This particular tintype image features a placid looking lady with her hair drawn back into a high bun. While her hairstyle may lead some to believe this is a mid-century image, that isn’t the case. Her dress does not show the distinctive characteristics of an 1850-1860s dress. Instead, I believe this to be an 1880s image. The dress features a standing collar that has been trimmed in lace, a wide bow and many buttons. The skirt appears narrow in front, while an earlier century image would have had a lot more fabric in front to show off in a photo. Unfortunately, the camera was focused around the level of her hands, so the buttons on her cuffs are quite clear, while her face is a bit blurry.
Who Were They? 