Doss, John Wells (1870 -1940)
/E. R. Healy ground floor gallery’s Portrait Photograph of John Wells Doss
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (1856-1923) and ADA “ADDIE” GOSSAGE HEALY (1860-1923). Edwin and Ada Healy were a married couple, and both were listed in California directories as a photographer. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. The “E. R. Healy Gound Floor Gallery” was opened in 1896 at 816 Main Street, Petaluma, California. It was later relocated to 818 Main Street and sold in June, 1905. In 1906 the Healys moved to Berkeley, California. (To view all portraits in this collection taken at the E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery and for additional information on Edwin and Ada Healy, click on their names in blue above.)
THE SITTER:
Name: John Wells Doss
Description: This is a very formal portrait, and, given the age of the sitter, may commemorate his wedding to Estelle M. Seszinsky in 1898. His attire is typical of what a groom would wear in the 1890s. His morning suit is accompanied by a vest and white shirt with a wide spread collar and a large, elaborate white neck tie. He stands confidently and elegantly with his left arm resting on a waist-height studio prop and his right arm tucked behind him. His short-cut hair is side-parted and carefully groomed. He sports a relatively conservative, walrus mustache.
Biographical Note:
Family Affiliation: The sitter was a member of one of Petaluma’s earliest pioneer families. John Doss was a cousin of Joel A. Doss, 1860-1932. There are several additional Doss Family member portraits in this archive.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: In this very formal portrait, the subject stands in front of a Healy studio’s painted backdrop, which can be seen in several other Healy portraits, depicting an oval mirror beneath which is a wall-mounted shelf laden with foliage. Along the bottom of the card is the photographer’s imprint embossed in elegant script.
Description, back: Handwritten in pencil in cursive across the top is, “John Doss”. Directly below this handwritten in black ink in cursive is, “Mert’s Grandfather’s brother”, and “Frank’s brother”. Merton W. Doss (1920-2010) was born, raised, educated, and died in Petaluma. A well-known citizen, he photographed the community over several decades and donated many of his images to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum.
Date: This portrait can be dated as early as 1892 because that is when the E. R. Healy Studio began operating in Petaluma. lf this portrait commemorates the sitter’s marriage as suggested above, it would date specifically to 1898.
Condition: The center section of this portrait has been scuffed extensively, and the card itself is soiled.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1978-666-10
Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced. These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.