1880s Uniformed Veterans African American MN Photographer Cabinet Photo

Harry Shepherd was not only the first black photographer in St. Paul Minnesota, but a progressive and influential mind.

He medaled in the state fair in 1891, participated in the 1900 Paris Exposition & corresponded w/ Booker T. Washington about establishing a photography school for black students. This example likely dates to the late 1880s as the later mounts tended to mention those accomplishments. Striking image w/ good contrast on stained and worn mount.