New Booth Pic?

[HistoryFan]

It's been a long time since I last posted here. I've not yet had a chance to visit the town of Tamaqua due to other commitments, but I'm definitely planning a trip there this summer ... probably in June. I'll share my findings after that research trip.

I just came back from a wonderful John Wilkes Booth Assassination and Escape Tour with the Boston Civil War Roundtable group (we live in Gettysburg, not Boston, but are friends with many of the Boston members, so occasionally accompany them on their bus tours) led by Kate Ramirez, who was absolutely amazing and highly recommended!!!!

Anyway, during that tour, I found an obscure out-of-print book title at the Surratt House gift store titled John Wilkes Booth in the Pennsylvania Oil Region by Ernest C. Miller, published by the Crawford County Historical Society of Meadville, Pa.

According to that author, John Wilkes Booth's best friend in Franklin County, Pa. during his oil exploits was Alfred A. Smiley, an oil and pipeline operator. Apparently, they roomed together in the old U.S. Hotel and afterward lodged together at Mrs. Webber's home.

There is a photo in the book showing Alfred Smiley as he appeared in 1866 owned by the Drake Well Museum in Titusville, Pa.

I almost laughed when I saw it! Notice the hats worn by the men ... and compare those hats to the one worn by the man in my mystery photo.

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Oops, I guess I forgot how to add an attachment on this forum. I'll try again.    

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Can't figure out how to get the photo to appear in my post, but you can click on the attachment and see it.

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