Benutzer:MYR67/Artikelwerkstatt S. Hunter Smith

S. Hunter Smith (* 29. Januar 1828 im Montgomery County (Indiana) † nach 1892), war ein US-amerikanischer Schausteller für Stereoskopien und Hackbrett-Spieler.

Lebensweg

S. Hunter Smith wurde am 29. Januar 1828 im Montgomery County, Indiana, geboren. 1837 zog seine Familie nach Abingdon, Knox County (Illinois), um. Als seine Mutter im August 1939 starb, war Hunter Smith erst elf Jahre alt. Er erkrankte schwer an Rheumatismus. Ab Dezember 1840 konnte er infolge seiner Rheuma-Erkrankung seine Beine nicht mehr bewegen. Im Alter von 18 Jahren, im Jahr 1846, zog Smith mit seinem Vater nach Sigourney ins Keokok County in Iowa um. Dort erhielt er in den Jahren von 1850 bis 1853 Unterricht von dem jungen Arzt Dr. A. C. Price. Im Jahr 1853 konstruierte Jonas Keck einen speziellen Stuhl für Smith, in dem dieser – zum ersten Mal seit mehr als zwölf Jahren wieder – aufrecht sitzen konnte. Smith kehrte ins Knox County, Illinois, zurück. Dort wurde sein Stuhl von William Johnston aus Abingdon erheblich verbessert. 1854 begann er, das Hackbrett-Spielen zu erlernen und wurde in einigen Gebieten von Illinois und Iowa als „Little Smith, the dulcimer man“ bekannt (‚hammered dulcimer‘ ist die englische Bezeichnung für das Hackbrett). Seine musikalischen Erfolge auf dem Hackbrett verdankte Smith nach eigener Aussage Prof. E. R. Jones und C. M. Hall aus Farmington, Illinois.

1861 starb S. Hunter Smith' Vater.

S. Hunter Smith heiratete am 28. November 1869 Jennie E. Rowe in Farmington, Illinois.

Anfang der 1880er Jahre wurde S. Hunter Smith durch William Johnston und T. J. Gossett aus Abingdon, Illinois, mit der Stereoskopie bekanntgemacht. Im Jahr 1864 begann Smith seine Schausteller-Tätigkeit mit fünf Stereoskopen. Mit diesen reiste er von Ort zu Ort und zeigte Stereogramme. Dazu spielte er auf dem Hackbrett oder kommentierte die dem Publikum synchron gezeigten Stereo-Bilder. In den 23 Jahren von 1864 bis 1887 stockte S. Hunter Smith seinen Bestand allmählich auf 50 Stereoskope und rund 4.000 Stereo-Fotos auf. In einer Pressemitteilung aus dem Jahr 1875 über sein stereoskopisches „Museum“ ist von 1.500 Stereoskopien die Rede,, 1877 von 3.000 und 1892 von 4.000 Stereoskopien. Smith erzielte mit seiner Schaustellertätigkeit nach eigenen Angaben Brutto-Einnahmen von durchschnittlich 1.500 US-Dollar pro Jahr, bei 15 Cent Eintrittsgeld für Erwachsene.

Smith zeigte stereoskopische Bilder unter anderem aus dem amerikanischen Bürgerkrieg (1861–1865), Konterfeis von Prominenten, Bilder von Skulpturen, Aufnahmen aus den Rocky Mountains, aus der Mammoth Cave (Mammuthöhle) und aus dem Heiligen Land, also aus Palästina; ferner aus Ägypten, aus den Alpen und aus den „ehrwürdigen, klassischen“ Städten Europas

Über seine späten Lebensjahre und sein Todesdatum sowie Sterbeort ist nichts bekannt.

Rohstoffe und Quellen

Auto-Biography of S. Hunter Smith. I was born Jan. 29, 1828, in Montgomery Co., Ind. At the decease of my mother, in 1837, came to Abingdon, Knox Co., Ill. In Aug., 1839, was attacked with rheumatism and in Dec., 1840, my nether limbs became totally disabled. In '46 moved to Keokok Co., Iowa. During the years 1850, '51, '52, and '53, Dr. A. C. Price, a young physician, gave me instruction in the rudiments of education, and a taste for reading. In '53 Jonas Keck constructed a chair, on which I was able to sit errect for the first time in 131/2 years. I then returned to Knox Co., Ill., and in 1854 commenced playing the dulcimer. Mr. Wm. Johnston, of Abingdon, Ill., greatly improved my chair, and for the succeeding ten years I was known over portions of Illinois and Iowa as "Little Smith, the dulcimer man." My father died in 1861. For my success in music I am indebted to Prof. E. R. Jones and C.M. Hall, of Farmington, Ill. In 1864, by the kind assistance of Wm. Johnston and T. J. Gossett, of Abingdon, Ill., I commenced exhibiting 5 stereoscopes, to which I have added as means would allow.

