This an original Civil War era CDV of the Reverend Leonard Grimes. Grimes was an African American abolitionist and pastor.
He also served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and was actually jailed at one point for trying to rescue a black family. He served 2 years in jail for this and when he came out he became a pastor.
At the beginning of the Civil War he petitioned for African American enlistment and went on to recruit black soldiers for the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The CDV was issued by G. Interesting to note , the hand written information on the back refers to him as " colored ". It is in very good condition with typical age related losses but overall a very good example. The item "CDV of Rev L Grimes Slavery Abolitionist Underground Railroad Operator Civil War" is in sale since Wednesday, June 08, 2016. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Photographs". The seller is "chp179" and is located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This item can be shipped worldwide.