The Davis Family History

The display shows that in this one family, six out of seven brothers served for Union. Three died in battle, one died later of consumption after a medical discharge.

The youngest didn't serve in battle, but became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army of the American Eagle, which was formed for Union children to help raise funds for the war effort. He sold "notes" to raise money for the Sanitary Commission.

James (Alfred) appeared as a ghost to his parents at the time of his death 450 miles away.

It was the fashion of the time, but also... it took between 30 seconds and 3 minutes of exposure time, depending on the light, to get a good shot. Notice in any "standing" portrait, there is a photographic stand behind every person which held their head still with a metal vice. If the subject moved, the picture blurred. How long can you stand still even today waiting for someone to take your picture? It was much easier to look serious and relaxed while holding that twitching smile! They probably didn't have pearly white teeth either!