New Jersey doubleweave coverlet woven for Francina Demott

Name/Title

New Jersey doubleweave coverlet woven for Francina Demott

Entry/Object ID

2008.1.373

Description

This figured & fancy coverlet was woven in Bergen County, New Jersey for Francina Demott. The top has an inscription that reads "Francina Demott". Francina Demott was born June 15, 1822 to John I. Demott and Maria Brinkerhoff of Hackensack, Bergen County, NJ. The family belonged to the Dutch Reformed Church (U.S. Dutch Reformed Records). In 1834, John passed away. Francina continued to live on the family farm with her mother and brother, Henry and two laborers (1850 census). In 1850, Henry got married and continued to raise his family on the farm, which was then valued at $30,000 which would equal over 1 million dollars in 2026 (1850 census; family Bible records). The Demott family was quite wealthy and was able to employ servants. In 1865, Maria passed away. On March 19, 1873, Francina married Henry J. Irving, a retired lawyer (NJ marriage records; 1880 census). During this time Francina and her husband Henry moved to Englewood, NJ along with Leah, Francina's brother's widow, and her family (1880 census). Francina passed away in April of 1885 (Find a Grave). The coverlet was woven full-width and has no center seam. It has a floral center medallion pattern. It has wide borders of flowers on the sides with an outer border of leaves. The coverlet has a light side and a dark side with self-fringe on the bottom edge. The doubleweave structure combines a layer of dark blue wool with a layer of lighter blue wool.

Collection

Foster and Muriel McCarl Collection

Category

Center medallion

Acquisition

Accession

2008.1

Source or Donor

McCarl, Foster & Muriel

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

gift of Foster & Muriel McCarl

Made/Created

Place

State/Province

New Jersey

Country

United States of America

Notes

Woven for Francina Demott

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription, Border inscription

Location

centered above upper border

Transcription

Francina Demott

Material/Technique

Woven

Other Names and Numbers

Other Numbers

Number Type

Other Number

Other Number

McCarl No. 69

Material

Cotton, Wool