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William Otto Emerson
image overall
image overall

William Otto Emerson

Artist Unknown
Date1856
MediumDaguerreotype
DimensionsPlate (sixth): 3 1/4 × 2 3/4 inches (8.26 × 6.99 cm)
Case (open): 3 7/8 × 6 1/2 × 5/8 inches (9.84 × 16.51 × 1.59 cm)
Case (closed): 3 7/8 × 3 1/2 × 3/4 inches (9.84 × 8.89 × 1.91 cm)
Credit LineGift of the Hall Family Foundation
Object number2005.37.93
Signednone
InscribedOn plate verso, center, in black type with pencil: "Arrived in Placerville Cal in 1870 / "IN THE ALL TOGEATHER" [sic] / at four months old, / William Otto Emerson. / one same who: now lives in / Haywards California. at / Palm Cottage". Taken when / liveing [sic] on the Prairies of / Illinois in 1856. Union McHenry County. Ill. / Came / to Arrived in Haywrd, 1875."; In tray, behind plate, lined paper note recto, in pencil: "Willie Otto Emerson / my first / born son, what new child is to be thy / destiny - a Mothers fond heart - would / mark a "bright and glorious" our [?] with a bumbling hand I launch thy little [boat?] upon the ocean of life - / trusting that all will be well - the / Almighty guard thee - thru pride / of my hopes / A Mother" In tray, behind plate, paper note verso, in pencil: "Otto / Emerson / Hayward".
Markingsnone
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DescriptionImage of a sleeping infant wearing a pocket watch loosely hanging from his neck and blanket lightly draped over his body. This sixth plate cased daguerreotype is housed in a brass mat inside of a leather and black lacquered book-style case with mother of pearl inlay on the lid. A handwritten note from the mother and a lock of hair were found in the tray behind the plate.
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