Historical Materials: Fitz Henry Lane Biography

"By the will of the late Fitz H. Lane, Esq., his handsome painting of the Old Fort, Ten Pound Island, etc., now on exhibition at the rooms of the Gloucester Maritime Insurance Co., was given to the town... It will occupy its present position until the town has a suitable place to receive it."

"Fitz H. Lane the celebrated marine painter died at his residence in this town Sunday, August 13. He was very sick last winter but contrary to the expectations of his friends he rallied and was able to resume painting. After getting out he had a fall but was apparently not seriously injured. He was taken suddenly ill on the sixth and remained very low until his death. Funeral services were held Tuesday from his residence, the service being conducted by Rev. Mr. Mountford, a Unitarian clergyman of Boston."

Letter to the editor: "Fitz H. Lane's will and gift of the Old Fort painting in the Town Hall, sketched in 1859, from T. Sewell Lancaster and Joseph L. Stevens, executors."

Reply from Selectmen: "Mr. Lane was much esteemed by his townsmen not only for his skill as an artist, but also for his character, as a gentleman of Honor and Integrity."