John Amory Codman

John Amory Codman (1824-1886) was an artist in Boston, Massachusetts, in the 19th century.[1] He was affiliated with the New England Art Union,[2] and kept a studio in Amory Hall in the 1850s.[3]

His wealth came from the Russian and China clipper trade. He married Martha Pickman Rogers (1829-1905) and their only surviving child was Martha Codman Karolik.[4] She was a major benefactor to the arts.[5][4]

Codman's will was the subject of several sensational court cases. He had left a substantial amount to his mistress, the widow Mrs. Eliza Ann Hales Kimball a.k.a. Violet Kimball, but the bequest was challenged by his wife and daughter. The decision on the first case allowed the bequest to stand[6] but it was appealed and the will was overthrown.[7] After further legal maneuvering, a settlement was reached.[8] Mrs. Kimball received $15,000, rather than the $40,000 and additional considerations specified in the will.

References
  1. Massachusetts Historical Society. "Karolik-Codman Family Papers, 1714-1964: Guide to the Collection". Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  2. Bulletin of the New England Art Union, no. 1, 1852.
  3. Boston Directory. 1852
  4. "Karolik-Codman Family Papers". Massachusetts Historical Society. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  5. "Mrs. Karolik, 92, Art Patron, Dies. Newport Leader and Husband Gave $400,000 Collection of Americana Museum". New York Times. April 22, 1948.
  6. "The Codman Will Stands". The New York Times. July 10, 1887. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  7. "Broken! John Amory Codman's Will Overthrown". The Boston Globe. December 24, 1887. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  8. "Violet's $15,000". The Boston Globe. April 20, 1889. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  • Squam Lake, New Hampshire, by J.A. Codman, 1848
    Squam Lake, New Hampshire, by J.A. Codman, 1848
  • New Hampshire lake scene, 19th century
    New Hampshire lake scene, 19th century
  • Harbor scene, by J.A. Codman, 1850s (courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)
    Harbor scene, by J.A. Codman, 1850s (courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)
  • Marblehead Neck and Tinkers Island, Mass., 1850s
    Marblehead Neck and Tinkers Island, Mass., 1850s
  • Detail from advertisement for "Art Cabinet" travelling exhibition, including J.A. Codman, 19th century
    Detail from advertisement for "Art Cabinet" travelling exhibition, including J.A. Codman, 19th century
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