Posted 11 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
This young man served aboard the USS Kearsarge. His hat band has most of the letters visible.
The Kearsarge was a USN sloop that was active from 1862 until 1894. She is probably best known for her fight against the CSS Alabama.
This image appears to date from the late 1870s- 1880s and bears no photographer's information.
Reproduction of these images in any form is prohibited.
scott
Thanks mikko and vetraio.
scott
my god! he seems so young to have been part of a crew on a warship! could he have been the child of someone who worked on the ship instead? or did they actually recruit youngsters for crews?
They were typical on warships and filled the role of "powder monkeys"-- usually carrying powder from storage areas to the actual guns.
scott
Here is an iconic image of a Civil War era powder monkey:
http://www.old-picture.com/civil-war/Powder-Monkey.htm
scott
Thanks tom and cultcha.
scott
Thanks for looking ted.
scott
Thanks again pops!
scott
Thanks for looking and commenting cindb.
"Child warriors" were not that uncommon in the 19th century.
scott
do you think that the book has any significance in this photo? i know that my great grandmemere always held a book in her photos. i was told that this was to show that she read and wrote very well and that it was somewhat unusual for women of her time.
In 19th century photography holding a book or an open book is often used to show literacy.
Not sure in this case if it has any significance.
scott
Great personalized blouse (jumper).
Thanks dan and tom!
scott
Thanks rade.
scott