Ambrotype of John Cawthorn

In a previous post about John W. Cawthorn (found here) I posted an "enhanced version" of an ambrotype picturing John in his Confederate uniform. At first I couldn't figure out whether this old picture I have which is still housed in its original case was an ambrotype or daguerreotype. Luckily I found a website called Tips... for Dating Old Photo's... and boy was it helpful. I now know that what is in my possession is an ambrotype because the picture needs a dark background to show the photo in positive form.

Here is the original photo I scanned into the computer:

This picture shows the frame, and faded condition of the photo.

Confederate Solider: John Warren Cawthorn

John W. Cawthorn, enhanced version of Tin Plate, by K. Stevens

John Warren CAWTHORN was born 3 Oct 1843 in North Carolina to parents Archibald Lewis CAWTHORN and Elizabeth Ann NIPPER. He lived in Granville County for most of his life.

In 1861, at the age of 17, John took up service in "The Granvile Rangers", Company G, 30th Regiment NC, of the Confederacy.  He was taken as a prisoner of war the 22nd of Sept 1864 and released 24th June 1865 after taking an Oath of Allegiance. Upon his release he was physically described as standing 5 feet 8 inches, with a "florid" complexion, red hair, and hazel eyes.

John was married to Cornelia ALLEN, daughter of David B. ALLEN and Mary "Polly" Ann Allen on 25 Oct 1868 by J.L. Purefoy. John Warren CAWTHORN worked as a farmer and in 1886 owned 147 acres in Granville county. By the 1900 census, John and his family had moved to Nash county, NC where he continued to work as a farmer.

John and Cornelia ALLEN had ten children: Walter L. (b. 1869, d.1916), Charles Brent (b.1871), Pattie Elliot (b. 1875, d. 1937), Lucy B. (b. about 1876, d. before 1937), Lillan V. (b. about 1878, d. 1882), Mary Ellen (b. 1879, d. 1947), Annie C. (b. about 1882, d. 1966). David Allen (b. 1883, d. 1884), Bertha J. (b. 1885, d. 1976), and Allen L. (b. 1888, d. 1933). 

John died 14 March 1901.