Sergeant Samuel Smith, Wife Molle, and Daughter Mary and Maggie
“Sergeant Samuel Smith enlisted in the 119th US Colored Infantry in Camp Nelson Kentucky. His wife Molle and their daughters Mary and Maggie are pictured in this beautiful photo. Long featured on the Library of Congress website, finally the name of this man and his family are known. He lived most of his life after the war in Rockcastle County Kentucky in the town of Mount Vernon. After the Civil War, he remained in the same community and he is found in the 1870 census with his family. There were other children in the household at that time as well. Although identified as twins, the two girls appear to have been a few years apart in the census record in 1870.”
-History of Image Source: The USCT Chronicle
Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform with wife and two daughters
Photographer: Unknown. Date of Image: Between 1863 and 1865
Photograph showing soldier in uniform, wife in dress and hat, and two daughters wearing matching coats and hats. In May 1863, U.S. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton issued General Order No. 143 creating the Bureau of U. S. Colored Troops. This image was found in Cecil County, Maryland, making it likely that this soldier belonged to one of the seven U.S.C.T. regiments raised in Maryland. (Source: Matthew R. Gross and Elizabeth T. Lewin, 2010). This is the only known photograph of an African American Union soldier with his family. Identified as Sgt. Samuel Smith of the 119th USCT, with his wife Mollie, and his daughters Mary and Maggie.
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Image Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
History of Image Source: The USCT Chronicle