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Auto-Biography of S. Hunter Smith. Was born January 29, 1828, in Montgomery County, Indiana. On the decease of my mother, in 1839, was afflicted with rheumatism, which permanently deprived me of the power to walk in December, 1840. My father, in 1846, moved to Sigourney, Keokuk County, Iowa, where, in 1854, a reclining chair was constructed, on which I was able to sit, for the first time in 131/2 years, and on which I returend to Abingdon, Illinois. In 1854 commenced learning to play the Dulcimer, and in a few months became quite a proficient player, so that I was for ten years known over portions of Illinois and Iowa as "little Smith, the dulcimer man." When beneficient friends "builded wiser than they knew," by assisting me to one revolving Stereoscope. With five more in 1864, and assisted by a bright boy, I ventured among strangers, and in the first few months met with such flattering success, that I seemed imperceptibly entering a life work. As I purchased thousands of views in a few years, and sold the inferior and reserved the best for my exhibition. Until now (1887) I claim to posess the most excellent as well as the most extensive collection in America: consisting of 4,000 views, contained in 50 Revolving Stereoscopes, costing at least $2,500. I find on review, that in 22 years have traveled (mostly on cars) about 6,000 miles, and visited 350 villages and towns. Strangers have carefully sent me off and on the cars, or conveyances, at least 900 times, without a serious accident. My gross receipts average $1,500 per year, yet our expenses consume it all. November 28, 1869, was married to a wife, who is a helpmate indeed, in attending my many wants and business affairs. Ministering to the enjoyment of thousands, our pleasures are reciprocated. Cherishing the marvelous revelations of the Stereoscope as a sentiment, under providence believe that even my life is worth the living. Weight, 75 Pounds. Central Address, Abingdon, Konx County, Illinois

S. Hunter Smith; in: Antique Photographics Collections, Photographica Stereoviews https://antiquephotographicscollections.com/category/photographica/format-photographica/stereoviews-format-photographica/page/4/

Autobiographie S. Hunter Smith, https://antiquephotographicscollections.com/category/photographica/format-photographica/stereoviews-format-photographica/page/4/

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S. Hunter Smith, Hammered Dulcimer Player – Born In 1828

By Doug Berch

On September 25, 2011

»... commenced playing the Dulcimer in April 1854 und commenced traveling with a Stereoscopic Exhibition in 1864...«

https://www.dougberch.com/s-hunter-smith-hammered-dulcimer-player-born-in-1828/

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Luminous-Lint, S. Hunter Smith, http://www.luminous-lint.com/__phv_app.php?/p/S_Hunter__Smith/ Hier auch Zeitungsausschnitte.

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Travelling Photo Gallery S Hunter Smith's Travelling Stereoscopic Arcade, USA, circa 1887. Born in Abingdon, Illinois, Smith toured the US with his collection of photographic views and a set of revolving stereoscopic viewers. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/hunter-smiths-travelling-stereoscopic-arcade-usa-circa-1887-news-photo/1226480950

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»... Nov. 28th, 1869, was married at the residence of Dr. N. Plumer's, Farmington, Ill., to Miss Jennie E. Rowe ...«

Clements Library, University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library Image Bank, [S. Hunter Smith and Jennie E. Rowe Smith], Full length portrait of older man with beard, holding the hand of a younger woman sitting beside him. Title from printed text on verso, titled, "Autobiography of S. Hunter Smith," which describes living with crippling rheumatism, playing the dulcimer, and exhibiting stereoscopes. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/w/wcl1ic/x-7899/WCL007965?lastkey=wcl1ic_cr;lastpage=browse;lastvalue=%7C;size=50;start=401;subview=detail;view=entry

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S. Hunter Smith n.d. Carte de visite The Jeffrey Kraus Collection LL/52085 Luminous Lint, http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/image/48450646520854817824677/A/

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1868

Museum All the lovers of the beautiful, the picturesque and the grand, will be pleased to know that S. Hunter Smith will be in town several days with his Museum. Here an opportunity in [...] our people to see some of the most beautiful scenery of the world, as well as some of the greatest curiosities. The citizens of the place should avail themselves of this opportunity to see Mr. Smith's collection of pictures and other rare things. These can all be seen by calling at the room formerly occupied by Bruckman & Schroder, under the Randolph House.

