ELLIS, Salathiel (1803-1879) Early American cameo portraitist, modelmaker, medalist, sculptor, painter.
Born 13 November 1803, Wethersfield, Windsor, Vermont.
This artist has been confused with others named Ellis of similar first name or occupation. (1) Salathiel Ellis,
third of nine children of Sally and Able Ellis, born 178? Waterford, Vermont. Listed in Rider, American
Genealogical-Biographical Index (1965) vol 50.
(2) In England and in Canada, the artist is confused with James E. Ellis of Toronto, led to the reference of
Salathiel working in Canada as stated in Forrer. James E. Ellis emigrated from Liverpool England 1848,
worked for, then purchased the firm of Rossin Bros, 1852; finally changing the name to J.E. Ellis & Co in
1877. Benezit makes same confusion, too.
(3) In America, many authors confuse Salathiel with other Ellis artists in mid 19th century, notably Darwin
and son Jarvis Ellis (qq.v.), both of which worked for Scovill Manufacturing in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Salathiel was the only Ellis to have furnished models to the United States Mint in the 19th century, and
although Salathiel’s Mint medals are listed in the Scovill records, he apparently did no die work for Scovill.
New-York Historical Society print curator Wendy Shadwell made a study of Salathiel Ellis’ early life as an
artist (see H2a{1986} Shadwell, Prints and Printmakers of New York State). She learned Salathiel was named
after Old Testament “Shealtiel” by parents Ziba and Rhoda Nickerson Ellis. They purchased farm land in
Potsdam in Saint Lawrence County, New York, and moved the family there from Vermont in 1809. Salathiel
was educated there at the Potsdam Academy.
Shadwell relates Salathiel purchased three acres in nearby Canton New York in 1828 with partner Benjamin
Stimson to operate a “chair shop,” offering painted chairs made of local seasoned hardwood. Later at the same
address this is a “picture shop” until 1835. It is unknown when, if any, Salathiel had art instruction, but he had
produced a dozen or more paintings by 1838, commissioned by a local merchant, George Parish. During this
time he was also engaged as a cameo cutter, perhaps self-taught.
In Canton, Ellis and his older brother James met and married two Willson sisters (Salathiel married Clarinda,
July 1825, while James married Melinda). The girls’ cousin was Joseph Willson (1825-1857, q.v.). Salathiel
engaged the younger Joseph (by 22 years) as an apprentice in cameo cutting and relief modeling, which by
the 1830s he was quite competent.
Ellis moved to New York City in1842 and Willson followed, forming a partnership that was to last for 15
years. They both did cameo cutting and model making. It is possible the artists also engaged in diesinking as
so many authorities state, despite the fact their forte was miniature modulated relief. This was ideal for cameos,
medals and the patterns for medals (the later required a reduction by pantograph for medal dies; the United
States Mint possessed the only such pantograph in America at this time, a Contimin acquired from France in
1836).
The Ellis-Willson pair were to collaborate for numerous commissions, including four presidential and two
military medals – all for series of the U.S. Mint. From New York City both men relocated to Washington DC
(1848) for less than a year.
The pair returned to New York City, and Ellis is listed there as “artist” in city directories (1849 and later). He
received several medal commissions, two for the American Art-Union lottery medal in New York City and a
Taylor Campaign medal. (Willson went to Italy for three years, 1851-54.) Both were in New York City and
worked there from 1855 until Willson's death in 1857 at age 32.
U.S. Treasury officials had commissioned Emanuel Leutze to design a new national medal, the first United
States Lifesaving Medal (ca 1858) and chose Salathiel Ellis to model Leutze’s design. This collaboration of
designer and sculptor proved so successful that after the Civil War Leutze designed another important medal,
the Cornelius Vanderbilt Medal of 1865, which was modeled by Ellis.
Five of Ellis's children had moved to Dodge County Minnesota and he followed them there in 1858. For his
design patent application for the 1861 Abraham Lincoln Medal he listed Montorville Minnesota as his residence.
Two sons had relocated to San Jose, California, and in 1869 Salathiel moved there where he established a
sculpture studio. He exhibited at the San Francisco Mechanics Institute 1874, and the California State Fair 1878.
He died at the home of his son, Preston King Ellis in San Jose, California 28 October 1879.
TIMELINE OF THIS ARTIST’S LIFE EVENTS AVAILABLE.
[Cataloger’s note: I believe we have correctly assigned the correct medals in this databank to each of the Ellis medalists.]
B A S - R E L I E F S
1840ca King (Preston) Portrait Relief (Salathiel and wife
named their fifth child, born 1835, after this U.S.
Senator; in 1867 Ellis carved this portrait in marble
for Preston King tombstone, Ogdensburg cemetery). . . . .
Collection: Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 20
1840ca Rosseel (Joseph) Portrait Relief . . . . . . . . . .
Archives: (possible attribution). . . . . . . . . . . IAS 36360116
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 21
1845 ca Brookes (Joshua) Portrait Relief [1773-1859]. . . . . .
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture. .. . . . . IAS 77002490
Collection: New-York Historical Society. . . . . . . . 1945.47
1845ca Greeley (Horace) Portrait Relief. . . . . . . .
1848 Stuart (Gilbert) Portrait Relief (plaster model for
Stuart Medal struck by U.S. Mint, Julian PE-33,
for American Art-Union Series, see below) . . . . . .
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture . .. . . . IAS 08650154
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture. . . . . . .IAS 77002491
Collection: New-York Historical Society. . . . . . . . . . . . X75
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . . 3
Illustrated: H2a {1986} Prints of New York State, fig . . .10
1852 Hopper (Isaac Tatem) Portrait Relief (plaster model
for 1852 Hopper Anti-Slavery Medal, see below). . . .
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture. . . . . . IAS 77002490
Collection: Boston Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . .MA30008
Collection: New-York Historical Society. . . . . . . . 1936.612
1861 Lincoln (Abraham) Portrait Relief [design patent D1653
granted 26 August 1862; this model used for portrait
on IP-38, IP-39, see below]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:6153
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture . … . . .IAS 77002493
Collection: New-York Historical Society. . . . . . . .1936.616
G A L V A N O C A S T S
2009 Lincoln (Abraham) Galvano Cast (from original plaster
model signed and dated by “S. Ellis, sc 1861,” in
author’s collection, issued by Signature Art Medals). . . .
