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Reverend Nathan Strong, Jr.

PainterAttributed to Joseph Steward (American, 1753 - 1822)

SubjectPortrait of Nathan Strong (American, 1748 - 1816)

Datelate 18th-early 19th century

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 39 x 34in. (99.1 x 86.4cm)

ClassificationsPainting

Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection

Object number1840.36.0

DescriptionThree-quarter length portrait of a middle-aged man seated on a high backed red chair, has long dark hair with puff over ears and loose in back. Right arm rests on a table which is covered with a green cloth on which two closed books lie. Left hand rests on lap. Background at left is a reddish brown curtain; at upper right a gray wall. He wears a black coat which is open at the neck showing white stock.

NotesSubject History: Nathan Strong was a clergyman, he was born in Coventry, on 5 October 1748, the son of Reverend Nathan and Esther (Meacham) Strong. He graduated Yale in 1769 and was a tutor there in 1772-3. Ordained to preach 1774. He became the pastor of the First Church in Hartford in 1774, and remained there until his death in 1816.
He was chaplain of Colonel Samuel Wyllys' Regiment, summer 1776. He married 1st on 20 November 1777, Anne Solomon, daughter of Dr. Solomon Smith and Anne (Talcott) Smith. Dr. Smith was an apothecary in Hartford.
Anne Smith Strong died 17 October 1784 at the age of 35.
He married 2nd on 20 June 1787 Anna or Nancy, daughter of John and Anne (Lord) McCurdy of Lyme. She died 22 March 1789 aged 29.
Nathan Strong was in partnership in the shipping trade and distillery business in 1790 with his brother-in-law Reuben Smith. The business failed in 1794, and marked the beginning of a deeper religious life as a minister. He was founder of the Connecticut Missionary Society, and publisher of Connecticut Evangelical Magazine. He died 25 December 1816. He had two children by first wife; one by second.

Date Note: According to museum records, Joseph Steward operated a museum at the Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut as early as 1796, where it is known he would also display his paintings. (Lee 10/23/2014)

Status

Not on view