Quilt
Period1843
Place MadeNew York or New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumCotton
Dimensions103.25 × 90.75 in. (262.3 × 230.5 cm)
InscribedNames embroidered in cross stitch include C. A. Lisk, H. M. Egbert, E. Simonson, G. Dupuy, E. G. Richards (including the location Staten Island), E. Housman, E Crocheron, a second E. Crocheron, L A. Decker, M. A. Housman, F. M. Shotwell, E. M. Shotwell, M. A. Hunt, R. Hunt, A. E. Loots, G. Decker, E. Decker, H. Decker, and E. A. Burbank. Some of the names also include the year 1843.
ClassificationsQuilts and Coverlets
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Joseph Marshall, 1933
Object number425
DescriptionFifteen hand-pieced and blind-stitched applique "Mariner's Compass" variation blocks of printed cotton fabrics in shades of red, green and blue, set on point with sashing of a green print and appliqued hearts set on the white background fabric of each of the four corners of every block. Inked and cross-stitched initials and "signatuares" appear in the center of each Mariner's Compass block, with the presentation block reading "Presented to mrs. Hitchens September 26, 1843." The quilt backing is of plain woven white cotton with very thin batting and fine outline quilting stitches with diamond pattern quilting within the sashing strips. The backing is brought to the front as a binding.Curatorial RemarksPieced and appliqued quilts were often made by female members of congregations as presentation gifts for ministers and their wives either to commemorate a particular date or on a minister's departure to another congregation. These differ from fundraising quilts, in which blocks were "sold" to members of the community in exchange for their names being inked or embroidered within the quilt design. The Mariner's Compass quilt pattern is one of the oldest and most consistently named designs. Very early references to a pattern of this name dates to about 1793. The earliest surviving Mariner's Compass quilt is dated 1834, with the majority of Mariner's Compass quilts being produced between 1840 and 1850, most along the Eastern Seaboard. The pattern itself is pieced, not appliqued, and requires a high level of cutting and sewing skills to achieve the sharp points and razor-straight edges. This particular quilt was exceptionally well-planned and executed. Fifteen full Mariner's Compass blocks are set on point, with "half compass" blocks along the edges. Narrow dark blue-green sashing creates a bold diagonal, with each intersection highlighted by pairs of appliqued "petals" adding even more visual complexity.NotesThe original accession records note that this is "one of three bedspreads presented to the mother of [the donor] Mrs. Marshall (Arietta Hitchens daughter of Rev. George Hitchens." George Hitchens was born in England in 1815 and emigtrated to the United States in around 1831. In 1837, Hitchens was ordained and was admitted tot he New Jersey Conference. In 1840, Hitchens married Huldah Ann Obert (1816-1899). The couple had at least four children: Harriet, born in 1842; William, born in 1844; Mary E., born in 1848; and Arietta, born in 1854. In some genealogical records, it appears that eldest daughter Harriet and youngest girl Arietta were sometimes confused. The family seems to have moved somewhat often. George and Huldah married in Burlington County, New Jersey. By 1850, the couple and their first children were living in Lower Penns Neck in Salem County, New Jersey. Hitchens served both as pastor and as traveling preacher, covering at various times Methodist churches in Gloucester County, Cumberland County, Monmouth County, and other areas. He did not serve as pastor very long in any one location. Between 1850 and 1860, the Hitchens family stayed longest in the Penns Neck area. After that, Hitchens moved from Glassboro in Gloucester County (1855-1857), Red Bank, Monmouth County (1859), Adelphia, Monmouth County 1879), Howell, Monmouth County (1880), Keyport/Mechanicsville area, particularly St. John's Methodist Church (1887), and others. Hitchens preached at summer Methodist camps at Ocean Grove. In 1888, Rev. Hitchens was appointed as a preacher for Clarksboro in Gloucester County, but put in an application to be relieved of the position due to age and poor health. By 1889, Hitchens and his wife settled in Passaic, Passaic County, New Jersey. In 1890, George and Huldah Hitchens celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary, which was published in several newspapers, noting that Hitchens "is well known in Monmouth, where he was for several years engaged in ministerial work." HIs obituary published in the Camden Courier-Post on August 29, 1895, noted that he was called "Father" Hitchens, and had been a member of the Methodist New Jersey Conference for 58 years. The only surviving family members mentioned other than his son-in-law Dr. J. W. Marshall, also a Methodist minister, was his wife Huldah and daughter Arietta Hitchens Marshall. This "Mariner's Compass" appliqued quilt is one of three given to the Hitchens family by grateful congregants. The two other quilts are accession numbers 424 (a sampler album style) and 426 (a sawtooth pattern). The names of the quilters have not been specifically identifed, although some of the surnames appear to originate from Monmouth and Union Counties. One block is embroidered "E. G. Richards / Staten Island." Hitchens does not appear to have preached in this area during his long career, and the individual may have been a colleague, friend, or relative of the Hitchens family.
Collections
ProvenanceReverend George Hitchens (1815-1895) and Huldah Ann Obert Hitchens (1816-1899) to their daughter Arietta Ann Hitchens Marshall (Mrs. William H. B.) (1854-1939)
