This portrait was taken during the visit of Stevenson & McNicoll to Bacchus Marsh September-November 1883. It is probable that they used the silver albumen process. The subject of the portrait is Peter Murray, bootmaker, who set up his business in Bacchus Marsh at 181 Main Street in 1872. In 1889 he added an extension to his dwelling. In later years, Mrs Murray advertised Board and Lodging at "Murri House", in premises adjoining the shop and dwelling. Mr. Murray was active in the local community, and was a Councillor on his death. He was also the local Electoral Registrar. His death may have been hastened as a result of a serious accident in 1893 when he fell heavily and broke his right leg above the ankle, which necessitated the removal of a protruding portion of bone. He was taken by train to the Melbourne Hospital, accompanied by Dr Vance and a number of his neighbours. He made a recovery and in 1904 hosted a meeting of the local Quoit Club. On 14th June 1908 Peter Murray died at his home in Main Street Bacchus Marsh. He had been suffering from Brights disease for about 6 months. He was aged 65 at the time of his death. His first wife had predeceased him. His second wife, Margaret survived him. Later in 1908, Mr. W. Bullock advertised that he had taken over the business of the late Mr. P. Murray.The Melbourne photographers Stevenson & McNicoll visited the Bacchus Marsh district in 1883. They took photographs of many local families and individuals in front of their houses or businesses. More than 50 of these images were preserved by the Hawkins family of Bacchus Marsh and passed to a granddaughter of that family Mrs Beryl Jeremeas who donated those images to the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society in 1973. Stevenson & McNicoll are known to have taken numerous studio portrait photographs of Bacchus Marsh people. This was probably the larger part of their work. However very few of these images have been acquired by local historical societies. This image of Peter Murray is the only known example of one of the 1883 studio portraits of Bacchus Marsh residents produced by Stevenson & McNicoll. It is therefore particularly significant as a rare example of their portrait photography in the Bacchus Marsh area and beyond.A sepia coloured photograph on cardboard. Carte de Visite size. Portrait in an oval frame of a young man with full beard and moustache. He is wearing a suit coat with breast pocket and a buttonhole arrangement on the lapel. On the front: Stevenson and McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St, Melbourne. Copies can be obtained at any time. On the Back: Logo of the rising sun with the words LIGHT & TRUTH on a banner. Copies of this portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to Stevenson & McNicoll Late Benson & Stevenson, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. By Hand in black Texta: PETER MURRAY BOOTMAKER. 1883 In ink (faded) : Pete Murray In biro: Courtesy C. McFarlane bootmakers, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, stevenson and mcnicoll photographers, dr vance, murri house, early surgery, peter murray bootmaker bacchus marsh 1843-1908