The Macomb Journal, Volume 13, Number 51, 9 October 1868, page 3, linke Spalte https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TMJ18681009.1.3&e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN-%22Hunter+Smith%22+Stereoscope---------

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1870: tausende Stereoskopien

Mr. Smith, of the new Stereoscopic Museum opposite the PANTAGRAPH office, has a most beautiful collection of thousands of views from all parts of the world. While you are enjoying the beauties of the museum, your ears are charmed with music. Admission only fifteen cents. Open day and evening.

Newspaper article 1870, 3 June, The Pantagraph, 3 Jun 1870 http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/image/488597241482828646315002126/

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1872: fast 1.600 Stereoskopien

The World in Miniature may be seen at S. Hunter Smith's Stereoscopic Museum, now open at Travs & Hall's old Stand, next door south of the Bank. Here are nearly 1,600 different and distinct views, of grand and sublime scenery in this country and in the old world, also rare works of art, including scenes of Sacred and Historic interest in Egypt, the Holy Land, and in the far East; grand and wonderful views in the Alps and in the venerable and classic cities of Europe; also celebrated works of art and portraits of eminent persons, making it altogether an exhibition of rare interest and genuine worth, well deserving a liberal public patronage. Mr. Smith is a very intelligent and agreeable gentleman – a cripple for life – and greets his visitors with kind words and a welcome smile. This Museum will remain here for several days, and our citizens will thus be afforded an opportunity to vistit it, which we are sure they will not be slow to avail themselves of.

Paxton Weekly Record, 19 Dec 1872 http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/image/222528828666522483576/

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Februar 1874: fast 2.000 Stereoskopien

S. Hunter Smith Few persons can imitate Secretary Seward by taking a tour around the world. 1874, 20 February

Newspaper article Internet - Original source ill-defined

LL/82871

The Moline Review Dispatch, 20 Feb 1874

"Few persons can imitate Secretary Seward by taking a tour around the world. But. it is within the reach of every man, woman, and child to do the next thing, spend an afternoon or evening in the museum of S. Hunter Smith, which is almost as instructive and entertaining, while the price of admission is so low as to be almost insignificant. Here we find a collection of nearly 2,000 views, embracing scenes of the late war and nearly all other wars, portraits of distinguished men women, kings, emperors, generals, actors, statesmen, artists, authors, and all public characters. There are also beautiful and chaste representations of statuary; charming transparencies on paper and glass; a great variety of views on natural scenery, the holy land, the capitals, cathedrals, and palaces of the old empires, etc. There is not an objectional picture in the collection, not one that does not teach a lesson and arouse thoughts. The proprietor, Mr. Smith, is unfortunately a cripple, entirely unable to move without assistance, but his industry and perseverance are worthy of all encouragement. We would recommend every school boy and girl to spend an evening at the museum, as they will get profitable lessons in geography and history. The admission is but fifteen cents, and deductions are made for children during the day. The Museum may be found on the second floor of Dahm's building corner of Main and Bass streets.

The Moline Review Dispatch, 20 Feb 1874 http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/image/912560828712391596955/

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August 1874: 1.500 Stereoskopien

S. Hunter Smith, Esq., has an exhibition of 1,500 stereoscopic views on exhibition, in the room formerly occupied by Mrs. Chamblin, opposite The SUN office, Main street. Admission, only 15 cents, and it is really an excellent exhibition.

S. Hunter Smith S. Hunter Smith Esq., has an exhibition of 1,500 stereoscopic views... 1874, 5 August

Newspaper article Internet - Original source ill-defined

LL/82857

Dixon (IL) Sun, Wednesday, Aug 05, 1874 http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/image/5635371828575564921008/

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Juli 1875: 1.500 Stereoskopien

Coming to Macomb. S. Hunter Smith with a Stereoscopic Museum, comprising 1,500 views, among which are scenes of the war, portraits of distinguished men and women, statuary, views of the Rocky Mountains, views of Mammoth [Monmoth] Cave, views from the Holy Land, and hundreds of others we cannot now mention, will be in this city all next week, commencing Monday night, at room one door Kast of Durr's shoe store, South Side, where all can have an opportunity to visit, and see the beautiful scenes he has gathered together. Mr. Smith has been in our town twice, and our citizens know he will serve a rare feast. Only 15 cents admission. Doors open day and night. Reductions for children during the day only.

The Macomb Journal, Volume 20, Number 39, 8 July 1875, page 3, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TMJ18750708.1.3&e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN-%22S.+Hunter+Smith%22---------

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Juli 1875

A Few Days Longer S. Hunter Smith has decided to remain in our city with his Museum a few days longer. Decidedly he has the finest exhibition of his class ever placed before the public. Go and stay an hour or two at his rooms, South Side, and view the wonders and beautities of art and nature, as large an natural as the subject itself. Only 15 cents admission.

