Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificate for John D. 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

Creator Notes

Possibly created by John Barnard in Frederick County, Virginia.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

57.117.7

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: 6.375 in

Inscriptions

JOHN D. | HOWARD | Was Born on the 15th Day of January In the year of our | Lord 1738, and was Married on the [blank] Day of [blank] | In the year of our Lord [blank], And he Departed this | Life on the 22nd Day of July...In the ye[a]r of our Lord | , 1804. MARY CRAIL | Wife of said John D. How...ard, and she was Born on the 19th Day | Of March In the year of our Lord 1751.