Davis, John H. (1877-1963)
/J.W. Baker’s Portrait Photograph of John H. Davis
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographer: J.W. Baker, 1144 Market Street, San Francisco, California
THE SITTER:
Name: John H. Davis
Description: This portrait of John H. Davis was taken when he was 21 years old. He wears a vested jacket, a white banded collar shirt, and a large, striped, tie with a large, dropped knot. Davis has predominant ears and a faint mustache.
Biographical Note: As a young man, John H. Davis worked for the Golden Eagle Milling Company and the Petaluma Laundry. In 1904, he became the proprietor of his mother-in-law’s company, Petaluma Cleaning and Dyeing Works, located at B and Fourth. For many years Davis was a member of the Petaluma Presbyterian Church. He was a charter life member and Vice-Chancellor Commander of the New Era Lodge #32, Knights of Pythias, and was honored in 1956 at their Anniversary Dinner. He was an officer of the Garfield Council No.18 Junior Order of United American Mechanics and a President of the Order of the Owls.
Family Affiliation: John H. Davis’ mother was Elvira E. Davis and his father was George S. Davis. John H. Davis’ wife was Ambrozyne Montgomery; they were married in 1901.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 17 x 22.75 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: This is a frontal head-and-shoulders portrait of a young man. The background gradually changes from the top to the bottom from light to dark; a technique which accentuates the sitter’s face. The portrait’s surrounding edge has a subtle pebble texture, and the photographer’s imprint appears in diminutive print along the bottom edge.
Description, back: Handwritten in script in pencil in the top center of the card is, “John H. Davis”, and “May, 1898”. Below this, handwritten in block print in all capital letters in pencil is, “DAVIS LN. PENNGROVE”, “FATHER OF ED DAVIS”, and “BERNADETTE DAVIS WAS A NIECE”.
Date: May 1898
Condition: This cabinet card is in very good condition.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2001-80-01
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