This vintage photograph features a portrait of a fine looking elderly man named Harley Place (1825-1913). His name appears in a number of state and federal census reports. The 1870 US census indicates that he and his wife Amanda E. Place were living with ten of their children in Glocester, Rhode Island. The 1880 US census indicates that Harley was a farmer. It appears that he lived all or most of his life in Glocester. He is also buried there. His grave is located in Acotes Hill Cemetery in Glocester. The photographer of this image is unidentified. An inscription on the reverse of the image states “Harley Place. Dad’s grandfather. This is the one big picture was made from.”. In this image Harley has the appearance of a wise but weary man. His clasped hands may indicate some tension or impatience. He is wearing work clothing with terrific looking suspenders. Visitors to the cabinet card gallery will notice that this image also appears in the previous blog entry. The previous blog entry was actually blogged in May of 2014 but I moved it so it would follow this entry. I believe that the biographical information in that entry actually belongs to Harley Place’s son who was also named Harley Place. The image is likely not Harley Place, the son; but Harley Place, the father. I am leaving the incorrect information as an illustration of how difficult this type of research can be and to remind me and others to be very careful in our investigative work.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 