Name/Title
Photo portrait Robert R. Thompson by Ottnat, c. 1878Entry/Object ID
1981.275.1Description
Acc No. 81.275.1
Subject Category: Citizens of Alameda
Date or Period: ca. 1878
Object: Photograph, framed
Description: Photo accentuated with charcoal, enclosed within a dark oak frame, w/ebonized edges and a gold leaf liner. Signed by photographer, Ottnat, in lower left hand corner. Jacob D. Ottnat (1863-1934), born in Bavaria, lived in the Bay Area during the latter part of his life; he was well-known both as a painter and a photographer.
Size: L-21 1/2 x 26 1/2 inches.
History of Object: Photographic portrait of Robert R. Thompson, born Jul. 14, 1820, in Lancaster, PA, and who died here on Mar. 11, 1908; he owned the Artesia Water Company of Alameda. He lived on the site of present-day Lincoln Park; his property eventually being sold to the City for a park. He was the great-grandfather of the donor, Mr. Branscheid, the latter having served as a mayor of Alameda (see death notice clipping attached to verso of this card).
Acquired from: Winthrop J. Branscheid
Date: 09/16/81
(Note: revision of original accession card made on 01/08/11)