Mathew Brady

Mathew B. Brady (c.1823 – January_15, 1896), son of Irish immigrants, was one of America's greatest photographers during the Civil War. He was famous for his portraits of the famous. After the war he became alcoholic and died penniless and unappreciated in New York City on January 15, 1896.

His efforts to document the Civil War on a grand scale by bringing his photographic studio right onto the battlefields earned him his place in history. Despite the obvious dangers, financial risk and discouragement of his friends he is later quoted as saying ""I had to go. A spirit in my feet said 'Go,' and I went."