Photograph of a bouquet of flowers given to Dana Locke in 1864 as a first gift from Thomas J. Abel; Thomas and Dana were married on May 4, 1865, in Decatur, Illinois. “This bunch of flowers was given with this album-a first gift-to Dana Locke by T. J. Abel in 1864” is inscribed on the back of the photograph.

Thomas Abel served as a captain in the 56th U. S. Colored Infantry.

Carte-de-Visite by T.W. Bankes, Helena, Ark.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30785-E