Name/Title
Sarah Bledsoe ShelbyEntry/Object ID
Shelby, Sarah BledsoeDescription
The half length face forward portrait is in period clothing with bonnet. Mrs. Shelby is holding glasses in her left hand, and there appear to be bracelets on her left arm.Collection
Private CollectionMade/Created
Artist
Cooper, Washington Bogart, 1802-1889Date made
1830 - 1840Provenance
Notes
The portrait is part of the private collection of the heirs of Attie Gene Humphreys Shriver (Mrs. Thomas A.) who was a descendant of Abraham Bledsoe, Sarah's uncle. Mrs. Shriver inherited the portrait from Mr. T. Graham Hall, a direct descendant.General Notes
Note Type
Historical NoteNote
Sarah Bledsoe Shelby was born in Virginia in 1765 to Col. Anthony Bledsoe and Mary Ramsey Bledsoe. She married David Shelby and they came to Bledsoe Fort (Castalian Springs-Sumner County) in 1784. Sarah was the mother of Dr. John Shelby (born 1785)who was an early Nashville physician, medical school founder, and major East Nashville land owner. Mrs. Shelby died in 1852 and was buried in Pioneer Cemetery in Castalian Springs, Tennessee.Create Date
October 8, 2026Update Date
October 8, 2026