Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Julia Dearborn married Joshua Wingate, postmaster of Portland, who was Brigadier General in the Maine Militia, and one of the original members of the Maine Historical Society. She was known for her philanthropy.
In an 1828 publication, Anne Royall described the 47-year-old Julia Wingate, "Mrs. W. was attired in the plainest manner possible; a simple morning wrapper was all that distinguish this dignified female, her head was unadorned with aught but her glossy raven locks; her face was graced with an intelligent smile, which displayed her ivory teeth; her face was round and full, though richly diffused with the bloom of the rose – she was a tall, stout woman, youthful and familiar, she would pass for thirty years of age; with the best Boston education, a strong mind, and a heart of matchless benevolence, joined to every female grace, Mrs. W. is certainly unrivaled, she is the delight of every eye and the theme of every tongue; nature’s self has not less art, her liberal hand is ever spread to the needy ad distressed; well may Maine be proud of her, the patron of genius, worth, and merit, she does more good in a day, than all the black coats and Missionaries that ever scattered a Tract. Instead of scattering Tracts, she scatters bread and meat, and clothes to the poor, and by her example she teaches them religion; I do not know to what sect she belongs, nor will it be asked of her when she gets to heaven, whether she was a Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Universalist, or Jew, there is but only thing needful, and she has chosen that."
Charles Bird King (1785-1862) painted the portrait of Julia Cascaline Dearborn Wingate (1781-1867), the daughter of General Henry Dearborn of Portland.
King, born in Newport, Rhode Island, began studying portrait painting at the age of 15. He studied in New York and London until settling in Washington. He ran his own studio and was well known for his Native American portraiture and works of politicians.
About This Item
- Title: Julia Cascaline Dearborn Wingate, Portland, ca. 1820
- Creator: Charles Bird King
- Creation Date: circa 1820
- Subject Date: circa 1825
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Paint, canvas, cloth, wood
- Dimensions: 98 cm x 85 cm
- Local Code: A86-917
- Object Type: Image
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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