DAVIS, Frank (unknown location)

 

FRANK DAVIS

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Frank Davis"

PHOTO TAKEN: unknown location and photographer, circa 1904-1907

PURCHASED: Feb 2018 Wildwood Antique Mall, Wildwood FL

This is going to be difficult. Frank Davis is a common name, and there's no location to help pinpoint him, but other photos in the same booth were of people from Columbus OH and Charlottesville VA, so this MAY be the same.

However, there are some clues to be had in the fashion the man is wearing, and in the physical appearance of the photo itself.

The card measures 7 inches x 11 inches, making it larger than the standard "Cabinet Card" of 4.25 x 6.5, and also larger than the oversized Cabinet Card termed "Boudoir Cards" which are typically 5.25 x 8 inches.

The card stock is thick, cream colored, with slighty rounded corners (although this may have come from trimming or wear-and-tear.) The card is cut to a 45 degree beveled edge of contrasting dark grey color, and the cream colored surface has a woven texture.

Beveled edges were most popular 1885-1895, although they were still seen later than that.

The fine woven texture on the face of the card would not have been seen before the later part of the 1890s.

Now looking at the fashion being worn ... we immediately see a large stiff rounded collar. This was a popular style during the first decade of the 1900s. It could be as early as 1902, but probably not as late as 1910. The tie is secured with a small knot, which is appropriate for this same time period. Had the photo been taken a decade earlier, the knot would have been twice that size.

The jacket lapels also point to 1902 and later. In the 1890s the lapels of jackets were much smaller.

All things together, I would date this photograph to 1904-1907. Despite the "bed-head", Frank's hairstyle is one that would have been seen over long list of decades. 

How old is Frank? He appears to be around 20-25, making a target birth year 1882 (give or take 3 years.)

This will take more work.. . and I may need to wait for someone to come to me on this one.

KALTENBACH, John and sisters (Poss. NY)

 

JOHN C. KALTENBACH and His Sisters

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "John C. Kaltenbach and sisters, Jan 6, 1907"

PHOTO TAKEN: unknown photographer, unknown location, 1907

PURCHASED: 2015 Aug at Washington Co. Antique Fair, Greenwich NY

Heron, Martha (unknown location)

MARTHA HERON

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Martha Heron"
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown photographer and location, circa 1909
PURCHASED: 2016 August Rte 127 World's Longest Yardsale

There is no location and no identifying studio marks other than the decorative swastika at bottom center. Since this photo was taken around 1910, decades before the Nazis forever poisoned the decorative swastika with political overtones, we can assume nothing untoward in its appearance here. I have found other bloggers who have mentioned the swastika appearing on early photographic and advertising print presentations. The consensus is that the swastika resting flat on one arm, as this one is, is Hindu in origin (also seen in Buddhist and Native American designs) and represents good luck. By comparison, the Nazi version of the swastika is always presented at a 45 degree angle, balancing on a single point.

This photo was likely taken 1909-1910 based upon the huge hat and clothing styles. The woman appears to be age 25-30. That would put the target birth year at 1884, give or take a few years.

Possibility #1: (I have found a newspaper photo of this Martha Heron, and she is not the right one.)
Martha Heron (13 Oct 1884 - 24 Jun 1977) who lived in Allegheny County Pennsylvania.
  Parents: John Brown Heron (1852-1935) and Emily B. Sprankle (1863-1946).
  Spouses:  1) Joseph Judson Brooks, and 2) James Edward MacCloskey.
  Buried: Sewickley Cemetery in Sewickley PA.

Possibility #2:
Martha Heron (Apr 1887 - ) who lived in Weathersfield, Trumbull County Ohio.
  Parents: William Heron (1858- ) and Kaziah Smith (1862) who both immigrated from Wales in 1880.
  Spouse:
  Buried:
 Single and living with parents at age 32 on 1920 census.

