This is an original period image from the Library of Congress, the National Archives and other quality sources restored and tinted by the internationally known color artist and author of "Restoring and Tinting Vintage Images", David Richardson. This is an exclusive listing of his work on ebay.

 
Each image is taken from a high resolution negative and then cleaned of blemishes, damage, scratches, and whatever the decades have caused. Then the image is carefully brought back to life by adding color to the black and white image. By using these techniques the hands of time are turned back and for the first time you can see the images in color as they might have been on the day they were taken.

You have your choice of size and finish for the photo. Note that the size you choose may require cropping and the finished image may appear slightly different than the one shown. If preferred a white border can be added above/below or left/right to allow all of the original image to print. Unless requested when placing your order, your image may be cropped. If you would like to see how a specific image will look for the size you have chosen, please contact us and indicate the size you are interested in.

Matte Finish:
E-Surface Photo Paper is by far our most popular photographic paper. As a professional paper, it boasts rich, sharp color that won't fade or yellow, creating beautiful prints that will last for years to come.

Glossy (Metallic) finish:
Our Metallic Photo Paper features a unique pearlescent surface. It offers highly saturated colors, ultra-bright backgrounds, and will last a lifetime with typical home storage.

Sergeant Johnny Clem (later Lt.)
Was Sgt at age 13 (image from 1870's)
with Brother


Famous as the "Drummer Boy of Chickamauga", John Lincoln Clem was made a sergeant by General Rosecrans, who placed him upon the Roll of Honor, and attached him to the headquarters of the Army of the Cumberland.  At the age of 13, Clem became the youngest non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army ever. 

On July 6, 1864, the War Department forbid any officers to enlist any soldier under 16 or face severe penalties. Almost a month later, Lt. Col. Henry Dean of the 22nd Michigan requested Clem to be released from service so that he “may have a better opportunity for educating himself.”

During the 1864 Presidential election, all soldiers of the army were allowed to vote.  Although under the age of 15, Johnny Clem was still a soldier in the army and he voted legally.

While awaiting his discharge, Clem went to Carlinville, Illinois, where he started school.  But the war remained very much on his mind; In a letter to Capt. Sanford C. Kellogg, an officer in his former unit, in September, he wrote, “I am going to school here and am very much pleased with the institution and my schoolmates. Please tell my Colonel to write to me as soon as he can … How is Georgie Lutz getting along? Who has my little pony now? … If any of the officers are willing to write to me I would be very much pleased to hear from them.”

Clem graduated High School in 1870.  President Ulysses S. Grant nominated Clem to become a student at the United States Military Academy at West Point.  However, Clem repeatedly failed to pass the entrance exam.  In 1871, Grant overlooked Clem's failures and appointed him a second lieutenant in the United States Army.  This image was probably taken shortly after that time.  He is seen with his younger brother Louis, who was then about 12 years old. 

Clem loved his brotherly dearly.  He would write to Louis regularly, used his Washington connections to get him work and offered to help him set up a bookstore.  Like his brother, Louis yearned for travel and decided to go to Wyoming Territory.  On May 1, 1876,  as a non-combatant, Louis was killed in a battle with Indians near Custer City, SD.  He was less than 21 years old.

Johnny Clem rose to the rank of Colonel and became the last soldier of the Civil War to retire from active duty in 1916.  Upon his retirement he was promoted to Brigadier General.  He died in 1937 and is buried at Arlington.