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.

My "Heritage Pie Chart"

I first stumbled upon the "Heritage Pie Chart" idea on Are You My Cousin?... and found further information on the premises at My Tapley Tree... and its Branches: Saturday Night Genealogy Fun. So I thought I would give it a try- first with my 16-great-great-grandparents. I do want to note that because of "bad sentiments" towards two of my great-great-grandparents, no one in the family will tell me their names, but I have been working on my grandmother to get her brother to tell me...so hopefully someday I'll be able to add them in.

First I looked at origin by country

HA! No surprise here... thoroughly American.

So I wanted to see if there was any variety in origin by State:

The We Tree Genealogy Blog: Jump Start Your Genealogy Blog. 52 ideas. 52 weeks...

I find that I have worked on this blog for just a few days a month since I began it in May and I have decided to up my posts by using these ideas!

The We Tree Genealogy Blog: Jump Start Your Genealogy Blog. 52 ideas. 52 weeks...: "As quick review of genealogy blogs shows that many bloggers have made resolutions to write more about genealogy in 2009. Yes, you should blo..."