Exploring the lineage of influential figures offers profound insights into the forces that shaped their lives and legacies. Jane Addams, a pioneering social reformer, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and founder of Hull House, stands as a testament to the power of individual action rooted in strong familial foundations. The Swarthmore College Peace Collection holds a remarkable archive that allows us to glimpse into the world that nurtured Addams – a collection of portraits of her family members. These “Addams Family Pictures” offer more than just visual representations; they are windows into the social fabric and personal relationships that influenced one of history’s most impactful women.
Among the earliest “addams family pictures” in the collection are portraits of Jane Addams’ parents, John Huy Addams and Sarah Weber, and her step-mother, Anna Hostetter Haldeman. John Huy Addams (1822-1881), Jane Addams’ father, is captured in a ca. 1850s albumen print. The photograph shows a distinguished man, embodying the stoic demeanor typical of the era. Beside him, Sarah Weber (1817-1863), Jane’s mother, is portrayed in a ca. 1860 albumen print. Her image reflects the grace and poise of a mid-19th century woman. Following Sarah’s passing, John Huy Addams married Anna Hostetter Haldeman (1828-1919). An 1868 albumen print captures Anna, presenting her as a composed and elegant figure who stepped into the role of step-mother to young Jane Addams.
John Huy Addams and Sarah Weber’s union brought forth a large family, including Mary Catherine Addams (1845-1894), Jane Addams’ sister. Mary Catherine is featured in an “addams family picture” alongside her husband, Rev. John Manning Linn (1842-1924). Mary Catherine’s 2.5″ x 4″ albumen print captures a gentle and thoughtful woman. Rev. John Manning Linn’s 2.5″ x 3.5″ tintype portrait showcases a man of intellect and perhaps, a spiritual depth befitting his profession. This “addams family picture” pairing offers a glimpse into the lives of Jane Addams’ sister and brother-in-law, revealing connections and relationships within the broader Addams family circle.
Another of Jane Addams’ siblings, John Weber Addams (1852-1918), is also represented in the collection with his wife, Laura Shoemaker (1856-1937). John Weber Addams’ 4.25″ x 6.5″ cabinet card portrait depicts a man with a kind countenance and steady gaze. Laura Shoemaker’s cabinet card, of the same dimensions, presents a refined woman, likely John Weber Addams’ partner in life and family. These “addams family pictures” of John Weber and Laura Addams contribute to a fuller understanding of the Addams family’s next generation.
Rounding out the sibling portraits is [Sarah] Alice Addams (1853-1915), another sister of Jane Addams, alongside her husband, Dr. Henry Haldeman (1848-1905), who was also Jane Addams’ step-brother through Anna Haldeman’s previous marriage. Sarah Alice Addams’ 2.5″ x 4″ albumen print (carte de visite) captures a delicate and thoughtful woman. Dr. Henry Haldeman’s 4.25″ x 6.5″ cabinet card portrait shows a man of professional bearing, reflecting his status as a doctor. The inclusion of these “addams family pictures” of Alice and Henry Haldeman further expands our visual genealogy of the Addams family.
These “addams family pictures”, preserved at the Swarthmore College Peace Collection, provide invaluable visual resources for anyone seeking to understand the personal and familial context of Jane Addams’ extraordinary life. They are more than just portraits; they are fragments of history that help us connect with the individuals who shaped the world around Jane Addams and, in turn, the world she sought to change for the better. By examining these “addams family pictures”, we gain a deeper appreciation for the roots of her dedication to social justice and peace.