Illustrated: N47{2012} Reed, Abe Lincoln Am Icon, p. 414
C A M P A I G N M E D A L
1848 Taylor (Zachary) Campaign Medal (portrait reduced
from Ellis’ model for Taylor’s Four Battle Medal for
Military Series [MI-24], both engraved by Charles
Cushing. Wright). . . . . . . .Satterle 183, DeWitt ZT 1848-12
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . PCA 64:63
M E D A L S I N S E R I E S
United States Indian Peace Medals:
(Portrait reliefs of Fillmore, Pierce, Buchanan and Lincoln
modeled by Ellis, reverses modeled by Joseph Willson; all
these models reduced as device punches on the Contamin
pantograph and dies engraved by adding lettering by U.S.
Mint engravers in two sizes, an ideal use of the Contamin.)
Cataloger’s Note: There were no medal firms in New York
City that had presses heavy enough to strike a medal larger
than 2 inches in 1850. Yet for the Fillmore Indian Peace Medal
of 1850, Julian states “The medals appear to have been struck
in New York City.” The present cataloger has wondered for
years why Salathiel Ellis was listed among the engraver
archives of the Scovill Manufacturing Co. of Waterbury,
CT. (at Baker Library, Harvard) where no medal of his
was attributed to Scovill. It would make sense that Scovill
struck the Fillmore and Buchanan Indian Peace medals
for Ellis and Willson, 1850, in two sizes after which the
dies were turned over to the Philadelphia Mint in 1855
and Scovill records retained the name Ellis in their
records but did not identify any medals.
1850 Fillmore (Millard) Indian Peace Medal (large size; obv
by Ellis, rev by Joseph Willson; struck outside the mint
Julian says New York City, probably struck by Scovill,
Waterbury; dies were turned over to the Philadelphia
Mint in 1855 where struck thereafter) . . . . . . . . . Loubat 65,
Julian IP-30
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5160-5161, BMP 2:5167;
CAL 29:1032; J&J 9:450, J&J 17:883; NAS 22:1621;
PCA 46:213, PCA 48:463, PCA 48:1408, PCA 50:313,
PCA 51:284-285, PCA 51:1004, PCA 52:300,
PCA 53:282, PCA 61:294, PCA 62:309, PCA 64:603,
PCA 68:406, PCA 69:270, PCA 73:539, PCA 82:284
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1]. 1883.23.23
Collection: Cornell University Johnson Art Gallery . . . 132
Collection: Henry Ford Museum . . . . . . . . . . . .. M1070017
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . .NPG 99.116
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . 15
1850 Fillmore (Millard) Indian Peace Medal (medium
size). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julian IP-31
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5162-5163; J&J 15:353;
NAS 22:1622; PCA 50:314, PCA 53:283-284,
PCA 59:438, PCA 62:307-308, PCA 64:604,
PCA 66:308, PCA 68:407
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1] . . 1894.4.1
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 83.2.435
1853 Pierce (Franklin) Indian Peace Medal (large size, obv
by Ellis, rev by Willson) . . . . . . . . Loubat 66, Julian IP-32,
Belden 48, Prucha 49
Auctions:. . . . BMP 1:4371, BMP 2:5164-5165; J&J 8:202,
J&J 9:451, J&J 14:806; NAS 22:1623-1626; PCA 42:367,
PCA 49:55, PCA 50:315, PCA 51:286-287, PCA 52:301,
PCA 53:285, PCA 61:295, PCA 64:605, PCA 69:271,
PCA 72:513, PCA 73:540-541
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1]. 1915.156.1
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Gallery . . . . . . . 129
Collection: Minnesota Historical Society. . . . . . . . . .. 6004
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . NPG 99.117
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . . . 345:71
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . .18
1853 Pierce (Franklin) Indian Peace Medal (medium size;
obv by Ellis, rev by Willson). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian IP-33
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . .BMP 2:5167-5269, BMP 2:5427;
J&J 17:884; NAS 22:1627-1628; PCA 53:286, PCA 53:290,
PCA 56:309, PCA 59:439, PCA 61:296, PCA 68:408,
PCA 73:542
Collection: American Numismatic Society. . . . 1915.157.1
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 83.2.436
1857ca Pierce (Franklin) Indian Peace Medal [mule
with rev from 1846, Type I]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . PCA 44:279, PCA 48:464, PCA 49:56,
PCA 53:287-288, PCA 54:274
1861 Pierce (Franklin) Mule Medal [obv by Salathiel Ellis, rev
by John Reich; type II, 20th century finish] . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCA 68:410, PCA 80:337
1857 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace Medal (large size old style
rev; obv by Ellis, rev by Joseph Willson who died before
completion and finished by Ellis; Julian says these
medals again struck outside the mint, now attributed
to Scovill Mfg, Waterbury). . . . . . Loubat 68, Julian IP-36
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5174; J&J 8:203, J&J 9:452,
J&J 17:886; NAS 22:1629; PCA 42:368, PCA 49:58,
PCA 52:1425, PCA 53:291, PCA 64:607, PCA 68:412-41
Collection: Cornell University Johnson Art Gallery . . . .131
Collection: Gilcrease Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6526.47
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 83.2.437
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . .NPG 99.118
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . . 345:72
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 19
1857 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace Mule Medal (Buchanan
obv and rev of Fillmore and Pierce). . . . . . . . .
Auctions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCA 53:292
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] . 1967.225.343
1857 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace (old rev, medium
size). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian IP-37
1859 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace Medal (new reverse,
large size). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Belden 50, Julian IP-34
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5170-5172; J&J 17:885;
PCA 48:465, PCA 49:57, PCA 53:289, PCA 68:411,
PCA 72:514, PCA 73:543
Collection: American Numismatic Society. . . . . 1915.158.1
1859 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace (new reverse,
medium size) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belden 51, Julian IP-35
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5173; PCA 44:280
Collection: American Numismatic Society. . .1925.173.17
1862 Lincoln (Abraham) Indian Peace Medal (large size;
obv by Ellis; rev by Joseph Willson) . . .. . . . . Julian IP-38,
Prucha 51, Loubat 70, King 519
Auctions:. . BMP 2:5175-5176; J&J 8:204-206, J&J 17:887,
J&J 22:1003; NAS 22:1630; PCA 42:369, PCA 49:59,
PCA 51:289, PCA 53:294, PCA 57:381, PCA 62:310,
PCA 65:425, PCA 66:309, PCA 68:414, PCA 73:544,
PCA 74:545, PCA 78:413
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.33030
Collection: Henry Ford Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59.20.2
Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . 07.251.102
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . .NPG 99.119
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic [>1] 396:404
Collection: Wisconsin State Historical Society.. . 1955.1288
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 16
Illustrated: M57 {2007} Jaeger-Bowers, 100 Greatest #57
Illustrated: N41 {2009} Reed.Abe Lincoln The Image, p 43
Illustrated: N47 {2012} Reed, Abe Lincoln Am Icon, p . .12
1862 Lincoln (Abraham) Medal (small size; obv by Ellis,
rev by Willson) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . King 521, Julian IP-39
Auctions:. . . .BMP 2:5177-5178; J&J 9:453, J&J 12:664;
NAS 22:1631-1632; PCA 44:281, PCA 48:466,
PCA 49:392, PCA 53:294, PCA 60:287, PCA 68:415,
PCA 70:625, PCA 78:415
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.33032
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Gallery . . . . . . . . 127
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . . 396:406
United States Military Series:
