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James Akin, born ca. 1773 in Charleston, South Carolina, worked as an engraver, lithographer, print publisher, druggist and
restaurant owner in Philadelphia between 1794 and 1846. Although Akin worked briefly in the engraving business in Salem and
Newburyport, Massachusetts between about 1804 and 1807, he spent most of his time in Philadelphia. Akin tenanted many locations
throughout his Philadelphia career, but produced most of his lithographs, including "Settling the French Question," "A Kean
Shave," "Philadelphia Taste Displayed. Or, Bon-Ton below stairs," and "A Downright Gabbler" from his 18 Prune (i.e., Locust)
Street establishment, between Fourth and Fifth Streets. After his death on July 18, 1846, his wife Ophelia, also an engraver,
continued to operate from the Prune Street location.
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