Cutter, Ephraim 1823–1886

CUTTER, LEWIS, CHAMBERLAIN, MOBLEY, KIENE, MORHISER, WAPLES

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 1/3/2020 at 09:45:26

Cutter, Ephraim (1823–1886) was an early photographer or stereographer.
Cutter had a photography studio in Dubuque, Iowa from the 1860s through the 1880s. It was located on the corner of Main and Fourth Street in downtown Dubuque.

He was a native of Tompkins County, New York, and was born May 18, 1823. He came to Iowa in 1851 and started his business in 1854. He was formerly a cabinet maker and furniture dealer. He afterwards worked for Corey and Pickerill, photographers, from whom he learned the art of photography. He was in partnership with Samuel Root in 1868–69. (Root was a famous Dubuque photographer).

In 1863, Cutter married Miss Mary C. Lewis, sister of Alasco Lewis, of Dubuque, who died in 1868, leaving one daughter, Annie Louise, who lived with her aunt, Mrs. L. Chamberlain, at Englewook, Illinois. He was found dead by Mr. Ed. Mobley, and Mr. Peter Kiene, Jr. both from Dubuque. Mr. Cutter boarded with Mr. Mobley over a John Mehlhop, Son & Co.

What was interesting about Cutter's death was that they called an investigator, Mr. J. W. H. Morhiser to investigate Cutter's place of business. According to Morhiser, Cutter's place of business was in such shape as to make it very injurious to his health. This was caused by the materials which Cutter used in producing pictures; the developing room (dark room) was very closed and had no ventilation.

Within a span of five years, several sudden deaths had occurred to photographers using the process in like Cutter's, and death was attributed to the occupation. However, when Dr. Waples was summoned, he examined the body of Mr. Cutter and ruled the death one of natural causes.

Cutter had a studio at southeast corner of Main and 5th. His residence was at 440 Locust at one time. E. Cutler listed at 4th & Main in Dubuque in 1863–65 according to the Directory of Civil War Photographers (note spelling of name). Also listed in the 1881 Gazetteer.

SOURCE: State Historical Society of Iowa - Directory of Iowa stereo photographers. He is also listed in Encyclopedia Dubuque.
Contributor: PJB (48981278)