urbanowicz. All are listed to be native Russian-Lithuanian. (Later records show Poland for Zacharias.)

1916 – No record found for Zacharias Urbanowicz. The 4841 S. Ashland Ave. shows photographer, Walter J. Narozny. Possibly associated with Urbanowicz.

1920 – Federal Census. Zachary Urbanowicz, address 4852 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago. Photographer (own account). Living with him are his mother and stepfather. All three on this record show born in Poland. The prior address of 4841 S. Ashland is not recorded on this census.

1921 – approximate year of marriage to Veronica Mackiewicz, from the 1930 census.

1922 – The following was a large ad appearing in the Lithuanian newspaper, Draugas, showing Z. K. Urbanowicz and M. Zalgewicze, partners in the photography business at 4852 S. Ashland Ave:

Translated from Google and with the help of Wikipedia:

“City by the lake for Lithuanians. Specialists – photographers. We photograph groups, weddings, funerals, and just about any individual. Since tomorrow is the children’s first communion, the prices are greatly reduced. We perform the work quickly and responsibly. Owners Z. K. Urbanowicz & M. Zalgewicze.”

1930 – Federal Census. Zachary Urbanowicz. Address 8907 Commercial Ave., Chicago. Photographer (own account). With him on this record are his stepfather and mother. Also at same address are a Leo and Irene Dudeck and son, Richard and a Chester Urbanowicz, photographer (own account).

1940 – Federal Census. Zachary Urbanowicz. Address 8907 Commercial Ave., Chicago. Shoe salesman. Zachary and wife, Veronica are living with Veronica’s daughter from her first marriage, Leona. Also at this address (renting) are Leo Dudeck and family and Chester Urbanowicz and wife, Betty. Chester is listed as photographer (own account) at studio.

1964 – Zachary Urbanowicz died February 28, 1964, age 92. See the Find A Grave link in Sources, below, which contains his obituary showing Chester, Leone and Irene are step-children.

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Sources:  Staatsarchiv Hamburg; Hamburg, Deutschland; Hamburger Passagierlisten; Volume: 373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 067 B; Page: 523; Microfilm No.: K_1741. (Ancestry.com).

United States Government. 1890 New York Ship’s Arrivals Records Index (Rolls #543-#560, Jan. 2, 1890 to Dec. 30, 1890). Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1910; Census Place: Chicago Ward 29, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T624_275; Page: 11a; Enumeration District: 1570; FHL microfilm: 1374288. (Ancestry.com).

Association News (Photographer’s Association of America),Vol. 3, No. 8, September 1916, p. 342. (Google.com book search).

Year: 1920; Census Place: Chicago Ward 29, Cook (Chicago), Illinois; Roll: T625_345; Page: 11A; Enumeration District: 1760. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1930; Census Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Page: 32A; Enumeration District: 2456; FHL microfilm: 2340167. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1940; Census Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Roll: m-t0627-00941; Page: 61B; Enumeration District: 103-658. (Ancestry.com).

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/256539063/zachary-urbanowicz: accessed February 9, 2024), memorial page for Zachary Urbanowicz (–), Find a Grave Memorial ID 256539063, citing Saint Casimir Catholic Cemetery, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA; Maintained by Bruce Weirauch (contributor 47898263).

Amelia Kukiewicz, Chicago

Cabinet Card, circa 1905. Photographer:  Zacharias K. Urbanowicz, Chicago, Illinois.

Price:  $20.00              Size:  About 4 and 1/4 x 6 and 1/2″

A pretty young woman in a thoughtful pose, wearing a cotton or linen skirt, belted with a silver heart-shaped buckle; the blouse, with leg-of-mutton sleeves, is topped with a high collar of white lace, pinned to which is a brooch (we’re picturing the Italian micro-mosaic style or one of dried flowers); and the short necklace, of perhaps coral-colored beads, displays a silver cross.

