Frank G. Abell

Frank G. Abell
Born in Illinois in 1844, Frank G. Abell moved to California with his parents in 1857. In 1862, at the age of 18, he joined the firm of William Shew in San Francisco, where he spend four years learning the art and business of photography.

He opened his first gallery on his own, Abell's Star Gallery, in Stockton in 1866. Moving back to San Francisco the following year, he then gradually worked his way north, through Grass Valley, Red Bluff, and and Yreka, arriving in Roseburg, Oregon in 1877.

From 1878 to 1888 he was based in Portland, and after a few years back in San Francisco, he continued in Portland from 1897 to 1907.

Known primarily for his studio portraits, his gallery in Portland was both spacious and well furnished, including an "elegant piano for the free use of patrons". However, Abell also produced "Cards, Cabinets, Panels, Boudoirs, Steroscopic and Out Door Views, and Living Statues", the latter being photos of living subjects arranged to present the appearance of a marble bust on a pedestal!

In failing health, he moved to Tacoma in 1908, where he died in 1910.

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  1. Clara Stearns, Only Daughter of Abigail Scott Duniway - c. 1885
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    Shown here shortly before she died from tuberculosis in 1886, Clara Belle Duniway Stearns was the oldest child, and only daughter, of Oregon suffragette and author Abigail Scott Duniway.

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  2. Elmer E. Charman, Possible Graduation Photo - c. 1881
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    This is likely a graduation photo for Elmer Ellsworth Charman, taken when he graduated from Oregon State Agricultural College in Corvallis in 1881, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Learn More
  3. Leonard (T. L.) Charman, Possible Graduation Photo - c. 1881
    As low as $5.00
    This is likely a graduation photo for Thomas Leonard Charman, taken when he graduated from Oregon State Agricultural College in 1881, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Learn More
  4. Lord's Prayer, Executed with a Steel Pen - Photo circa 1880
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    This is a photo of a hand-scripted version of The Lord's Prayer. At the time, taking and printing photos was a common way to reproduce artworks of various kinds, including scenic paintings. Learn More
  5. Mt. Hood from the South - c. 1885
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    Climbers and others familiar with the upper elevations of Mt. Hood will recognize how the glaciers have changed since this photo was taken 125 years ago. Learn More
  6. Multnomah Falls with the Original Timber Bridge - c. 1885
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    This 1880s view of Multnomah Falls shows the timber bow-string foot bridge before it was reinforced in 1891. Learn More
  7. Newly Completed Clackamas County Courthouse - 1884
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    This photo shows Clackamas County's second courthouse, built in 1884, before landscaping was completed. It also gives us an early view of the surrounding area in Oregon City. Learn More
  8. Sarah Jane Clear Dickerson, Oregon City - c. 1882
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    Sarah Jane Clear was born in Missouri in 1862, and came to Oregon with her parents John and Louisa Clear in about 1865, when they settled in Washington County. Learn More
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