A Mourning Miniature in Memory of Colonel Samuel Meredith, Jr.,
attributed to Samuel Folwell, dated 1808.

Colonel Samuel Meredith, Jr. (1732-1808) commanded the 1st Battalion of Virginia Minute Men. Meredith, a native of Hanover, Virginia, started his military career as a captain in the French and Indian Wars. An ardent patriot, he and his brother-in-law, Patrick Henry, in command of the Hanover Volunteers, raided the Royal Governor's supplies of gun powder, effectively starting the Revolution in Virginia. Meredith served in the House of Burgesses from 1775-1779, and as Colonel in the 13th Regiment, leading his troops at Yorktown. After the war, Meredith his wife, Mary Jane Henry and their children moved to "Winton" in New Glasgow, Amherst County, Virginia. There Meredith served as Sheriff and Justice of the Peace. Meredith is buried at "Winton," now open to the public.

Set in the original ‘rolled gold' locket frame, the reverse with an aperture containing plaited hair and cut gold initials.

2 3/4 inches high.

Samuel Folwell (c. 1765-1813) worked as a miniaturist, silhouettist, engraver, hairworker, needlework designer and teacher. Appearing in America in 1788, Folwell started as an itinerant, but by 1791 he had settled in Philadelphia where he remained for the rest of his life. Best known now for the silkwork faces he drew for his wife's school for girls, Folwell's portraits and mourning pieces exhibit all the same charm.