Henry Gurney Historic Photograph Album

Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing historic images of Natchez from the Henry Gurney photograph album. The images below depict many of the important people connected to this story.

This leather-bound photo album contains the historic images of antebellum Natchez and Natchez under Union occupation. It is one of the most important resources in the Foundation's special collections holdings.

This album was handed down through Bill Stewart's family. Bill Stewart, standing in front of his B26 bomber, is who we have to thank for this collection. His family donated the album to HNF in 2017/2018 and it is part of the William E. Stewart collection.

Bill Stewart was a descendant of Robert Stewart, pictured sitting with his wife Susannah Marshalk. It is likely the album first belonged to Robert Stewart.

The album's creator, Henry Gurney, was a photographer who worked in Natchez from 1851 to the 1870s. A Mississippi Free Trader article from March 12, 1852, attests to his skill and professionalism. We hope you enjoy the many images from this collection.