Images(4)

Woven Doublecloth Coverlet

Date1838

Owned by Catharine Ross Oldham Biles (1813 - 1888)

OriginAmerica, Maryland, Cecil County (possibly)

MediumWarp: wool and cotton; Weft: wool and cotton; Fringe: wool; Tape: wool; Embroidery Threads: cotton

DimensionsOH w/ fringe: 84 1/2" x OW w/fringe: 81 3/4"; fringe: 4"

Credit LineGift in loving memory of Ann Roberson by her sons, John R. and Gary C. Weber

Object number2022.609.3

DescriptionThis is an almost square indigo blue, red, and natural color cotton and wool doublecloth woven coverlet by an unidentified weaver. The pattern consists of alternating blocks of window panes, grids, and stepped squares with a border of pine trees and an outer border of bars. Marked in cotton cross stitches in the top right block is: “C B/ 1838.” Marked in cotton cross stitches in the top left block is: “A. L. K.” The coverlet is formed from two panels (approximately 37 1/4" wide) that are vertically center seamed. There is a 4-inch self-fringe at bottom; a 4-inch applied fringe at sides; and a folded wool twill-weave red tape at top edge.
Label TextA double-woven textile, like this one, is actually made of two layers of cloth woven simultaneously on a loom. Double-woven coverlets are heavy and warm, not only because of the two distinct layers but also because of the air pockets formed between them as part of the weaving process. The border of this coverlet features the popular pine tree motif.

Catharine Ross Oldham Biles, the owner of this coverlet, marked her bedcover in the top right corner block with her initials and the date, "CB / 1838." A subsequent owner, Catharine's granddaughter Ann Langtry Kirk, marked the top left corner with the initials "A. L. K."
MarkingsMarked in cotton cross stitches in the top right block is: “C B/ 1838.” Marked in cotton cross stitches in the top left block is: “A. L. K.”
ProvenanceThe woven coverlet descended from the owner, Catharine Ross Oldham Biles (1813-1888); to her daughter Victoria Paxson Biles Kirk (1839-1921), to her daughter Ann Langtry Kirk Roberson (1881-1967); to her daughter Ann Kirk Roberson Weber (1921-2003); to her son Gary Clifford Weber (b. 1953) who is the donor of the coverlet and great, great grandson of Catharine Ross Oldham Biles.

History of coverlet owner:
Catharine Ross Oldham Biles was the daughter of Levi Oldham (1779-1814) and Micah Rowls Oldham (1783-1857), both of whom died in Cecil County, Maryland. In 1836, Catharine created a sampler that she marked "Catharine R. Oldham/ Lombardville/ 1836." The sampler includes half geometric medallions, baskets, and sprays of flowers seen in Quaker samplers. She married Charles Biles of Cecil County, Maryland, and they had at least six children: Anna McCarer Biles Darlington (1836-19070; Louesa B. Biles Wilson (1837-1899); Victoria Paxson Biles Kirk (1839-1921); George Leedom Biles (1843-1844); Charles Ross Biles (1849-1919); and George Washington Biles (1852-1934). Catharine died on July 20, 1888, after a short illness. She was described as "greatly esteemed by her many relatives and friends for her many good traits of character. She was very entertaining and instructive as a conversationalist." She is buried at Rosebank Cemetery, Calvert, Cecil County, Maryland.