Description

Description: An inked note on the verso of this image reads: “Mourning drapery in the 43d Street M. E. Church, N. Y. City. upon the death of Jas. A. Garfield. President of the U.S.A. 1881”. The image shows a man at a podium leaning on a large bible. Behind him is a portrait of the late president, and above is a black swag of fabric emblazoned with Garfield’s initials “JAG”.

Verso stamped: “J. Allen Photographer, 335 8th Ave. N. Y.” and has an inked name: “Rev. William H. Mickle[?] Pastor”. This 8″ x 6″ albumen photograph is adhered to its original 10″ x 8″cardstock mount.  A arched paper mat is glued around the perimeter. Item #P00178

James Garfield (1831-1881) served as the 20th President of the United States for only 6 months. He was shot by an assassin, but ultimately succumbed to infection of the wound. Before his election to the presidency, Garfield served nine terms as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio and was a General in the Civil War.

Condition: Photograph is in very good condition with decent contrast and resolution. Corners of the mount and edges of the mat are chipped, scattered light soil. Generally good condition.