Tyler Coverlet

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.

Tyler Coverlet Collection Index

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

Visit our gift shop in the museum for Tyler Coverlet reproductions!