Name/Title
New York coverlet by Harry Tyler for Abner C. Hale, 1839, doubleweaveEntry/Object ID
2008.1.297Description
This figured & fancy coverlet was woven by Harry Tyler in Jefferson County, New York for Abner C. Hale in 1839. The two cornerblocks read "Abner C. Hale 1839."
From the Jefferson County Journal, Jan 2, 1894:
"Abner Cable Hale who died at his home near Adams Centre, Wednesday, Dec. 27th, was descened from one of the families that settled earliest in the Black River region of northern New York. His father was David Hale, captain of a troop of cavaly during the war of 1812 and member of the firm Hale, Hart & Williams, the first mercantile firm in Adams. Not long after David Hale's settlement in Adams, whither he had removed from Paris, Oneida County, NY, he was married to Sally Cable, whose parent's lived just south of Adams on the road to Belleville, on the south side of the creek.
Abner Cable Hale, their only child, was born in the village of Adams, Feb. 17, 1809. He was a young man when his father died and he found himself thus confronted by the stern realities of life. For a time he taught school, boarding around, according to the usual custom of pedagogues in the country district schools of that period. To his latest day he was fond of telling his experiences, sometimes sleeping upstairs in log cabins, where, through the large opening in the roof, he could watch the stars above him on a clear night, and during stormy nights the snow would sift down and cover his bed. One of his pupils in those days, and since then an honored member of the state legislature, was present at the funeral of his former teacher and lifelong friend. Not long after his father's death Mr. Hale settled down to his permanent occupation on the farm near Adams Centre. Here, in the year 1843, he brought his young bride, Sally Ann Barton, of Lorraine, who for 36 years was his companion and helper. They had four children [George, Albert, Sarah, and William], all of whom were at the bedside of their father when he peacefully breathed his last.
Mr. Hale was a man of more than ordinary character and influence, an influence solid and enduring in the community in which he lived, because it emanated from a life of moral integrity and Christian fidelity. His ambition was not to occupy a high position in this world, but rather to live a pure and upright life and to do his whole duty whatever it might cost and never to compromise with anything evil or even questionable. He never drank a glass of any alcoholic stimulant and was known as a staunch advocate of temperance. He was a member of the Presbyterian church in Adams more than 62 years, having united with that body in 1831. He did
much for the cause of education whenever and wherever he could, and gladly gave himself much self denial and sacrifice in order that all his children might be liberally educated. A large circle of relatives, neighbors and friends gathered at his late residence on Friday, Dec. 29, at 2 P.M., to pay their last tributes of respect to the memory of one whom they had long loved and esteemed.
One of the landamarks of our earlier history has been removed. An old inhabitant has passed to his grave in peace and honor, leaving the record of a strong personality and noble character."
The coverlet was woven in two panels, which are joined by a center seam. It has a floral wreath centerfield pattern with clover secondary motifs, which repeats horizontally four times. It has borders of trees with fences on the sides and bottom. The doubleweave structure combines a layer of undyed cotton with a layer of red wool. It has no fringe.Collection
Foster and Muriel McCarl CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2008.1Source or Donor
McCarl, Foster & MurielAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
gift of Foster & Muriel McCarlMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Tyler, HarryRole
WeaverDate made
1839Place
County
Jefferson CountyState/Province
New YorkCountry
United States of AmericaNotes
Woven for Abner C. HaleInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionLocation
LL, LRTranscription
ABNER C./HALEMaterial/Technique
WovenType
Border inscriptionLocation
LOWERTranscription
JEFFERSON.CO.NY.Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Other NumberOther Number
McCarl No. 331
