CS mounted?

[littleforkranger]

While doing some research on the 14th Virginia Cavalry and reading in the regimental history by Robert Driver I discovered a photograph of a soldier, Daniel Swisher, Company B, where he is obviously sitting on a horse. Only the pommel and cantle are visible. He is holding his reins in his right hand with his left hand perched on his thigh (although the image may be reversed). Knowing the rarity of photographs of mounted Confederate soldiers, I was wondering if any of you fine fellows were familiar with this photograph and could shed some light here as I am intensely interested in this unit, and mounted Rebs in particular. It appears the photo is a "crop" of a larger one, although I'm not positive about that.

I don't posses the technology to scan and post this photograph, but I could post more details from the book if someone else can. Ken?

[Ken Knopp]

Re: CS mounted?

Yes sir!! I (and I am sure "we") would be VERY interested in seeing this photograph! Is there any way for you to scan it somehow? I'll try to find the book on the web but it would help if you could scan it (where you work/a friend??) and post it here or send it to me for posting. Photos of mounted CS soldiers are VERY rare. Le us know or ocntact me directly. Much obliged for the heads up.

Ken R Knopp
krk1865@bellsouth.net

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

[littleforkranger]

Daniel Swisher

Here's the photo, I sure hope it comes up as I'm not too keen on this photoshop business./home/laptop/Pictures/daniel swisher.jpg

I'll have to keep trying...this machine won't let me attach......jeeeez!

[Ken Knopp]

Re: CS mounted?

Stephen Dunn was kind enough to make us aware of a photo that may be a war time image of a CS cavalryman. Thanks Stephen!! (by the way, your original post was edited because you MUST provide your full name when posting)
The background details are sketchy (maybe someone more adept at the internet and with more time than I could look into it the background of this image a bit more. Anyway, the information below is all we have right now. I attached the image- enhanced with what little skills I possess. What do you all think?

Ken R Knopp

(Stephen Dunn)....While doing some research on the 14th Virginia Cavalry and reading in the regimental history by Robert Driver I discovered a photograph of a soldier, Daniel Swisher, Company B, where he is obviously sitting on a horse. Only the pommel and cantle are visible. He is holding his reins in his right hand with his left hand perched on his thigh (although the image may be reversed). Knowing the rarity of photographs of mounted Confederate soldiers, I was wondering if any of you fine fellows were familiar with this photograph and could shed some light here as I am intensely interested in this unit, and mounted Rebs in particular. It appears the photo is a "crop" of a larger one, although I'm not positive about that.

[littleforkranger]

Service Record

From the book 14th Virginia Cavalry by Robert J. Driver, Jr. first edition 1988...

Page 180
Swisher, Daniel: Pvt., Co.s H and B b. Rockbridge county 9/12/38. Farmer 6th district, Rockbridge Co. 1860 census. Enl. Co, H Brownsburg 5/14/61. Present 7/8/61. Reenl. Co. B Churchville 5/12/62. Present 9/10/62. Ab. detailed to drive regimental wagon 1/12/63. Ab. on detached service 2/29-10/31/64. Des. to the enemy Beverly 12/2/64. 5'5", fair complexion, brown eyes, light hair. Took oath and released. Farmer, Walker's Dist. Rockbridge County, 1870 census, Run over and killed by a heavily loaded wagon near Newport, Augusta County 4/17/ 84. Bur. Mt. Hermon Luth. Ch. cem. Brother of James F. Swisher.

ALSO on page 181

Swisher, Daniel T. ]Pvt. Co. H., b. 7/29/27. Tombstone only record. d. 1/22/08. Bur. Centennial Burial Assoc. Cem. Amherst Co.

[Ken Knopp]

Re: CS mounted?

A difficult photo to "read". What I can see is a horned saddle (at least of the period style) but not much more. One has to ask whether this is a war time photo or post war. I note no arms (as far as I can tell) but it does appear he is sporting a watch which leads me to suspect "post war".
Stephen, any chance we can come up with the original photo (larger?). Many thanks for making us aware of this. Given their rarity, it is always a special occaision to find mounted photos. Thank you!

Ken R Knopp

[littleforkranger]

Re: CS mounted?

Ken,

I agree this photo is difficult to make anything out of. Like you I believe lack of weaponry and civilian garb suggests post-war. I would submit that he is sporting some plummage in his hat ( the side facing the camera), but it could be a blemish in the photograph. I will continue to pursue masters Driver and Swope to determine if it's possible to view the entire photo. I'll also dig deeper into Mr. Swisher's story/record and see what turns up there. Thanks for your help and have a Merry Christmas.