This is an exceptional mid-19th-century half-plate daguerreotype by renowned American photographer Jeremiah Gurney captures Rev. Joseph Parrish Thompson, a prominent Congregationalist minister, abolitionist, and influential figure in New York City's religious and cultural landscape. The image is lightly tinted, enhancing its depth and realism, and is housed in a leather-covered case embossed with a floral spray. The brass mat is stamped "J. GURNEY / 189 BROADWAY N.Y.," indicating Gurney's studio address during that period.​

Photographer: Jeremiah Gurney (1812–1895)

Jeremiah Gurney was a pioneering American daguerreotypist who opened one of New York City's first portrait galleries on Broadway in 1840. Known for his technical skill and artistic compositions, Gurney produced tonally delicate and three-dimensional portraits that garnered widespread acclaim. His studio at 189 Broadway became a hub for high-quality daguerreotype portraits, attracting notable figures of the era. ​

Subject: Rev. Joseph Parrish Thompson (1819–1879)

Rev. Joseph Parrish Thompson was a distinguished Congregational minister and a fervent abolitionist. Serving as the second pastor of the Broadway Tabernacle Church in New York City from 1845 to 1871, Thompson was instrumental in promoting anti-slavery sentiments and social reforms. Under his leadership, the church became a platform for prominent abolitionist speakers, including Frederick Douglass, who addressed the congregation during Thompson's tenure. Thompson also co-founded The Independent, an anti-slavery religious weekly started in 1848, and played a significant role in the development of numerous Congregational churches in Manhattan and Brooklyn. ​

Historical Significance

Beyond his pastoral duties, Rev. Thompson was an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. In recognition of their association, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln presented Thompson with one of the President's ivory-handled canes upon Lincoln's death. This cane is now preserved in the collection of the New-York Historical Society. ​

Condition and Presentation

The daguerreotype remains in remarkable condition, recently resealed, with subtle hand-tinting that enhances the lifelike quality of the portrait. The leather-covered case shows minimal wear, and the floral embossing remains crisp, the hinge is split. The presence of Gurney's stamped mat authenticates the piece and adds to its provenance.​