This cabinet card creates a historical mystery. Is this image really a portrait of Captain William James Williams? Captain Williams was among the first African American officers to serve in a state volunteer regiment during the Spanish American War. He served in the 6th Massachusetts Infantry, Company L. This company was probably the first and possibly only African American company to be attached to a white regiment. Williams commanded Company L and was the first African American to enter the US Volunteer army with a captain’s commission. He was six feet tall. He was a product of Boston schools and was a lawyer. He joined the Massachusetts Militia in 1891. The reverse of this card is inscribed “William James Williams, Captain, Spanish American War”. A photograph of Captain Williams found from another source, has resemblance to the man in this image, but does not confirm the identity. The photographer of this image is William G. Hussey of Salem, Massachusetts. A photographic journal (1900) reported that Hussey sold his Salem studio in 1900.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM J WILLIAMS: AFRICAN AMERICAN SPANISH AMERICAN WAR VETERAN
FASHIONABLE BLACK WOMAN IN RENO, NEVADA
This Cabinet Card captures a pretty young Black woman posing at the studio of Rifenburg and Dowe in Reno, Nevada. The woman is beautifully dressed and the details of her elaborate dress are easily seen in the closeness and clarity of this image. Note the woman’s dark gloves and that she appears to be holding a cane, or perhaps, a parasol.
AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN CHILLING AT TURN OF THE CENTURY PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO
Attractive young Black woman poses at Smith’s Photographic Studio at an unnamed location. She is very fashionably dressed. Note the wonderful details of her cape and hat. Unfortunately, there are no clues as to the identity of this woman nor the identity or location of the cabinet card photographer.
AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN IN SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY
This interesting Cabinet Card is a photograph of an African American man posing for his portrait at the studio of W. A. Apcar in Somerville, New Jersey. This gentleman looks quite dapper and intellectual. He appears professorial but his biographical information is lost in history.
AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN IN MOURNING DRESS IN WASHINGTON D.C.
This Cabinet Card is a portrait of Mrs. Brena Fantleroy who resided on P Street in Washington D.C. She appears to be wearing a mourning dress as well as a very serious expression. Note her veil, jewelry and small purse. The photographer is F. T. Castle of Washington D.C.
YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN GIRL WITH BEAUTIFUL EYES IN BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY
This young African American girl strikes a serious pose as she sits for her portrait at Tichenor’s Photo. Parlors in Burlington, New Jersey. She is dressed up and has bows in her hair for her day at the photographer’s studio. The New York Times reported the death of George Tichenor, photographer and artist on November 7, 1911. He died of a heart attack while setting up his camera to photograph a new ambulance in Burlington, New Jersey. The Times reported that Mr Tichenor was known as the South Jersey weather prophet, for his amazing ability to predict the weather months in advance.
PORTRAIT OF AN ADORABLE YOUNG AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILD
This Cabinet card is a image of an adorable young African-American child. The child has a very expressive face and is nicely dressed as she poses at the photographers studio. The name of the studio is too difficult to decipher and the location of the studio is not noted.
YOUNG AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN IN DETROIT (POSSIBLY A SEAMSTRESS)
This terrific Cabinet Card is an image of a attractive young African-American woman posing for her photograph in the studio of Marratt in Detroit, Michigan. The Photographic Times (1884) states that Marratt was one of the principal photographic artists in Detroit. Note the scissors in the woman’s collar. The scissors suggest that she may be a seamstress.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN GENTLEMAN
This Cabinet card image is of a distinguished looking African American gentleman. The photographer and location of the studio is unknown.
Stylishly Dressed African American Man in St. Louis, Missouri
This Cabinet card offers a very clear and detailed image of a young Black man who is very nicely dressed. He posed for this photograph at the studio of Genelli in St. Louis, Missouri. To learn more about this studio and to view other photographs produced by Genelli, click on the category “Photographer: Genelli”.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 