Name/Title
Shellman, Catherine JonesEntry/Object ID
1952.228.001Description
Print, photographic. Catherine Jones Shellman. Photograph hand-tinted with charcoal. Rectangular wood frame, gold-painted gesso bead trim. 32.5"h x 28.5"w x 1"d.Context
Catherine Jones Shellman was Mary Bostwick Shellman's mother. Born in 1815, she was the daughter of Philip Jones and Mary Beam. Catherine married Colonel James Meriwether Shellman on May 16, 1841. Following her husband's death in 1851, which left her with four young children, Catherine demonstrated characteristic independence by deciding to support her family through her own efforts, specifically by starting a school. She moved her family to the house now known as the Sherman-Fisher-Shellman House in 1864, a property purchased by her brother as trustee for her children, and she continued to conduct her school from this new residence. Catherine lived in the house for thirty-five years until her death on December 5, 1898. Her obituary described her as one of the community's purest and noblest characters. As an original parishioner of the Ascension Church in Westminster, her funeral services were held there. Since she did not leave a will, settling her estate was difficult, leading to her daughters Fanny and Mary suing their late brother Harry's children; ultimately, the court decreed the property be sold, and Fanny Pearson purchased the house in 1899. Mary later referred to her mother affectionately as her "sainted mother".Acquisition
Accession
1952.228Source or Donor
Shellman, Mary WinslowAcquisition Method
Gift