The Macomb Journal, Volume 20, Number 42, 29 July 1875, Page 4, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TMJ18750729.1.4&e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN-%22S.+Hunter+Smith%22---------

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November 1875

From Plymouth, Illinois A Novel and Refining Entertainment Given by a Cripple - A Word About Plymouth Correspondence of Inter-Ocean Plymouth, Ill., Nov. 1, 1875 We are having a novel entertainment, which has been continued for several evenings, and which does not abate in interest. Mr. S. Hunter Smith, a cripple, gives stereoscopic views, accompanied by a running commentary on each picture presented. Every member of the audience is furnished with a revolving stereoscope, hence all look at the same picture simultaneously. Mr. Smith is one of those men whom everybody is glad to patronize – especially when so refinde and pleseant an entertainment ist given.

S. Hunter Smith A Novel and Refining Entertainment Given by a Cripple - A Word About Plymouth 1875, 4 November

LL/82858

Daily Inter Ocean (based in Chicago, but clearly excerpting a small local newspaper in Plymouth, IL), Thursday, Nov 04, 1875. http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/image/132575828580613133816/

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Juli 1877: 3.000 Stereoskopien

S. Hunter Smith, with his 3,000 stereoscopic views, is exhibiting in Monmouth.

The Macomb Journal, Volume 22, Number 42, 26 July 1877, page 2 https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TMJ18770726.1.2&e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN-%22S.+Hunter+Smith%22---------

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Oktober 1887

S. Hunter Smith is at Balbach’s hall with his stereoscopic views of the world. It has been several years since Mr. Smith was here before.

Weekly Pantagraph, Volume 41, Number 41, 14 October 1887, page 1 https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/cgi-bin/illinois?a=d&d=WPT18871014.1.1&e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN-%22S.+Hunter+Smith%22---------

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Dezember 1890

S. Hunter Smith's museum in Blayney's hall at Alexis is an object of curiosity to all. He has views of all the noted places in history or art. Such a panorama is very beautiful, indeed.

Warren County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 12, 11 December 1890 IIIF Collection Link, page 5 https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/cgi-bin/illinois?a=d&d=WCD18901211.1.5&e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN-%22S.+Hunter+Smith%22---------

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Dezember 1892: 4.000 Stereoskopien

S. Hunter Smith, the proprietor of the art museum, sent us a complimentary to his show, which is well worthy of your patronage. There are about 4,000 views to be seen in this show, which are both pleasing and attractive.

Bureau County Tribune, Volume 21, Number 20, 9 December 1892, S. 1, 3. Spalte Mitte, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=BCT18921209.1.1&e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN-%22S.+Hunter+Smith%22---------

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Literatur und Quellen

• S. Hunter Smith hat mindestens drei geringfügig verschiedene Versionen seiner Autobiographie auf die Rückseiten von Aufnahmen seiner Person und seiner Stereoskopgeräte drucken lassen; siehe Antique Photographics Collections, Photographica Stereoviews, Seite 4, Bild-Nrn. 40138 bis 40140, https://antiquephotographicscollections.com/category/photographica/format-photographica/stereoviews-format-photographica/page/4/ und Luminous-Lint, „S. Hunter Smith“, http://www.luminous-lint.com/__phv_app.php?/p/S_Hunter__Smith/, insbes. LL/52086, http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/image/69159520866616922402/ und LL/52082, http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/image/2465350832520821496708760/

• Doug Berch, „S. Hunter Smith, Hammered Dulcimer Player – Born In 1828“, 25. September 2011, https://www.dougberch.com/s-hunter-smith-hammered-dulcimer-player-born-in-1828/ insbes. den Kurzlebenslauf von S. Hunter Smith unter: https://www.dougberch.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/S.-Hunter-Smith-Dulcimer-Player.jpg

• Fred Petrick, „Little Smith the dulcimer man“, in: Dulcimer Players News, Vol. 35, Nr. 2, Frühling 2009, S. 24–30, https://issuu.com/dulcimerplayersnewsinc/docs/spring_2009_35-2

• Clements Library, University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library Image Bank, [S. Hunter Smith and Jennie E. Rowe Smith], https://quod.lib.umich.edu/w/wcl1ic/x-7899/WCL007965?lastkey=wcl1ic_cr;lastpage=browse;lastvalue=%7C;size=50;start=401;subview=detail;view=entry