Did You Know...

A Folk Art Portrait of a Young Nathan Clifford

Nathan Clifford, remembered as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was born on August 18, 1803, in Rumney, New Hampshire. Clifford entered public life soon after, establishing a law practice in Newfield, Maine, at the age of 24. Shortly thereafter, he married Hannah Ayer, the daughter of an influential family. The couple sat for American folk artist Royall Brewster Smith (1801–1855) early in their marriage, most likely between 1833 and 1834. During this time, Clifford served as Maine’s Speaker of the House, as well as state attorney general. In 2017, Brewster’s portrait of Clifford was donated to the Court’s collection, while Mrs. Clifford’s portrait is still privately owned.