Figure 1.-- This portrait is labeled, in the same handwriting: Ellen Carson McNaughton (1825-1881) ..... Mary McNaughton Agnew (1848-1934). In other words, these are supposed to be pictures of the future mother and father of Mc and Carson when they themselves were children. The girl sits on his her mother's lap. Given Mary's age in the portrait, it can be fairly accurately dated to about 1850.

The second portrait is labeled, in the same handwriting: Ellen Carson McNaughton (1825-1881) ..... Mary McNaughton Agnew (1848-1934). In other words, these are supposed to be pictures of the future mother and father of Mc and Carson when they themselves were children. The boy sits on his father's knee and the girl sits on her mother's. Grandmother's outfit abnd hair is consistent we think with the 1850s, but the 60s as well. Given Mary's age in the portrait, it can be fairly accurately dated to about 1850. Mary Ella and her family moved to Philadelphia (1849 or 50). They lived there until her father died in 1857. That is probably where the that took her picture studio was located. The Agnew family might have visited Philadelphia and been photographed in the same studio about the same time. (But, not necessarily the exact same time.) This explains the similar poses. There is a possible connection nevertheless. Mary Ella's father started a wholesale grocery business, that is, he was a supplier to storekeepers in other parts of Pennsylvania, including McConnellsburg.

Sources

Agnew, Carson E. E-mail message, July 18-19, 2008.

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Created: 6:15 PM 7/18/2008
Last edited: 11:19 PM 7/19/2008