This cabinet card was found at the Cannery Row Antique Mall in Monterey, California. The 1905 date on the back could be correct or could be just an estimate by either the family member who had it last or the antique dealer. The photographer’s address of 4841 S. Ashland Ave appears to have been a residence address and was found on his 1910 Federal Census record for Chicago. See the next post for more on Zacharias K. Urbanowicz.

From the marriage index:  Emilia Kukiewicz, born about 1883 in Lithuania, married Bronislaw Miczewicz, age 27, in Chicago. Illinois, August 15, 1909. Sometime prior to the 1940 census Bronislaw “Bruno” Miczewicz changed their surname to Mitchell.

From the 1940 Federal Census taken in Chicago:  Amelia Mitchell, born in Lithuania about 1883; spouse Bruno Mitchell, born Lithuania about 1883; son Medard Mitchell, born Illinois about 1924; married daughter Beatrice Malloy, born Illinois about 1912; son-in-law Thomas Malloy, born Nebraska about 1909; granddaughters Kathleen and Barbara, born Illinois, about 1934 and 1935. Also in household, lodger Peter Shusko.

Earlier census records were not found, though there’s a possibility that the following (a crop from the 1920 in Chicago) could be correct. This is from Ancestry.com and the surname here is transcribed as “Muizo” but as you can see it’s pretty hard to read. The occupation for the Bruno on this record is “gas fitter” at a factory, which is certainly in line with him as a pipe fitter on the 1940. The daughter on this 1920 record is listed as Bernice rather than Beatrice, however the ages of the family members and their places of birth fit the later record:

Sources:  Ancestry.com. Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Marriages Index, 1871-1920.

Year: 1910; Census Place: Chicago Ward 29, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T624_275; Page: 11a; Enumeration District: 1570; FHL microfilm: 1374288. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1920; Census Place: Chicago Ward 20, Cook (Chicago), Illinois; Roll: T625_331; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 1131. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1940; Census Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Roll: m-t0627-00945; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 103-800. (Ancestry.com).

Clark’s O. N. T. Black Spool Cotton Trade Card

Trade card for Clark’s O.N.T. Spool Cotton. Lithograph, M & K Company. Circa  1880’s – 1890’s.

Price:  12.00                Size:  About 2 and 3/4 x 4 and 1/4″

“Across the line from pole to pole the children’s clothes depend upon it.”

A gorgeous design for this one and clever. It’s a windy day. (Those clothes will dry pretty quick!) Actually, it looks like a storm’s coming in – maybe a further illustration of the point – strong thread, strong enough to make a clothesline 😉 and withstand the storm. If the back had no wording and you were just looking at the shape, would it make you think of a spool of thread? Maybe so.

O.N.T. stands for Our New Thread. See Sources below.

At the bottom right the print reads, “Copyright Secured”  and at the bottom left is the lithographer name of M & K Co.

Major & Knapp

M & K was the very successful New York City lithography firm of Major & Knapp. The company began life as Sarony & Major, headed by lithographer, artist, draftsman (and later photographer), Napoleon Sarony. Major was James Major and then brother, Henry B. Major. The name then changed to Sarony, Major & Knapp (sometimes called Sarony & Co.) and then when Sarony left the firm in 1858, it became Major & Knapp, the full name of which seems to have been The Major & Knapp Engraving, Manufacturing and Lithographic Company, but we often see them as the Major & Knapp Co. and Major, Knapp & Co. And here it’s unclear whether that last was an actual name change or just sometimes reported incorrectly. Major were brothers Henry Broughman Major and Richard Major and Knapp was Joseph F. Knapp.

Sources:  Clark O.N.T. Thread. historyatyourfingertips.education. (accessed December 19, 2023).

Coats Group. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coats_Group (accessed December 19, 2023).

Napoleon Sarony. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Sarony (accessed December 19, 2023).

Spooner, Ken. (2010). “The Knapps Lived Here.” Elm & McKinley Books, New York. Google.com books.

“Sarony, Major & Knapp:  New York City Lithographers.” https://ahpcs.org/publisher/sarony-major-knapp/ (accessed December 16, 2023).

