Levi "Lee" Mumper was born in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania on May 7, 1843. The second of seven children born to farm couple Samuel and Catherine (Shultz) Mumper, he completed a public-school education before becoming a cabinetmaking apprentice. In August 1862, the 19-year-old entered the Civil War by enlisting in Pennsylvania's Volunteer Infantry, Company I of the 127th Regiment. During the next nine months, he served under Colonel William W. Jennings. After his term of enlisted expired in May of 1863, Pvt. Mumper elected to settle in Gettysburg rather than re-enlisting. Although he was likely introduced to photography during his military service, it was only after meeting local photographers Charles and Isaac Tyson that his formal education commenced in earnest.

By 1864, the photographic novice went professional and purchased Samuel Weaver's studio located on Middle Street in downtown Gettysburg. "Mumper & Co." capitalized on the town's Civil War fame by recreating combat scenes on their actual locales. Mr. Mumper quickly established an impressive professional reputation rivaling the Tysons and another local Civil War photographer, William H. Tipton. He soon relocated to a larger gallery at 25 Baltimore Street, which specialized in the regionally popular battlefield stereoviews, and subsequently built up a sizeable clientele.

Shown in the image is the victor of Gettysburg, General Meade.  His equestrian monument sits to the east of Hancock Avenue, near the center of the Union line.  The image is labeled “Meade. Gettysburg” and shows a northwest view of the monument.  There are two dark spots on the image, not much larger than a pinpoint.  Some very light edge wear is present at bottom and lower left. Mounting card is a dark gray with minor wear to the right edge and upper right corner. The reverse features a pasted tag with Mumper’s 29 Baltimore Street address in Gettysburg, as well as a pressed decorative tag at top center. A penciled notation reads “General Mead(e)”.  Overall measurements are 5.9” x 7”.

A nice piece of early Gettysburg photography from a famous photographic artist and veteran.  It would display beautifully and be a welcome addition to any Civil War or Gettysburg collection.  [cm][ph:L]

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