Possibility #3:
Martha Heron (1883-1962) born in Poland
  Parents: Johannes Heron and Mariana Zarcnibska
  Spouse: Joseph Skwierawski, married in Milwaukee WI 1903.
  Buried: Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee WI

Possibility #4:
Martha Heron (Nov 1886 - May 1965) lived her whole life in Paterson NJ.
  Parents: __
  Spouse: Edward Alexander Hanna
  Buried: Paterson NJ

My intuition tells me that the OHIO possibility is the most likely one shown in this photo, and this is strictly based upon where the photo was acquired. The yardsale known as the "Route 127 World's Longest Yardsale" is typically held at the end of July, and is basically a flea market that runs along the Rte 127 from Addison Michigan to Gadsen Alabama, going through Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, along the way. I visited the sale near Salvisa KY.

This will require more work.

HOLGATE, Mrs. (Scranton PA)

MRS. HOLGATE

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Mrs. Holgate"
PHOTO TAKEN: Machette & Bros. Studio, Scranton PA, circa 1888
PURCHASED: 2017 Aug Madison-Bouckville (NY) Antiques Week

Labeled simply "Mrs. Holgate", this photo appears to have taken around 1888. The photographers Machette & Bro. operated at 327 & 416 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA, Frank and James B Machette Jr. 1884-1888.

The surname HOLGATE was a fairly common one in the Scranton area and surrounding communities.

Without a first name, or name of husband, this becomes rather difficult, and will require more research.

HANKY, Jim and wife (unk. location)

JIM HANKY and WIFE

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Jim Hanky and wife"
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown photographer and location, circa 1905-1908
PURCHASED: 2017 Wildwood Antique Mall, Wildwood Florida


No location for this photo, and I have find very few people with surname HANKY spelled like that.

It could be a misspelling of "Hanke" or "Hankey".

HUSTED, Hill? (Stamford CT)

HILL L. HUSTED

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Hill L. Husted"
PHOTO TAKEN: Otto Frank Studio, Stamford CT, circa 1895
PURCHASED: 2017 Aug, Madison-Bouckville (NY) Antiques Week

I suspect this photo was taken in the mid 1890s based on the sleeves of this dress. The woman appears to be around 20 to 25-ish, so looking for a woman born around 1870-1875 or so.

(Click for larger)

HUSTED is a very old surname in the Fairfield Connecticut area. I've not seen the name "Hill" used as a female first name, but it could potentially be a first name if the woman's mother or grandmother had a maiden name of Hill. This was a naming pattern often seen throughout history. OR it could be a mispelling; it could say "Nell" but there is clearly a dot over the second letter.

(One possibility)
There was a HUSTED family living in nearby Darien CT, on the 1880 Census with a daughter Lillie born around 1869.

1880 Federal Census > CT > Fairfield > Darien
HUSTED, Ebenezer, 41, coachman, born in CT
HUSTED, Anna, 42, wife, keeping home, born in CT
HUSTED, George A., 13, son, at school, born in CT
HUSTED, Lillie, 11, dau, at school, born in CT
HUSTED, Mortimer, 5, son, at home, born in CT

GARDNER, Ella (unknown loc.)

ELLA GARDNER

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Aunt Ella Gardner, wedding picture"
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown photographer and location, mid-late 1880s
PURCHASED: 2017 August, Madison-Bouckville Antiques Week

Without a location, this becomes a challenge. I suspect the location is probably near the area in which I purchased it, which is central New York State; Syracuse, Utica, etc.

Gamage, Willis and Suse

WILLIS GAMAGE and SUSE

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Willis Gamage & Suse"
PHOTO TAKEN: Nash & Hazelton Studio, Salem MA, circa 1892
PURCHASED: 2019 Brandywine Antique Mall Chadd's Ford PA

I believe this photo to have been taken around 1892-1894 when large lace collars for young girls were commonly worn.

Foster, Mildred Helen (Binghamton NY)

MILDRED HELEN FOSTER

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Mildred Helen Foster, 3 months"
PHOTO TAKEN: Osborn Studio, Binghamton NY, circa 1900
PURCHASED: 2017 Aug Madison-Bouckville Antiques Week

Fiedler, Louisa and Minnie

LOUISA & MINNIE FIEDLER

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: Louisa and Minnie Fiedler
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown photographer and location, circa 1892-1895
PURCHASED: 2015 Feb, South Florida Fairgrounds Antiques Show

This one is going to be difficult because there is no location for a starting place.

