Historic Portrait of Sergeant at Arms Henry Casson, 1899-191

This historical photograph captures Sergeant at Arms Henry Casson during his time in the United States House of Representatives, produced between 1899 and 1911. Born in 1843, Casson served as Sergeant at Arms for the House, a position crucial for maintaining order and security within the chamber. His responsibilities included managing the House floor, enforcing rules, and ensuring that proceedings ran smoothly, providing a vital service during a period of significant political development in the United States.

The image not only highlights Cassons official duties but also provides insight into the roles and individuals who shaped legislative processes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Casson’s service is recorded within Congressional documentation from 1890 to 1920, situating him in a time of change as the nation confronted issues like industrialization, women’s suffrage, and immigration. The photograph is accompanied by a note indicating a return to George Grantham Bain, a prominent photographer of the time, underscoring the importance of photographic documentation in preserving history.

Overall, this image serves as a tangible connection to the people who played significant roles in our government’s development, emphasizing the importance of recording and remembering our political history through the figures like Casson who helped guide it.