John J. Smith — Hamilton Sutton Smith

John J. Smith

Discover John J. Smith portrait – a striking 19th-century daguerreotype by Hamilton Sutton Smith. Explore this formal Victorian image of an abolitionist leader & his captivating story.


Hamilton Sutton Smith (1857 - 1924)

Hamilton Sutton Smith (1857-1924) foi um fotógrafo americano renomado por suas imagens de Washington, D.C. e retratos de família. Explore seu trabalho capturando a história e a vida local.

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.