It should be possible to find Fiedler sisters with these first names, of the correct age to be these two people, but it will take some intensive research.

Field, Lizzie Briggs (Providence RI)

LIZZIE BRIGGS FIELD

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Lizzie Briggs Field"
PHOTO TAKEN: Brown Studio, Westminster St., Providence RI, circa late 1880s
PURCHASED: 2015 Feb, South Florida Fairgrounds Antique Show

This dress style of short-waisted point-front dresstop, over a drape-front skirt with bustle, was most popular from 1886-1889. By 1890, the no-nonsense sleeves became more peaked (raised above the shoulder line) and puffy.

So far, I am not certain if "Briggs" is a middle name or maiden name.

Finch, Hannah (S. Belvidere IL)

HANNAH FINCH

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Aunt Hannah Finch"
PHOTO TAKEN: H.H. Freeman Studio, South Belvidere ILL, circa late 1870s
PURCHASED: 2017 August, Madison-Bouckville Antiques Week

Forrest, Mary Johnson (unknown location)

MARY JOHNSON-FORREST

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Mary Johnson-Forrest"
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown location and photographer, circa 1895
PURCHASED: 2016 August at Route 127 World's Longest Yardsale

The gathered neckline of this dress was fashionable for a very short span of time. Specifically 1895-1897.

The girl in the photo appears to be around 16 to 18 years of age, and if the photo was taken from 1895-1897, then a good target birth year would be around 1880.

Here is one strong possibility:

There was a Mary JOHNSON born May 10, 1880 in Stark County, Ohio, who grew up and married a railroad conductor, John W. FORREST. She was a daughter of Joseph W. Johnson (1837-1912, he was a coal-miner, born in England) and Susannah Ray (1835-1912, also born in England).
Her descendants:
  - 1899 Max Joseph Forrest (d. 1922 of influenza, age 23)
  - 1902 Archie Raymond Forrest (living in Akron) (d. 1950 in Akron) m. Gertrude __
          - Vernon Forrest
  - 1907 Vernon Leroy Forrest (living in Detroit) (d. 1969) m. 1) Jo Donna West, 2) Gladys Slaughter
  - 1911 Freda A. Forrest (born in Conway PA) (d. 1967 Cayuhoga Falls) m. Melvin Hurr
          - Gerald Forrest (Carmichael CA)
          - Jacqueline Hurr (Cuyahoga Falls) m. Peter Graichen

Mary Johnson-Forrest died in Akron OH, 17 Nov 1946.

I am not 100% certain this is the correct person in the photo. I'd like to find another photograph of her online and compare the two images.

FORBES, Mrs. S.M. (Boston, MA)

MRS. S.M. FORBES

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Mrs. S. M. Forbes"
PHOTO TAKEN: Bushby Studio, 13 Temple Place, Boston MA, circa 1890
PURCHASED: not recorded

There may not be enough clues present to correctly identify this woman.

It is not known if "S.M." are the initals of this woman, or her husband.

Deichman, Peter (unknown location)

PETER DEICHMAN

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Peter Deichman"
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown photographer and location, circa 1915
PURCHASED: 2017 Ballston Spa (NY) Antique Center


This style of tan-colored textured mat began to be seen around 1910.

The gentleman's clothing is typical formal attire for circa 1912-1915.

Without a location, this one is a little tough to pin down.

Dieffenbach, Harry (Dushore PA)

HARRY DIEFFENBACH

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Harry Diffenbach"
PHOTO TAKEN: Ott & Hay Studio, Dushore PA, circa 1900
PURCHASED: 2017 Aug Madison-Bouckville (NY) Antiques Week

The handwriting on the back appears to say "Diffenback" or "Diffenbach" but I believe the correct spelling is DIEFFENBACH considering the area in which the photo was taken. The surname in Lancaster County PA is generally spelled DIFFENBACH, but those from Sullivan County PA (where Dushore is located) use DIEFFENBACH.

"Harry Dieffenbach" is not a sibling of Kittie Dieffenbach, previously researched, although he may be a relation in some way, as I acquired the two photos at the same time from the same vendor. 

