Theodore Gegoux  
The New York Years
(1873 to 1909)  

That which follows is a chronological listing of articles about the artist Gegoux, which were found in the newspapers of his time.  These articles represent most of what is known and believed about the artist.  Faithfully compiled from microfilm copies of the old newspapers.  Please forgive the miss-spelled names and any other errors.  Efforts have been made to assure that the information is as accurate as possible.

Chapter One - No Fancy Prices   Carthage Studio - (May 1876 to July 31, 1878)

"I will soon have an agent to canvass this town distributing price lists, from which you can see that I have no fancy prices." Theo Gegoux 1876.

French Canadian by birth, Theodore Gegoux immigrated to upstate New York at the age of 14.  He commenced painting at the age of 23 never having had the benefit of a teacher, and was able to support himself through his artistry for the remainder of his life.  Gegoux wrote that in 1874, he so impressed a local art teacher that he resolved to make his way in the world of art and he embarked on a career as a portrait painter.  Pursuing his dream, Gegoux established a studio at Carthage in about 1875, which he operated until July 22, 1879 when he relocated to Watertown.  During these early years at Carthage, Gegoux reportedly executed four hundred portraits. (2.067)   Gegoux had sharpened his eye during a one year apprenticeship as a photograph retoucher in Lowville.  It was therefore natural that he started by copying photographs using a free hand style with crayons.  In his advertising we see that Gegoux initially sought work doing drawings in India Ink; it is difficult to imagine a less forgiving media.   Throughout his career, he professed no formal training in the arts.  Yet in 1876 we see his first known news article, which shows his intent to teach portrait painting. Gegoux began teaching the art of portrait drawing, seemingly before he had his first commissioned portrait.  This is an example of Gegoux franchising successful business models.  He saw others earning a living teaching art.  It would appear that he simply decided ... I can do that.   On November 21, 1876, Mrs. J. D. Johnson, after only one term of lessons, won first prize for a portrait she had drawn.  Gegoux was the teacher. (1.012)  The local Carthage newspaper ran Gegoux's ads year around and also featured special reports on his activities.  Faced with the necessity of earning a living, Gegoux put his hand to anything that paid.  For example, Gegoux painted at least three outdoor business signs.  One sign, which he describes in his autography, was for a Lowville Hotel.  Another sign took the form of a portrait, affectionately known as the "Big Head" of Mr. Geo. F. Lewis, the Carthage photographer. (1.009)  A third example was a banner in front of the Carthage Hayes and Wheeler club. (1.006)   Gegoux's business model also included exhibiting his ability by painting portraits of well known subjects from the community.  Potential clients judged his work in these faces, which were familiar to them.  As word of these likenesses spread, commissions followed.  Through the years Gegoux continued to portray known faces, hoping they would sell.  He would often exhibit paintings at local fairs where he would also enter competitive exhibitions.  Remarkably, in one advertisement, Gegoux offered to teach portrait painting through the mail. (1.024)   Gegoux was known for posthumous portraits.  Often painting from photographs and descriptions of the dead, he would occasionally view the corpse. (1.040) Disliking this type of work, Gegoux charged more than his normal rates.  Gegoux often encouraged patrons to have portraits done from life, rather than wait.   Many notable local persons were portrayed by Gegoux during these early years.  Among them were Mrs. Isaac Huntington, who operated a woman's clothing store in Watertown; Jesse Willes, the Carthage postman; Mr. Cleveland Manville, editor of the Lowville Democrat; Rev. J. Everest Cathell, pastor Carthage's Grace church; and Canal Supt. Charles D. Moore. Gegoux would do a number of portraits for the Moore family over the years. News of Gegoux from 1875 has not yet been located, but is believed to exist in microfilmed photo copies of the Carthage Republican.  Gegoux also had many customers in next door Lewis County. News of his efforts appears in the Lowville Journal & Republican as early as April 1879 and in the Lowville Democrat in July 1878.  Regrettably, no record of the Lowville Democrat for the years 1875 to 1877 has yet been found.

