Vintage Portrait of an Early 20th Century Politician

This photograph features Marcus A. Smith, a prominent figure in early 20th-century American politics. Smith served as a U.S. Representative from 1907 to 1913, representing Arizonas 1st congressional district. He was a member of the Democratic Party and played a critical role during a transformative time for Arizona, which had just gained statehood in 1912. His contributions in Congress included advocating for Native American rights and supporting the development of infrastructure in the rapidly growing region.

Taken by the Bain News Service, this image is from a collection that captures significant political and social figures of the time. The collection not only preserves individual portraits but also reflects the changing landscape of American politics in the early 1900s. While the exact date of this photograph isn’t documented, the era is characterized by a push for reforms and addressing issues such as labor rights and womens suffrage, movements that were gaining momentum during Smiths tenure in office.

The glass negative format used in this photograph was an innovative technique of the time, allowing for crisp details and a range of contrasts. This method was widely employed by photographers and news agencies like Bain to disseminate images that documented important events and individuals, contributing to the visual history of that period. Smiths presence in this collection showcases not just his significance but also the momentous changes occurring in American society as it moved into the modern era.