Thomas Lincoln

[Craig Hipkins]

Hello Folks, most historians believe that the first photograph ever taken was by Nicephore Niepce in 1826. It is a very hazy image that shows a view of a rooftop. The first photograph taken with human beings in it dates from 1838. It shows a street scene. Apparently the street was crowded at the time the photograph was taken, however, because of the length of time it took to capture the image only two people can be seen in the photograph. The reason that they can be seen is because they stood in the same place long enough while everyone else was moving about.
       

I too am skeptical of the (supposed) Thomas Lincoln Daguerreotype that most people consider to be genuine. Does anyone know the original source of that photo? If TL was born in 1778 he would have to have been in his 60s when Daguerreotypes were coming into fashion in the 1840s. To me, the guy in that photo looks considerably younger. Also, having your image taken for posterity was rather costly back in those days and Thomas Lincoln doesn't seem to be the type, that would have spent a few bucks to spend in this fashion. What do you all think?

Craig