This cabinet card family portrait features a family portrait by the Taft Studio in Saxtons River, Vermont. The family unit consists of intense looking parents and their two sons. The boys are very similar in appearance and may be identical twins. The boys are well dressed in their striped jackets and vests. The parents seem to be older than one might expect to have children the age of these boys. Perhaps the boys are their youngest children and the older siblings are gone from the nest. To view other photographs by Preston William Taft and to learn more about him, click on the category “Photographer: Taft”. Be sure to note that two of Taft’s cabinet cards share an identical backdrop.
IDENTICAL TWIN’S FAMILY PORTRAIT IN SAXTONS RIVER, VERMONT
MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS AND SISTERS IN SAXTONS RIVER, VERMONT
This cabinet card, photographed by P. W. Taft, features two young adult women and two young girls. Perhaps the two older girls are sisters and the two young girls are daughters of the older woman. The family constellation in this image is impossible to determine. It is interesting to note that the two little girls are both wearing dresses styled after a sailor suit. The two dresses are similar, but not identical. Taft’s studio was located in Saxtons River, Vermont. To view other photographs by Taft, click on the category “Photographer: Taft”. Preston William Taft (1826-1901) was listed in the Windham County Business Directory 1884) as having a photography business in Saxtons River. Research reveals that he established a Daguerreotype, and later Photography business in 1856 and operated the studio until 1878. He was married in 1850 to Rose Melissa Miller and the couple had three sons and a daughter. Sons Frank (born 1851), Charles (born 1863), and Edward (born 1868), all became photographers. The daughter’s name was Nettie (born 1865). It is likely that this cabinet card was produced by one of P. W. Taft’s sons since, judging by characteristics of the cabinet card, it was likely photographed after he had left the business. To view other photographs by P. W. Taft, click on the category “Photographer: Taft”.
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