J. C. Breckinridge Family Photographic Archives - HUGE!

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Presented before you: Probably one of the most extensive photographic collections in private hands of a family known for their political, religious, and business involvement, from their arrival in the United States in the mid-1700's, up well into the 20th century. More importantly, this family BEST known for being divided during the American Civil War, having BROTHERS, UNCLES, and COUSINS serving on both sides of this great conflict. The entire collection contains approximately 130 photographs, 20-30 various invitations to political and military functions sent to General Joseph C. Breckenridge, various newspaper articles, etc. Several of the duplicate photos (or individuals that were far distant relation to the J.C. family) I have posted on eBay auctions separately, but it is my goal to keep the immediate family info and photos together. Many images I have not been able to identify as to who they were or how they were associated with the family so I will keep them with the main grouping. I am certain I cannot post ALL of the photos, but tried to pick out the more important ones. The group photo shown of Mrs. Joseph Cabell Breckinridge and her children; Mary Dudley, Joseph Cabell Jr., Ethelbert Dudley, Lucian Scott, Lucy Hayes, Scott Dudley, Henry Skillman, Margaret Scott Skillman, and John Preston is better quality than the scan shown - it is just SLIGHTLY light in contrast, otherwise the clarity is good to very good. This cabinet photo measures 9 3/4" by 6 3/4", and I'm guessing it dates to around 1897. Their eldest son, Joseph Cabell Breckinridge Jr., was an Ensign on board the torpedo boat the USS Cushing February 11, 1898 during the Spanish American War. While steaming towards Cuba, Joseph was washed overboard in heavy seas. Gunner's Mate Third Class John Everetts and Ship's Cook First Class Daniel Atkins tried unsuccesfully to save him, and as a result were awarded the Medal of Honor. The U. S. Navy destroyer, the USS Breckinridge, built in 1918 and used up through World War II was named after Joseph C. Breckinridge, Jr. In this grouping are several photos of him, from a young lad up through about the time of his death. A few other photos of interest: The old Breckinridge home (estate) in Virginia - called "Grove Hill"- near Fincastle in Botetourt County - the home burned down in 1909. Written in old period ink on back: "Grove Hill - The old homestead of the Virginia Breckinridges". Several images of the Rev. Robert Jefferson Breckinridge 1800-1871, lawyer, Presbyterian clergyman, cllege president, born at Cabell's Dale near Lexington, Kentucky. Several different views of what I believe is the J.C. Breckinridge home...one nice 5" x 7" view shows Joseph sitting on the steps, with other members of the family on the porch. A "copy" image of Robert Jefferson and most likely four sons and two grandchildren. Another of him alone, and yet another of he and a young boy (grandson?). The most spectacular, are four portrait paintings - one of General Joseph C. Breckinridge, his wife Louise Ludlow, his eldest daughter Mary Dudley (I think), and his brother Charles in his Civil War uniform (this is in an oval case with a lock of his hair tied with a ribbon in back of the case). At least two of the portraits (Mr. and Mrs.), were painted by Otto Eckhardt, known for painting minature portraits on ivory...which these are...the image of Mrs. Breckinridge is the only one signed by him. As you can see by the photos, these a quite rare and valuable by themselves. Two particular images of this collection I am selling by themselves: One cdv simply identified as "Uncle Scott - New Jersey", which shows a man of around 70 years of age wearing what I think may be a War of 1812 veteran's pin on his lapel. Another, a gentleman of about the same age refered to as: "Col. Ambrose Dudley", with a Cincinnati, Ohio backmark. T is another cdv of a Union Captain unidentified, and also a 1/6th plate ambrotype of a Civil war soldier in a dark uniform wi... read more

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