Visual History Tour of the United States: The Oldest Photos taken in Each State

During the 1840s and 1850s, after holding several political positions, William L. Dayton became an influential figure. He served for two years as New Jersey’s senator and at some time in 1856 seemed to have had a chance to become a Vice President. However, he ended up competing against some even stronger opponents and losing the race in tenth place.

He later became US Ambassador to France, where he worked hard to avert accepting France’s Confederacy. This photograph of him was taken soon after his tenure as a senator. He passed away in 1864, and this portrait was taken in the 1840s during his time as Senator of New Jersey.