Rufus Cutler Libby (known professionally as R. Cutler Libby;[1] October 3, 1861 – January 29, 1934) was an American photographer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His large collection of works, many of which are of now-demolished buildings, is now in the archives of Maine Historical Society.
Early life
Libby was born in Portland, Maine, in 1861 to Deacon Arthur Libby, a furniture dealer,[2] and Elizabeth Ann Dresser.[3]
Career
He began working as an insurance agent, initially with North British & Mercantile at 28 Exchange Street,[4] a career in which he remained for over fifty years.[1] He was later based out of an office at 38 Exchange Street.[5] In 1907, he was working for Pennsylvania Fire.[6] In 1913,[7] he joined Turner, Barker & Company at 48 Exchange Street. He became known as an amateur photographer; his collection numbered in the hundreds, and is now in possession of Maine Historical Society.[2][8]
Personal life
On December 30, 1885, he married Amelia Frances Brewer. Around a decade later, the couple were the first owners of 34 Congress Street, at the corner of Morning Street.[1][2] Their son, Herman, inherited the home in 1934.[2]
Death
Libby died in 1934, aged 72, after a brief illness.[1] He was interred in Portland's Evergreen Cemetery, alongside his wife who predeceased him by eleven months.
