Daguerreotype by G. M. Howe (George M. Howe, listed in Portland Maine 1853-) of a very dramatically lit man. The mat style implies first few years in this range, 1852-1854. A note behind the image reads "Grampa Henry Pearson". The man is probably Henry F. Pearson, born 3 January 1805 in Corinth, Maine, as he is the only Henry Pearson of approximately the correct age I can find in Maine.

Red wax on back of the plate held it for polishing. Hallmark, partially cut off, is Rinhart #29 "DOUBLE <lamb> J. P." The plate has two bare spots where the green copper-oxide is exposed, as well as major scratches and scours. Poor condition, but a great dramatic portrait.

Info about Henry L. Pearson found on Page 315 of History of Penobscot County, Maine by W. Chase (found online).

"H. L. Pearson is a son of John Pearson. who came front Sutton, New Hampshire. about 1806 or 1807, after living in Warren, Maine, a few years. He married Betsey Stevens, of Sutton, New Hampshire. and settled in the south port of Corinth in what was known as  the Ohio Settlement. He [John Pearson] had eight sorts and one daughter — two died in infancy. The names o! those who arrived at maturity were: Thomas J., Phineas S.,  Henry L., Benjamin B., John W., Nelson P., and Statira H. He always after lived here in Corinth. except a few years spent in New Brunswick.

Henry L. Pearson, the subject of this sketch, was born in Warren, Maine, January 3, 1805, and is, therefore. seventy-six years old. He [Henry Pearson] married Ruthy Dutton, daughter or James Dutton. who died while she was an infant and she was brought up by the Hon. S. E. Dutton, of Bangor. Mr. Pearson settled on the farm where he now lives, about three miles south of the village of Corinth. He cleared up this farm, cutting the first tree that that was cut on the present farm, there being but few settlements in the neighborhood. He is said to he the only man now living on the first clearing made by him in town. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson have had ten children. five sons and two daughters that arrived at maturity, viz: Henry L. [Jr. ?], Oscar, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Wood. of Massachusetts; Francis Chester, now deceased; Emma C., now deceased; Charles, who now resides on the old homestead with his father; Mary Ellen, now Mrs. J. W. Pressey, of Biddefotd; and James D., of Bangor.  Mr. Pearson never sought for public life. not caring for office. They are now spending their old age on the beautiful farm they made from the wilderness, cared for by their son and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pearson. who have six children, two sons and four daughters."

(in spite of him supposedly "not caring for office", he was postmaster of Corinth 1861-63)

Case: plain pushbutton case, hinge intact.

I will combine postage, please see my other auctions for other daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes. Satisfaction guaranteed, returns cheerfully accepted within 2 weeks. Postage in both directions is on me if I've mis-represented anything. Unless otherwise stated, all images are in their original cases/mats to the best of my knowledge. From a smoke-free household. Caution, coffee may be hot.

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