1916 Portrait of Congressman Ollie James in Kentucky

This photograph features Ollie James, an American politician who served as a U.S. Congressman from Kentucky. Taken in June 1916 by the Bain News Service, the image is a representation of a time when photography played a crucial role in documenting political figures and their influence. James was a prominent member of the Democratic Party and took office during a significant period in American history, marked by World War I and the progressive reforms of the early 20th century.

The use of glass negatives, like the one used for this photograph, was common at the time and allowed for detailed imagery, capturing the likeness and character of figures like James. This method of photography became a popular choice for news services, as it effectively communicated the essence of public figures to a broad audience. This image not only reflects the early techniques of news photography but also serves to preserve the visual history of American politicians in a pivotal era. Jamess role during his tenure influenced various legislative actions that shaped the country, making this photograph a valuable piece of historical documentation.