Rare Locke & Peterson Print of an Early "Calamity Jane" Portrait

Likely enlarged from a CDV or cabinet card, this late-19th-century image was sold by photographers Locke & Peterson of Deadwood, South Dakota. Shown is Martha Jane Canary in her guise as the rough and tumble "Calamity Jane" of legend.

9 7/8 x 7 3/4 in. (out of frame)

By descent through the family of Benjamin Soule Gantz (1890-1979).

Benjamin (Ben) Soule Gantz was born on June 20, 1890 in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was the son of Jacob Shoop Gantz and Mary Adelaid Soule. His father was a Clerk of County Courts for Pennington County, South Dakota and friendly with Calamity Jane. The consignor, Captain Gantz's granddaughter, recalls the family tale that Calamity Jane kidnapped her grandfather because she assumed that since he was from such a large family, he would not be missed. She returned him shortly thereafter.

Benjamin Soule Gantz was a captain in the US Navy and served in both world wars. He graduated from Harvard University in 1913. In 1916, he married Ethel Offut Gantz and established a home in Washington, D.C. After Ethel passed away in 1974, Capt. Gantz moved to North Carolina to be near his daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

Overall age toning with light soiling; very good condition overall.