Sidney Lawton Smith (1845–1929) was an American designer, etcher, engraver, illustrator, and bookplate artist.

[1] Smith showed an interest and aptitude in artistic efforts from a young age, and in 1863, his parents sent him to apprentice to Reuben Carpenter in Boston to learn steel engraving.

[1] Although his mother admonished him to stay in his apprenticeship,[1] in 1864 Smith enlisted with the Union Army and saw active service at the end of the Civil War.

[1][3] During this period, Smith worked primarily as an etcher and engraver, and a designer of bookplates.

[3] Smith married Sarah Jane Groves on October 13, 1867, and moved with his family to Canton.