The National Archives and Records Administration; Washington, D.C.; Internal Revenue Assessment Lists for New York and New Jersey, 1862-1866; Series: M603; Roll: 56; Description: District 4; Monthly and Special Lists; June-Dec 1865; Record Group: 58, Records of the Internal Revenue Service, 1791 – 2006.

Clara Louise McDonough and Her Sister, St. Louis, Missouri

Oval photo, circa 1865, St. Louis, Missouri. Photographer unknown.

Price including wooden frame (not shown):  $40.00

Size of photo:  About 6 and 3/4 x 4 and 3/4″

Two beautiful young girls, Civil War Era…..

This photo was an unusual find at a Goodwill store in Salinas, California. In tracing the lineage of the girl on our left, we believe we’ve possibly uncovered the identity of the unnamed sister on the right, and believe them to be the daughters of James McDonough, former Chief of Police for the city of St. Louis, Missouri. See Find A Grave’s entry for him below, in Sources.

Displayed in a wooden oval frame and behind glass, the photo surely must of hung on someone’s wall for a number of years. It appears to be a copy, albeit an older one, and is held in place by small diamond shaped metal tabs, which are called points. The back of the photo has no writing but does have a bit of an aged look to it, as does the cardboard backing which, as shown above, gives the name of the girl on our left, Clara Louise McDonough. One look at the photo and we immediately think Civil War time-frame due to the dress and hairstyles for the girls, and this agrees with the family member’s estimate written on the back as “186?”.

Frances “Fanny” McDonough…..

Though the sister’s name in the photo is not given, a death record was found for a Frances McDonough, single, age 32, who died in St. Louis, Missouri, May 31, 1890. This record fits with the 1860 Federal Census for St. Louis which shows a Fanny McDonough, age two, daughter of James and Mary Jane McDonough. Other children in the household are Mary C., James R. and Clara K. McDonough, age three months. Unfortunately, the 1860 census did not contain the question of occupation for the head of household.

James R. McDonough on the above-mentioned 1860 census record is significant in supporting Frances “Fanny” as the sister in our photo:  In former St. Louis’ Chief of Police, James McDonough’s obituary, a surviving son is listed, James R. McDonough (a Sergeant for twelve years on the force at the time of his father’s death). Also listed is surviving married daughter, Mrs. E. J. Peckham, who we know to be Clara Louise (McDonough) Peckham. Clara K. McDonough on this 1860 census is believed to be Clara Louise:

Clara Louise…..

Possibly, Clara K. on the 1860 census, died very young and the parents had another daughter that they named Clara Louise. However, it seems more likely that there was one Clara and the parents changed the middle name for her in infancy, or that it had just been recorded incorrectly on the census. To support this, the children’s mother, Mary Jane (Waters) McDonough died November 5, 1861 of consumption (not childbirth) and Clara Louise’s 1900 census record shows she was born in April, which matches Clara K.’s age of three months on the 1860. Note:  Years of birth on Clara’s census records vary (which is not unusual) and the 1900 Federal census was the only one that recorded the month the person was born in (the month being most often correct). The 1870 census, which would certainly be helpful, has never been found.

Clara Louise McDonough married Edward J. Peckham on June 21, 1886 in Coles County, Illinois. Their record of marriage shows she was born in Missouri, about 1862, and her parents were James McDonough and Jane Waters. Edward was born in England, about 1851, and his parents were Henry Peckham and Elizabeth Brode. If Clara is about five years old in this photo, then the approximate date the original was taken would be about 1867.

By 1910, Edward and Clara Peckham have a daughter, Clarissa E., born in Kansas, about 1888. The family are living in Cheyenne, Wyoming. By 1920 Clara is widowed and living with daughter, Clarissa; son-in-law, Charles Lawrence; and granddaughter Charlotte. Charlotte, who married Robert George Fergusson, died in 2013, in Pebble Beach, Monterey County, California. (See the last entry in Sources below.) It’s likely then, that our photo, in its wooden frame, came from her estate.

