Local Artist & Poet, Anson Daniels (1813-1884)

Anson Daniels, Self Portrait 

Local artist and poet, Anson Daniels, son of Eleazer Daniels and Charlotte Richardson, was born July 8, 1813 in East Medway (now Millis, MA). He settled in west Medway making his home on the corner of Lovering and Winthrop Streets where he devoted himself to art and literature. 

Anson was a very successful portrait painter in addition to being an accomplished poet. 

The self portrait above was restored in 2012 by the Worcester Art Museum. This is the first restored piece of the Medway Historical Society's collection.  It is currently on view at the Historical Society. 

"He had a wonderful love for the beautiful in nature and in art"

"He was a man worthy of, and received, honor and love of all walks of life"

Anson was a member of the Second Church of Christ for 42 years and served as an honored Deacon in the church for 22 years. In 1866, Anson Daniels represented the Town of Medway in the State Legislature. Anson also served as a school committee member for 28 years, an office he held at the time of his death in 1884.

Anson married Harriet Rachel Lovering, (daughter of James Lovering and Lavina Edson) on November 7, 1837 in Medway. After her death in 1851, he married Josephine M. Daniels, (daughter of Jazainah B. Daniels and Cordelia Ellis) on May 2, 1854 in Medway.

A quote from a family friend about Anson:

"Deacon Daniels was more than poet or artist.  He was a man of broad and generous culture, an intelligent and loyal citizen, and a Christian of a type both rare and beautiful. He possessed a discriminating knowledge of religious truth, and while strong in his own convictions he was tolerant of others.  In spirit gentle and mild, he as conciliating without compromise of principle, or harsh in criticism of others faults."

Portrait of James Milton Daniels.He was the only child of Anson & Harriet Lovering. Born in 1838, he grew up to marry Harriet Cordelia Daniels. They had 4 children, Herbert, Carlos Anson, Ellen Harriet, and Henry Arthur.

 Other Portraits by Anson Daniels, on view at the Medway Historical Society:

 Some more information from the Medway Historical Society:

Anson died in Medway on November 5, 1884. His cause of death is listed as heart disease.
He is buried at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Excerpts from History of Medway, Mass. 1713-1885, Rev E.O. Jameson.