Hamilton Sutton Smith and John James Smith

Hamilton Sutton Smith was the third of six children and only son of John J. and Georgianna Smith. Hamilton was educated as a lawyer and a dentist and followed in his father's footsteps as a member of the Prince Hall Masons. In addition to his professional pursuits, Hamilton was also an accomplished photographer, specializing in family portraiture and documentation of urban landscapes in Boston and Washington, DC. Here, Hamilton is pictured in a self-portrait with his father, John J. Smith. John J. Smith was an active community leader, abolitionist, and elected official within the Beacon Hill black community of the 19th century.