I would agree with the 1890-1900 estimated time frame for the photograph. Given the widespread use of various props (including antique guns) for photographs, it's far easier to date the photo by tracking down the photographer. The Village of Elm Creek was incorporated in 1887, and S. Upton was shown in the 1890 business gazette and related village directories as being in the undertaking and furniture business at that time. Undertakers were also known to take photographs of the dearly departed, so it isn't a great stretch to assume Upton might have had a side business in general photography. Several other Nebraska historical documents that I located include photographs of other local figures that were taken by S. Upton. These photos were taken around 1890.
