LINCOLN’S PHOTOGRAPHER

President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address during the American Civil War at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  Five years prior to the address, Lincoln – who was campaigning for senator at the time – encountered the Bavarian-Jewish Photographer, Samuel G. Alschuler while representing clients in court in Urbana, Illinois. Lincoln was to be photographed by Alschuler, however when he arrived, he was improperly dressed in a frumpy coat. Alschuler, although much smaller in stature than the future president, loaned Lincoln his black coat. Lincoln posed for the photo in the ill-fitting coat. Three years later, Lincoln returned to Alschuler for another portrait – this time as President-elect.

Image of President Lincoln with a written note, "Photo by Samuel Alschuler, Urbana, Illinois, 1857"

Black and white portrait of President Lincoln with a written note, Urbana, Illinois, 1857. PC-2660. American Jewish Archives, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Drawing by Ostendorf, 1975, of President Abraham Lincoln with Samuel G. Alschuler in Alschuler's photography gallery. The sign reads, "S. Alschuler's Gallery, Photographic & Printing Studio." The image is captioned, "Abraham Lincoln sits for ambrotype by Samuel BG. Alschuler in the photographer's coat as Judge J.O. Cunningham watches, Urbana, Illinois, April 25, 1858."

Drawing of Abraham Lincoln sitting for ambrotype by Samuel BG. Alschuler in the photographer’s coat as Judge J.O. Cunningham watches, Urbana, Illinois, April 25, 1858. Drawing dated 1975. PC-2660. American Jewish Archives, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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