George Girdler Smith

George Girdler Smith (September 8, 1795 – December 18, 1878) was an engraver in Boston.[1] He kept a studio on Washington Street.[2] Collaborators included William B. Annin (Annin & Smith),[3] Charles A. Knight and George H. Tappan (Smith, Knight & Tappan).[4]

Smith was born in Danvers, Massachusetts. He belonged to several civic and social groups in Boston, including the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, Boston Light Infantry, and the Freemasons. "In the year 1819 he was initiated a Freemason in Columbian Lodge, and in 1826 became its master, holding the position, at intervals of time, for 7 years. ... He was subsequently master of the Massachusetts Lodge, and deputy grand master in 1837-1839."[5] He died December 18, 1878, in Boston.[5]

  1. ^ William Dunlap (1918). A History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the United States. Vol. 3. C.E. Goodspeed & Co. OCLC 847945617.
  2. ^ Boston Directory. 1848.
  3. ^ "William B. Annin. Born and died in Massachusetts. He was probably a pupil of Abel Bowen, as he was working for Bowen in 1813. After doing considerable work over his own name, in 1823, he became a partner of George Girdler Smith." Cf. Catalogue of an Exhibition of Early American Engraving Upon Copper: 1727-1850. NY: Grolier Club. 1908. p. 7.
  4. ^ Boston Directory. 1858.
  5. ^ a b New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. 33, April 1879, p. 276