The following were provided to me in Email and Hard Copy from the Curator of  The Museum of East Alabama, Peter H. Branum, [amabala@earthlink.net]

Opalika Times Advertisement #1:

îThe Best Photograph Gallery In East Alabama.
I Do good work. Don't Forget That.
My Photography will in no wise interfere with my other work, which is
conceded to be as good as can be obtained anywhere.
There is no use of your going to larger cities, my facilities are as good
as can be found anywhere.
give me a call, my studio is on Chambers Street. Stop and Look at my
Photographic Display.
Jabe M'Gehee
Opalika, Alabamaî
 

Opalika Times Advertisement #2:

îMcGehee's Portrait and Photographic Studio
Portraits in Oil and Crayon.
Photographs in all sizes. Family Groups for the wall or stereoscope.
Photographs on Canvas, Linen, Silk, Porcelain, Plaques, Etc.
We have beautiful scenic grounds in great variety, elegant accessories, and
make work that cannot fail to please.
No Customers Wanted Without the MONEY.î

Opalika Times, August 1887  (Posted by his wife, after his death)

"Notice: Mrs. McGehee will continue the Bakery and Confectionery Business, heretofore conducted by her late husband. She will maintain the high quality and reputation of the bread & cakes made by the East Alabama
Bakery. THE PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY is also open for the patronage of the public. Having made arrangements with a First class Artist, I feel justified in Guaranteeing Satisfaction. Mrs. McGehee. ì

Thank you for your inquiry about Jabe McGehee. We have no photographs by McGehee in our museum collection. But with the help of a valued advisor,who is quite knowledgeable of local history, I have located several interesting items about your ancestor. His grave is indeed in Opelika's historic Rosemere Cemetery, block 42. He died in 1887 at the age of 49. He was still in business as late as 1885. A Mr. Abbott opened the next studio
after McGehee's death, in 1891. The inscription on his tombstone reads:
                     Jabus E. McGehee
                    Died July 28, 1887
                In the 49th year of his Age

My associate, Ms. Canon was able to provide for my examination, three original family photographic portraits from McGehee's studio. Both are groups containing images of men and women, as well as children and adults.
Two of these include two different studio logos or trademarks. One indicates it was made by him in 1885.I made copies of these for you. We also located advertisements for his business in 1880s era local newspapers which I'm sure you will be fascinated to read. They clearly indicate that his background was that of an oils & watercolor portrait artist, not a house painter! Apparently he was still producing hand painted portraits as late as the 1880s. I will be glad to mail these to you or fax them if you will send specific instructions.

When we undertake complimentary genealogical research for new clients, we often inform them that as a struggling non-profit educational institution, we gratefully accept donations from our patrons. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Peter H. Branum
Curator

Our mailing address is: The Museum of East Alabama,
PO Box 3085, Opelika, AL 36803-3085

Ms Swope,

Hello again.You will be delighted to know that my eagle-eyed researcher has answered your additional question re: Sarah Frances Cofield. I have just copied for you a newspaper advert from Opelika Times, August 1887 which states,

You will be delighted to know that my eagle-eyed researcher has answered your additional question re: Sarah Frances Cofield. I have just copied for you a newspaper advert from Opelika Times, August 1887 which states,

"Notice: Mrs. McGehee will continue the Bakery and Confectionery Business, heretofore conducted by her late husband. She will maintain the high quality and reputation of the bread & cakes made by the East Alabama
Bakery. THE PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY is also open for the patronage of the public. Having made arrangements with a First class Artist, I feel justified in Guaranteeing Satisfaction. Mrs. McGehee.
(This ad appeared in several subsequent issues. It is quite possible that your ancestor was Opelika's first woman in business--except of course for  the women's cottage industry already present in this area by cooks, laundresses and widows who owned and operated boarding houses.)

The text from Jabe's earlier adds read in part,

The Best Photograph Gallery In East Alabama.
I Do good work. Don't Forget That.
My Photography will in no wise interfere with my other work, which is
conceded to be as good as can be obtained anywhere.
There is no use of your going to larger cities, my facilities are as good
as can be found anywhere.
give me a call, my studio is on Chambers Street. Stop and Look at my
Photographic Display.
Jabe M'Gehee
Opelika, Alabama

Another states,

McGehee's Portrait and Photographic Studio
Portraits in Oil and Crayon.
Photographs in all sizes. Family Groups for the wall or stereoscope.
Photographs on Canvas, Linen, Silk, Porcelain, Plaques, Etc.
We have beautiful scenic grounds in great variety, elegant accessories, and
make work that cannot fail to please.
No Customers Wanted Without the MONEY.

I will send these and the other copies I mentioned earlier upon receipt of your mailing address.

Sincerely,

Peter H. Branum
Curator