Johnny_Reb_1865
Sergeant
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2019
Here's a photo of Company "G" 11th Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi in 1861.
Does anyone know if there's an exact date to this photo?
Any way to know who's who?
Whoa !!!!! Stereo card ?????I don't know... Something about this photograph screams "1870s" to me. I checked the source, New York Historical Society, and although they have it stored in their Civil War photo file, the original stereo card makes no mention of an 1861 date. It also does not identify them as the 11th Mississippi, but only as the Lamar Rifles. There are several 1861 photos of members of this unit in frock coats and brimmed hats, rather than in jackets and caps; the only similarity is the frogging on the chest. Also, it doesn't look right for 1861, where beards were so popular, as only a couple of men have them. The mustache is worn by many, which would be more typical of the 1870s. I think it's a group photo of a later militia unit continuing the tradition of Lamar Rifles which served in the 11th Mississippi in 1861.
What about the ground surface in front of the men?I don't know... Something about this photograph screams "1870s" to me. I checked the source, New York Historical Society, and although they have it stored in their Civil War photo file, the original stereo card makes no mention of an 1861 date. It also does not identify them as the 11th Mississippi, but only as the Lamar Rifles. There are several 1861 photos of members of this unit in frock coats and brimmed hats, rather than in jackets and caps; the only similarity is the frogging on the chest. Also, it doesn't look right for 1861, where beards were so popular, as only a couple of men have them. The mustache is worn by many, which would be more typical of the 1870s. I think it's a group photo of a later militia unit continuing the tradition of Lamar Rifles which served in the 11th Mississippi in 1861.
I would like to see more posts analyzing this photo. So what if it's post war, it's still relevant and very interesting.An interesting discussion. I do agree this might be post Civil War.
I think the mystery is now solved !
Having lived in Oxford for 60+ years and I do not know for sure but would guess the camera is on the West side of the Lafayette County Courthouse facing North. First National Bank is now located were the Ash & Wagner store used to be.
I am no expert but I do know one who probably could identify the unit, date and location. Starke Miller a friend of mine and @Woods-walker, is Oxford historian and expert on Company A, the University Greys, of the 11th Mississippi. I am fairly confident he knows a great bit about the Lamar Rifles. I have his facebook page info below. If you are interested in a guided tour of Shiloh? He is extremely knowledgeable about the battle and the roles played by Ole Miss matriculants.
@Biscoitos were you successful with your research at the Ole Miss Library? I have many enjoyable hours in that building going back to index cards of the Dewey Decimal System!
Regards
David
https://www.facebook.com/starke.miller?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDozOTM4NTkzNzE2MjU0Mzc5XzM5Mzg4MzY5Njk1NjMzODc=