1849 Scott (Winfield) Six Battles Medallion (portrait model by
Ellis, rev designed by G.C. Humphries, both sides
engraved by Charles Cushing Wright). . . . . Julian MI-26,
Loubat 62, 406
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 1:4248-4249; CAL 28:860
Collection: Los Angeles Co Nat Hist Museum. . . A30-49
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . 336:25
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . 14
1849 Taylor (Zachary) Victory at Buena Vista Medallion (obv
portrait model by Ellis, rev designed by Frederick
A. Smith, both sides engraved by Charles C.
Wright). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loubat 63, Julian MI-24
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J&J 18:647, J&J 21:1681
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculptue. . . . . IAS 08650159
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . .NPG 77.247
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . 336:23
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, fig . . . . . . . . . 13
American Art-Union Medal Series:
[Ellis did not model the first medal in this series, the
Washington Allston Medal.]
1848 Stuart (Gilbert) Medal (obv portrait model by Salathiel
Ellis in plaster relief, see above; rev design by
Peter Paul Duggan, both sides engraved by Charles
Cushing Wright). . . Julian PE-33, Baxter 51, Storer 2042
Auctions:. . . . . CAL 29:1059, CAL 30:774, CAL 32:2097;
J&J 9:515[set/3], J&J 12:695, J&J 15:360, J&J 20:311;
PCA 56:1724, PCA 63:1619
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.43331
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Gallery . . . . . . . .401
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art [>1]. . . .07.34 1997.484.2
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . .NPG 84.77
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . .3
Illustrated: H2a {1986} Prints of New York State, fig .10
1849 Trumbull (John) Medal (obv portrait model by Salathiel
Ellis, rev design by Peter Paul Duggan; both sides
engraved by Charles Cushing Wright). . . . . .Julian PE-35
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAL 29:1060; J&J 9:515[set/3],
J&J 15:360; PCA 56:1725, PCA 64:1999
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.43332
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Galery . . . . . . . .404
M E D A L S
1848 Page (William) Medal (obv portrait model by Ellis,
engraved by Charles Cushing Wright; struck by
U.S. Mint). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian PE-24, Baxter 50
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . .J&J 12:694, J&J 14:818, J&J 18:651;
NAS 72:1093; PCA 56:1723
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.6011
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . . 392:381
1850ca Free Academy of New York Duncan Pell Medal
(signed by Ellis and Joseph Willson, delineated by
Peter Paul Duggan) [dates/issue: possibly as early
as 1847 when school founded and continued until
name changed in 1866 to College of City of
New York; possibly struck at Scovill, Waterbury;
dates/issued: ?-1866]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . PCA 49:444, PCA 58:425, PCA 62:385
Collection: American Numismatic Society. . 1957.187.959
1852 Hopper (Isaac) Anti-Slavery Medal. . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5932; PCA 54:314
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1].0000.999.37258
Collection: Cornell University Johnson Art Gallery . . . 130
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 55
1856 Utica Mechanics Association Medal [award medal of New
York organization; dates/issued 1856-?]. . Harkness NY-530
Illustrated: M63 {2009} Harkness & Corio, page . . . . . .111
1858ca United States Seal Lifesaving Medal (designed by
Emanuel Leutze, modeled by Ellis; the first such U.S.
national lifesaving medal) . . . . . Freeman 692, Julian LS-1
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5554-5555; CAL 29:1072;
J&J 9:506; PCA 44:314, PCA 49:431, PCA 58:403,
PCA 59:472, PCA 65:449, PCA 66:345, PCA 68:565,
PCA 71:507
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . 357:160
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 83.2.387
1860 Japanese Embassy Medal (obv Ellis’ portrait of Buchanan;
dies engraved by Anthony Paquet) . .Julian CM-22, CM-23
Auctions:. . . . . . .BMP 2:5925; PCA 62:339, PCA 80:347
1860 Utica Mechanics Association Medal [probably struck at
Scovill, Waterbury] (dates /issued: 1860-61). . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J&J 14:428; PCA 64:661
1865 Vanderbilt (Cornelius) Medal (obv portrait and rev
device modeled by Ellis, rev design by Emanuel Leutze;
engraver unknown as this medal first struck outside
the mint but doubtful it was by Ellis himself, as Julian
so states) [Vanderbilt University later adapted
obv for several award medals, see below] . . . . Loubat 74,
Schenkman MM14, Milford Haven 647, Julian PE-36
Auctions:. . . . . .. BMP 2:5399; J&J 14:820; PCA 49:417,
PCA 51:1035, PCA 60:308, PCA 68:545, PCA 71:475,
PCA 72:1750
Collection: American Numismatic Society. .1988.124.223
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Gallery . . . . . . .128
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . 341:50
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . 17
S H E L L M E D A L S
1851ca Howe (Elias) Inventor of the Sewing Machine Shell
Medal (based on his statue, see below). . . . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCA 65:459
L I S T M E D A L S
1850 Fillmore (Millard) Indian Peace Medal [IP-30]. . . List 113
Auctions:. . . . . CAL 33:1098; PCA 43:FP13, PCA 45:262
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1]. 1932.52.15
Collection: Newark Museum New Jersey . . . . . . 20.1046
1855 Pierce (Franklin) Indian Peace Medal [IP-32] . . . . List 114
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAL 33:1100; PCA 43:FP14
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1]. 1915.156.1
Collection: Newark Museum New Jersey . . . . . . . . 20.1045
1859 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace Medal [IP-34]. . . . . List 115
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAL 33:1103; PCA 43:FP15
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.33027
Collection: Newark Museum New Jersey . . . . . . . . 20.1044
1849 Taylor (Zachary) Victory at Buena Vista
Medallion [MI-24]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List 423
1849 Scott (Winfield) Six Battles Medallion [MI-26] . . . . List 424
Collection: Princeton Library Vermeule (NC000) . . . . . 130
Exhibited: Utah Museum of Fine Arts (1991) . . . . . . . . .130
1862 Lincoln (Abraham) Medal [IP-38]. . . . .. . King 520, List 640
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CAL 33:1213
1865 Vanderbilt (Cornelius) Medal [PE-36] . . . . . . . . .. . . List 523
R E P L I C A S & R E I S S U E S
1866ca College of the City of New York Duncan Pell Medal
(name of college changed in1866 and signatures
of Ellis and Willson removed) [dates/issue: 1866-?]. . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . PCA 59:6
1877 Vanderbilt University Founder's Medal (obv portrait
from Ellis 1865 Medal, with new rev stating Founder's
Medal; unknown maker) [dates/issue: 1877-date]. . . . . . .