Portrait Subjects Mrs. Isaac L. Huntington  (1840-1905) She was born Mary H. Barber, in 1840 at Oswego, N.Y., a daughter of Mrs. Laura A. Barber and Rev. Richard. N. Barber, who was a Methodist Episcopal minister and was connected with the Northern New York Conference for many years.  He was a resident of Watertown a long time, and had always been a prime mover in religious and temperance work.   Mary Barber married Isaac L. Huntington, Jr., of Watertown, who was lieutenant in Company E, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and afterwards promoted to captain.  Together with her husband she conducted a large and beautifully appointed millinery and fancy goods store in Watertown, which was known as the Temple of Fashion.   They specialized in deftly fashioned and tastefully trimmed bonnets and hats, the most gay and beautiful plumes, wings, flowers, ribbons, and a full line of linen collars; worsted, embroidery, slipper and sofa patterns; ladies' underwear, neckties, kid gloves, embroidery, handkerchiefs, corsets, and hair goods, switches.  Mrs. Huntington would make frequent trips to New York purchasing the latest goods for their customers.   In later years they would vacation at the St. Lawrence river on their island which they named "Twin Isles."  Mrs. Huntington resided in Watertown for 40 years.  Mrs. Huntington was a member of the Arsenal street M. E. Church, and was well-known and highly respected. Reference: Article (1.028)

News from Carthage (1874 to June 1878)

1.001)  The Carthage New York Republican - May 23, 1876 - Tuesday We understand that our artist Mr. Gegoux is about to organize a class to teach portrait painting.  Ladies and Gents wishing to take lessons or wanting to learn his terms will do well to call and see him at Lewis's Gallery.   Mr. Gegoux will not open his studio until the first of June.

1.002)  The Carthage New York Republican - June 13, 1876 - Tuesday Mr. Gegoux is just completing a very handsome sign for Geo. F. Lewis, the gentlemanly artist who is located over the post office.  The sign consists of an oil painting of Mr. Lewis and is a very good likeness.

1.003)  The Carthage New York Republican - August 8, 1876 - Tuesday Something New in Town A studio is being opened by Theodore Gegoux, where a life portrait can be painted and bought at very low price.  The artist makes a practice of enlarging from small pictures such as old daguerreotypes, Bon tons, photographs, and of deceased friends, will enlarge to any size desired, and can be painted either in oil, India ink, or crayon.  Satisfaction guaranteed.  Anyone wishing to take lessons in portrait painting, either in crayon or oil can get fine instructions from the artist by joining the class which he has organized.  Students are allowed to paint any of their friend's likenesses, while under instructions.  Fine specimens will soon be seen at his studio, Over No. 75 State St. Carthage, N. Y.

1.004)  The Carthage New York Republican - August 15, 1876 - Tuesday Those wishing to learn portrait painting, and those wishing to have their portraits should remember that Mr. Gegoux has his studio over 75, State St., where he will attend the wants of all.

1.005)  The Carthage New York Republican - August 29, 1876 - Tuesday The new banner in front of the Hayes and Wheeler club, room is a nice one.  Theodore Gegoux did the painting and it is well done.

1.006)  The Carthage New York Republican - September 19, 1876 - Tuesday Carthage Fair The first annual exhibition of the Carthage Union Agricultural Society was held on their grounds three days last week, commencing Wednesday. .... Class 21. Exhibit pictures 1st Mrs. J. D. Swan, 2d Miss E. D. Ward; original portrait, 1st Miss E. A. Penniman, 2nd Theodore Gegoux; original landscape, 1st Mrs. A. H. Francis, 2nd Miss E. A. Penniman; copy landscape, 1st Miss E. Ward, 2nd Mrs. J. J. Swan; crayon drawing, 1st Mrs. J. D. Swan, 2nd Theo. Gegoux

1.007)  The Carthage New York Republican - September 19, 1876 - Tuesday Election Day is coming, so is Christmas.  Remember that a Crayon portrait is a beautiful thing for a Holiday Present.  You should leave your orders now with Theo. Gegoux, at his studio at once and give him ample time to get it ready for you.

1.008)  The Carthage New York Republican - September 26, 1876 - Tuesday Wanted:  A young man, about to learn a trade desires to procure board in some family, who would be willing to let him pay for the same, by doing chores about the house and making himself generally useful. Address, Theo. Gegoux, Carthage, N. Y.

1.009)  The Carthage New York Republican - October 24, 1876 - Tuesday Patronize Your Own Artist We are glad to say that we have a permanent studio in town where all kinds of portraits can be executed in the latest style of the art.  Citizens of this town and vicinity, you should think of this when agents canvassing for small pictures come to your doors and offer, to do what we might call a "half way job."   You should remember that small pictures can be enlarged right here in your own town, where you can see that your pictures are painted naturally, which is the main thing in a portrait.  Such a portrait can be painted at Theo. Gegoux's Studio, sign of the Big Head.

