Captain John Freedley Wood
Ronald S. Coddington Collection
The novelty of double exposure portraits, a trendy technique practiced by 1860s photographers, is used to full effect in this circa 1865 image of Captain John Freedley Wood. Impeccable in a tailored uniform featuring corduroy trousers and long boots, he writes on a piece of paper that lies on top of a well-worn leather portfolio—while watching himself in the act.
At the time of this sitting, Wood served as chief ordnance officer of the Department of Virginia with headquarters in Richmond. The son of a Philadelphia dry goods merchant, his plans for a law career were interrupted by the war. He joined the army as a corporal in the 58th Pennsylvania Infantry and steadily rose through the ranks to captain.
With the war over, Wood’s time in Richmond proved deadly. He died of disease at age 25 in November 1865. His remains were shipped to Philadelphia, where his parents, David and Mary Wood, buried him in Mount Vernon Cemetery.
Ronald S. Coddington is publisher of Military Images, a magazine dedicated to showcasing and preserving photos of Civil War soldiers and sailors.
