Charity Bryant & Sylvia Drake
Although Charity Bryant (1777-1851) and Sylvia Drake (1784-1868) grew up within 10 miles from each other, in North Bridgewater and in Easton, Massachusetts respectively, they met for the first time as young women in Weybridge, Vermont, in February 1807. For the next forty-four years, with the exception of one month, they spent every day in each other’s company until Charity’s death at eighty four. Together they built their family house, supported themselves running a well sought after tailoring business, were active participants in the local church and charities, and maintained broad contacts with members on both sides of their families. In doing so, they became accepted as a couple into the Weybridge community. And there, as in life, they rest together under one tomb stone as any married couple would.
The Sheldon archives holds a collection of poems, diaries and correspondence documenting Charity and Sylvia’s lives. It also includes a double silhouette of both women from ca. 1815 that is now considered the earliest image of same-sex couple in the United States.
Find out more about their ground-breaking relationship here.
Solomon Wright Jewett
Born in Weybridge, Vermont in 1808, Solomon W. Jewett got his start as a successful Merino sheep farmer. However, he decided to take quite a drastic career turn. Jewett began to style himself Dr. Solomon Jewett, D. M. (Doctor of Magnetism). He advertised himself as a “Mesmeric and Magnetic Physician. The Seventh Son and Natural Doctor. Born with special Gifts. Insanity, palsy, deafness, blindness, Pains Chronic Sicknesses and Disease depart before the power under his control and WILL and HAND.” He took this show on the road and even discovered a new medium to express his psychic powers - photography. His photographs expressed ‘with proof’ the presence of spirits and his ability to commune with the dead. He even took a photograph with his dear friend from beyond who he frequently communicated with, George Washington.
Jewett died in Santa Barbara on October 30, 1894, one day short of Halloween. His body was brought back by train to Weybridge for burial next to his first wife Fidelia (Solomon was married three times). Now, as the nights get longer, listen for a light tapping in your parlor. You may be about to get a visit from Solomon W. Jewett, Shepherd of Spirits, and his dear friend, President Washington.
Want to experience his special powers? Check out his spiritual photography here, housed at the Sheldon archives.