Photo Album

Wesleyan University Daguerreotypes

These individual daguerreotypes were taken at a studio in Hartford, Connecticut in 1852. They appear on one large plate as a composite picture, which is extremely rare. It is possible that the images of Clark and Chrysler are reversed. The images are in alphabetical order from left to right, top to bottom in the composite picture; however, Clark & Chrysler's names are reversed in the Commencement Program.

There is a possibility that the images of Walton and Oakley are also incorrect due to the insertion of an additional image in the composite picture. Gorham Walton was James' roommates during their senior year of college. Walter Oakley would eventually move to Topeka, Kansas and serve as editor of "The Kansas Methodist" newsletter.

The quoted material next to certain images below was written by James S. Griffing in a letter to Augusta Goodrich on September 22, 1851.

James Sayre Griffing, Owego, New York ~ 1852

Nathan D. Bangs, New York City ~ 1852

"[Nathan] is a grandson of Dr. Nathan Bangs of New York City. He came here whilst too young, was naturally active and lively, fond of society and fun; has not sufficiently appreciated his privileges and the consequence has been very bad. He has worse than wasted his whole college course, has chosen bad associates, has preferred their society in the grocery and streets than that of his books and his studies. He is soon to graduate (i.e., if he can), yet unless he greatly reforms, his whole life will be one of dissipation and disgrace."

Charles W. Bennett, E. Bethany, New York ~ 1852

"[Charles] stands forth a beautiful contrast to the fellow I have just mentioned [Bangs]. He is a still, sedate, modest sort of a fellow, steady and regular in his habits, thoughtful and inquisitive in his investigations, thorough in his studies and faithful in his duties. He stands a little above medium as a scholar and is very exemplary as a Christian and a student...."

Simeon F. Chester, Brooklyn, Ohio ~ 1852

"[Simeon] went home last vacation and has not yet returned. Consequently, I know but little about him. The class speak of him as a very clever, conscientious fellow, still and unassuming, yet possessing a well balanced mind and a good disposition. He is the one I supposed I should be obliged to chum with when I came. But Cantine's leaving lets me in with my friend Mr. Walton of whom you have often heard me speak and who I shall tell you about on time."

Adam C. Chrysler, Sterling, New York ~ 1852

William R. Clark, Greenfield, Massachusetts ~ 1852

"[William] is the oldest member of the class. [He] came here after he had married him a wealthy wife who was greatly desirous that he should secure all the advantages that college discipline might afford. Before coming, however, he was an excellent scholar, chaste and concise in writing. Thoroughly versed in rhetoric and logic, Mental & Moral Philosophy and a few other branches, so whilst the class were obliged to give all diligence to these [subjects], he could give his attention to the other branches. I think him a most excellent scholar, and although he may be very far from being valedictorian of the class, yet he will graduate much the most finished scholar of any in the class in every respect. I wish I had time and room to tell you [more] about him. As a public speaker, he has few equals in this section of the country. At this hour, he is in Cincinnati to represent the Free Soil Convention there from this state. He was sent on by delegation, all his expenses borne, and I would as soon abide the judgment of his decisions as almost any person I know. Last Tuesday evening, he was selected to deliver an oration before one of our public debating societies. Citizens were invited in and the oration was the very best of any to which I have listened since I have been a member of college. He is, I think, a man that promises a very great deal of good."

George B. Dusinberre, E. Avon, New York ~ 1852

"[George] is a good hearted, clever, honest dutchman from East Avon, New York. In some things he almost excels; in others [however, he] is quite behind the mark. In all his college studies he stands almost among the first. He is extremely fond of fun and sometimes will carry things altogether too far; so much so at times as to make himself appear ridiculous. If the Prof[essor] attempts to reprove him for his conduct, he resorts to his wit for defense. But as he is not overstocked [with wit], he sometimes receives a severe castigation."

Archibald C. Foss, Campbellville, New York ~ 1852

Calvin S. Harrington, E. St. Johnsbury, VT ~ 1852

Gorham R. Walton, Mercer, Maine ~ 1852

Walter Oakley, New York City ~ 1852