John J. Smith
Smith, Hamilton Sutton (1857 – 1924)
Hamilton Sutton Smith (1857-1924) was an American photographer renowned for his Washington, D.C. images & family portraits. Explore his work capturing history and local life.
Museum of African American History (Boston, United States of America)
Discover Boston’s rich African American heritage at the Museum of African American History! Explore abolitionism, 19th-century life & local stories through immersive exhibits. A vital cultural and educational resource.
John J. Smith (1820-1906), born free in Richmond, Virginia, moved to Boston in 1848, joined the antislavery movement, and opened a barbershop. His business became a gathering place for self-liberated people and abolitionists including Charles Sumner, William Lloyd Garrison, and Lewis Hayden. During the Civil War, Smith worked as a recruiter for the 5th Cavalry in Washington, DC. Smith returned to Boston after the Civil War. Elected first in 1863, he served three terms in the Massachusetts Legislature and was elected to the Boston Common Council. Smith also helped other blacks attain elected and appointed government positions.
About this artwork
- Title: John J. Smith
- Artist: Smith, Hamilton Sutton
- Format: Portrait
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Museum of African American History
- Creative period: Late Victorian
- Corpus context: hamilton sutton smith's legacy , american history
- Keywords: american art history , 19th century art , abolitionist artwork
- Color hue: Green to Violet Spectrum
- Color intensity: Monochromatic