1.010)  The Carthage New York Republican - October 31, 1876 - Tuesday Can You Tell Us What is neater for a holiday present than one of those beautiful Crayon portraits drawn by Theo. Gegoux?  Is there anything under the sun?  Ten dollars will procure one, and that is cheap enough.  Take our word for it, if you give him an order you will be delighted with the result, and the happy recipient will look upon your smiling countenance "natural as life."

1.011)  The Carthage New York Republican - November 14, 1876 - Tuesday Hayes is Elected And so is Tilden, and if you don't soon give your order to Sir Theo. Gegoux for that portrait of yours, some one will be beaten out of their Christmas present.

1.012)  The Carthage New York Republican - November 21, 1876 - Tuesday Good Enough for a Student. Mrs. J. D. Thompson, of Watertown, has taken the first premium at the Watertown fair on a portrait which she painted at Carthage, under Theodore Gegoux's instruction.  Mrs. Thompson has taken only one term, and we are confident that she is making rapid strides toward perfection in this art.

1.013)  The Carthage New York Republican - November 28, 1876 - Tuesday Theodore Gegoux presents a new card to our readers this week.  Read it.

1.014)  The Carthage New York Republican - November 28, 1876 to May 14, 1878 - Tuesdays Artist. Theodore Gegoux, Portrait Painter, will execute pictures in India Ink, Charcoal, Crayon, and in Oil.  Will paint portraits from nature and copy from old pictures of deceased friends.  He will also teach Portrait Painting at moderate charges.  Studio in Rugg's Block, over No. 75 State St., Carthage, N. Y.

1.015)  The Carthage New York Republican - December 5, 1876 - Tuesday A very handsome and creditable portrait may be seen in the Post-office.  It is the work of Mr. Theo. Gegoux, of this village, and in our opinion cannot be excelled.

1.016)  The Carthage New York Republican - December 12, 1876 - Tuesday All Pictures executed by Sir Theodore Gegoux are warranted to never fade.

1.017)  The Carthage New York Republican - December 12, 1876 - Tuesday Every Day I hear someone say I wish I could afford to have my likeness painted, "But it costs so much."  Well, now, I will introduce the Crayon Portrait, one of the most striking, expressive, lifelike, everlasting and fashionable pictures of the age - a picture that will never fade and can be purchased at the lowest figures yet known.   I will soon have an agent to canvass this town distributing price lists, from which you can see that I have no fancy prices.  Anyone wishing pictures enlarged before Christmas can leave their orders at my office. Theodore Gegoux

1.018)  The Carthage New York Republican - January 30, 1877 - Tuesday Pictures executed by Theodore Gegoux will never fade.  His crayon portraits are very expressive and they are the cheapest pictures to get.

1.019)  The Carthage New York Republican - January 30, 1877 - Tuesday The young, children of St. James' Sunday school contested for prizes last Sunday.  The first prize was awarded to Celia Burns.  This prize was a crayon portrait of the pastor of the church, and was presented, to the Sunday school by Theo. Gegoux.

1.020)  The Utica Morning Herald - February 1, 1877 - Thursday Jefferson County - Carthage - Jan 21. - Our home artist, Theo. Gegoux , has many crayons and oil paintings that are attracting much attention.

1.021)  The Carthage New York Republican - February 13, 1877 - Tuesday The agents who were travelling in this section some months ago, taking orders for enlarging pictures, took away with them many photograph's to be enlarged which have never been returned.  As the photographs were mostly those of departed friends, they were highly prized, but there seems no way to get them back again.  There are good artists enough near home to do this work, and no such risks as giving orders to strangers should be made.

1.022)  The Carthage New York Republican - February 20 to March 13, 1877 - Tuesdays If you get Pictures enlarged, have them finished in Crayon, India Ink or Oil.  These pictures will never fade and generations will see them.  You can get them at reduced prices at Theodore Gegoux's Studio, Carthage.

1.023)  The Carthage New York Republican - February 20 to March 13, 1877 - Tuesdays Theodore Gegoux is turning out some very, fine work.  His Crayon Portraits are giving entire satisfaction to all who purchase them.

1.024)  The Carthage New York Republican - March 13 & 20, 1877 - Tuesdays A Rare Chance. To those who wish to learn light and shade, in other words, the art of portrait drawing in Crayon:   There are a great many who in their maturer years regret that they have never experimented in light and shade, and think that they might have been numbered among the great masters of the art.  No doubt there are many who would have been good artists but for lack of confidence and trial.   To those who are fond of drawing on paper, slate or wall: Don't miss this rare chance or you will regret it all your life.  On receipt of price and picture I will send to any address a life-size sketch (or outline), or smaller, if desired, of the said picture, and full directions as to how a crayon portrait should be made.  Price $2.00.  You can now crayon your, own portrait. Address Theodore Gegoux, Carthage, Jeff. Co. N.Y.