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Sources:  “Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1934,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KFKX-MHC : accessed 18 January 2015), Edward J. Peckham and Clara Louisa Mcdonough, 21 Jun 1886; citing Coles, Illinois, United States, county offices, Illinois; FHL microfilm 1,301,518.

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7387314/james-mcdonough: accessed 06 February 2024), memorial page for James McDonough (16 Mar 1816–21 Mar 1892), Find a Grave Memorial ID 7387314, citing Bellefontaine Cemetery, Saint Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri, USA; Maintained by Tim (contributor 46772461).

Year: 1860; Census Place: St Louis Ward 5, St Louis (Independent City), Missouri; Roll: M653_651; Page: 193; Image: 197; Family History Library Film: 803651. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1880; Census Place: Saint Louis, St Louis (Independent City), Missouri; Roll: 733; Family History Film: 1254733; Page: 174B; Enumeration District: 335; Image: 0710. (Ancestry.com).

“A Big Chief.” The St. Joseph Weekly Gazette (St. Joseph, Missouri) March 24, 1892. Thursday, p. 2. (Newspapers.com).

Year: 1900; Census Place: Perth Amboy Ward 1, Middlesex, New Jersey; Roll: 984; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 0048; FHL microfilm: 1240984. (Ancestry.com).

Ancestry.com. Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925.

Year: 1910; Census Place: Cheyenne Ward 3, Laramie, Wyoming; Roll: T624_1746; Page: 16A; Enumeration District: 0084; FHL microfilm: 1375759

“United States Census, 1940,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K943-2WQ : accessed 18 January 2015), Clara Peckham in household of Charles Lawrence, Carmel-by-the Sea, Monterey Judicial Township, Monterey, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 27-25, sheet 3B, family 110, NARA digital publication T627 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012), roll 268.

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/124188417/charlotte_elizabeth-fergusson: accessed February 7, 2024), memorial page for Charlotte Elizabeth Lawrence Fergusson (–), Find a Grave Memorial ID 124188417, citing United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, Orange County, New York, USA; Maintained by SLGMSD (contributor 46825959).

Publisher Julius Pollak

Julius Pollak, (1856 – 1948) postcards, greeting cards and novelties, New York, NY. Photo from 1920 U. S. passport application.

Hungarian native, Julius Pollak, was a successful postcard and greeting card manufacturer whose New York City-based firm spanned over five decades and three generations. Numerous advertisements, articles and snippets are seen online. Given these many references, we were surprised at the apparent absence of a write-up for the publisher. As always, more research could be done, but for our website purposes, we’ve pieced together and offer the following rough timeline, from 1906 – mid-1960’s:

1906 – Emigration to the U. S. – Born December 25th or 26th, 1856, in Bátaszék, Hungary, Julius emigrated to the United States in February or March, 1906. He and wife, Isabella, had three children: Blanche, born in Budapest, Hungary; and Robert and Alfred, born in Vienna, Austria.

1910 – Federal Census, Manhattan, NY – occupation manufacturer of postal cards. Home address St. Nicholas Terrace, Manhattan.

1920 – Federal Census, Manhattan, NY – occupation manufacturer of post cards; sons Robert and Alfred are assistant managers. Home address St. Nicholas Terrace, Manhattan.

Two examples of the company’s publisher logo appearing on bottom left, front of cards, circa early 1920’s, and a design used on the reverse (divided back line extends to the bottom of the postcard). See prior posts, “The Whole Year Through,” and “The Best of Health…” This postcard’s reverse design we’ve seen from other publishers, so it was not exclusive to Pollak.

1920 and 1921 – According to his 1920 U. S. passport application, Julius Pollak was associated with the G. E. Zeltmacher Manufacturing Company, importers and manufacturers, address 50-52 Franklin St., New York, NY. This info we’re privy to by way of Mr. Zeltmacher having submitted a typed character reference for his friend’s application process. The Franklin Street address shows up in earlier ads, including the one below from a Buffalo, New York, Polish language paper, April, 1921:

The following is a rough translation of the above from Google.com. A possible explanation for big “shots” is big “lots” i.e., the large amount of items that had come in at one time:

“Imported big shots for sale. The best imported silver jewels, silver trinkets, colored pendants, metal gems and beads in a given order. If you are interested write for samples and prices. In response, please refer to Dept. C.”