Born 13 November 1803, Wethersfield, Windsor, Vermont.
This artist has been confused with others named Ellis of similar first name or occupation. (1) Salathiel Ellis,
third of nine children of Sally and Able Ellis, born 178? Waterford, Vermont. Listed in Rider, American
Genealogical-Biographical Index (1965) vol 50.
(2) In England and in Canada, the artist is confused with James E. Ellis of Toronto, led to the reference of
Salathiel working in Canada as stated in Forrer. James E. Ellis emigrated from Liverpool England 1848,
worked for, then purchased the firm of Rossin Bros, 1852; finally changing the name to J.E. Ellis & Co in
1877. Benezit makes same confusion, too.
(3) In America, many authors confuse Salathiel with other Ellis artists in mid 19th century, notably Darwin
and son Jarvis Ellis (qq.v.), both of which worked for Scovill Manufacturing in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Salathiel was the only Ellis to have furnished models to the United States Mint in the 19th century, and
although Salathiel’s Mint medals are listed in the Scovill records, he apparently did no die work for Scovill.
New-York Historical Society print curator Wendy Shadwell made a study of Salathiel Ellis’ early life as an
artist (see H2a{1986} Shadwell, Prints and Printmakers of New York State). She learned Salathiel was named
after Old Testament “Shealtiel” by parents Ziba and Rhoda Nickerson Ellis. They purchased farm land in
Potsdam in Saint Lawrence County, New York, and moved the family there from Vermont in 1809. Salathiel
was educated there at the Potsdam Academy.
Shadwell relates Salathiel purchased three acres in nearby Canton New York in 1828 with partner Benjamin
Stimson to operate a “chair shop,” offering painted chairs made of local seasoned hardwood. Later at the same
address this is a “picture shop” until 1835. It is unknown when, if any, Salathiel had art instruction, but he had
produced a dozen or more paintings by 1838, commissioned by a local merchant, George Parish. During this
time he was also engaged as a cameo cutter, perhaps self-taught.
In Canton, Ellis and his older brother James met and married two Willson sisters (Salathiel married Clarinda,
July 1825, while James married Melinda). The girls’ cousin was Joseph Willson (1825-1857, q.v.). Salathiel
engaged the younger Joseph (by 22 years) as an apprentice in cameo cutting and relief modeling, which by
the 1830s he was quite competent.
Ellis moved to New York City in1842 and Willson followed, forming a partnership that was to last for 15
years. They both did cameo cutting and model making. It is possible the artists also engaged in diesinking as
so many authorities state, despite the fact their forte was miniature modulated relief. This was ideal for cameos,
medals and the patterns for medals (the later required a reduction by pantograph for medal dies; the United
States Mint possessed the only such pantograph in America at this time, a Contimin acquired from France in
1836).
The Ellis-Willson pair were to collaborate for numerous commissions, including four presidential and two
military medals – all for series of the U.S. Mint. From New York City both men relocated to Washington DC
(1848) for less than a year.
The pair returned to New York City, and Ellis is listed there as “artist” in city directories (1849 and later). He
received several medal commissions, two for the American Art-Union lottery medal in New York City and a
Taylor Campaign medal. (Willson went to Italy for three years, 1851-54.) Both were in New York City and
worked there from 1855 until Willson's death in 1857 at age 32.
U.S. Treasury officials had commissioned Emanuel Leutze to design a new national medal, the first United
States Lifesaving Medal (ca 1858) and chose Salathiel Ellis to model Leutze’s design. This collaboration of
designer and sculptor proved so successful that after the Civil War Leutze designed another important medal,
the Cornelius Vanderbilt Medal of 1865, which was modeled by Ellis.
Five of Ellis's children had moved to Dodge County Minnesota and he followed them there in 1858. For his
design patent application for the 1861 Abraham Lincoln Medal he listed Montorville Minnesota as his residence.
Two sons had relocated to San Jose, California, and in 1869 Salathiel moved there where he established a
sculpture studio. He exhibited at the San Francisco Mechanics Institute 1874, and the California State Fair 1878.
He died at the home of his son, Preston King Ellis in San Jose, California 28 October 1879.
TIMELINE OF THIS ARTIST’S LIFE EVENTS AVAILABLE.
[Cataloger’s note: I believe we have correctly assigned the correct medals in this databank to each of the Ellis medalists.]
B A S - R E L I E F S
1840ca King (Preston) Portrait Relief (Salathiel and wife
named their fifth child, born 1835, after this U.S.
Senator; in 1867 Ellis carved this portrait in marble
for Preston King tombstone, Ogdensburg cemetery). . . . .
Collection: Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 20
1840ca Rosseel (Joseph) Portrait Relief . . . . . . . . . .
Archives: (possible attribution). . . . . . . . . . . IAS 36360116
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 21
1845 ca Brookes (Joshua) Portrait Relief [1773-1859]. . . . . .
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture. .. . . . . IAS 77002490
Collection: New-York Historical Society. . . . . . . . 1945.47
1845ca Greeley (Horace) Portrait Relief. . . . . . . .
1848 Stuart (Gilbert) Portrait Relief (plaster model for
Stuart Medal struck by U.S. Mint, Julian PE-33,
for American Art-Union Series, see below) . . . . . .
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture . .. . . . IAS 08650154
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture. . . . . . .IAS 77002491
Collection: New-York Historical Society. . . . . . . . . . . . X75
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . . 3
Illustrated: H2a {1986} Prints of New York State, fig . . .10
1852 Hopper (Isaac Tatem) Portrait Relief (plaster model
for 1852 Hopper Anti-Slavery Medal, see below). . . .
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture. . . . . . IAS 77002490
Collection: Boston Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . .MA30008
Collection: New-York Historical Society. . . . . . . . 1936.612
1861 Lincoln (Abraham) Portrait Relief [design patent D1653
granted 26 August 1862; this model used for portrait
on IP-38, IP-39, see below]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:6153
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture . … . . .IAS 77002493
Collection: New-York Historical Society. . . . . . . .1936.616
G A L V A N O C A S T S
2009 Lincoln (Abraham) Galvano Cast (from original plaster
model signed and dated by “S. Ellis, sc 1861,” in
author’s collection, issued by Signature Art Medals). . . .
