Pastel enhanced enlarged memorial portrait of George W. Stewart, Co. K, 62nd USCT. Period ink inscription to lower margin reads: "George W. Stewart K. 62 U.S.C. Troops.” Housed in its original wood frame. Measures ~16 x 12

Framed photographs such as the example here, sometimes called solarization prints or solar enlargements, were produced through a process in which a tintype/ambrotype functioned as the negative plate. These were often made as memorial pieces or as a tribute to a soldier's service. Whereas cased tintype or ambrotype images were small and primarily enjoyed intimately, these large, usually colorized prints were made to be displayed. A deceased soldier's family could hang one in a prominent location, proud of his sacrifice made during the war.

The family of George W. Stewart, shown here, certainly had reason to be proud. Records indicate Stewart enlisted while still enslaved on a plantation in Lincoln County, Missouri. He was able to join the 1st Missouri Colored Infantry (later the 62nd USCT) in 1863 under a law that compensated Stewart's owner for his service. At 42, Stewart was much older than the average soldier, perhaps evidence of his strong desire to fight for the Union cause. He knew that joining the army would guarantee his freedom, but, like other enslaved men, he likely also hoped that military service would prove his bravery and fitness for citizenship, and possibly result in his family's freedom following the war.

Stewart would die in Louisiana of disease in 1864. He is buried there, a free man.

Though he did not survive the war, his service guaranteed a pension filed at the National Archives for his wife Ellen and their three children, Thomas, Isaac, and Charles.

The patriotic backdrop shown in the photograph was located at Benton Barracks in St. Louis. Stewart was mustered into his regiment there, so this photograph likely dates to that time. In the lower right hand corner is an inscription in period ink detailing Stewart's name and unit. Stewart is armed with an m1851 Colt Navy, which he holds across his chest. The artist has colored Stewart's uniform sky blue, his boots black, and the table's cover a light red.

Originally organized as the 1st Missouri Colored Infantry Regiment in December 1863 when Stewart enlisted, the unit was organized at Benton Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri. Re-designated as the 62nd United States Colored Troops in March 1864, they served most of their enlistment in Louisiana and Texas, with service in Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, Morganza, and Brazos Santiago. 

During their enlistment, the soldiers of the 62nd USCT had been taught to read and write, and they desired to continue their education after the War. The soldiers and officers signed resolutions and raised $5,000 to establish a school "for the special benefit of free blacks." In September 1866, their efforts were realized in the opening of Lincoln Institute, now Lincoln University, in Jefferson City, Missouri. 

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