Widower William James Patterson (6 March 1812 - 12 Dec 1892) flanked by sons Alexander 'Sandy' Robert Patterson (20 March 1849 - ?, left) and James 'Jim' Wesley Patterson (29 February 1844- 19 May 1918, right). The apparent ages of Sandy and Jim are about 7-8 and 12-13 respectively indicating that the photograph was probably taken circa 1857-1858, during the spring or summer months after the death of his wife Sarah A.J. Dibblee in Nov 1855. The photograph may have been taken out doors at the Patterson farm by a traveling photographer. This scenario is suggested by there being grass under foot and by a tarp hung up behind them. A bit of the yard is visible in the lower right corner of the photo that the tarp does not quite cover. The tarp used as a background in this image is remarkably similar to that found in a similar tintype image of John Moffitt (who died in 1859) and his wife Ellen (Nellie) Davidson. An itinerant photography may have passed through Harvey Settlement taking photographs. It is interesting that entrepreneurial photographers were fanning out to rural communities like Harvey Settlement so soon after tintype technology was developed in 1855. The image was not taken at the same place as the Moffitt image though as the chair that was used in each image was different and the folds in the tarp are different. The boys were growing quickly as indicated by the tight fit of their Sunday jackets.

Unknown Subject

Carte de Visite (Visiting Card), late 19th century.

Milner & Son Ilkley

Original image in collection of Burrel Johnston, Harvey Station, N.B.