Illustrated: N47{2012} Reed, Abe Lincoln Am Icon, p. 414
C A M P A I G N M E D A L
1848 Taylor (Zachary) Campaign Medal (portrait reduced
from Ellis’ model for Taylor’s Four Battle Medal for
Military Series [MI-24], both engraved by Charles
Cushing. Wright). . . . . . . .Satterle 183, DeWitt ZT 1848-12
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . PCA 64:63
M E D A L S I N S E R I E S
United States Indian Peace Medals:
(Portrait reliefs of Fillmore, Pierce, Buchanan and Lincoln
modeled by Ellis, reverses modeled by Joseph Willson; all
these models reduced as device punches on the Contamin
pantograph and dies engraved by adding lettering by U.S.
Mint engravers in two sizes, an ideal use of the Contamin.)
Cataloger’s Note: There were no medal firms in New York
City that had presses heavy enough to strike a medal larger
than 2 inches in 1850. Yet for the Fillmore Indian Peace Medal
of 1850, Julian states “The medals appear to have been struck
in New York City.” The present cataloger has wondered for
years why Salathiel Ellis was listed among the engraver
archives of the Scovill Manufacturing Co. of Waterbury,
CT. (at Baker Library, Harvard) where no medal of his
was attributed to Scovill. It would make sense that Scovill
struck the Fillmore and Buchanan Indian Peace medals
for Ellis and Willson, 1850, in two sizes after which the
dies were turned over to the Philadelphia Mint in 1855
and Scovill records retained the name Ellis in their
records but did not identify any medals.
1850 Fillmore (Millard) Indian Peace Medal (large size; obv
by Ellis, rev by Joseph Willson; struck outside the mint
Julian says New York City, probably struck by Scovill,
Waterbury; dies were turned over to the Philadelphia
Mint in 1855 where struck thereafter) . . . . . . . . . Loubat 65,
Julian IP-30
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5160-5161, BMP 2:5167;
CAL 29:1032; J&J 9:450, J&J 17:883; NAS 22:1621;
PCA 46:213, PCA 48:463, PCA 48:1408, PCA 50:313,
PCA 51:284-285, PCA 51:1004, PCA 52:300,
PCA 53:282, PCA 61:294, PCA 62:309, PCA 64:603,
PCA 68:406, PCA 69:270, PCA 73:539, PCA 82:284
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1]. 1883.23.23
Collection: Cornell University Johnson Art Gallery . . . 132
Collection: Henry Ford Museum . . . . . . . . . . . .. M1070017
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . .NPG 99.116
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . 15
1850 Fillmore (Millard) Indian Peace Medal (medium
size). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julian IP-31
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5162-5163; J&J 15:353;
NAS 22:1622; PCA 50:314, PCA 53:283-284,
PCA 59:438, PCA 62:307-308, PCA 64:604,
PCA 66:308, PCA 68:407
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1] . . 1894.4.1
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 83.2.435
1853 Pierce (Franklin) Indian Peace Medal (large size, obv
by Ellis, rev by Willson) . . . . . . . . Loubat 66, Julian IP-32,
Belden 48, Prucha 49
Auctions:. . . . BMP 1:4371, BMP 2:5164-5165; J&J 8:202,
J&J 9:451, J&J 14:806; NAS 22:1623-1626; PCA 42:367,
PCA 49:55, PCA 50:315, PCA 51:286-287, PCA 52:301,
PCA 53:285, PCA 61:295, PCA 64:605, PCA 69:271,
PCA 72:513, PCA 73:540-541
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1]. 1915.156.1
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Gallery . . . . . . . 129
Collection: Minnesota Historical Society. . . . . . . . . .. 6004
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . NPG 99.117
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . . . 345:71
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . .18
1853 Pierce (Franklin) Indian Peace Medal (medium size;
obv by Ellis, rev by Willson). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian IP-33
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . .BMP 2:5167-5269, BMP 2:5427;
J&J 17:884; NAS 22:1627-1628; PCA 53:286, PCA 53:290,
PCA 56:309, PCA 59:439, PCA 61:296, PCA 68:408,
PCA 73:542
Collection: American Numismatic Society. . . . 1915.157.1
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 83.2.436
1857ca Pierce (Franklin) Indian Peace Medal [mule
with rev from 1846, Type I]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . PCA 44:279, PCA 48:464, PCA 49:56,
PCA 53:287-288, PCA 54:274
1861 Pierce (Franklin) Mule Medal [obv by Salathiel Ellis, rev
by John Reich; type II, 20th century finish] . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCA 68:410, PCA 80:337
1857 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace Medal (large size old style
rev; obv by Ellis, rev by Joseph Willson who died before
completion and finished by Ellis; Julian says these
medals again struck outside the mint, now attributed
to Scovill Mfg, Waterbury). . . . . . Loubat 68, Julian IP-36
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5174; J&J 8:203, J&J 9:452,
J&J 17:886; NAS 22:1629; PCA 42:368, PCA 49:58,
PCA 52:1425, PCA 53:291, PCA 64:607, PCA 68:412-41
Collection: Cornell University Johnson Art Gallery . . . .131
Collection: Gilcrease Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6526.47
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 83.2.437
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . .NPG 99.118
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . . 345:72
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 19
1857 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace Mule Medal (Buchanan
obv and rev of Fillmore and Pierce). . . . . . . . .
Auctions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCA 53:292
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] . 1967.225.343
1857 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace (old rev, medium
size). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian IP-37
1859 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace Medal (new reverse,
large size). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Belden 50, Julian IP-34
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5170-5172; J&J 17:885;
PCA 48:465, PCA 49:57, PCA 53:289, PCA 68:411,
PCA 72:514, PCA 73:543
Collection: American Numismatic Society. . . . . 1915.158.1
1859 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace (new reverse,
medium size) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belden 51, Julian IP-35
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5173; PCA 44:280
Collection: American Numismatic Society. . .1925.173.17
1862 Lincoln (Abraham) Indian Peace Medal (large size;
obv by Ellis; rev by Joseph Willson) . . .. . . . . Julian IP-38,
Prucha 51, Loubat 70, King 519
Auctions:. . BMP 2:5175-5176; J&J 8:204-206, J&J 17:887,
J&J 22:1003; NAS 22:1630; PCA 42:369, PCA 49:59,
PCA 51:289, PCA 53:294, PCA 57:381, PCA 62:310,
PCA 65:425, PCA 66:309, PCA 68:414, PCA 73:544,
PCA 74:545, PCA 78:413
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.33030
Collection: Henry Ford Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59.20.2
Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . 07.251.102
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . .NPG 99.119
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic [>1] 396:404
Collection: Wisconsin State Historical Society.. . 1955.1288
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 16
Illustrated: M57 {2007} Jaeger-Bowers, 100 Greatest #57
Illustrated: N41 {2009} Reed.Abe Lincoln The Image, p 43
Illustrated: N47 {2012} Reed, Abe Lincoln Am Icon, p . .12
1862 Lincoln (Abraham) Medal (small size; obv by Ellis,
rev by Willson) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . King 521, Julian IP-39
Auctions:. . . .BMP 2:5177-5178; J&J 9:453, J&J 12:664;
NAS 22:1631-1632; PCA 44:281, PCA 48:466,
PCA 49:392, PCA 53:294, PCA 60:287, PCA 68:415,
PCA 70:625, PCA 78:415
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.33032
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Gallery . . . . . . . . 127
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . . 396:406
United States Military Series:
