Porter, Nathan T., Jr., 1867-1947

Nathan Todd Porter, Jr. (1867-1947) was a dry goods commission merchant born in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Yale, Class of 1890. He worked for Porter Brothers & Co., located in New York, NY, and lived in Montclair, NJ. He married Caroline Chester Knickerbocker in 1892; they had two daughters: Helen and Caroline. He was also a member of the University Club and a trustee of the Montclair Free Public Library.

Edwin Davis French (1851-1906) was a designer and engraver born in North Attleboro, MA. In 1876 he moved to New York, NY, and he worked as a silver engraver and designer for Frank M. Whiting & Company until 1894. He also studied at the Art Students League. French became focused on copper engraving and designed his first bookplate in 1893. In 1897 he moved to Saranac Lake, NY, and he produced over 300 bookplate designs between 1893 and his death in 1906.

References:

Leonard, John W., ed. Who's Who in New York City and State . 3rd ed. New York: L. R. Hamersly & Company, 1907.

Brainerd, Ira Hutchinson . Edwin Davis French: A Memorial; His Life, His Art . New York: privately printed [De Vinne Press], 1908.

From the guide to the Nathan T. Porter, Jr. Collection of Bookplates by Edwin Davis French, 1893-1906, (Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library Special Collections)