Historic grouping that primarily relates to George May Powell (1835-1905), a noted cartographer, inventor, religious lecturer, and progressive. He is perhaps best known today for the photo-collage he produced depicting all those who signed the 13th Amendment (Emancipation). We are pleased to offer various iterations of that famous photo, as well as correspondence relating to its development and commercialization. Powell was an avid proponent of Civil Rights, he believed that the passage of the 13th Amendment deserved commemoration in photographic form.



Grouping includes a large albumen of Samuel Powell (G.M Powell's brother), thirteen letters written by or to G.M. Powell/Samuel Powell, four of G.M. Powell's 13th Amendment albumen photo-collages (various sizes), official index to the albumen collage issued by G.M. Powell, late 19th century albumen of Nazareth, 1889 hand-colored map of Central Africa produced by G.M. Powell, albumen of Jerusalem, 1900 issue of "Pennsylvania Herald" with G.M. Powell pictured on its cover, folio map of Palestine, 1892 pink fold-out map of Palestine, hand-colored folio map of Palestine, hand-colored folio map of Egypt, folio photo of "Abou Ben Adhem," various family histories/accounts, carte-de-visite (CDV) of G.M. Powell, various 19th century family photos, ticket to G.M. Powell's "Oriental Reception," and a large photo print of G.M Powell later in life.



Bulk of the correspondence relates to G.M Powell and his brother, Samuel. Highlights include war content and development of the 13th Amendment photograph. For a full transcription of the letters, please see the attached link: https://sparedshared22.wordpress.com/2021/05/19/george-may-powell-letters/?fbclid=IwAR21bwVQFXFYCW9r5KYLHNWaPSPfUBgIqA2bOjcT-4o7KRnH5a61cLJ5lTg


Samuel Wells Powell (1838-1892) was the brother of George May Powell. He first served in war as General John Dix's personal secretary, then as an officer in the Marine corps. After the war he was a Pastor in Massachusetts.



Condition as shown. The 13th Amendment (Emancipation) albumen photographs measure (with mounts) 17 x 15, 11 x 9 1/2. 11 x 9 1/2, and 3 1/2 x 2 1/2. The albumen of Samuel Powell measures 10 x 8 (with its mount).



[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Abolition, Slavery, Abraham Lincoln, Antique Photography, Daguerreotype, Albumen, Tintype, Ambrotype, CDV, Christianity, Religious History]