1849 Scott (Winfield) Six Battles Medallion (portrait model by
Ellis, rev designed by G.C. Humphries, both sides
engraved by Charles Cushing Wright). . . . . Julian MI-26,
Loubat 62, 406
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 1:4248-4249; CAL 28:860
Collection: Los Angeles Co Nat Hist Museum. . . A30-49
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . 336:25
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . 14
1849 Taylor (Zachary) Victory at Buena Vista Medallion (obv
portrait model by Ellis, rev designed by Frederick
A. Smith, both sides engraved by Charles C.
Wright). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loubat 63, Julian MI-24
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J&J 18:647, J&J 21:1681
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculptue. . . . . IAS 08650159
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . .NPG 77.247
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . 336:23
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, fig . . . . . . . . . 13
American Art-Union Medal Series:
[Ellis did not model the first medal in this series, the
Washington Allston Medal.]
1848 Stuart (Gilbert) Medal (obv portrait model by Salathiel
Ellis in plaster relief, see above; rev design by
Peter Paul Duggan, both sides engraved by Charles
Cushing Wright). . . Julian PE-33, Baxter 51, Storer 2042
Auctions:. . . . . CAL 29:1059, CAL 30:774, CAL 32:2097;
J&J 9:515[set/3], J&J 12:695, J&J 15:360, J&J 20:311;
PCA 56:1724, PCA 63:1619
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.43331
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Gallery . . . . . . . .401
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art [>1]. . . .07.34 1997.484.2
Collection: National Portrait Gallery. . . . . . . . .NPG 84.77
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . .3
Illustrated: H2a {1986} Prints of New York State, fig .10
1849 Trumbull (John) Medal (obv portrait model by Salathiel
Ellis, rev design by Peter Paul Duggan; both sides
engraved by Charles Cushing Wright). . . . . .Julian PE-35
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAL 29:1060; J&J 9:515[set/3],
J&J 15:360; PCA 56:1725, PCA 64:1999
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.43332
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Galery . . . . . . . .404
M E D A L S
1848 Page (William) Medal (obv portrait model by Ellis,
engraved by Charles Cushing Wright; struck by
U.S. Mint). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian PE-24, Baxter 50
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . .J&J 12:694, J&J 14:818, J&J 18:651;
NAS 72:1093; PCA 56:1723
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.6011
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . . 392:381
1850ca Free Academy of New York Duncan Pell Medal
(signed by Ellis and Joseph Willson, delineated by
Peter Paul Duggan) [dates/issue: possibly as early
as 1847 when school founded and continued until
name changed in 1866 to College of City of
New York; possibly struck at Scovill, Waterbury;
dates/issued: ?-1866]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . PCA 49:444, PCA 58:425, PCA 62:385
Collection: American Numismatic Society. . 1957.187.959
1852 Hopper (Isaac) Anti-Slavery Medal. . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5932; PCA 54:314
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1].0000.999.37258
Collection: Cornell University Johnson Art Gallery . . . 130
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . . . 55
1856 Utica Mechanics Association Medal [award medal of New
York organization; dates/issued 1856-?]. . Harkness NY-530
Illustrated: M63 {2009} Harkness & Corio, page . . . . . .111
1858ca United States Seal Lifesaving Medal (designed by
Emanuel Leutze, modeled by Ellis; the first such U.S.
national lifesaving medal) . . . . . Freeman 692, Julian LS-1
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . BMP 2:5554-5555; CAL 29:1072;
J&J 9:506; PCA 44:314, PCA 49:431, PCA 58:403,
PCA 59:472, PCA 65:449, PCA 66:345, PCA 68:565,
PCA 71:507
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . 357:160
Collection: Meropolitan Museum of Art . . . . . . . . 83.2.387
1860 Japanese Embassy Medal (obv Ellis’ portrait of Buchanan;
dies engraved by Anthony Paquet) . .Julian CM-22, CM-23
Auctions:. . . . . . .BMP 2:5925; PCA 62:339, PCA 80:347
1860 Utica Mechanics Association Medal [probably struck at
Scovill, Waterbury] (dates /issued: 1860-61). . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J&J 14:428; PCA 64:661
1865 Vanderbilt (Cornelius) Medal (obv portrait and rev
device modeled by Ellis, rev design by Emanuel Leutze;
engraver unknown as this medal first struck outside
the mint but doubtful it was by Ellis himself, as Julian
so states) [Vanderbilt University later adapted
obv for several award medals, see below] . . . . Loubat 74,
Schenkman MM14, Milford Haven 647, Julian PE-36
Auctions:. . . . . .. BMP 2:5399; J&J 14:820; PCA 49:417,
PCA 51:1035, PCA 60:308, PCA 68:545, PCA 71:475,
PCA 72:1750
Collection: American Numismatic Society. .1988.124.223
Collection: Cornell Univ Johnson Art Gallery . . . . . . .128
Collection: Smithsonian National Numismatic. . . 341:50
Illustrated: M19 {1963} Chamberlain, figure. . . . . . . . 17
S H E L L M E D A L S
1851ca Howe (Elias) Inventor of the Sewing Machine Shell
Medal (based on his statue, see below). . . . . . . . . . . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCA 65:459
L I S T M E D A L S
1850 Fillmore (Millard) Indian Peace Medal [IP-30]. . . List 113
Auctions:. . . . . CAL 33:1098; PCA 43:FP13, PCA 45:262
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1]. 1932.52.15
Collection: Newark Museum New Jersey . . . . . . 20.1046
1855 Pierce (Franklin) Indian Peace Medal [IP-32] . . . . List 114
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAL 33:1100; PCA 43:FP14
Collection: American Numismatic Society [>1]. 1915.156.1
Collection: Newark Museum New Jersey . . . . . . . . 20.1045
1859 Buchanan (James) Indian Peace Medal [IP-34]. . . . . List 115
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAL 33:1103; PCA 43:FP15
Collection: American Numismatic Soc [>1] 0000.999.33027
Collection: Newark Museum New Jersey . . . . . . . . 20.1044
1849 Taylor (Zachary) Victory at Buena Vista
Medallion [MI-24]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List 423
1849 Scott (Winfield) Six Battles Medallion [MI-26] . . . . List 424
Collection: Princeton Library Vermeule (NC000) . . . . . 130
Exhibited: Utah Museum of Fine Arts (1991) . . . . . . . . .130
1862 Lincoln (Abraham) Medal [IP-38]. . . . .. . King 520, List 640
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CAL 33:1213
1865 Vanderbilt (Cornelius) Medal [PE-36] . . . . . . . . .. . . List 523
R E P L I C A S & R E I S S U E S
1866ca College of the City of New York Duncan Pell Medal
(name of college changed in1866 and signatures
of Ellis and Willson removed) [dates/issue: 1866-?]. . .
