Historical Materials: Fitz Henry Lane Biography

A great fire swept through Main St. in Gloucester:

“We have been called to witness the most distressing calamity which has ever visited our citizens. A considerable part of our town is in ruins. On Thursday morning, about 4 o’clock fire was discovered in the house owned and occupied by Samuel Gilbert, in Front Street, and is supposed to have commenced in a building in rear of said house, though the exact spot in which it originated is not accurately known, The flames spread with such rapidity, notwithstanding the calmness of the atmosphere, that no effectual check could be given, until they had destroyed upwards of 20 dwelling houses, together with about 40 stores, mechanic’s shops and other smaller buildings. These were mostly on the south side of the street, and between it and the water. Crossing the street, however, it destroyed several buildings, but was fortunately arrested at the store of Kimball & Hough, by demolishing two small buildings adjoining. It was finally checked by the arrival of assistance from Sandy Bay, Essex, Manchester and Ipswich, the engines from those places rendering the most important services, as without them the greater part of the village must have been consumed. We feel very grateful to the citizens of the above named places as well as to those of Salem, Beverly, Danvers & Marblehead. They set out very promptly at the first information of our distress, but in consequence of the general confusion & anxiety that prevailed, suitable measures were not taken to obtain seasonable aid from the most distant of these towns.

The disaster has fallen upon that part of our town in which the most business was transacted, and the sufferers are among our most active and enterprising citizens. No correct estimate of the losses sustained can, at present be made. – Great praise is due to the citizens generally for their intrepidity and vigorous exertions on this occasion . . . “

Lane was not mentioned by name, but he would have removed his furniture along with others.

"List of Letters Remaining at the Post Office at Gloucester"

Nathaniel B. [sic] Lane got mail on Oct. 1, 1831

F.H. Lane is listed under Marine Painters at 28 Joy's building

F.H. Lane is listed under Marine Painters at 16 Tremont Temple

F.H. Lane is listed under Marine Painters at 16 Tremont Temple

"To F.H. Lane Esq. whose Skill as a artist is so well known and appreciated, the Floral procession was indebted for much of its beauty, especially for the banners and paintings; his whole time for several days having been devoted with his usual liberality to the success of the undertaking."

Lane's obituary:

"Death of the Artist Lane.

In our last issue we stated that Mr. Fitz H. Lane, the artist, was very dangerously sick and not expected to survive. He died on Sunday, about ten o'clock, and his funeral took place on Tuesday, from his residence on Locust street, Rev. Mr. Mountford, of Boston, officiating.

Mr. Lane was one of the finest marine artists in the country, and his pictures, for accuracy in delineation and beauty of coloring, were unsurpassed. In early life he had the misfortune to lose the use of his feet, from the effects of gettin poisoned, and was thus rendered incapable of engaging in any manual labor, but this did not discourage him, and having quite a taste for drawing and painting, he employed his time in perfecting himself in these branches. Being quite ambitious he subsequently went to Boston, to learn the art of lithography, in which business he continued for some time, and the views of Gloucester which he has taken at different periods are among his best efforts in that line. Marine subjects were his special forte, and after a few years spent in the lithographing business, he opened a studio in Boston, and devoted his time entirely to painting. Having natural talent, he soon made great proficiency in the art, and became quite noted for the superiority of his pictures. He frequently visited his native town for his paintings, and finally removed here, where he erected a handsome stone cottage, with a studio in one part of the building, where he continued to furnish the public with the creations of his pencil, until his death.

Mr. Lane will be much missed in our community. He was always ready to assist in any charitable enterprise, by contributing his paintings, which have always realized good prices, and the manner of disposing of them has placed his productions within the reach of many, who otherwise would have to forego such a luxury. Fortunate are they who are possessors of his works of art, for they will prove doubly dear to them now that he who executed them is no more with us. He did not confine himself strictly to his studio, but spent much of his time, in the summer season, to the cultivation and adornment of his grounds, which are very tastefully laid out and the admiration of all who visit them. A love for the beautiful in nature and art seemed to possess his sould, and the talent entrusted to him has not been hidden. For the past two or three years he has suffered greatly from disease, and has been gradually failing, although he has kept about his work most of the time, until last fall, when he was wholly prostrated and not expected to survive; but when spring came he rallied and was enabled to resume his pencil again. About a fortnight since he was taken with a sudden ill-turn, and rapidly grew worse until death relieved him of his sufferings. He was much beloved by all who knew him, and a large circle of acquaintances will mourn his loss."

"ILLNESS OF ARTIST LANE.– We regret to learn of the dangerous illness of Mr. Fitz H. Lane, the artist, and it is feared that he will not survive. Mr. Lane was quite sick during last winter, but had so far recovered his health as to resume his pencil again, and has recently finished several paintings. Last Sabbath he was taken with a sudden ill turn and has gradually been failing until the present time, lying in an almost unconscious state. The possibilities of his recovery are very slight."

This tax record from 1820 indicates that his widowed mother was excused from paying taxes because she "supports a lame child."

"The following Gentlemen were these chosen to arrange the Floral procession, viz: Thomas Baker / F. H. Lane / Joseph B Upton / C J Adams &  / Geo. E Marchant"