1924 – Another ad, this one from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 11th, was the earliest found for the enticing offer of work from home, a method that Pollak used for many years, and here showing an address on Greene St., between Bleecker and W. 3rd:

1928 – A September 1928 announcement in Printed Salesmanship for the company’s Christmas cards. Business address 194 – 200 Greene St., NY. Note the statement that they’ve been making Christmas cards for a quarter of a century, which is prior to Julius’ emigration to the United States. This may have been simply an exaggeration to promote sales (no doubt not uncommon in the business) or it could have been accurate:  Since Julius was almost fifty and listed as a merchant when he emigrated, it’s possible he may have been involved in manufacturing cards prior to coming to the U. S.

1930 – Federal Census, Manhattan, NY – occupation president, greeting card manufacturer. Home address 225 Central Park West.

1938 – Earliest mention found of the company incorporated as Julius Pollak & Sons, Inc.

1942 – Below, from The Billboard weekly magazine dated February 14, an article mentioning Julius Pollak & Sons’ “morale cards” for the war effort at home during WWII:

1947 – In business news, from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 7, detailing the challenges that businesses encountered with employees working from home. This information was from a New York Department of Labor case study for Julius Pollak & Sons:

1948 – From J. P. Pollak’s death certificate index:

Born December 25, 1856, Hungary. Age 91, widowed. Address:  225 Central Park West, New York, NY. Died July 13, 1948 at Hotel Alden, Manhattan, NY. Buried July 15, 1948 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Occupation:  Retired manufacturer of greeting cards. Parents:  Jacob and Isabella Pollak. Son:  Robert Pollak. Informant and executor:  Son, Robert Pollack (spelled here with a “c”). (Note regarding date of birth:  The 1920 passport application shows December 26th.)

1951 – Julius Pollak & Sons, Inc, greeting card manufacturer, moved from former location of 14 E. 25th St., Manhattan, NY to 45-35 Van Dam St., Long Island City, NY. Grandson, Allen Pollak joined the firm in January.

1961 – U. S. patent filed by Julius Pollak & Sons, Inc., Long Island City, NY, March 2nd Google.com book search.

1966 – From the monthly magazine, The Writer, Julius Pollak & Sons, address 425 Underhill Blvd, Syosset, NY (on the north shore of Long Island). “At the present time we publish only Christmas cards, and 90 per cent of our line is in prose form.”

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Sources:  National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 – March 31, 1925; Roll #: 1145; Volume #: Roll 1145 – Certificates: 10876-11249, 08 Apr 1920-08 Apr 1920.

Year: 1910; Census Place: Manhattan Ward 12, New York, New York; Roll: T624_1025; Page: 1b; Enumeration District: 0640; FHL microfilm: 1375038. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1920; Census Place: Manhattan Assembly District 13, New York, New York; Roll: T625_1208; Page: 40B; Enumeration District: 952. (Ancestry.com).

“Importowany szych na sprzedaz.” Dziennik Dla Wszystkich, Buffalo, New York. April 18, 1921. Monday, p. 5. (Newspapers.com).

“Women wanted to work at home.” The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 11, 1924. Tuesday, p. 14. (Newspapers.com).

“Announcing….A New and Unusual Christmas Greeting Card Line for 1929.” Printed Salesmanship, January 1929, p. 481. Google.com book search.

Year: 1930; Census Place: Manhattan, New York, New York; Page: 18B; Enumeration District: 0447; FHL microfilm: 2341291.

“Publicity Break for Novelty Firm.”  The Billboard, February 14, 1942, p. 50. (books.google.com.)

