Few details are known to help elucidate the life of Louis Mann. Born in Lübeck, in Schleswig-Holstein, Louis settled with three brothers in Pottsville, Pennsylvania around 1840. Roughly two decades later, found Louis, accompanied by two of his brothers—Simon and Isidore—settled in Laurens, South Carolina, some eighty miles northwest of Columbia. The brothers seem to have run a dry goods business, and seem to have profited handsomely even through the Civil War, an era that was economically difficult for many. Unknown as well is the date of Louis’ wedding, or even the name of his wife depicted in the accompanying portrait.