Early Life and Career Born: August 11, 1794, Delaware County, Pennsylvania Died: January 1, 1869, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania James Barton Longacre's early life was marked by a challenging home environment after his mother’s death and subsequent remarriage of his father. At the age of 12, he left home to seek work in Philadelphia. He initially apprenticed at a bookstore owned by John E. Watson, who recognized Longacre’s artistic talent and facilitated his transition into an engraving apprenticeship under George Murray. In 1819, Longacre established his own business, quickl…