Roessner, Elmer. “Homework System Found to Be More Costly Than Factory.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 7, 1947. Friday, p. 19. (Newspapers.com).

New York City Department of Records & Information Services; New York City, New York; New York City Death Certificates; Borough: Manhattan; Year: 1948. (Ancestry.com).

Geyer’s Topics, Vol. 113, p. 74. (1951) Google.com book search snippet view.

Feb 1962, Vol 775. Official Gazette of the U. S. Patent Office. United States Gov’t. printing office, Washington DC. (Google.com).

Hills, William Henry; Luce, Robert. (Eds.) (1966.) The Writer, Vol. 79, 41. Google.com book search snippet view.

The Whole Year Through

Divided back, embossed postcard. Postmarked December 29, 1922 from Blue Canyon, California. Publisher:  Julius Pollak, New York.

Price:  $10.00

For information on the postcard’s publisher, see “Publisher Julius Pollak.”

Another from The Alice Ellison Collection, this one with bells ringing under snow-covered evergreen boughs.

A Happy New Year

“May every day

the whole year through

Prove a happy one for you.”

Addressed to:   “Mr. & Mr. Ellison, 1314 F – St., Sacramento, Cal.”

The card is signed,  “Greetings from Julius.”  Now, being that the publisher’s given name is Julius, this makes us wonder if it was possible that maybe he was running some type of promotion, and then if the Ellisons were collectors or they purchased a pack of cards…..What seems to add to the idea is the sender’s rather flourish-y signature, perhaps in line with someone who would have owned his own business……Okay, probably the odds are very low, but the idea holds that glimmer of potential, enough to make us wonder.

And, as far as we can tell from online searches, this Blue Canyon, California postmark is rare, so the card is perhaps of historical interest to someone for that reason. According to the Wikipedia entry this particular postmark iteration ran from 1867 – 1927. Here’s a crop from the card:

Source:  Blue Canyon, California. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Canyon,_California (accessed January 3, 2024).

The Best of Health – A Share of Wealth

Divided back, used postcard. Postmarked from Galt, California, December 28, year unknown, circa late 1910’s – early 1920’s. Made in United States. Publisher:  J. P., New York (Julius Pollak). 

Price:  $5.00

For information on the postcard’s publisher, see “Publisher Julius Pollak.”

From The Alice Ellison Collection, a nice one for the New Year:  A leaded, Gothic Arch-style window, lit from within; set in a stone building (church, home or tavern) snow clinging to the window ledge and stonework. Somewhat superimposed on this scene, two bluebirds sit on a holly branch while a third comes in for a landing.

New Year Greetings

“The best of health – a share of wealth

Be yours this coming year,

But best of all – a host of friends

To fill your days with cheer.”

Addressed to:   “Mrs. J. M. Ellison, 604 N Street, Sacramento, Calif.”

The sender wrote:   “Just a line to say I may be at church Sunday, but will have to come home on the first car. Hope I will see you at church. Wish you all a Happy New Year, your friend, Mrs. Hame.”

That signature is a little hard to read but I believe the surname is Hame. On the 1920 Federal Census for Alabama Township, Sacramento County, CA, there is a Mrs. Artha Hame, married to a Charles J. Hame. Her maiden name is Stout:  We’re given her maiden name on this census by virtue of the fact that two of her brothers are living in the household.

Alabama Township doesn’t show up online today, but from an 1885 map it was situated in the southeast portion of Sacramento County. You would have traveled west to get to the town of Galt. (Enlarge to see Galt appearing in the neighboring township of Dry Creek.)

Sources:  Year: 1920; Census Place: Alabama, Sacramento, California; Roll: T625_127; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 69. (Ancestry.com).

Official Map of Sacramento County. (1885). Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/resource/g4363s.la000034/?r=0.385,0.711,0.535,0.215,0.

Galt. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galt,_California. (accessed January 2, 2024).

W. & J. Leonard Trade Card, Salem, Mass.

Trade card for W. & J. Leonard, Salem, Massachusetts. Circa 1885 – 1890.

