BERKELEY CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA (NOW WEST VIRGINIA) FOLK ART FRAKTUR BIRTH AND BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE, watercolor and ink on paper, featuring a central heart with "Catharina" above the German inscription for Catharina Hill, born December 19, 1796 in Berkeley Co., Virginia, father Christian Hill, mother Catharina Yeisley, surrounded by flowers and vines, inscribed Catharina Hill Bowin below. Housed under glass in a slightly later molded yellow pine frame. Together with a circa 1900 photograph of the fraktur hanging above a fireplace within a kitchen setting, probably Rose Hall, Waynesboro, VA. Two pieces total. Circa 1796. 7 1/2" x 11 1/2" sight, 12 1/2" x 15 1/2" OA.
Fair as-found condition, separations at fold lines, laid on stiff paper stock, staining and fading. Not examined out of frame.
Provenance: Estate of Gene H. Baber, Fishersville, VA._x000D_
From William Bowen Gallaher, Waynesboro, VA_x000D_
Descended directly in the family.
Catalogue Note: Catharina Hill (1796-1878) was born in Shepherdstown, Berkeley (now Jefferson) Co., Virginia (now West Virginia). Her ancestors included the Briscoe, Hite, and Yeisley families. She married William Bowin (1791-1875) also of Shepherdstown. This fraktur descended to William Bowen Gallaher Jr. The Gallaher family owned Rose Hall in Waynesboro which is where the accompanying photo was likely taken.

Fair as-found condition, separations at fold lines, laid on stiff paper stock, staining and fading. Not examined out of frame.