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Actual photographs of Veterans of the War of Independence are extremely rare. Smith had the picture taken for his Granddaughter in 1854 at the age of nearly 100 years.
He fought in the Battle of Long Island, though I haven't been able to find out exactly how old he was when he took his part in the American Revolution.
So to the people of today that mock (and or down) guys with long hair? Just what are they compared to the heros of the past? Answer: nothing more than some dirt that should be swept under a rug.
Something to keep in mind when growing out your long hair. And does Jonathan look like a Girl? If anyone says yes, may their heads be examined on Mars!
Have a great day everybody. :-)
Justin~
I really love this picture. I wish that people would stop saying that the Bible says that it is a dishonor for men to have long hair. I love long hair on men. If I were a man, I would want it long. I know that some people do enjoy their hair being short, even some women do, but some people (both men and women) are definitely longhairs. I enjoy seeing this nearly 100 year old gentleman looking so honorable and unquestionable in his picture that he had taken for his granddaughter. This is a very historical picture.
Aside form the powdered wigs of the revolutonary period Most men did wear their hair longer. usually teid back in a short tail known as a "Queue" and tied with a ribbon. As you may see Geroge Washington in many paintings and descriptions of the era. Long hair was common in civilian and militry life until the early 20th century. One was able to tell Cavalty rank by facial hair as well. The higher the rank, the greater coverage of facial hair. Starting with Moustaches, which got heavier, that lead to goatees and sideburns and into full beards. The scraped and shorn look in military standards took place during tghe forst world war when hygiene issues in trench warfare were a problem.... And did not even enter civilian standards until well after the edwardian era ended or about 1920. Short hair historically is the aberration. and is yusually favored by strict controlling hierarchies as a way to dehumanize their members. The romans. for instance, The "caesar cut" was not just a fad. And they were sorely afraid of my ancestors, the Celts. with their full heads of hair and full moustaches (beards were rare, but not unknown) Justin, this is a cool pic, and not only as a mention of long hair grooming in the revolutionary times but stands as evidence that n the mid 1800s it was still in fashion.
Hi Jason,
Just wanted to tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed this history lesson! Very cool stuff to know. I will keep my long hair even though it's an aberration!
Have a great week my friend!
Ted
No,No, Ted. Short male hair is the historical aberration.
Hi Jason,
Dammit! I think I need to go back to elementary school! My apologies!
Ted
Hi Jason,
I love the fact that back in time, including with a variety of different cultures throughout the world, long hair definitely was the "norm" -- the extreme short hair styles of modern-day man is only a relatively recent part of human history.
I don't mind whenever somebody ELSE wishes to wear their hair short; but the pressure that conservative Western society has generally tried to impose on men to cut their hair short in order to "fit in" with what they believe all modern males "SHOULD" look like... Grrrr, well, let's just say that this just makes my blood boil!
Thanks Jason -- and also thanks to Justin for his post of the original thread!
- Ken
Hi Justin,
This is a lovely photo of a historical figure. I always appreciate the nice photos and information you post! Thanks for posting! Oh, and by the way, he does NOT look like a girl! He. in fact, looks bad ass!
Ted
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Hi Justin,hope all has been well with you as of late:)As always you always come up with such interesting historical facts regarding long hair on men.Funny how today with all our modern technology and advancements they are still living in the 19th century when it comes to men's hair.Thankfully we,at least for now,live in a free society where we can still choose to keep our hair long even though some try to over rule that freedom.Take care my friend.Cheers
Mârk
Wow that's interesting, but the guy in the picture looks like he had already passed away! It sort of creeps me out...
Can you imagine having hair like this at 102 years of age? Amazing. And to think, back then what they washed their hair with......or didn't. Proof that hair is pretty darn tough stuff.
At the year of his death, Samuel was one of the last of 5 still living that actually took part in the American Revolution.
Enjoy and wishing each and everyone of you a great day! :-)
Justin~
Hi Justin,
First of all, my apologies for being so late to reply. This is really cool, and thank you for sharing this interesting story with us.
Take care,
David