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Joseph Fissell tintype

Description:

Joseph Fissell from Circleville, Ohio is believed to be the youngest Civil War soldier to serve in the Union army. He was eleven years old when he enlisted as a musician in the 45th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (O.V.I.) on August 1, 1862. Fissell served until 1865.

The 45th O.V.I. was organized at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio on August 19, 1862. Their regiment was mustered out June 12, 1865 and remaining recruits were transferred to the 51st Ohio Volunteer Infantry (O.V.I.). The regiment lost a total of 339 men during the war.

A tintype is a positive photograph made directly on an iron plate varnished with a thin sensitized film. It was less expensive than earlier forms of photography, and also had a faster exposure time.

Creator:

Unknown

Creation Date:

ca. 1862 - 1865

Collection Title:

Ohio Historical Society Antique Photography Collection

Collection Number:

AP 1480

Image Number:

TAH0934

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