Price:  $12.00                Size:  4 and 1/4 x 2 and 3/4″

W. & J. Leonard, Boots, Shoes & Rubbers. Successors to Buswell & Leonard. 196 Essex St., Salem, Mass.

Two little Pagliacci-type figures, along with their dog, are out on the street begging for a living. Pagliaccio in Italian is “clown”.

The former Buswell & Leonard was Ebenezer “Eben” Buswell and William Leonard. Successors, W. & J. Leonard were brothers, William and Captain James Leonard, the firm being run under this name from 1885 to 1890.

But a full history, going back to about 1794, is given in the Boot and Shoe Recorder, July 29, 1908:

“The retirement of William Leonard of Salem, Mass., from the shoe business will, with the closing of his store, bring to an end a business that has been connected with the Driver family for 104 years. It was begun about 1794 by the grandfather of Mrs. Leonard, Stephen Driver, Jr., who with Louis Tucker, as Tucker & Driver, had a shop on Essex street, nearly opposite Cambridge street, in a two-story wooden building, with an attic. Mr. Tucker furnished the capital and Mr. Driver the knowledge of the business. In 1798 the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Tucker retiring, and Mr. Driver continuing the business alone. In 1816, his son, Stephen, 19 years of age, bought his time of his father, and took a shop on Central street, and the firm name became Stephen Driver & Son. In 1822, his eldest son, Thomas, bought out his father’s interest, and the firm name became Stephen & Thomas Driver. The father continued in business alone. In 1836 Ebenezer Buswell and his brother-in-law, George Driver, bought out the retail trade of Stephen Driver, 3d, who then commenced the wholesale trade. The name of the firm was Driver & Buswell, and the store was on Essex street, below Washington street, and where the store of Almy, Bigelow & Washburn, Inc., is now located. George Driver withdrew in 1847 to assist his brother in the wholesale business, and for 13 years Mr. Buswell continued the business alone, or until 1860, when Henry Morton was admitted as a partner. The firm name became Buswell & Morton, and so continued until 1867, when Mr. Morton withdrew, and William Leonard became associated with Mr. Buswell. This firm continued until the death of Mr. Buswell, June 30, 1880. Mr. Leonard, in 1885. took his brother, Capt. James Leonard, in partnership with him, the firm name being W. & J. Leonard. In 1890, James Leonard withdrew, and William Leonard continued the business at the old stand on Essex street until 1897, when the march of progress removed the building, and the business was transferred to its present location on Washington street.”

Sources:  Pagliacci. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagliacci#:~:text=Leoncavallo%20based%20the%20st   ory%20of,brother%20Luigi%20acting%20as%20accomplice. (accessed December 26, 2023).

Henry M. Meek’s Naumkeag Directory for Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peobody, Essex and Manchester, for 1888 and 1895, pp. 232 and 356. Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995. 

Sampson, Davenport & Co.’s Salem Directory for 1879, No. XVIII, p. 42. Google.com.

“Some Short News Notes of the Trade.” Boot and Shoe Recorder, July 29, 1908, p. 115. (Google.com).

Faithful Friends

Divided back, Real Photo Postcard. AZO stamp box. 1908.

Price:  $3.00

Well, if anybody can decipher the surname for our Ed, (intuition, psychic ability, maybe you’ve seen a similar name?) if so, you are utterly amazing. What do you reckon, Ed is maybe four years old? So, born around 1904. Given name obviously likely to be Edward or maybe Edwin or Edgar, middle initial “M” and he’s a Junior. Caton is a surname that comes up pretty frequently, and certainly the first three letters fit, but the rest – ee gads – that handwriting, wow. Cotman or Catman? If only the person that wrote this had given us a location. Still, the photo’s a total charmer….Ed in his white sailor suit, straight hair, short bangs, that steady gaze. His dog “Nig” or “Mig,” looks like some kind of shepherd mix, black with a little white, wearing a heavy collar, just look at those big ears and those dark brown eyes looking at the camera  – a bit of a worried look – he doesn’t trust whatever that weird apparatus is and he’s in protection mode…..It’s fun to pick up our own impressions from photos, but I think one thing we can say for sure – we’re looking at two best friends who took care of each other.

