John Lewis Smith and Associate c 1871-76

John Lewis Smith and Associate c 1871-76

Year: 1873

NOTE: The gentleman on the left is now identified as Bill Woodson, updates pending. Tintype portrait from the Wells Smith Victorian family album, showing John Lewis Smith (c.1831–1890) of Douglas County, Oregon, seated on the right with a child, alongside an unidentified associate. Likely taken between 1871 and 1876, this informal outdoor portrait uses a sheet for a backdrop, suggesting a casual setting such as a fair or gathering. John Smith had arrived in Oregon by 1853, very likely with the Lost Wagon Train. By the time of this photograph, he had lived in the Umpqua region for nearly two decades. The tintype itself is small—2 3/8 x 3 7/8 inches—but when enlarged, Smith’s features are clear and recognizable, showing the same strong family resemblance carried forward today. This image is part of the larger Wells Smith family album collection documenting Oregon pioneer families in Douglas County, Elkton, and Yoncalla.