Textiles (Furnishing)
Fanny Johnson McPherson (Maker)
Boott Mills (Printer)
Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America
1835-1850
Cotton
Pieced, Quilted, Roller printed
1972.0057
Object Number1972.0057 |
Quilt (Pieced quilt)
Textiles (Furnishing)
Gift of Mrs. John W. Avirett
Fanny Johnson McPherson (Maker)
1799-1893
Fanny Johnson was the granddaughter of Governor Thomas Johnson (the first Maryland governor after the Revolution). She married John McPherson in December, 1823 and spent her entire life in Frederick, Maryland. She was "regarded as one of the most beautiful women of the land," and was a favorite at the White House, where her cousin Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams was married to John Quincy Adams.
Fanny married Col. John McPherson (1796-1874) in 1823. Her husband was the son of another Col. John McPherson, the "largest manufacturer of iron and owner of real estate in Western Maryland." Her husband at one time owned the Catoctin Furnaces (originally founded by Catherine's family), whose products are represented in Winterthur's collection by a fireback (63.75) and a ten-plate stove (60.771).
Fanny was closely involved with the December 1825 celebrations attending the visit of Lafayette to Frederick, where he stayed with her father-in-law. Her husband, then a captain, contributed "a keg of his fine old peach brandy of rare flavor" to the banquet held to honor the French hero of the American Revolution at Talbott's Tavern. She probably attended the ball held at Mr. Talbott's, which is said to be "the most famous that ever took place in Frederick County.
Boott Mills (Printer)
1835
Now part of Lowell National Historical Park
Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America
1835-1850
1. Signature; Backing on end of one shorter side; Stamped "BOOTT MILLS/ LOWELL" within a floral and leafy wreath with a banner below
2. Signature; Backing on end of one shorter side; Illegible stamped inscription
Cotton
Pieced, Quilted, Roller printed
117 (L) , 121 (W)
297.18 (L) , 307.34 (W)
Text available soon.
[Book] Swan, Susan Burrows. 1977 Plain & Fancy: American Women and Their Needlework, 1700-1850.
• Published: p. 206, 207, fig 117
[Book] Eaton, Linda. 2007 Quilts in a Material World: Selections from the Winterthur Collection.
• Published: Chapter 3, pp. 86-87
[Article] Eaton, Linda. 2007 Winterthur Primer: A Look at Fabrics on Early American Quilts. Antiques and Fine Art.
• Published: p. 310, fig. 3, 3a.
[Book] Scharf, John Thomas. 1882 History of Western Maryland;. I-II.
• Vol. I has information on Fanny Johnson
[Book] Montgomery, Florence. 1970 Printed Textiles: English and American Cottons and Linens 1700-1850.
• Related chintz patterns, p. 307-308