One can see in a search at Find-a-Grave that there are tons of members of the Dieffenbach family in Sullivan County PA.

There was a Harry Dieffenbach (1897-1898) who died around age 1, buried at Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens PA (about 35 miles north of Dushore.)

There was another Harry Dieffenbach (1891-1978) who was born in Philadelphia PA and lived to age 87. His parents were Harry Dieffenbach (1861-1940) and Margaret Arnold (1862-1943).

However, the fact that the baby picture was taken in Dushore PA makes me think he is part of a local family in that region. This will require more research.

Dutcher, Emma (Cambridgeport MA)

EMMA DUTCHER

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Emma Dutcher"
PHOTO TAKEN: Warren Portraits, 563 Main St, Cambridgeport Mass, circa 1890's
PURCHASED: 2016, Yaeger Antiques, Midway KY

Davis, Nona (Columbus OH)

NONA DAVIS

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Nona Davis"
PHOTO TAKEN: Baker's Art Gallery, Columbus OH, circa 1890
PURCHASED: 2017 Wildwood FL Antique Mall

This one is difficult. Davis is a fairly common surname.

And "Nona" may or may not be a nickname.

DeClercq, Larry (unknown loc.)

LARRY DeCLERCQ

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Larry DuClercq, 9mo old, 1946"
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown photographer and location, 1946
PURCHASED: 2016 Hollywood Antiques in Eugene OR

Although on the back, the child is identified as Larry DuClercq, I think it may more likely be the surname DeClercq, with an "e' and not a "u".

DICKINSON, Drexel Deschelle (unknown Loc.)

DREXEL DESCHELLES DICKINSON

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "for Laufmans, Drexel Deschelle Dickinson, age 4 mo"
PHOTO TAKEN: De Wolf Studio, unknown location, circa 1910
PURCHASED: 2016 Springfield OR Antique Peddlars

Not sure I've read the first word correctly ......

Dillmann, Oda (Hamilton OH)

ODA DILLMANN

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Oda Dillmann"
PHOTO TAKEN: Dickinson Studio, Hamilton OH, circa 1895
PURCHASED: 2014 somewhere in upstate New York

The Dickinson Studio was the business of Frank L. Dickinson, who moved his photography business from Cincinnati to Hamilton around 1892 and was located above the First National Bank for 12 years, at which time he purchased a large and elegant brick residence where his customers would have access to a large ground-floor studio.

The clothing and hairstyle in this portrait look appropriate for around 1895. Oda appears to be around 18-20, so a good target birth year would be circa 1875-77.

On a cursory glance at Ancestry and Newspaper Archives, I cannot find any person of this name. It is possible that whoever wrote it on the back may have misspelled one or the other name.

DOWNING, Marving (Troy NY)

MARVIN DOWNING

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Marvin Downing" ?
PHOTO TAKEN: Shroder Studio, Troy NY, circa 1918
PURCHASED: 2014 somewhere in Florida

I am not entirely certain I have deciphered the surname correctly.  If anyone sees this differently, feel free to leave a comment below.

Clark, Will (St Lawrence County, NY)

WILL CLARK

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: Will Clark
PHOTO TAKEN: Runions Bros. Studio, Lisbon Center NY, circa 1880
PURCHASED: 2018 Feb Traditions Antique Mall, Wildwood FL

The Runions were a family of photographers who had several studios in Northern New York, particularly throughout St Lawrence county.

The name Will Clark is quite a common one in this area, so there are likely to be a few people in historical records who this might be. I will look into this one in more depth later, but wanted to share the handsome image right now.

Crandall, Billy (unknown location, prob NY)

UNCLE "BILLY" CRANDALL

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Uncle 'Billy' Crandall"
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown location or photographer, circa 1870
PURCHASED: 2017 Aug Madison-Bouckville Antiques Week

Although it is not known where this photo was taken, the fact that it was purchased in the Madison NY area, along with other photographs of people from that region, it can be presumed that he may also be from the Central NY area.

Here are a couple of possibilities"

1) There was a William Crandall (1799-1878) born in Rensalaer Co, but moved to Allegany County as a young man.

