Private Collection

Private Collection

Private Collection

Private Collection

Private Collection

Private Collection

My interest in the Dyer family started many years ago as an undergraduate at Maine College of Art (formerly Portland School of Art). I uncovered a letter written to Daphne from Ishmael in the wall of an apartment I was renovating. The passion and urgency in his writing propelled me to learn more about this little known half-brother to the famous Maine Lawyer Issac Dyer. Who was Ishmael and what did he look like? After twenty years of researching letters, artifacts and photographs, I created these portraits in the hope of giving the world a clearer picture of Ishmael, his parents, wives and children.

Consuela G. Dyer, nee Vanderpump (May 24, 1872 - November 14, 1885). Born in Boston, Mass. to Cornelius and Martha Vanderpump (nee Wigglesworth of the Boston Brahmin Wigglesworths). Consuela, or Connie as she was affectionately known, was well regarded for her “piquante oval face perched upon a long slender neck, her enormous dark eyes fringed with curling lashes, her dimples, and her tiny teeth when she smiled”. She was Ishmael’s first wife and mother to his two children, daughter Leticia and son Edward.

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Daphne G. Dyer, nee O’Leary (September 30, 1876 - August 31, 1900). Born in County Cork, Ireland – parents unknown. Daphne was the Dyer children’s governess until the untimely death of Consuela Dyer (poisoned by a bad apple) when her station quickly changed to chief comforter to Ishmael and eventually his second wife.

Ishmael G. Dyer (February 6, 1871 - March 9, 1896). Born in Baldwin, rural Cumberland County Maine to Abraham and Bonnie Dyer. Younger, half-brother of Issac Dyer. Ishmael travelled extensively throughout his life but spent his later years in Central and Southern Africa in search of the tallest Acacia tree.

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Leticia G. Dyer (May 18, 1880 – July 4, 1906). Born in Portland Maine. Esteemed suffragette who went on hunger strikes countless times for the cause. Her earliest documented hunger strike commenced the day after her father Ishmael married his second wife Daphne.

Abraham G. Dyer (January 11, 1861 – August 11, 1889). Unfortunately little is known of Abraham’s origins. Legend has it that he was a confidant and trusted advisor to PT Barnum and instrumental in the addition of “the juggling giraffe hour” to the live act show.

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Edward G. Dyer (September 19, 1881 – ?). Born in Gorham, Maine. Edward and a team of naturalists set out to explore the Congo River and were never heard from again. There have been some reported sightings of Edward throughout the years but nothing conclusive.

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Bonnie G. Dyer (April 11, 1862 – December 2, 1890). Born in Bethel, Connecticut to John and Mary Sebag-Montifiore. Bonnie was known for her impressive juggling skills and deep Contralto voice.

PRIVATE COLLECTION

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Private Collection

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Private Collection

Private Collection

Private Collection