Mathew Brady's Chair, ca 1860's

Unknown Moran relative
Photo by Mathew Brady
Washington DC

I came across a photograph taken by Mathew Brady of an unknown Moran relative.  We think he is probably a Gunn, Morehead or Turner.  The photograph was taken at Brady's Washington DC studio located at no. 352 Pennsylvania Ave.

Back of the photo
showing Brady's
hallmark.

I was intrigued by the ornate chair and clock and wondered if they appeared in other Brady photographs. They did.  Quite a few times actually by many unknown people as well as the famous.














I created a collage featuring Clara Barton with Brady's Clock and the following cast of characters with Brady's wonderful chair.  You might recognize a few of the names: Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Turner, William T. Sherman, Andrew Johnson and Adelbert Ames.

We may never know who the ancestor is but one thing is certain, he was seated in good company.

Why Be A Quitter, Abraham Lincoln's Life

Search for Abraham Lincoln at Amazon!

I'm not sure which Moran family member to attribute this too but I can say that it was written on the top portion of the backside of a piece of stationery from The Bobbs-Merrill Company- Inc.  The letter was dated September, 1951 and says: "Presenting Reid's Branson Instructions to Juries". 

A transcription follows the image.

Why be a Quitter?

Abraham Lincoln's 

life (1809-1865) is a

notable example of

final victory surmounting 

defeat.

Observe this chart:

 Age        Year       Occurrence

22 -         1831       Failed in business

23 -         1832       Defeated for Legislature

24 -         1833       Failed in business

25 -         1834       Elected to Legislature

26 -         1835       Death of Sweetheart

27 -         1836       Nervous breakdown

29 -         1838       Defeated for Speaker

31 -         1840         "      " Elector

34 -         1843         "      " Land Officer

34 -         1843         "      " Congress

37 -         1846       Elected to "

39 -         1848       Defeated for "

46 -         1855         "      " Senator

47 -         1856         "      " Vice President

49 -         1858         "      " Senator

51 -         1860       Elected President

Summary

In the course of 29 years 

Lincoln experienced:

Two business failures; a grievous

heartache; a physical breakdown;

nine political defeats; and only

then political success: the last

Yet, at the age of 51, was elected

President of U.S.A.

Verbum Sat Sapienti (translated: A word is sufficient for a wise man)