Rare Embroidered and Painted Silk Mourning Picture, Mary Frost, Cambridge/ Charlestown, Massachusetts, circa 1813

Worked in silk, chenille, paint and ink on silk; inscribed on the glass, Mary Frost

Betty Daniel, Gooseneck Antiques, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, January 27, 1967.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 67, fig. 109)

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This composition was based on a print. Mary Frost (1794-1835) was the daughter of John Frost and Susanna Hill of Arlington (a part of Cambridge and Charlestown before 1867). Her memorial is dedicated to her brother, mother, and father who died in 1802, 1804, and 1812, respectively. The epitaph was printed with printers' type on silk that was appliqued to the plinth.

Mary Frost was the seventh of eleven children born to John Frost (1760-1812) and Susanna Hill (1760-1804).  Her father was often referred to as "Money John" and his marriage fee was $25.00.  He made bricks, chairs, and also farmed.  Mary married Charles Hastings (1790-1858) and they had five children. (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).