Sarah J. Eddy

Sarah James Eddy (May 3, 1851 – March 29, 1945) was an American artist and photographer who specialized in the platinotype process, also known as platinum prints. She was active in abolition, reform, and suffragist movements, and was a philanthropist as well as instrumental in the founding of the Rhode Island Humane Society. She was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2017.

Early life Eddy was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to James Eddy, who worked as a painter and engraver, Her maternal grandfather was the abolitionist, Francis Jackson, and her maternal great uncle was Massachusetts politician, William Jackson, who was also against slavery.

Painting In 1883, Eddy painted a portrait of African-American social reformer, Frederick Douglass. In the portrait, Douglass holds a baton that symbolizes his authority during his tenure as marshal of the District of Columbia. Douglass sat for the portrait twice during the summer of 1883. a copy of which was donated to Bryn Mawr College in 1920.

Activism and philanthropy

Abolitionism and suffragist rights Eddy's mother and other family members were active in the anti-slavery and suffrage movements. Eddy founded the Rhode Island Humane Education Association. Between 1899 and 1938, Eddy wrote or compiled five children's books on animals and their care, which featured photographs of her own felines.

Personal life Eddy, who never married, died in her Bristol Ferry, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, home, on March 29, 1945, at age ninety-three.

Gallery

Library of Congress

Selections from Alexander and some other cats (1929)

Works and publications

. Translated in spanish in Amigos y auxiliares del hombre, Boston : Ginn & Company, 1901. Reading on HathiTrust.