Image shows Private Charles E. Stewart of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry in a jaunty pose leaning against a draped column holding his drawn saber in his right hand, point down.

Stewart is wearing a dark forage cap with crossed sabers visible on the crown, the double-piped cavalry shell jacket exclusive to the 15th Pa. with a matching dark vest and trousers. He wears gauntlets on each hand and around his waist is his belt with rectangular plate and empty scabbard. His saber gleams in front of him. His cheeks are lightly tinted.

Image has very good clarity and contrast. Mount has upper corners that have been rounded.

Reverse has a photographer's imprint for EDWARD P. HIPPLE... PHILADELPHIA with some collectors information in pencil. At top of the reverse is a nice strong period ink inscription of "SGT. CHAS. H. STEWART CO. B."

Charles H. Stewart was born December 14, 1840 in Philadelphia. He served as a member of Philadelphia's First City Troop which was made up of descendants of General Washington's personal guard.

During the Civil War he enlisted as a Private in Company B of the 15th Pa. on August 22, 1862. At some point he was transferred to Company E and was discharged for disability on July 20, 1864. None of the records show him promoted to Sergeant.

His obituary says that after the war he practiced medicine and was active in the railroad business with his former commander General William Palmer. His travels brought him to Alabama and Kentucky where he eventually settled. Struck by paralysis he was confined to his bed for 18 years before his death. The writer of his obituary referred to Stewart as a "much beloved citizen." The obituary also says that Stewart received a commission to captain for bravery during the war but the records consulted do not bear that out.

Dr. Charles H. Stewart died in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on October 7, 1912 and is buried there in Riverside Cemetery. He was survived by his wife Josephine and one daughter.

The 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry was organized in October of 1862 and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. The regiment saw action at Stones River, Mossy Creek and several smaller skirmishes.

During its service the regiment lost 128 officers and men killed, died of wounds and disease plus many others wounded.

A very nice image that with deeper research may reveal an interesting story.  [ad]

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