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Demorest, William Jennings, 1822-1895 (1822-1895)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1822-1895

Biography

William Jennings Demorest was the publisher of Demorest's Illustrated Monthly, a fashion periodical. In addition to its fashion illustrations, the publication is noteworthy for its introduction of paper dressmaking patterns, Mme. Demorest's invention. The couple received numerous awards for their fashion and technology patents. Outside of publishing and fashion ventures, Demorest was active in politics as a member and later leader of the Prohibition Party in New York. Towards the end of his life he organized the Demorest Medal Contests, a series of public speaking competitions designed to promote the cause of temperance.

Places

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Demorest collection, a.k.a. Ransom Family collection, 1854-1909

 Collection
Identifier: SC.505
Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of images of members of the Demorest family, publications by William Jennings Demorest and Mme. (Ellen Louise Curtis) Demorest, medals presented by Demorest Medal Contests, and correspondence to W. Jennings Demorest.

Dates: 1854-1909

Unframed images, 1878-1892

 folder
Identifier: SC.505.1.2
Scope and Contents This folder contains 16 photographs, 1 etching, 1 tintype, and 1 painting of Demorest family members. Etching, no ID #: William Jennings Demorest. Photograph, no ID #: Vienna Demorest. Photograph formerly identified as RFC 0014: "Demorests, Jan. 1878; on reverse: Foreground: Grandf. Demorest - Ed. & Publisher, EDR, Grandmother - 'Madame Demorest'; Background: Vienna Demorest, William Curtis D., Harry D.?; sepia 4.25x6.5 card." Photograph formerly identified as RFC 0015: "Marie Antoinette...
Dates: 1878-1892