Spanish-American War Cabinet Card Photo John Whiteley, US Navy Hero USS Concord

$0.00

  • Very Interesting and Uniquely decorated Cabinet Card Photograph from the Spanish-American War Period
  • Photograph is of a young John H. Whiteley. Whiteley was a seaman on the USS Concord and served during the Battle of Manila Bay as part of Dewey’s Fleet
  • He was awarded $40.72 as his part of the bounty for sinking an enemy vessel, and also rewarded $87.73 in prize money for the Capture of the Don Juan de Austria. That may not sound like a lot, but in those days that was pretty big money! 
  • He was later featured in a May 1898 newspaper article, hailing him and others as “Men who fought with Dewey, A Group of Manila Heroes who Hail from Detroit and Michigan”
  • The photo could likely be from months just before the battle, as the Concord was in Mare Island December 1897-January 8th, 1898.  Whiteley enlisted in August of 1897.

 

  • The sketched artwork frame around his portrait is rather lovely, and an uncommon style used by the photographer to add some patriotic flare.
  • Card is marked on front by photographer Chas. McMillan, 314 Georgia St. Vallejo, Cal.   Back has “John H. Whiteley” written very faint.
  • Charles McMillan was a Canadian born photographer who moved to California in 1879. After working out of a tent as a traveling photographer, he decided to settle down and open a studio in Vallejo.
  • Card measures approx. 4-3/8″ W x 6-1/2″ H
  • Great addition to any collection!

For Fun:  If you Goggle the sailor’s name, you’ll be able to find a lot of information about him for yourself.  You’ll also see that the newspaper article I referenced above seems to have used this Photo as the base for their engraving. 

 

Sold!

SKU: 60476 Category: Photography Tags: antique, Cabinet Card, Photography

Description

Fair overall condition. Card shows heavy edge wear and staining from age. Photograph shows moderate scratching and some mild discoloration.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.