Thomas Nast, Civil War cartoonist and illustrator

This is a Thomas Nast illustration representing the Civil War, Christmas Eve 1862. This was published in the January 1863 issue of Harper’s Weekly. The illustration shows a wife praying though a window in one circle, and in another circle shows her husband on the battlefield, also in prayer. Thomas Nast was known for using his editorial cartoons to issue Union propaganda. This is just one of several illustrations reflecting the war.

– Jackie Polsgrove-Roberts, Genealogy Branch Managers

Thomas Nast also created the modern-day conception of Santa Claus, popularized the elephant and donkey as symbols of political parties, and the Uncle Sam character to represent the government. Visit Wikipedia to see many more of his illustrations and caricatures.