1908 Cameo Portrait of U.S. Postmaster General

This photograph features a cameo portrait of S. Buxton, who served as the Postmaster General (P.M.G.) of the United States in the early 20th century. Dated 1908, this image was captured by the Bain News Service, a prominent press photography agency that documented significant political figures and events during this period. Buxton’s tenure came at a time when the postal system was modernizing and expanding to accommodate the growing needs of an increasingly connected nation.

The role of Postmaster General has historically been influential, overseeing the United States Postal Service, which was vital for communication across the expanding country. Buxton’s image not only captures his likeness but also represents a pivotal era in American postal history, characterized by innovations in mail delivery and infrastructure improvements. Understanding the figures who shaped these transitions gives insight into the evolution of postal services and how they adapted to the needs of the public during the early 1900s.