Charles Alfred Zimmerman (1844-1909) was born in France and immigrated to the United States, settling in Saint Paul, Minnesota by 1856. He was a photographer, employed by Joel Emmons Whitney then partnered with Whitney, 1870s. He purchased Whitney's studio at 174 Third Street in 1871 and partnered with Paul A. Zimmerman and Edward O. Zimmerman (creating Zimmerman Brothers) adding photo supplies to their company. Paul took over after Charles' death. Zimmerman photographed the Winter Carnival with Truman Ward Ingersoll, 1887. Zimmerman traveled to and photographed the Pacific Northwest, offering stereographs and portraits in oil, watercolor, India ink, and crayon of his work, circa 1876. From attached label on back of photo: "The date of this man's birth was either about June, 1806, or March, 1807... He was engaged in the Nez Perce Indian War in Idaho and Montana, and was made prisoner with Chief Joseph at the Battle of Bear Paw Mountain. He was sent with Joseph and other prisoners to Indian Territory, where he died in 1878 or 1879, aged about 72 years old...During my residence in Montana I often met this half blood son of Captain Clark...With an appreciation of the historical interest which I would some day attach to this man, I persuaded him to have his photograph taken...The Hon. Granville Stuart, the first Secretary of the Historical Society of Montana, who was well acquainted with Captain Clark's son, has confirmed my declaration that this is his picture, and none other,..." -- Nathaniel Pitt Langford, St. Paul, Minnesota. PH Coll 334.Zimmerman2
United States--Montana