E. R. Morse

E. R. Morse was an American illustrator active in Boston during the 1870s, known for his work in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. His drawings covered scenes of daily life and education, including Dressmaking at the Winthrop School and Boffin’s Bower, Boston. Morse combined clear perspective with careful detail, making his images well suited for translation into wood engravings.

Though little is known about his life, his published work reflects the sharp eye of a reporter and the skill of a trained draftsman. His illustrations capture the look of Boston’s schools, workshops, and streets during a time of rapid change, preserving a truthful record of ordinary life in the late nineteenth century.