1.025)  The Carthage New York Republican - April 3, 1877 - Tuesday A Crayon Portrait is one of the most durable pictures made.  Theodore Gegoux is making them at very low rates.  Everybody wants them.

1.026)  The Carthage New York Republican - April 10, 1877 - Tuesday Mr. Charles D. Moore, of Martinsburg, was appointed Superintendent of the Black River Canal by the Canal Board, which met at Albany last Wednesday.  Mr. Moore, so far as we can learn, is a man qualified to fill the position, and we sincerely hope that the canal may prosper under his management.

1.027)  The Carthage New York Republican - May 29, 1877 - Tuesday Theodore Gegoux has removed his studio to the rooms directly over Norton Bros. dry goods store.  His work is giving satisfaction.

1.028)  The Watertown Daily Times - June 19, 1877 - Tuesday In Hanford & Waterman's window may be seen a beautiful crayon portrait of Mrs. I. L. Huntington of this city.  The work is finely executed and is attracting considerable attention.  Theodore Gegoux of Carthage is the artist.  We understand that Mr. Gegoux intends to establish himself in this city soon.

1.029)  The Carthage New York Republican - August 14, 1877 - Tuesday A finely executed crayon portrait of Canal Supt. Moore is on exhibition at Austin's book store.  It is the work of Theodore Gegoux.

1.030)  The Carthage New York Republican - September 11, 1877 - Tuesday The Carthage Fair The second annual cattle show and fair of the Carthage Union Agricultural Society, held last week, was one of the most successful exhibitions ever held in the State.  It was a credit to our village and neighboring towns.  The Carthage fair was thus again shown to be second to none in the State. ...... Class 20 ...... exhibition pictures, 1st Theo. Gegoux, 2d Miss Hattie Hatch; original portrait painting, original landscape painting, Theodore Gegoux; crayon drawing, 1st Theo. Gegoux, 2d Miss Josephine O'Leary; ...... Floral Hall was nicely fitted up and presented a very fine appearance with the many useful and ornamental articles on exhibition.  Theodore Gegoux had a fine show of original oil paintings and crayon portraits.

1.031)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 12, 1877 - Wednesday Theodore Gegoux , portrait painter, exhibited, among others, a portrait of our friend Jesse E. Willes, Carthage, representing him in his favorite position, in the post office looking over the letters, saying "Nothing for you". (Note - Jesse E. Willes died in Carthage on May 13, 1889, aged 66 years.)

1.032)  The Watertown Re-Union - September 13, 1877 The Carthage Fair General Remarks. The fair, which closed last night, was a success in every way.  The rain, which threatened all day, did not fall in sufficient quantities to drive the people from the grand stand; though the display of umbrellas made the scene very picturesque from the judge's stand, though it must have impeded the vision of many on the stand itself. A glance at the interior of the buildings showed a large variety of ladies ornamental work and many specimens of homemade carpets, quilts and other articles of utility.  Flowering plants and cut flowers were in abundance and some very fine crayon and oil paintings, by Theo. Gegoux, an artist of talent located at Carthage.

1.033)  The Watertown Re-Union - September 13, 1877 Jefferson County Fair Domestic Hall Theodore Gegoux of Carthage had some striking specimens of his ability in portrait painting.  He is a promising artist.

1.034)  The Watertown Daily Times - September 17, 1877 - Monday The County Fair - Picture Prizes ... Crayon Drawing, 1st Theo Gegoux; 2nd Theo Gegoux.

1.035)  The Carthage New York Republican - November 6, 1877 - Tuesday A Crayon portrait of Rev. Father Pedigan, the recent pastor of St. James' church, brought about $350, numbers or chances for the portrait having been sold at fifty cents each.  The drawing took place on Monday and Mrs. Wm. Nunn, of West Carthage, got the prize.

1.036)  The Carthage New York Republican - December 25, 1877 - Tuesday The Catholic fair, which closed last Tuesday evening, was a pecuniary success, something over $1,100 being, realized for the congregation. ...... Following is a list of the articles chanced off, and the names of the persons who received them: ...... elephant, Theo. Gegoux

1.037)  The Carthage New York Republican - February 12, 1878 - Tuesday Mr. Theodore Gegoux is gaining considerable notoriety as a portrait painter.  The Clayton Independent says of him: "Theodore Gegoux, portrait painter of Carthage, was in town Monday.  He brought with him two crayon portraits, one being delivered to the owner, Mr. S. D. Johnson.  It is acknowledged by all who have seen it to be a very fine piece of work.  Mr. Gegoux is a very successful artist."

