David Wills Carte De Visite Photograph / SOLD

Rare original wartime Carte De Visite photograph of this notable Gettysburg resident and friend of Abraham Lincoln. Scarce backmark of: Isaac G. Tyson – Gettysburg, PA.

When the Battle came to the doorstep of the Wills home July 1–3, 1863. During the Confederate occupation of the town, Wills saw "a group of rebels with an ax break open the store door" of one of his tenants. As the battle raged around the town, local citizens huddled in his cellar. Wills was the principal figure in the establishment of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. As a result of his efforts, the Gettysburg Address was given by Abraham Lincoln. Wills was Lincoln's host while in Gettysburg, and the Gettysburg Address was completed in the large upstairs bedroom occupied by the President during his brief stay in the town. 

Comes housed in 6 inch x 8 inch riker display case with black velvet backing and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: CDV 435 / SOLD