"Governor's Garden" Overshot Coverlet, c. 1850
Wool and linen, 100 x 94-3/4 inches
Collection, The Kentucky Museum, Bowling Green

Mary Ann (Rose) Riley was born November 25, 1829 daughter of Rueben and Patsy (Mason) Rose of Robertson County, Tennessee. After her marriage to James A. Riley in 1846 she moved to Logan County, Kentucky to establish a home in the Olmstead community and eventually bear ten children. The coverlet on exhibit is woven in the Governor's Garden pattern in an overshot technique. Wool yarns of navy and red "float" over a tabby background of linen to create the design. Overshot coverlets were constructed on four-harness looms in separate pieces and sewn together. The women of the household typically wove bed coverings such as these. Mary Ann Riley died January 29, 1894 in Cumberland County.

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