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DS1989-0625
Counterpane, White Cotton Embroidery
DS1989-0625

Counterpane, White Cotton Embroidery

Date1820-1830
Maker Mary "Polly" Armentrout Circle (1800-1875)
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Botetourt County or Rockbridge County (probably)
MediumCotton with cotton embroidery and netted fringe
DimensionsOL 84 3/8" x OW 73"; Fringe: 4-5"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1989-350
DescriptionThis is a rectangular white counterpane embroidered with heavy cotton thread. The design consists of a basket from which a number of large, flowering stems extend upward nearly to the top of the counterpane. An undulating vine, laden with flowers, leaves and stylized pineapples, surrounds the basket. At each corner is an isolated motif, either a flower or a diamond with trefoils. A zig-zag motif forms an outer border on two side edges. An inscription is stitched upside-down along top edge; it reads: "MC + BORN Febuary [sic] 11 + 1800 +". The counterpane is made of two panels, seamed with butted selvages down the center and finished with narrow rolled hems. A netted fringe is attached to the sides and bottom edge. The entire counterpane is worked in a spaced back stitch resembling running stitch on the front.
Label TextThis counterpane, or bedcover, was created by using thick white embroidery threads in a variety of decorative stitches on a white cotton ground. It was made by Mary "Polly" Armentrout Circle at some point after her marriage to Mathias Circle in 1818. The counterpane passed along the female line until it was sold around 1980.
ProvenanceRalph Arthur, Jr. purchased this counterpane from the estate of Mattie Green Hinkle Phipps (1893-1978) around 1980. Mattie Green Hinkle Phipps was the daughter of Samuel Hinkle (1856-1892) and Bertha Shirkey (1856-1928). Bertha Shirkey was the daughter of Oliver Shirkey (1827-1908) and Mary Circle (1830-1904). Mary Circle was the daughter of Mathias Circle (1797-1857) and the counterpane’s maker, Mary “Polly” Armentrout (1800-1875). The next recorded owner after Ralph Arthur, Jr. was Allison Moore, who sold the counterpane to Colonial Williamsburg in 1989.

History of Maker:

Mary "Polly" Armentrout was the daughter of Charles Rush Armentrout (1773-1845) and Elizabeth Nicely (1770-1855). Mary was born in February 1800 in Rockbridge County, Virginia. On October 23, 1818, Mary married Mathias Circle (1797-1857). Mary and Matthias had eleven children: Frances Meyers (1819-1879), Elizabeth (1821-1897), Margaret (1823-1912), Ann (1825-1882), John Lewis (1827-1918), Mary (1830-1904), Andrew (1832-1863), Isabella (1834-1917), Jeanette (1836-1861), Charles (b. 1840), and Narcissa (1844-1861). Mary died in September 1875 in Botetourt County, Virginia and is buried in Collierstown, Virginia.