There are few details available about this photo.

The source file says that it is "'Black' Harry Bainbridge, servant ? to father of W.W. Folwell."

Folwell was the first president of the University of Minnesota. His mother's name was Joanna Bainbridge, so it is possible that Harry served Folwell's mother's family and then his parents' household in New York, after their marriage in 1828.

Slavery in New York ended in 1827, but no evidence shows if Harry was enslaved or free beforehand.