2001.M07

Portrait

2001.M07.02

Of German descent Emilie Kalisky Vezin lived in Philadelphia her entire life. She married Charles Vezin, an immigrant from Osnebrauch, Hanover. The couple married in 1820, when Emilie was 17 years old. Charles had been a very avid chess player in France and brought the game with him to Philadelphia. Emilie and Charles are well-known in the history of the Athenaeum for the introduction of chess to their members. Many of the men of the Athenaeum chess players were Charles Vezin's pupils. Charles is considered the founder and father of chess in Philadelphia.

Emilie was tasked with raising their children and accompanying Charles to many social events, including some at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Unfortunately, this wife and mother met a tragic death. On September 23, 1858 the ship the Austria burned, killing 471 people aboard. Emilie and two daughters were among those who perished. According to an account by her son Alfred, the ship caught fire and as he was trying to reach his mother and sisters, the flames consumed them. In a news article written about the disaster, it was said of Emilie that "Mrs. Vezin is extensively known in Philadelphia for her many charitable acts to the poor, all of whom, if she should not be among the saved, will deeply feel her loss."

Her portrait, along with one of Charles, is currently on display in the Chess Room.