D06-104. "GRANDFATHER . . . Rev. Thomas Ruckel" is the identification associated with this expertly crafted quarter plate presenting a large and bulky patron of the daguerreian arts. Rarely am I successful in finding anything important when I search the Internet, but for once, when I typed in the minister's name I hit the mother lode! For too much information about Adamsville, where the good Reverend founded the Adamsville Methodist Episcopal Church about 1840, please visit this website. Read about the area then click on local churches. A rendering and a photograph are both reproduced with more information about the church. The town is in Muskingum County Ohio that is an area in the east central part of the Buckeye state. A quick glance at a map shows that Zanesville is 14 miles southwest and Columbus is about 50 miles further west. If you visit this website and type in Thomas Ruckle, select United States under country and Ohio, you will find a wealth of family information. Apparently the Lord decided to take Thomas' wife on Nov. 29 1848. He passed away Sept. 18 1849, less than a year later. He was born Feb. 1 1795 in Limrick Ireland. I believe that his portrait was taken in the summer of 1849. At first I thought his determined eyes boring into the lens and that down turned mouth were signs of power and prestige that he wheeled in his church. Studying him closer and knowing about the recent loss of his wife suggests that he was still grieving. Although he looks very robust and a picture of good health, who knows why he didn't live longer? The unidentified operator made a masterful archivally sealed portrait! Those swirls of blue oxidation evolved after another hand probably cleaned the surface many years ago. I am surprised that Thomas' ruddy complexion, enhanced by tinting, remained so vivid. He is held in a complete leather case. $575