The (1)Sigma(+) <-- X (1)Sigma(+) electronic transition of the C2nH- and C2n-1N- (n = 4-7) anion chains has been observed following mass selection and codeposition with excess neon at 6 K. Photodetachment of the electron resulted in the detection of a band system due to the neutral C2n-1N radical. The spectra suggest that C7N, like C5N, has a (2)Sigma ground state. The B (2)Pi<--X (2)Pi transition is detected for the larger C2n-1N (n = 5-7) chains. These appear at slightly higher energies than those of the isoelectronic C2nH radicals and show similar spectral features. Several infrared transitions of the anions have also been observed.