CDV is a full seated view of Welles at a table in a high-backed chair. He wears a dark suit that causes his white beard to look more prominent than usual. The image is clear with good contrast. The paper and mount have some light surface dirt from age and storage but nothing major. It is still a very nice view of the Navy Secretary.

Reverse has photographer’s imprint for E. & H. T. ANTHONY from a Brady negative. There is also an old pencil inscription that reads “WELLES” at top.

Gideon Welles was born July 1, 1802 in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Welles was educated at the Cheshire Academy and the Norwich Military Academy before reading law. In 1826 Wells became a journalist and was the founder and editor of the Hartford Times in Hartford, Connecticut. Welles was also an active Democrat in Connecticut State politics. Due to his anti-slavery feelings Welles became a Republican in 1854. He was selected by President Lincoln to serve as Secretary of the Navy, a post he held until 1869 and returned to the Democratic Party.

After leaving politics Welles returned to Connecticut where he took up writing and published several books. He died on February 12, 1878 at the age of 75. He was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford, Connecticut.

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