Source: digital photograph taken of original by K. Mounts, 27 Aug 2000; full resolution file available upon request from N. Taber
The orginal photograph is in an album in the care of Dianne (Gleim) Bowders of Tennessee and was identified by her maternal grandmother, Mabel (Zumbrun) Rishel, as Mabel's uncle Bob Roland. The original appears to have been taken in an outdoor setting, perhaps at a county fair or an encampment. It appears they are in front of two tents with the front flaps thrown back, with a cot visible in the left tent. Beyond is what could be a corn field ready to shock (perhaps as early as September), with large buildings rising above trees behind the field.
Robert M.'s death certificate states that he was born 27 November 1874 and died 14 October 1914. The child could be his son, Robert W. Roland, who was born 22 June 1911. Given that the child appears to be at least three years old, if the child is his son, then the photo must have been taken shortly before Robert M.'s death.
Caveats: Check originals and draw your own conclusions. These are my readings and my interpretations only. Text enclosed in [square brackets] are my comments or corrections.
Updated 7 Oct 2001