Birth and Death Certificate for Elizabeth Howard, circa 1820

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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 1820

Subject Date

16 February 1805

Creator Notes

Possibly created by John Barnard in Frederick County, Virginia.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

57.117.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Ink
Watercolor (Paint)

Technique

Watercolor painting (Technique)

Color

Red
Green
Yellow (Color)
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 7.438 in
Width: 6.313 in

Inscriptions

ELIZABETH | HOWARD | Daughter of Jonathan Howard and Mary his Wife | Was Born on the 16th Day of February, In the Year | Of our Lord 1805, and Departed this Life | On the 20th Day of February In the Year of our Lord 1805