An extraordinary and historically significant CDV featuring an identified former slave, Samuel Van Bergen, holding a white child, Edward L. Demarest of Claverack, Columbia Co., NY. Born around 1820, Samuel Van Bergen lived with the Demarest family as early as the 1850 census and remained with them until his death on April 25, 1874. The Van Bergen family, settlers in the Coxsackie area, owned several slaves, and it is likely that Sam took his last name from them. The Demarests, also early settlers in New York, were from the nearby Claverack area. This photograph was taken in Hudson, NY, a town equidistant from both Claverack and Coxsackie, adding to the rich historical context of the image.

This CDV, produced by F. Forshew, a renowned photographer in Hudson, captures a moment in post-Civil War America, reflecting the complex relationships and lives of African Americans during this period. The photograph is inscribed on the back with details about Sam's lifelong connection to the Demarest family, further emphasizing its historical importance.

This rare and compelling image is an invaluable piece of American history, offering insight into the life of a man who lived through slavery and emancipation, and his enduring connection to the family he served. Don't miss the opportunity to add this remarkable CDV to your collection, where it will stand as a powerful testament to the resilience and legacy of African American history in the 19th century.