Auctions:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . PCA 59:6
1877 Vanderbilt University Founder's Medal (obv portrait
from Ellis 1865 Medal, with new rev stating Founder's
Medal; unknown maker) [dates/issue: 1877-date]. . . . . . .
1974 Vanderbilt (Cornelius) Medal (obv from Salathiel
Ellis portrait, rev by Doore). . . . . . . MAco 1974-217-001
Ellis portrait, rev by Doore). . . . . . . MAco 1974-217-001
1974 Vanderbilt School of Medicine Medal (obv from
Salathiel Ellis portrait, rev by Doore). . MAco 1974-217-002
S C U L P T U R E
1848 Taylor (Zachary) Marble Statue (artist unknown, but
National Portrait Gallery attributes Salathiel Ellis
as the possible artist). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Collection: United States Senate . . . . . . . . . . .21.00019.000
1851ca Howe (Elias) Inventor of the Sewing Machine Statue
(cast by Robert Wood & Company, foundry; first
installed in front of Howe Sewing Machine Company
New York City office; shown at 1876 Centennial
Exposition, Philadelphia; then located at Howe
factory in Bridgeport,Connecticut; ownership
transferred to City and placed at Seaside Park,
Bridgeport,Connecticut, installed 1884) . . . . . . . . . .
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture . . . . . .IAS CT000136
1860ca Hill (Mrs first name unknown) Marble Bust. . . . . . . . .
1867 King (Preston) Marble Relief (for tombstone). . . . . . . . . .
1870ca Edgerton (first name unknown) Marble Medallion
Relief. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
A R C H I V E S
INS Inventory of American Sculpture (online).
Mss {undated} In List of diesinkers in Scovill archives Baker Library, Harvard (but confuses
issues engraved by J.E. Ellis and Salathiel Ellis).
C O L L E C T I O N S
C4 {1912} Comparette 23, 24, 25, p 336; 50 341; 70, 71, 72 345; 160 357-358; 381 392;
404, 405, 406 396.
C14 {1996} Marqusee 127-132, p 25-27.
B I O G R A P H I C A L R E F E R E N C E S
D7 {1921} Bolton.
D8 {1926} Fielding 111, 463.
A9 {1946} Gardner, Yankee Stonecutters.
D15 {1957} Groce and Wallace p 210 (one of few errors in this detailed work, is Ellis
date of birth, misstated as 1860, other writers repeated this transposed 1806 date),
D36 {1986} Hughes, Artists In California.
D33 {1986} Opitz, p 256.
BF2 {1999} Falk. Who Was Who in American Art, p 1:1037.
D3a {2006} Benezit. Dictionary of Artists, p 5:169 (lists “S. Ellis” but confuses the
Canadian John E. Ellis, with the work of Salathiel Ellis as had Forrer before).
N U M I S M A T I C R E F E R E N C E S
M2 {1878} Loubat 62, p 304; 63 336; 65 349; 66 351; 68 361; 70 366; 74 406;
(biography) 304.
E3 {1902-30} Forrer 2:14 (lists Salathiel Ellis as a Canadian, and a separate entry on
P.W. Ellis medallic firm in Toronto); 7:251 (with Globe Electric Battery and
unsigned A.W. Burke Toronto token incorrectly assigned to Salathiel Ellis).
S1 {1924} King 519-521, p 80. [Index confuses Salathiel and other Ellis artists]
E8 {1951} Kenney, p 9 (Kenney recognizes Ellis as both painter and sculptor).
E8A {1951} Kenney Manuscript File.
S11 {1959} DeWitt ZT 1848-12, p 123.
M19 {1963} Chamberlain (Georgia Stamm) American Medals and Medalists.
Annandale, Virginia: Turnpike Press. 146 pages, 55 plates. Reprinted articles:
∙ Salathiel Ellis: Cameo-Cutter, Sculptor, Artist of Nineteenth Century
America.The Antiques Journal 9:2 (February 1954) pp 36-37.In reprint: pp
20-22; figures 3, 13-17.\
∙ Bas-Relief Portraits by Salathiel Ellis. The Antiques Journal 9:10 (October
1954) pp 23, 29.In reprint: pp 23-25; figures 18-21.
∙ The Hopper Medal by Salathiel Ellis. The Numismatist 71:6 (June 1958)
pp 655-656. In reprint: pp 132-133; figure 55.
M21 {1964} Freeman, 692, p 329-330.
M25 {1969} U.S. Mint, p 262.
D24 {1970} Harper.
M27 {1971} Prucha (Francis Paul, S.J.) Indian Peace Medals In American History.
Madison, WI: State Historical Society of Wisconsin (1971).
M37 {1977} Julian IP-30 to IP-39, p 52-59; MI-24 136; MI-26 138; PE-24 216; PE-33
222; PE-36 225; CM-22 241; LS-1 320.
S41 {1979} Schenkman MM14, p 22.
E17 {1983} Pessolano-Filos, p 33.
101 {1986} Shadwell (Wendy J.) Prints and Printmakers of New York State, Syracuse:
Syracuse University Press (1986) illus. A chapter from this work was reprinted in
The St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly (see below).
M42 {1987} Baxter 50-51, p 23.
N31 {1992} Smith. American Numismatic Biographies, p 82.
H2a {1994} Shadwell (Wendy J.) Saint Lawrence County, 1838, As Seen through the
Eyes of Salathiel Ellis, The Saint Lawrence County Historical Association
Quarterly 39:1 (Winter 1994) p 1-14, illus, reprinted from 101{1986} Shadwell
(Wendy J.) Prints and Printmakers of New York State, Syracuse: Syracuse
University Press.
H2b {1995} Wilson (Stewart J.) The Indian Medals of Willson and Ellis, Saint
Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 40:3 (Summer 1995) p 1.
