Scarce Civil War-era 2.5 x 4 bust portrait of the youthful William McKinley, likely taken during his service as a lieutenant during the Civil War. Identified on the reverse in pencil in an unknown hand, "Will. McKinley." In fine condition, with light soiling.
McKinley was 18 years old and teaching in a country school in Ohio when the Civil War broke out. Enlisting as a private in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Regiment in June 1861, he participated in the bloody Battle of Antietam in September 1862. He went on to serve as a second lieutenant on the staff of Rutherford B. Hayes, and he was mustered out at the end of the war as a brevet major of volunteers.
