Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #150032
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Description
This silhouette of Peleg and Elizabeth Bartlett Wadsworth, created by W. King, hung in the Wadsworth-Longfellow House on Congress Street (formerly Back Street) in Portland, which the couple built in 1785-1786. Elizabeth, affectionately known as "Betsey," was a descendant of Mayflower Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden, inspiring her grandson, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, to celebrate their legacy. Together, she and Peleg raised 11 children—three daughters and eight sons.
Peleg, a Revolutionary War general, led the Penobscot Expedition to reclaim Fort George at Castine. Although the mission failed, Peleg’s reputation strengthened, and he was later tasked with defending Maine from the Piscataqua to the St. Croix. Captured by the British in 1781, he escaped and eventually settled with Elizabeth in Falmouth (now Portland).
About This Item
- Title: Silhouette of Peleg and Elizabeth Wadsworth, ca. 1805
- Creator: W. King
- Creation Date: circa 1805
- Subject Date: circa 1805
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 49.5 cm x 66 cm
- Local Code: A85-196
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Generals
- Longfellow family
- Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth, 1807-1882--Family
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Generals
- Wadsworth family
- Wadsworth, Elizabeth Bartlett, 1753-1825--Portraits
- Wadsworth, Peleg, 1748-1829
- Wadsworth, Peleg, 1748-1829--Family
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
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