Historical New Hampshire Magazine Offers Up Intriguing 18th century story
The year was 1768. Ruth Blay’s lips were sealed as to the paternity of her “Bastard child,” found dead under the floorboards of a barn. After being presumed guilty of murdering the babe, she was hung, one of only three women to have met such a fate in the state of New Hampshire. Her remains lay buried today in an unmarked grave.
Carolyn Marvin, a librarian at the Portsmouth Athenaeum, is the researcher and writer of this story. She shows exemplary scholarship in the re-creation of the details of the times (240 years ago), its societal sentiments, and the parameters of Ruth’s own life that led her to be sent to the gallows, protesting her innocence.
All the more captivating is the fact that a piece of wholecloth quilt is believed to have been made into a coverlet by Ruth for the use of her baby. In England, this act of laying up linens for the expected child would have prevented her from meeting the seemingly unwarranted death sentence for murder.
“It appears to have been quilted originally in the mid-1700s as a petticoat and later cut and re-seamed to serve as a coverlet.” (page 17).
Jane Nylander, textile specialist, book writer, and NHHS board member, helped to date and identify the textile in question. You will want to read the whole story!
This publication, which is sent out twice per year, is only one of the reasons why I enjoy being a member of the New Hampshire Historical Society. Other benefits include unlimited free admission to the Museum of NH History; free use of the Society’s library that holds extensive resources for genealogical research, and more; a 15% discount on all museum store purchases with a wide variety of products from which to choose; a quarterly newsletter; membership in the Time Travelers network, with free or reduced admission to more than 150 museums or historic sites, nationwide; invitations to programs; discounts or free admission to lectures and programs; and more.
This story about Ruth Blay was absolutely riveting. It has gripped my attention more than any other article ever published in Historical New Hampshire. Shown is the extant textile in question. True quilt scholars will want to see this article. Why not think about joining the New Hampshire Historical Society, most especially if you live in the area? Now is the time that museums need all the help we can give. I would say that the dollars spent in membership are well worth it. Let’s support these hard-working souls. As usual, another great job of editing was done by Donna-Belle Garvin.
View the New Hampshire Historical Society’s publications page.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
