John S. Van Horn (United States, 1859-60)


Figure 1.--This one-sixth plate Ambrotype is of John S. Van Horn. He was born in 1856 and looks about 4-5 years old, meaning this portrait was taken about 1859-60, just before the Civul War. He was from Syracuse, New York. The Van in his name suggests that he was of Dutch ancestry.

This one-sixth plate Ambrotype is of John S. Van Horn. He was born in 1856 and looks about 4-5 years old, meaning this portrait was taken about 1859-60, just before the Civil War. Note the pose and setting. These drapped tables were very common in the 1840s and 50s Dag portraits, although because of the long exposures needed, the subject was usually seated. The standing pose and blank background weee common in 1860s CDVs. John was from Syracuse, New York. The Van in his name suggests that he was of Dutch ancestry. His hair almost covers his ears. Long hair this length was common for both boys and men at the time. He has a white collar which he wears with a neckwear item that does not bow out. It looks rather like it was attached to a stock, but the way the collar is situated, that was not the case. We are unsure what this neckwear would have been called at the time. His suit has an open cut-away jacket with black trim and matching knee pants that alomst reach his ankles. Infortunately we do not know what color it was. John also wears white stockings and high-top button shoes. We know little about John's adult life, but he lived until 1931.







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Created: 2:34 AM 3/6/2009
Last updated: 2:34 AM 3/6/2009