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.