The Photo

The original photo is a tin type photo of a young man holding a wind instrument.  The photo is 2.5 inches by 4 inches and is not in a paper sleeve.  It was referred to as a “large gem” and considered a slightly upscale version of the tiny gems, which were really tiny.  The size alone dates the photo to 1870 or later.  These specific types of photos were most popular from 1872 to 1874.

I am hoping knowing the possible date range of the photo will help identify the young man in the photo.  He appears to be in his late teens or twenties.  Based on his minimal facial hair, grok estimated his age as 17-22 as during the 1870s most men wore some amount of facial hair.

Let’s see what else we can learn from this photo.

Family & Location

Dad had a number of tin type photos.  Several of them are unidentified.  However, they appear to have been with other photos of the Peelle family.  In addition, the young man’s hair line is similar to that of a number of the men in the Peelle family. Thus, it seems likely that this photo is of someone related to the Peelle family.  Given that, it is likely that the photo was taken in Indiana, possibly in Randolph or Wayne counties.

It is important to note that this type of photo was known to be taken in Richmond, Indiana, which is in Wayne County.  It is also known that the Peelle family had family in Richmond.  Another location where these types of photos were taken is Indianapolis.  The family had ties in Indianapolis, too.  However, it was further from where most of the family lived.

Photo Progression

The following shows a progression from the tin type to a black and white photo with more detail and finally with a colorized photo.  By doing the black and white and colorized versions many new details of the photo can be seen.

Original Tin Type

Photo after cropping and being converted to black and white

Photo colorized and enhanced by Google Gemini AI

The Clothing

Grok referred to his jacket as a “sack jacket.”  It was clothing typically worn by workers and indicates he was lower-middle-class or below.  It is consistent with the time period of the photo type.  His jacket, shirt, necktie, hair style, and even his pose are all consistent with the photo being taken in the 1870s.

A possible braid showing on the cuffs may indicate that he was a part of a firemen’s brass band or a town band.  Although I can’t see enough detail to know, grok believes that it is the same pattern that various firemen’s bands had in several states, including Indiana.  It is believed to show great similarity to surviving uniforms from Richmond during this era.

The Instrument

The instrument is an over-the-shoulder E♭ alto saxhorn.  The design indicates it is a later version near the time that they started changing the design of the horn.  This style was popular up until around 1880, although some were used after that date.  This model was made by Isaac Fiske’s company and sold in Indianapolis.

It appears that the young man was a member of some type of band.  It could have been a town band or a firemen’s band.

It was popular for members of bands to have photos taken with their instruments.  Often they were in their uniform, but not always.  The photo could have been taken in a studio, but it might also have been taken at the county fair or other special event by a traveling photographer.  This specific style instrument is common in photos from 1872 to 1877.

Studio Setting

The backdrop was very common in the 1870s.  In addition, the stool complete with fringe was a popular prop of that era.  The combination of a fringed stool and a similar/same background image is found in surviving examples, including from traveling photographers in various states, including Indiana.  In addition, this specific background has been found in at least eight tintypes from Indiana.  Those photographs were taken between 1873 and 1877 with one of the confirmed photographs having been taken in Indianapolis.

Profile

If we use 1873-1877 as suggested by grok for the date range for this photograph and the likely age given of 17 -22, it implies that this man was born between 1851 and 1860.  I like to expand a bit on the suggested year ranges given people in more rural areas didn’t wear the latest styles or might not have had the “in” instruments. Likewise, he might be a bit younger or older than he appears.  Thus, I think this man likely was born between 1847 and 1865. 

One of his parents was likely a Peelle, although it is possible that the tie to the family was at his grandparent’s generation.  It seems most likely that he lived in Indiana and possibly in or near Richmond.

The image shows an age progression of the man to approximately age 60.  I included it so that it could be used if photographs of the man when he is older are found.

Further Research

If I do not identify this young man, further research can be done at the Indiana State Library and the Indiana Historical Society.  Both institutions have collections of tintypes, including those of bands.  This might help identify the location or exact date of the photo.  If I get really lucky.  I might be able to identify the man through their collections.

AI apps:  grok, Gemini

Prompt: Musical

#52ancestors52weeks