suit - child's

suit - child's

Two-piece little boy’s suit, white linen with embroidered pink and beige flowers and tan and brown leaves; lace trim on top (a). Made by Mary Jane Lancaster Spalding (1816-1895), who in 1837 was the first graduate of Loretto Academy (Nerinx, KY). She made this suit for her son John Lancaster Spalding (1840-1916), who became the first Bishop of Peoria (1877-1908). Mary was John's only teacher until he was twelve. According to the Loretto Academy account book, Mary began attending the school in spring 1835. Her account was paid partially in cash and partially in bushels of corn.

See also #0350, made by Mary's sister-in-law Caroline Spalding McAtee. Mary's husband, Richard Marcus Spalding (1808-1883), was a sibling of former Sr. Constantia (Anastasia or Ann Constantia) Spalding, SL; Sr. Perpetua (Julia) Spalding, SL; and Archbishop Martin John Spalding. Mary was also the sister of Mary Ellen Lancaster Churchill (1802-1850), who was a Sister of Loretto with the name Sr. Ignatia c. 1832-1846.

Mary Jane Lancaster Spalding

1840s

23" x 16"

Costume

0376a-b