One of the most famous residents of Block 4 was Lieut. Robert Smith of the 61st Tennessee Infantry.  He was well liked by the prisoners because he made a camera at the prison and took portraits of the prisoners they could send to their loved ones.  It is reported that he charged between $.50 to $1.00. 

The photo to the right is of Smith taken by him and placed into a small hard rubber photo case that he made at Johnson's Island.  Smith was a very inventive man and not only made photographs, but carved some very beautiful jewelry. 

Smith also kept a diary during the early part of 1864, even though he was there until 1865.  His diary contains information about his roommates as well as other events that were important to him.