2) There was a Dr. William Wells Crandall (1828- ) born in Genessee and educated at Brown University and Univ of NY. Practiced 28 yrs in Andover and came to Wellsville (NY) in 1886. Married to Euphemia Potter, daughter of Elisha. They had one child Susie M, who married Stetson A. Sherman. Dr. Crandall's father was Major Ezekiel Crandall (War of 1812) and mother was Susan Wells. They had 7 children.

Crooks, Robert (Cincinnati OH)

ROBERT CROOKS

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Robert Crooks, 1st child of William and Carrie Crooks"
PHOTO TAKEN: Marceau & Bellsmith Studio, Cincinnati OH, circa 1900
PURCHASED: 2016 Athens Schoolhouse Antiques, Athens KY

The Marceau & Bellsmith Studio was active in Cincinnati from the late 1890s to around 1910.

CAMPBELL, Mrs. Alex. (Lexington KY)

MRS. ALEX CAMPBELL

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Mrs. Alex. Campbell"
PHOTO TAKEN: Mullen Photography, 5 W Main, Lexington KY, circa 1890
PURCHASED: location not recorded

There was a Mullen Photographic Studio in Lexington at the 5 W Main Street address from 1877 through at least 1890.

CURBY twins (Rutledge MO)

CURBY TWINS

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Mrs. Curby's Twins, Rutledge Missouri"
PHOTO TAKEN: unknown photographer, Rutledge MO, circa 1915?
PURCHASED: 2016 Vintage Industry Antiques, Springfield OR

The photo is mounted on 3x5 photo cardstock with a scalloped edge. This indicates at least mid-1890s and most likely later.

CURRY, Miss Mary (Topeka KS)

MARY CURRY

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Miss Mary Curry, and her beau"
PHOTO TAKEN: F.C. Lutes Studio, Topeka KS, circa 1910s
PURCHASED: 2015 Oxford KY Antiques Show

Baker, Howard Lenny (Flint MI)

HOWARD LENNY BAKER

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Howard Lenny Baker, 4 1/2 months"
PHOTO TAKEN: W.C. Foote Photography, Flint Michigan, circa 1885?
PURCHASED: 2018 February, South Florida Fairgrounds Antique Show

Babies are really hard to date, but the physical characteristics of the photo itself look like it was taken around mid 1880s.

Bargar, Leta (Enid OK)

LETA BARGAR

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Leta Bargar, senior class picture, age 16"
PHOTO TAKEN: Marquise Studio, Enid OK, circa 1942
PURCHASED: 2016 Hollywood Antiques, Eugene OR

The inscription on the back reads:

          Leta Bargar, Senior Class picture, age 16

Also on the back of the tri-fold cardboard frame is "Leta Bargar" again and somewhat below that "Mrs. Susan Bargar".  It is possible that Mrs Susan Bargar was the recipient of this photo of Leta. Perhaps she is an aunt of Leta.

Also, just because the photo was taken by an Enid OK photographer, that does not mean Leta Bargar went to school there. Often a "big city" photographer would hire himself out to smaller towns who had no such services, to take school photos.

I do not find her on preliminary searches. Also, how did the photo get to Oregon?

BRODT, Marie Thron (Schenectady NY)

MARIE THRON BRODT

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Marie Thrön Brödt"
PHOTO TAKEN: Kettner & Mader Studio, Schenectady NY, circa 1889
PURCHASED: 2014 August Madison-Bouckville (NY) Antiques Week

The inscription on the back reads:

Marie Thron Brodt (or Bradt)
Geboren 16 June 1872
Gest. am Weihnachtsmorgen 1891
Es war ein süßer Traum

This translates from German:

Marie Thron Brodt
born 16 June 1872
died on Christmas morning 1891
"It was a sweet dream."

Not sure if Thron is a middle name or maiden name.  I do not yet find this woman in the Schenectady area in this time frame, although there are plenty of families named Thron, Brodt, Bradt, and Brandt in the area.

Bradford, NB or MB (San Francisco CA)

N.(?) B. BRADFORD

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Compliments of N.B. Bradford"
PHOTO TAKEN: Morse Studio, 826 Market Street, San Francisco CA, circa 1890
PURCHASED: 2015 Breakable Collectibles Antiques, Stuart FL Antique Show

Cannot tell if this says "N.B." or "M.B." Bradford.

