Ancestor's Photo Found!

[Greg Taylor]

After a search of over 10 years I have finally found a photo of my g-g grandfather, Adj. William B. Phillips of the 2nd. PA Provisional Heavy Artillery. Recently I had to move my 90 year old mother into assisted-living and while digging through her pack-rat home found what I was looking for. This is the culmination of a great odyssey for me that began in 2005 when I inherited his Civil War letter collection and subsequently published the letters on my website. Several months ago I read one of his letters on a national TV program Blood and Glory: The Civil War in Color in which he describes a bloody assault on the Rebel lines at Petersburg. In many ways I have become obsessed with him and his story, but through all of this I did not have a photo of him. Now I do!

He appears to be dressed in civilian clothing. I do not know if the photo was taken before, during or after the war. He was born in 1841 and was 21 years old when he enlisted in August 1862. If anyone has an opinion on his age or the clothing he wears I would appreciate hearing from you. Naturally I want to glean as much information as I can from the photo.

 

[Championhilz]

Looks like a wartime CDV to me, and he is wearing a uniform - Union frock coat

 

[AndyHall]

Agreed that's a uniform coat.

 

[Legion Para]

Most definitely a Union Enlistedman's uniform. A nine button frock coat with blue kersey trousers.

 

[Greg Taylor]

What is CDV?

 

[lelliott19]

CDV is the type of photograph. Its an abbreviation for carte de visite.

He looks young to me - probably <25 years old. Wouldn't be surprised if this image was taken when he enlisted, or soon after. But I'm not an expert. Ill call someone who is really good at uniform ID and such

@Frederick14Va could you take a look here at the OP?

 

[Legion Para]

 

[bdtex]

After a search of over 10 years I have finally found a photo of my g-g grandfather, Adj. William B. Phillips of the 2nd. PA Provisional Heavy Artillery. Recently I had to move my 90 year old mother into assisted-living and while digging through her pack-rat home found what I was looking for. This is the culmination of a great odyssey for me that began in 2005 when I inherited his Civil War letter collection and subsequently published the letters on my website. Several months ago I read one of his letters on a national TV program Blood and Glory: The Civil War in Color in which he describes a bloody assault on the Rebel lines at Petersburg. In many ways I have become obsessed with him and his story, but through all of this I did not have a photo of him. Now I do!

He appears to be dressed in civilian clothing. I do not know if the photo was taken before, during or after the war. He was born in 1841 and was 21 years old when he enlisted in August 1862. If anyone has an opinion on his age or the clothing he wears I would appreciate hearing from you. Naturally I want to glean as much information as I can from the photo.View attachment 74538

Thanks for sharing that with the forum. That is awesome stuff. Just started a search like that for 2 of my maternal ancestors who are Civil War infantry veterans. Hope it doesn't take me that long.

 

[major bill]

Very interesting photo. His frock coat appears to lack the normal sleeve cuff piping. Some contractors did not add the piping to save time. Then again it is possible the piping is there but blends in with the color of the coat. Also I do not see any piping on the frock coat collar. Red piping does sometimes blend in with the dark blue of the coat in period photographs, but usually you can see the piping if you study the photograph enough. Look closely at the sleeve cuffs and you can see the stitching line near the end of the cuffs.

 

[Greg Taylor]

CDV is the type of photograph. Its an abbreviation for carte de visite.

He looks young to me - probably <25 years old. Wouldn't be surprised if this image was taken when he enlisted, or soon after. But I'm not an expert. Ill call someone who is really good at uniform ID and such

@Frederick14Va could you take a look here at the OP?

The card is almost exactly as described here except it is just slightly larger, by just a few mm.

 

[Poor Sharecropper's Son]

Assuming that's you in your avatar, the resemblance is definitely there

 

[Greg Taylor]

Assuming that's you in your avatar, the resemblance is definitely there

Yes, that is me for sure. It is a screenshot from the TV documentary in which I appeared reading his letter.

 

[Allie]

He's very nice looking! I don't just mean that he's handsome, although he is, he also looks pleasant. And he does resemble you. Congratulations on your find!

 

[Greg Taylor]

He's very nice looking! I don't just mean that he's handsome, although he is, he also looks pleasant. And he does resemble you. Congratulations on your find!

Considering that he is about 21 years old in the photo and I am 66 in my photo, that is amazing! People do say I look young for my age.

 

[unionblue]

Congrats on your find.

How wonderful it must be to actually look into the face of one's family history.

You are indeed very fortunate.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

I'm sorry to always say this, can't help it, it's true- it's like Christmas, one of these finds- congrats! Funny how family likeness can follow generations, makes it an even better picture!

 

[ole]

A super find! I am sooo happy for you. Makes me think about the pics I have and the need to do something with them.

 

[DixieRifles]

Great find!

 

[donna]

A great find. I know you are so happy to find it. I would love to find one of my great great grandfather who served. I do have photo of his wife( my great great grandmother), which was taken several years after his death. He died from mortal wound from Battle at Middle Creek, Ky.

 

[TinCan]

Awesome find, would love to have a photo of an ancestor in uniform.