L. F. Abbott Groceries and Provisions, Boston

Trade cards, set of 4. Louis F. Abbott, Groceries and Provisions, Boston, Massachusetts. Copyrighted 1885 by F. C. Bryon, New York. Series 313.

Price for the set:  $40.00           Size for each:  About 5 x 3 and 3/4″

“A Merry Christmas To You., L. F. Abbott, Groceries and Provisions, 181 Eliot St., Boston.”

We’re not finding any other trade cards online for grocer, L. F. Abbott in Boston, and that’s surprising, given the size of these cards, which are larger than most – leading us to think he was doing pretty well. And these are absolute beauties, each showing a scene within a sparkling snow-rimmed leaf. (Sorry you can’t see the sparkle.) Enlarge the images and get lost in them a little – note also the flowery embellishments in the holiday message.

L. F. was Louis Frederick Abbott, born October 2, 1852 in Ossipee, New Hampshire, the son of Henry G. Abbott and Phoebe Abbott, her maiden name unknown.

On October 5, 1881 in Cambridge, Mass, occupation grocer, he married Myra W. Sherman. She was age 27, born in Rockland, Maine, the daughter of Alden Thomas Sherman and Bethiah (Glover) Sherman. Myra died in 1892, and the following year Louis married Myra’s younger sister, Julia. The 1900 Federal Census shows five children: the oldest, Sarah and Lulu would have been Louis’ daughters with Myra; the younger, Bertha, Henry and Fred, his children with Julia. By the 1910 census, the family has increased with sons Warren and Robert.

The business address on the cards of 181 Eliot St. in Boston, shows up in city directories from 1886 through 1890. In 1886 we find the short ad, below:

The store in question may or may not have been the same one our trade cards were advertising; as from this and a couple of other ads, Louis was also in the real estate business. By the 1900 Federal Census taken in Boston, his occupation is listed as real estate, rather than grocer.

Some Years Later……A Helpful Owl

If you’ll indulge the pretentiousness below:  Regarding “Mr. and Mrs.” Jean Martin (in French I always must use the “et” for “and”, otherwise it sounds absurd.)

It’s unclear how long Louis owned the 181 Eliot Street address but we did find a funny article in The Boston Globe, March of 1910:  The residents at that time were M et Mme Jean Martin, who kept a barn owl in the basement. The good owl had eliminated the rat problem that had come about (let’s presume) after the butcher shop moved out, the property perhaps having stood vacant for a time. (The article went on to explain that the rats are gone, so the residents feed the owl with meat.) Here’s an excerpt:

Sources:  Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Vital and Town Records. Provo, UT: Holbrook Research Institute (Jay and Delene Holbrook). (Ancestry.com).

New England Historic Genealogical Society; Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Vital Records, 1840???1911. (Ancestry.com).

Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons Membership Cards 1733–1990. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts. (Ancestry.com).

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176768573/louis-frederick-abbott: accessed 25 December 2023), memorial page for Louis Frederick Abbott (2 Oct 1862–13 Oct 1937), Find a Grave Memorial ID 176768573, citing Seaview Cemetery, Rockland, Knox County, Maine, USA; Maintained by Sally – Midcoast Maine (contributor 48138595).

Year: 1900; Census Place: Boston Ward 21, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: 686; Page: 14; Enumeration District: 1479. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1910; Census Place: Boston Ward 21, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_623; Page: 11a; Enumeration District: 1587; FHL microfilm: 1374636. (Ancestry.com).

Boston City Directory, 1890. Boston, MA, USA: Sampson, Murdock and Co., 1890.

Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995.

The Boston Globe, August 18, 1886. Wednesday, p. 7. (Newspapers.com).

“No Rats Where It Has Its Home.” The Boston Globe, March 5, 1910. Saturday, p. 10. (Newspapers.com).