Woman's cap of black silk, worn by Quakeress Mercy M.C. Wood. Well-made, likely by a millinery shop that specialized in such headwear; at least some stitching seems to be hand-done. Cap was perhaps worn under bonnet (G09.2.1)
Viewed from side (collapsed), the cap front is about 6" deep (front to back) at the top. The back section is about 3.5" deep and is gathered at bottom with a draw string of 1/4"-wide black ribbon. Cap ties attached at front bottom corners are 12" long and 3" wide, but reduced by pleating. Ends have a 1"-wide hem. Stitching done in brown thread.
Mercy Moore Carter Wood (b. Nov. 29, 1822 and d. Sept. 14, 1911) married James Wood in 1845, lived on a farm in Little Britain Twp. near Kirk Mills and raised 8 children. James Wood was a farmer and bank director. The Woods were members of the Eastland Friends Meeting, located in Little Britain Twp. between Wrightsdale and Kirks Mills.
See G09.2.1 for bonnet of same owner.
Provenance
Descended in family to donor who is the great granddaughter of Mercy Wood.
See file of bonnet for: short bio on Mercy Moore Carter Wood, history of Eastland Friends Meeting, family tree, history of Little Britain Township, and "A History of the Little Britain Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, 1804-1954" by Helen Wood Shortlidge.
Credit
Heritage Center Collection, gift of Ruth C. Wodock
