In 1861 when a Boston photographer named William H. Mumler discovered that “extras” could appear in a photo if the glass plate were a recycled one with a residual image. Spiritualism by then being all the rage, Mumler began to produce “spirit photographs” for credulous sitters, including – after the assassination of her husband – Mary Todd Lincoln. Eventually Mumler was exposed when it was discovered that some of the alleged spirits in his photos were still-living Bostonians!
There were – and are – many ways to produce fake spirit photos in addition to double exposures. One technique was used in earlier times when long exposures were necessary. A suitably garbed assistant would slip from behind a curtain, stand briefly, then disappear again – this taking place behind the unaware sitter who was intent on remaining motionless. The result would be a faint, transparent “spirit” image beside the solid posed figure.
Mumler, was charged with fraud in New York City in 1869 for selling photographs that he claimed included images of ghosts or spirits. Eventually the judge dropped the charges against Mumler due to a lack of evidence. Unfortunately Mumler destroyed all of his negatives sometime before he died.
Many people do believe that Mumler’s photographs were “real” and according to some paranormal books his photos were never actually proven to be fakes. What do you think?
Here is one of Mumler’s most well known photos. Mary Todd Lincoln posed for a portrait and was shocked to see what appeared to be Abraham Lincoln behind her.
Abraham Lincoln's Ghost?
Here is another photo by William H. Mumler. Check out more of Mumler’s pictures in our MySpace photos. myspace.com/trueghosttales
William H. Mumler Ghost Picture
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(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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the first one is really startling because he appears to be kind happy around her. I was wondering if she has ever felt anything when it was taken? I don’t know about the second through.I kind of have my doubts.
OMG, I am really disappointed, I thought those were real!
Karen – It depends upon what you read. According to the Weiser Field Guide to Ghosts the pictures were never proven to be fakes. Also the charges were dropped for lack of evidence. So who knows? Most likely they were faked but we may never know for sure without the negatives.
I think the first picture is fake because remember there another picture of Abraham Lincoln were he behind a chair he standing the same way as he is in the picture i think it photoshop…..
Raul – these photos were cretaed in the 1800s I do not think they had photoshop back then
. They may not be real but I can assure you without any doubts whatsoever that these photos have been around long before computers were invented
They seem extremely fake to me. Look at Lincoln’s hands in the photo. If this were a “true” ghost, his hands on her shoulder’s would not be so stiff. I just don’t buy these at all.
DarStarr
Yeah, although they havent actually been proven to be fakes (according to what i have read) most people do assume that they are fakes. The interesting thing is that these were the first “ghost” pictures. Also, Mumler destroyed all the negatives and a lot of pictures
CT,
That is interesting. If kind of reminds me of the “fairy” pictures that were taken in England.
Oh, by the way, how is the new arrival doing???
IW as thinking the same thing, DarStarr, about the fairy pics!
Jamie,
Yes, the fairy pics are kind of laughable. Smart kids though! lol! These to me, don’t look much better. Perhaps Mrs. Lincoln got some comfort in her portrait with her “husband”, let’s hope so at least.
In the 1st picture, it looks like there is someone standing beside Abraham.
Alexander, you’re right. The Lincoln’s lost a son to desease during the former President’s terms of Office.
I believe that Mumler thought of himself as a magician and destroied the negatives so as not to give away the how to s of his parlortricks. Which is another reason that the Judge dismissed the case againsed Mumler because it was determined to be a trick that some people at the time enjoied paying him for.
i think they’re fake. those real people are on the picture are real and someone put those “ghosts” there to scare people… xD
i think it’s totally fake because you could do that kind of stuff on the computer.
Anaran – Did you notice that these pictures were all created in the 1800s? I dont think they had computers then