From the Pembina Pioneer Express in 1898, we know that Alex Harris of Carlisle, North Dakota is a “camerist.” I like that word better than photographer.
The Pioneer Express also asks, “…is there not someplace on earth where cameras do not go?” Their answer – “No, nary a place.”
If only the Pioneer Express newspaper writers from 1898 could see today’s world with the ever present camera phone. They would know how truly right they were.
Information added April 1, 2015: Our camerist, Alex Harris was born in Canada in January 1866. He immigrated to the United States in 1888, settling in Carlisle, North Dakota. He lived as a farmer until 1904 when he sold his small 13 acre farm to John Hart for $3000. Afterward Alex Harris worked as a laborer until retiring in the 1920s. Alex Harris never married, and he remained in the North Dakota until his death in 1939 at age 71.
Note: Many old newspapers, including the Pembina Pioneer Express, are available through Library of Congress Chronicling America. Information on Alex Harris was taken from the Pembina Pioneer Press, as well as from additional sources on the web, including U.S. Census data, and the North Dakota state web site.
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