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EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a weekly series on our region's history coordinated by the Trumbull County Historical Society.
While the world may celebrate artists like John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt, Trumbull County quietly nurtured its own talent in the late 19th century: Addison Thomas Millar.
Known locally as "Addie" during his youth, he grew up in Cortland with a passion for art that would eventually take him to international acclaim. Born in 1860 in Bazetta Township at his grandparents' home, Millar spent his formative years in Trumbull County, constantly drawing, sketching and painting. His journey from a boy with big dreams to a celebrated artist showcases the transformative power of talent and determination.
Millar's artistic talent was evident from a young age. In his late teens, he won three consecutive awards from The Youth's Companion, a magazine that hosted annual art contests. Encouraged by these early accolades, Millar pursued his passion with determination. Locally, he took lessons from John Bell (1846-1895), a Warren artist renowned for his landscape paintings and for organizing a group known as The School of Art that would later become the Cleveland Museum of Art.
By the early 1880s, Millar began formal studies in Cincinnati under genre painter De Scott Evans. He later established himself as a portrait painter in Cleveland, where he further refined his craft. Millar's artistic ambitions soon led him to New York City, where he attended the Art Students League and studied with William Merritt Chase at the Shinnecock Hills Summer School of Art.
These experiences helped him develop a signature style characterized by delicate brushwork and evocative themes. In 1894, Millar expanded his horizons by traveling to Paris to study with master artists. He spent several years in Europe, drawing inspiration from its landscapes, culture and history. His visit to Algiers, inspired by a trip to Spain with his mentor, William Merritt Chase became a pivotal moment in his career, leading to his celebrated Orientalist works.
Millar's work gained national and international recognition, with exhibitions in cities like Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia. His paintings found homes in esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Bibliotheque nationale de France.
Many of his pieces remain on permanent display at notable museums, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Rhode Island School of Design.
Locally, Millar's art holds a special place in the hearts of Trumbull County residents. Many individuals and organizations in the area own and treasure his works, which serve as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Millar married Jenny Craft, a Cortland native and the daughter of Francis Craft. The couple had a daughter, Dorothy. Tragically, in 1913, Millar and his wife were killed in an automobile accident in Norwalk, Connecticut, leaving their daughter Dorthy as the sole survivor.
The Trumbull County Historical Society and the Sutliff Museum are proud to preserve collections of Millar's works, primarily watercolors, oil paintings and graphite sketches. These pieces highlight his talent's breadth and connection to his roots. Millar's life and work remain a source of pride and inspiration, underscoring the significant contributions of local artists to the wider cultural landscape. His story reminds us of the power of dedication and the enduring impact of a community that supports its artists.
Moss is the collections and research manager for the Trumbull County Historical Society.