McIllhenney, William, Jr. (c.1779-1853),

McIllhenney, William, Jr. (c.1779-1853),

Neagle, John

1855

William McIlhenney, Jr., (c.1779-1854), scholar and attorney at law educated at the University of Pennsylvania, became the Athenaeum's third librarian in 1820. He served the Athenaeum well and was its popular librarian for thirty-four years. During his tenure the collections were greatly expanded and the present building was erected. On the back of the canvas: "Post mortem portrait of the late Wm. McIlhenney for thirty-four years the librarian of the Philadelphia Athenaeum. Painted for the Athenaeum by John Neagle. Phila. June 30, 1855."

25" x 30"

Oil on canvas; gilt frame

Gift of John Neagle.

General Collection, Museum Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

AP36.01

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