Ann Eliza Morehead

 

Like Gov. Morehead’s, this portrait is a copy painted by Browne in 1886. It is believed that Browne painted these copies for their daughter Emma Morehead Gray. As one can see by the signature on the back of the frame (see image below), it was owned by a Mrs. Hodges, one of Emma’s descendants. The same signature can be seen on the back of the portraits of Gov. Morehead, Emma, and Julius Gray’s.

Eliza, as she was known, had an introverted and gentle personality, and this austere and humble representation portrays her stoic disposition. She is holding reading glasses, which has a two-fold meaning. First, this demonstrates her family’s wealth, because glasses were not a common accessory at this time. Second, this indicates that she can read and is therefore educated. This is significant, because it illustrates the importance of education not only for men, but also for women, in the Morehead household. Eliza attended the Salisbury Academy as a young woman, where she earned praise in arithmetic, reading, music, and embroidery.

Learn more

Back of Ann Eliza’s Portrait      Signature on the back of Ann Eliza’s Frame