San Francisco
County
Biographies
ISAIAH
WEST TABER
The avocation and profession of men in
California have been taken up and followed in a marked degree, without any
regard to their early education or original intention in their youthful days.
Such has been characteristic of the career of the subject of this sketch. He
was born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1830, and, like many, imbibed a strong
desire to become a sailor. After a thorough education in the public schools, at
the age of fifteen years, in 1845, he shipped on board the Adeline Gibbs on a whaling voyage in the North Pacific Ocean, a
cruise that lasted three years. The voyage was a successful one, and the good
ship returned well laden with stores that brought wealth to the crew. Mr. Taber
had gained a ripe experience of a young man of eighteen years, and was ready
for adventure. Within one year he took passage for San Francisco, arriving in
February, 1850. His next voyage was to Valparaiso and Marquise Islands on a
trading expedition. In one of his trading cruises, a small distance inland in
one of the South Sea Islands, their boat’s crew were (sic) intercepted by
savages and completely surrounded, and Mr. Taber severely wounded. On his
return from this voyage to San Francisco, he concluded to try mining which,
with a mountain ranch near the foothills, occupied his time until 1855, when he
made a visit to his old home. He made a study of dentistry, but his natural
ability as an artist drew him to the studio, and he commenced to investigate
and practice photography. Here was a field suited to his refined taste, and his
inventions and artistic talent brought popularity and fame to him in the art of
photography. He opened one of the first galleries in Syracuse, New York, and
his reputation as an artist induced the firm of Bradley & Rulofson to make exceptional inducements to enter into an
engagement.
He arrived in San Francisco in 1864,
and continued in their employ for several years. After establishing a gallery
at 12 Montgomery street and assisting Mr. Morse a
short time, he opened the present gallery over the Hibernia Bank. In its
appointments, equipment and variety and quality of work there is no superior in
the world. A large proportion of the notable men and women of the world who
have visited California have had their portrait taken at “Taber’s.” The
landscape views and scenery are more varied and extensive than any gallery on
the Pacific Coast. It was owing to his fitness as an artist that he was
appointed one of the Commissioners of Yosemite Valley, an office he has filled
with much credit. He is a member of Golden Gate lodge, No. 8, A. O. U. W., and
also a member of several social organizations. He is married, and his marital
relations have proved most fortunate and happy, his family consisting of an
estimable wife and two lovely daughters. He is genial, unostentatious and
generous. A man of few words, sound judgment, sensitive nature and keen
intellect; and there is that happy expression and cordiality in his nature that
have a tendency to charm and please all with whom he associates.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast, Page 204, Publ. Bancroft
Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia
M. Setty.
San Francisco County Biographies