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Description
The woman pictured in the lower left tintype is no doubt Laura Berry. It is likely that the "little sister who died" is the girl pictured in the tintype at the lower right side of the piece based on the specific description of her hair in the poem. "To the Memory of Our Little Sister Who Died on the Road to California in 1857" She was our parents treasure, Their darling, and their pride. Her life was like sunbeam; So, she faded away, and died. Oh, bitter was that hour! When they laid their little child Beneath the arching canopy, Among the savages wild. She was a happy creature, Beloved by all, so dear. Her voice, like the feathered songster's, Was soft, and sweet to hear. Her little silken ringlets, Of bright auburn hair, Clustered on her forehead, So innocent, and fair. Her eyes were like the violets, That bloom in natures bowers; And look so mild and gentle, Among the gorgeous flowers. But now she is a angel. Her home is up on high. And in her Makers crown, she is A jewel in the sky. "Designed and Drawn by Laura Berry"
Type
image
Format
Illustration: watercolor, pencil, pen and ink; tintypes, and a cartes-de-vi
Identifier
DA5E9955-E81A-4AFA-BE22-753339366469 1995-115-1
Subject
Portraits California Oregon Overland Trail Poetry Memorial works Gold rushes Berry, Laura
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