1.038)  The Watertown Daily Times - May 22, 1878 - Wednesday Gegoux , the artist, has made a fine crayon portrait of Brother Manville (Mr. Cleveland D. Manville) of the Lowville Democrat. It is said to be very fine.

1.039)  The Watertown Daily Times - May 27, 1878 - Monday Three Evenings of Strawberries. The ladies of Grace church, Carthage, do not propose to get up sociables on a small scale. During each evening of the festival votes will be cast for the following purposes: First ... 2nd, for Prof. Gegoux's recent admirable crayon portrait of Rev. J. Everest Cathell, to be presented to the warden or vestryman of Grace church who receives the Highest number of votes.

1.040)  The Carthage New York Republican - June 26, 1878 - Tuesday An Artist. Theo. Gegoux, of Carthage, is an artist who is deserving of great praise for the excellencies of his portraits in oil colors and crayon.  They are executed with that life-like accuracy which makes them highly treasured as delineating truly the features of friends whether absent or deceased.  This cannot be said of pictures which are often observed and which, although very showy and handsomely done, would be considered almost worthless when placed beside work executed by Mr. Gegoux.   Yesterday Mrs. F. E. Weller, of this town, received a portrait in oil, from the hands of this artist, of her son, who died last fall at the age of four years.  There was only one picture in possession of the family, and that was taken at the age of ten months.  From this, assisted by his own judgment and Mrs. Weller's description, the artist, Mr. Gegoux, was desired to represent him at the age of four years.   This difficult task was undertaken and executed in a manner which gave the utmost satisfaction, and when finished proved to be a correct likeness of her son at the time of his decease.  Mrs. Weller considers the work almost a miraculous production, and those who have seen it bestow similar comments upon it.  Mr. Gegoux has also executed some very fine crayon portraits for ourselves, the workmanship upon which is highly spoken of, and which are pronounced exceedingly lifelike.  These we are much pleased with and should be happy to exhibit them to any who may desire to secure the services of Mr. Gegoux upon their own or friends' portraits. Lowville Democrat.

1.041)  The Democrat, Lowville, Lewis County - July 31, 1878 - April 30, 1879 Portraits - A PORTRAIT IN OIL - FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD! A CRAYON PORTRAIT - For Everybody Lightning Brush Copying Co., Carthage, N. Y. THEODORE GEGOUX & CO., Proprietors PORTRAIT PAINTING.   Even since the beautiful art of Portrait Painting was discovered, there has been a great demand for portraits; though not until this advanced stage of the art have portrait painters offered pictures at a sufficiently low price to enable the public in general to purchase them.  After a number of years of practical experience in Portrait Pointing, having observed that quick sales and small profit is the most beneficial, we will paint Portraits at low enough rates to enable the millions to have them.   PRICE LIST OF PORTRAITS IN OIL AND CRAYON.   Size Crayon In Oil Size of Head 11x14 $8.00 $10.00 3 inches 14x17 10.00 12.00 4 " 16x20 13.00 15.00 5 " 18x22 17.00 20.00 5 3/4 " 20x24 20.00 24.00 6 1/2 " 22x27 23.00 27.00 7 " 25x30 27.00 30.00 7 1/2 "   This list includes Bust Portraits only.  Life-size Portraits, showing full figure, either standing or sitting, will be charged proportionately.  When Oil Paintings are wanted, parties ordering by mail must enclose with the picture a full direction as to dress, complexion, eyes, and invariably a sample of the hair.  Those ordering through our agents will not have to do this , as the agents are supplied with a sufficient number of samples of portraits, of which we have duplicates that will enable us to give entire satisfaction.   N. B.- Parties ordering by mail or sending in pictures by our agents, may feel assured of the work being as well as if under, their own supervision.   Also, do not fear to send in your father's or mother's pictures, even if the only ones they ever had taken. They will be well preserved and returned to you in good condition. Copying from Old Portraits a Specialty! THEODORE GEGOUX & CO., Carthage, Jeff, Co., N. Y.

1.042)  The Democrat, Lowville, Lewis County - July 31, 1878 Prof. Gegoux, of Carthage, has just completed a portrait of the deceased Mrs. Clara Richardson, daughter of Warren Salmons, of this town.  It is said to be a fine piece of work.