early life and career
david francis barry was a 19th-century photographer of the american west, born on march 6, 1854, in honeoye falls, new york. he moved with his family to otsego, wisconsin, and later to columbus, where he assisted an itinerant photographer named
orlando scott goff. in 1871, goff relocated to yankton, dakota territory, and barry joined him in 1878 as an apprentice. over time, their partnership grew, and barry became a skilled photographer in his own right.
photographic legacy
between 1878 and 1883, barry traveled throughout the plains, capturing photographs of
famous lakota people notables such as
sitting bull, rain-in-the-face,
gall (phizi), and
john grass. his work earned him the nickname "little shadow catcher" among the lakota people. barry's photographs are now considered an important part of american history, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of native american communities during the 19th century.
personal life and later years
barry married
margaret "patty" young in chicago on march 27, 1884, and the couple remained childless. after returning to wisconsin in 1890, barry operated a successful gallery in superior until his death on march 6, 1934. for more information about david francis barry's life and work, visit
david francis barry or
wikipedia.
notable works and collections
some of barry's notable works can be found in the collections of the
rockwell museum of western art and the
staedtische galerie im lenbachhaus. these museums showcase a range of american western art, including paintings by
franz marc and
alexej georgewitsch von jawlensky. to explore more about these artists and their works, visit
rockwell museum of western art or
staedtische galerie im lenbachhaus.
