Marriage Certificate for Joseph Rhodes and Frances Brown, circa 1803

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Artifact Overview

Early European inhabitants in the Valley of Virginia created decorative documents to commemorate important family events. Most of these keepsakes, known as Fraktur, were created by and for German immigrants. Others show influences from the English, Irish or Scot-Irish settlers. This design suggests similarities with German Fraktur, but differs in format, language and imagery -- a blending of art and traditions between the Valley's ethnic populations.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Fraktur (Document)

Date Made

circa 1803

Creator Notes

Probably made in Frederick or Loudoun County, Virginia.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

61.6.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Ink
Watercolor (Paint)
Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Watercolor painting (Technique)

Color

Red
Black (Color)
Green
Yellow (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8.813 in (framed)
Width: 20.813 in (framed)

Inscriptions

JOSEPH RHODES | Was Born on ye 6th Day of June In the year | Of our Lord 1778 And was Married on ye 30th Day | Of June In the year of our Lord 1803 To | FRANCES BROWN | His Wife who was Born on ye 30th Day of July | In the year of our Lord 1783
Marriage Certificate for Joseph Rhodes and Frances Brown, circa 1803