[Note two Wilsons spelled differently, elder Willson with two ls.]
S58 {1999} Rulau. Standard Catalog U.S. Tokens, p 192.
M57 {2007} Jaeger (Katherine) and Bowers (Q. David) 100 Greatest American Medals
and Tokens. Abraham Lincoln Indian Peace Medal listed as #57, p 68.
P3 {2009}Starck (Jeff) Lincoln Peace Medal A Private Project. Coin World `50:2553
(16 March 2009) p 50, illus.
M63 {2009} Harkness and Corio, NY-530 p 111.
N41 {2009} Reed. Abraham Lincoln, The Image of His Greatness, p 21 [cited in error,
piece engraved by Darwin Ellis], 28, 42, 43.
Salathiel Ellis portrait, rev by Doore). . MAco 1974-217-002
S C U L P T U R E
1848 Taylor (Zachary) Marble Statue (artist unknown, but
National Portrait Gallery attributes Salathiel Ellis
as the possible artist). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Collection: United States Senate . . . . . . . . . . .21.00019.000
1851ca Howe (Elias) Inventor of the Sewing Machine Statue
(cast by Robert Wood & Company, foundry; first
installed in front of Howe Sewing Machine Company
New York City office; shown at 1876 Centennial
Exposition, Philadelphia; then located at Howe
factory in Bridgeport,Connecticut; ownership
transferred to City and placed at Seaside Park,
Bridgeport,Connecticut, installed 1884) . . . . . . . . . .
Archives: Inventory of Am Sculpture . . . . . .IAS CT000136
1860ca Hill (Mrs first name unknown) Marble Bust. . . . . . . . .
1867 King (Preston) Marble Relief (for tombstone). . . . . . . . . .
1870ca Edgerton (first name unknown) Marble Medallion
Relief. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
A R C H I V E S
INS Inventory of American Sculpture (online).
Mss {undated} In List of diesinkers in Scovill archives Baker Library, Harvard (but confuses
issues engraved by J.E. Ellis and Salathiel Ellis).
C O L L E C T I O N S
C4 {1912} Comparette 23, 24, 25, p 336; 50 341; 70, 71, 72 345; 160 357-358; 381 392;
404, 405, 406 396.
C14 {1996} Marqusee 127-132, p 25-27.
B I O G R A P H I C A L R E F E R E N C E S
D7 {1921} Bolton.
D8 {1926} Fielding 111, 463.
A9 {1946} Gardner, Yankee Stonecutters.
D15 {1957} Groce and Wallace p 210 (one of few errors in this detailed work, is Ellis
date of birth, misstated as 1860, other writers repeated this transposed 1806 date),
D36 {1986} Hughes, Artists In California.
D33 {1986} Opitz, p 256.
BF2 {1999} Falk. Who Was Who in American Art, p 1:1037.
D3a {2006} Benezit. Dictionary of Artists, p 5:169 (lists “S. Ellis” but confuses the
Canadian John E. Ellis, with the work of Salathiel Ellis as had Forrer before).
N U M I S M A T I C R E F E R E N C E S
M2 {1878} Loubat 62, p 304; 63 336; 65 349; 66 351; 68 361; 70 366; 74 406;
(biography) 304.
E3 {1902-30} Forrer 2:14 (lists Salathiel Ellis as a Canadian, and a separate entry on
P.W. Ellis medallic firm in Toronto); 7:251 (with Globe Electric Battery and
unsigned A.W. Burke Toronto token incorrectly assigned to Salathiel Ellis).
S1 {1924} King 519-521, p 80. [Index confuses Salathiel and other Ellis artists]
E8 {1951} Kenney, p 9 (Kenney recognizes Ellis as both painter and sculptor).
E8A {1951} Kenney Manuscript File.
S11 {1959} DeWitt ZT 1848-12, p 123.
M19 {1963} Chamberlain (Georgia Stamm) American Medals and Medalists.
Annandale, Virginia: Turnpike Press. 146 pages, 55 plates. Reprinted articles:
∙ Salathiel Ellis: Cameo-Cutter, Sculptor, Artist of Nineteenth Century
America.The Antiques Journal 9:2 (February 1954) pp 36-37.In reprint: pp
20-22; figures 3, 13-17.\
∙ Bas-Relief Portraits by Salathiel Ellis. The Antiques Journal 9:10 (October
1954) pp 23, 29.In reprint: pp 23-25; figures 18-21.
∙ The Hopper Medal by Salathiel Ellis. The Numismatist 71:6 (June 1958)
pp 655-656. In reprint: pp 132-133; figure 55.
M21 {1964} Freeman, 692, p 329-330.
M25 {1969} U.S. Mint, p 262.
D24 {1970} Harper.
M27 {1971} Prucha (Francis Paul, S.J.) Indian Peace Medals In American History.
Madison, WI: State Historical Society of Wisconsin (1971).
M37 {1977} Julian IP-30 to IP-39, p 52-59; MI-24 136; MI-26 138; PE-24 216; PE-33
222; PE-36 225; CM-22 241; LS-1 320.
S41 {1979} Schenkman MM14, p 22.
E17 {1983} Pessolano-Filos, p 33.
101 {1986} Shadwell (Wendy J.) Prints and Printmakers of New York State, Syracuse:
Syracuse University Press (1986) illus. A chapter from this work was reprinted in
The St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly (see below).
M42 {1987} Baxter 50-51, p 23.
N31 {1992} Smith. American Numismatic Biographies, p 82.
H2a {1994} Shadwell (Wendy J.) Saint Lawrence County, 1838, As Seen through the
Eyes of Salathiel Ellis, The Saint Lawrence County Historical Association
Quarterly 39:1 (Winter 1994) p 1-14, illus, reprinted from 101{1986} Shadwell
(Wendy J.) Prints and Printmakers of New York State, Syracuse: Syracuse
University Press.
H2b {1995} Wilson (Stewart J.) The Indian Medals of Willson and Ellis, Saint
Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 40:3 (Summer 1995) p 1.
[Note two Wilsons spelled differently, elder Willson with two ls.]
S58 {1999} Rulau. Standard Catalog U.S. Tokens, p 192.
M57 {2007} Jaeger (Katherine) and Bowers (Q. David) 100 Greatest American Medals
and Tokens. Abraham Lincoln Indian Peace Medal listed as #57, p 68.
P3 {2009}Starck (Jeff) Lincoln Peace Medal A Private Project. Coin World `50:2553
(16 March 2009) p 50, illus.
M63 {2009} Harkness and Corio, NY-530 p 111.
N41 {2009} Reed. Abraham Lincoln, The Image of His Greatness, p 21 [cited in error,
piece engraved by Darwin Ellis], 28, 42, 43.