CHENEY, Seth Wells [1810-1856] -- American artist

Son of George and Electa (Woodbridge) Cheney, he was educated in the common school, and in 1829 removed to Boston, where he learned the art of engraving. In 1833 he went to Paris, where he studied under Isabey. His engravings were remarkable for their excellence. In 1840 he began to draw in crayons [charcoal pencils], being one of the earliest artists [working] in black and white in America. In 1841 he opened a studio in Boston, and devoted himself to portraiture, in which he became eminently successful, his ideal heads being still much in request by collectors. Among his sitters were Lowell, Putnam, Appleton, Bow-ditch, Mrs. Horace Gray, W. C. Bryant, Miss Appleton, and a host of other well-known people. In 1843 he went to Europe and studied for a time under Ferrero, returning to Boston in 1844. He was made an associate of the National academy of design, May 10, 1848. Mr. Cheney was twice married: September, 1847, to Emily Pitkin [a first cousin], who died May 11, 1850, and in 1853 to Ednah Dow Littlehale. Many portraits of him are extant. His memoir was published by Mrs. Cheney in 188l. He died in South Manchester, Conn., Sept. 10, 1856. BDNA  
 

• 2° wife: ¤CHENEY, Ednah Dow Littlehall
• Brother: ¤CHENEY, John
• Brother: ¤CHENEY, Ward