A plain looking woman, not unattractive but not a beauty either, sat for T. L. Darnell in Cumberland, MD in the 1870s. At first I thought this image was an 1860s photo due to the hair style and dropped shoulder seams of the woman’s dress. However, I learned that the heavy borderline (my scanner cut it off on two sides) in red indicates 1874-1880. I would surmise then that the photo was made earlier in the decade as the fashions shown are very similar to those of the previous decade. She also has a rather interesting necklace, sort of like a lariat style necklace. I have seen this on another woman’s portrait, so they must have had some popularity at the time.
Who Were They? 
She just has a big nose. :)
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She is an older lady so her styles may reflect what was common when she was younger. As a 40+ year old woman, I definately do not wear what the young ones are wearing now! She also may have had the same “best dress” for years if she was particularly frugal.
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