Family Register
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Lucy Morgan
American, 1811 - 1890
Date1822
MediumEmbroidery; silk thread on a plain-woven, undyed linen ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 17 1/8 x 14 1/2in. (43.5 x 36.8cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mrs. James L. Goodwin
DescriptionFamily register worked in blue green, pink and light green silk threads on a plain-woven, undyed, linen ground using cross stitches. The register is rectangular, oriented vertically. It is laid out with the words "FAMILY REGISTER", over seven rows of family details, over two inscriptions at the bottom. The first inscription is a verse, "When youths soft season shall be oer/ And scenes of childhood charm no more/ My riper years with joy shall see/ This proof of youthful industry". The second inscription is "Lucy Morgan wrought this in the 11th year/ of her age Hartford January 10th 1822". Parts of the family details and inscriptions are separated by narrow horizontal meandering borders. The text is surrounded by a wide empty margin then a four-sided narrow, geometric border at the edge.
The register has a 3/16-inch double-turned hem on all four edges. The register is not framed or mounted.
Letters and Numbers: The words "FAMILY REGISTER" are in uppercase script.
Stitches: The register is worked in cross stitch (over two and over one).
Condition: The register has minimal fading. The ground is weakened at visible center horizontal and vertical folds. There are many small stains. The register is not framed or mounted.
The register has a 3/16-inch double-turned hem on all four edges. The register is not framed or mounted.
Letters and Numbers: The words "FAMILY REGISTER" are in uppercase script.
Stitches: The register is worked in cross stitch (over two and over one).
Condition: The register has minimal fading. The ground is weakened at visible center horizontal and vertical folds. There are many small stains. The register is not framed or mounted.
Object number1968.3.19
MarkingsTranscription of text lines: "FAMILY REGISTER./ Joseph Morgan was born January 4th 1780/ Sarah Spencer was born April 8th 1787/ They were Married ………….. September 20th 1807/ Their Children are as follows/ Mary Morgan was born November 19th 1808/ Lucy Morgan was born February 4th 1811/ Junius S Morgan was born April 14th 1813/ When youths soft season shall be oer/ And scenes of childhood charm no more/ My riper years with joy shall see/ This proof of youthful industry/ Lucy Morgan wrought this in the 11th year/ of her age Hartford January 10th 1822".NotesHistorical Note: The embroiderer's brother, Junius Spencer Morgan (1813-1890) was a prosperous investment banker and partner in mercantile firms in Hartford, Boston and London. His son John Pierpont Morgan, Sr. (1837-1913) was born in Hartford, Connecticut.Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