The Morse Photography Studio was at the 826 Market Street address from 1890-1915. This appears to have been taken early in that time span.

Barrows, Joe (Salmon ID)

JOE BARROWS

IDENTIFICATION ON PHOTO: "Joe Barrows"
PHOTO TAKEN: W.B. Fowler Studio, Salmon Idaho, circa 1890
PURCHASED: 2014 August Madison-Bouckville (NY) Antiques Week

Boswell, Davies (Montgomery AL)

DAVIES BOSWELL

Identification on photo: Davies Boswell
Photo taken: Sexton Studio, Montgomery AL, circa mid-1920s to early-1930s?
Purchased: Jan 2020 Traditions Antique Mall, Wildwood FL

The cardboard frame is a trifold which creates a stand-up frame for the photo. The design around the image if clearly influenced by Art Nouveau, so I'd date this to the years just before the Art Deco era really took hold.

I have found a couple possibles for who this may be, and it requires more research.

Barrett, Judge James (unknown loc.)

JUDGE JAMES BARRETT

Identification on photo: Judge James Barrett
Photo taken: unknown location, circa 1880-1885
Purchased: Dec 2016 South Florida Fairgrounds Antiques Show

Probably not enough clues to positively identify this fellow. The name James Barrett is common enough, and without a location this become a difficult task. However, I will post it here, and keep an eye open for his name as I research other photos.

Beaman, Ralph and Ronald (Adams MA)

RALPH BEAMAN (?)

Identification on photo: Ralph Beaman (?)
Photo taken: Parsons Studio, Adams MASS, circa 1905
Purchased: 2017 Traditions Antique Mall, Wildwood FL

Not entirely sure I have deciphered the surname correctly.  Could also be Beamon or Berman.

RONALD BEAMAN (?)

Identification on photo: Ronald Beaman (?)
Photo taken: unknown location and photographer, circa 1930
Purchased: 2017 Traditions Antique Mall, Wildwood FL

Allen, Eva Bennett (Binghamton NY)

EVA BENNETT ALLEN

Identification on photo: Eva Bennett Allen
Photo taken: Evans Studio, 48/50 Court St, Binghamton NY, circa 1890
Purchased: 2017 Madison-Bouckville Antiques Week

According to Langdonroad.com, Evans Studio was in business at 48 & 50 Court Street in Binghamton in the 1880 and 1890s.

At first effort, I find a few Eva Allens in NY at the correct time period, but none with middle initial B.

ALBOR, Lizzie Mary (Jersey City Hts, NJ)

LIZZIE MARY ALBOR

Identification on photo: Lizzie Mary Albor
Photo taken: Anton Weil studio, Jersey City Hts, NJ, circa 1890-1893
Purchased: 2019 January South Florida Fairgrounds, Antiques Show

This one is a stumper and requires more research. I thought at first the surname was ALBAS or ALBOS, but I am confident now that it says ALBOR.

I cannot determine if the inscription "Lizzie Mary Albor" means the girl's name is "Lizzie Mary Albor" or if it is dedicated to, and presented to, "Lizzie" from "Mary Albor".

I often see a name on the back of portraits that is the name of the person receiving the photo, and clearly not the subject of the photo. So I bear this in mind when trying to determine what the inscription actually means.

Shay, Ted (Philadelphia PA)

TED SHAY

Identification on photo: Ted Shay, back also says "cousin grandpop" and at bottom the word "Westtown"
Photo taken: Lothrop Studio, Philadelphia PA, circa 1884-86
Purchased: Feb 2020 Kamin's Moment in Time, South Florida Fairgrounds Antiques Show

NOTE - Lothrop Studio was run by David Lothrop, in Philadelphia from 1963-1891. City Directories show Lothrop's early years of operation were at 43 N 8th Street, and beginning around 1883-84 he moved his shop to 54 N 9th Street. That would date this photo around 1884.

The young man appears to be around 12 to 14yo, so that would put a birth year for him at or around 1870-1872.

Ted is a common nickname for Theodore, and also for Edward.