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Tyler Coverlet Collection
from the JCHS Archives
Harry Tyler
- Weaver
Harry Tyler was a prominent weaver in 19th century Jefferson County. He was known primarily for his bridal coverlets that were inscribed with the name of the bride, her county of origin, and the year in which the coverlet was woven. These coverlets were an essential piece of every upper class bride’s “setting out.” Though famous for these wedding coverlets, Tyler’s repertoire also included coverlets for other occasions such as baptisms and births. He also wove non-occasion coverlets and rugs for children as well as individuals.
Harry Tyler was born
in Connecticut in 1801 to English parents. Tyler
eventually settled in Butterville, Jefferson County in 1834. It was then
that he began to weave his famous coverlets. Of a mechanical mind, Tyler
built his own looms on which all the coverlets were woven, either by
himself or his children who apprenticed under him. The coverlets came in
two predominate colors: red or blue, with the dye sourced locally from
Elisha Camp of Sacket’s Harbor. They were also reversible, with the
dominant color on the front set against a white background on the back.
The coverlets were made of two pieces sewn together— the right and left
side of the coverlets (on both sides) were mirror images of each other.
Another distinguishing feature among the coverlets is the symbol on
the bottom right hand corner. The early coverlets were adorned with a
lion, a nod to Tyler’s English heritage. Eventually, the American eagle
was introduced. It is said that British brides preferred the lion,
British brides with American sentiments requested the lion with stars,
and American brides chose the eagle.
Harry Tyler died in 1858 at the age of 57 after suffering a stroke and is buried in Smithville Cemetery, Jefferson County, NY.
The Tyler Coverlet Collection
The Jefferson County Historical Society is fortunate to have over 40 Harry Tyler coverlets in its collection. These coverlets are displayed on a rotational basis in the second floor bedroom. Listed below is an index to the Tyler Coverlet Collection. If you would like to see a particular coverlet, please contact the Curator at (315) 782-3491.
| Angel, Mary E. Eagle - Red 1856 |
Gurnee, Emily E. Eagle - Red 1852 |
Loveland, Olive R. Eagle - Blue 1848 |
Reeves, Lorinda Eagle - Blue 1843 |
White, Cynthia Ann Lion - Blue 1844 |
| Barrett, Eunice Eagle - Blue 1840 |
Hadcock, Simeon Eagle - Red 1854 |
Mankell, Mary Ann Lion - Blue 1840 |
Rice, Caroline Lion - Blue 1838 |
Wilconson, Martha Eagle - Blue 1848 |
| Bristol, Jerusha M. Eagle - Blue 1854 |
Hatch, Mary Maria Lion - Blue 1843 |
Mantle, Dorothy R. Lion - Blue 1839 |
Sterrett, Adelia E. Lion - Blue 1844 |
Wilcox, Maria Lion - Red 1841 |
| Chapman, Etta Tyler Lion - Blue 1835 |
Hungerford, Eliza Eagle - Blue 1850 |
Moore, Laura Lion - Blue 1839 |
Taylor, Philetus S. Lion - Red 1842 |
Withington, Elizabeth Eagle - Red 1852 |
| Clark, Sally Lion - Red 1841 |
Hungerford, G. W. Lion - Red 1830 |
More, Christian Eagle - Blue 1854 |
Terry, Hannah Lion - Blue 1840 |
|
| Crittenton, Isaac D. Eagle - Blue 1851 |
Jenka, Olive Eagle - Blue 1846 |
Packer, Ruth Ann Lion - Red 1843 |
Tyler, Cynthia White 1857 |
|
| Crook, Polly Lion - Red 1840 |
Klock, Catherine Eagle - Blue 1850 |
Parish, Eliza Ann Lion - Blue 1843 |
Washburn, Elizabeth Lion - Blue 1842 |
|
| Crook, Polly Eagle - Blue 1842 |
Ladd, Matilda C. Eagle - Blue 1848 |
Phelps, Jonathan E. Eagle - Red 1849 |
Washburn, Electa Eagle - Red 1856 |
|
| Frazier, Matilda Eagle - Blue 1851 |
Lam, Emily Lion - Blue 1845 |
Pierce, Nancy C. Eagle - Blue 1851 |
Webster, Lois Lion - Blue 1842 |
|
| Greene, Return R. Lion - Blue 1842 |
Lewis, Sarah Eagle - Blue 1845 |
Powers, Nancy M. Eagle - Red 1849 |
White, Emma Jane Eagle - Red 1856 |
Tyler
Coverlet Reproduction
Give that special someone a unique gift of a reproduction of a Harry Tyler coverlet. The original coverlet was woven for Sarah Lewis of LaFargeville, NY in 1845 by Harry Tyler. Measuring 50" x 70" it is woven of 100% cotton in Natural and Navy Blue colors. For just $45 plus tax, you can give a gift that will last a lifetime. This coverlet is a replica of an actual coverlet in the museum’s collection. Visit the Gift Shop...