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January 15, 1889

In this earliest known photograph of a young Rev. Allen Allensworth (three years into his 20-year service), the Chaplain is captured while stationed with the Buffalo Soldiers in the Territory of New Mexico. The back of the card advertises several lectures available to be given by the distinguished orator in the United States and abroad.

A sepia tone cabinet card full body portrait photograph of Chaplain Allen Allensworth captured at Fort Bayard, January 15, 1889. The chaplain is captured standing in studio against a painted river scene backdrop and rests his proper left elbow on a faux tree stump prop. He wears his embroidered chaplain uniform consisting of a knee length topper jacket, bright long-sleeve shirt, dark trousers and shoes. Below the photograph is a brown “Elrod Louisville, KY” imprint, and an inscribed caption in black ink: [Chaplain Allen AllensworthU.S.A. / Fort Bayard Jan. 15. 89 / N. M.].
On the reverse of the cabinet card are graphite inscriptions, a list of Allen Allensworth lectures, and lecture reviews. From top to bottom, the card reads: [REV. ALLEN ALLENSWORTH. / Subject of Lectures: 1. “Masters of the situation; or the Five Many Virtues / Exemplified.” / 2. “Humbugs and how they Live.” / 3. “The Battle of Life and how to fight it.” /4. “America,” (used abroad) / 5. “Character and how to read it.” /
A sample of the numerous press notices given while on a Lecture / tour through New England under the auspices of William’s / Lecture Bureau. Boston. Mass. /
“It was well said of him in fighting his life battle, he has / already mastered the situation. He was born an orator, and so / well educated that there is nothing provincial in his accent or / pronunciation. The attention of the audience was won at once / and the interest sustained throughout.” Boston Watchman. /
“His is no ordinary mind, and besides he possesses the happy / faculty of knowing how to express himself in the most pleasant / and learned style, his reasoning being logical and winning. / Franklin, Ky. Favorite. /
“Those who failed to hear Rev. Allen Allensworth, missed a / great treat. Mr. Allensworth is a striking example of what culture / can do for the Negro. He possesses fine logical powers, a bright / and scintillating wit and a fund of pathos, which is all the more / effective because sparingly used.” Woodford Sun. Versailles, Ky. /
“A large audience greeted Rev. Allensworth, at the Odeon / Hall last night, to hear his: Masters of the Situation.” The lec- / ture was filled apt illustration and felicitous anecdote; and / the audience was one moment moved to mirth and another to con- / viction of the good sense that was so profusely uttered.” / Bowling Green, Ky., Democrat.
“Mr. Allensworth’s first lecture in our city, “Masters of the / Situation,” delivered under the auspices of Gain’s High School, / was received with an unusual degree of public favor. It was so / brimful of wit and eloquence, of entertainment and instruction, / and so admirably delivered, that our people were clamorous for / another lecture from the distinguished orator, and his next lec- / ture, “Humbugs,” fully sustained the high reputation he acquired / by the first.” Cincinnati, Commercial. /
“The Rev. Allensworth, is an excellent man, a credit to his / race and his cloth, and in all respects worthy of consideration.” / Henry Watterson.].

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Photographs and Still Images

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

2020.10.15

cabinet photographs
albumen prints
portraits

Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

albumen and silver on nitrocellulose cardboard

H x W (image): 5 13/16 × 3 7/8 in. (14.7 × 9.9 cm)
H x W (card): 6 1/2 × 4 1/4 in. (16.5 × 10.8 cm)

Object Name • Cabinet card of Chaplain Allen Allensworth

nmaahc_2020.10.15

NMAAHC

CABINET CARD OF CHAPLAIN ALLEN ALLENSWORTH

National Museum of African American History and Culture

CC0

1880s

United States Army • Allensworth, Allen • Elrod, Walter L.

Grant County • New Mexico • United States • North and Central America • Jefferson County • Fort Bayard • Kentucky • Louisville

Photography • Oratory • American West • Men • Religion • Advertising • Military

City • Fort Bayard • County • Grant County • State • New Mexico • Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America • City • Louisville • County • Jefferson County • State • Kentucky

Portraits • Photographs

Images

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