American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts

Provenance:

Lucy Payne Washington Todd (1769-1846), to granddaughter Eugenia Washington (1838-1900), to the Brooklyn, New York Fort Greene Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1896, by Eliza Matilda Chandler White (Mrs. Stephen Van Culen White, 1831-1907),

Parke-Bernet, October 30, 1973, lot 208,

Maury A. Bromsen, Boston, Massachusetts, acquired from above,

Paul E. Basile, Boston, purchased directly from above, February 1, 1981.

Estate of Paul E. Basile, Boston, Massachusetts.

Note:

Belonging to an era when people exchanged hair as a memento, Lucy Payne was well situated to obtain a lock of hair belonging to General Washington. Lucy Payne married her first husband, George Steptoe Washington (1772-1809), a nephew and former ward of President George Washington in 1794. George Steptoe was raised and educated by George and Martha Washington, and served as an executor to his uncle's estate.

After the death of George Steptoe Washington, Lucy married Thomas Todd (1765-1826), an associate member of the U.S. Supreme Court. The wedding, in March of 1812, was the first to take place in the White House. Her sister was first lady, Dolley Payne Todd Madison (1768-1849), wife of President James Madison.

According to the note accompanying lot, the mourning brooch was given by Lucy Washington Todd to her granddaughter Eugenia Scholay Washington. A founder of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Eugenia served as the DAR's first Registrar General. Her name was the first on the grand roll of members.

Eliza Matilda Chandler White was an social reformer, philanthropist and leader of numerous late 19th century women's groups. Active as a fund raiser for the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and founder of the Fort Green Chapter of the D.A.R. White was likely acquainted with Eugenia Washington. White's husband, Stephen Van Cullen White, also served as an U.S. Republican Representative from New York from 1887-1889. Eugenia Washington was a resident of Washington, DC from 1867 until her death in 1900.