George W. Jamieson

Who was George W. Jamieson?

George W. Jamieson was an American actor and lapidary, born in Varick Street, New York. His mother was an American of remarkable talents; his father was an Irishman. At an early age he was apprenticed to a lapidary, and in cutting gems he acquired facility, — his cameos being considered models of artistic beauty and truth. In early manhood he went to Washington, where he made excellent cameo portraits — of Henry Clay, and of other distinguished men — and where he became a favorite, both as a man and as an artist. His taste and desire, however, impelled him toward the Stage, and for that profession he studied and practised assiduously in several amateur dramatic societies.

His first regular professional appearance was made at the Bowery Theatre, New York, under the management of Hamblin, in 1835, in his own farce, "The Chameleon." his success was good and he remained an actor all his days. He was engaged in the National Theatre, in 1839; he appeared in Philadelphia for the first time on October 9, 1840; and he made a professional visit to England in 1861. At one time he played opposite parts to the elder Booth and to Edwin Forrest.