When Elizabeth Trumbo died in 1873 she had an extensive collection of household textiles, suggesting a well-furnished home with an emphasis on comfort and hospitality. The variety of bedding—feather beds, wool and corn husk mattresses, and multiple quilts and coverlids—indicates a concern for warmth and comfort, reflecting the seasonal needs of the time.

Bedding Items

4 Feather Beds – Large sacks filled with feathers, used as mattresses or mattress toppers. These were considered a luxury and provided warmth and softness.

1 Spring Mattress – A more modern mattress for the time, likely featuring a metal spring frame for added support.

1 Woolen Mattress – A mattress stuffed with wool, offering warmth and softness but firmer than a feather bed.

3 Corn Husk Mattresses – Mattresses filled with dried corn husks, which were inexpensive but not as comfortable as feather or woolen options. These were often used by servants or in guest quarters.

12 Small Pillows – Smaller pillows, possibly decorative or used for neck support.

6 Pairs of Woolen Sheets – Woolen sheets provided warmth in colder months, an alternative to cotton or linen.

18 Cotton Sheets – Lighter, breathable sheets for summer months, likely made of muslin or homespun fabric.

29 Pillow Slips – Pillowcases to cover and protect pillows from dirt and oils.

Bed Coverings

5 Coverlids – Woven or quilted bed coverings, often decorative and used as a top layer on a bed.

5 Comforters – Thick, stuffed blankets used for warmth, usually filled with wool or cotton batting.

3 Quilts – Layered bed coverings stitched together, providing warmth and decoration. Quilts often had intricate patterns and could be handmade.

2 Counterpanes – A decorative bedspread, usually lighter than a quilt, used for covering the bed during the daytime.

Household Linens

6 Table Spreads – Decorative cloths used to cover tables, protecting them from spills and adding an ornamental touch.

15 Towels – Likely made of linen or cotton, used for drying hands and face, as well as general household cleaning.

1 Chair Tidy – A small decorative cloth placed over the back or arms of a chair to protect it from hair oils and dirt.

This concludes our look at Elizabeth Trumbo’s home at her death. We have previously considered her stable, kitchen, and furniture, finishing here with her linen closet. It was a comfortable family home and probably held many family gatherings of relatives and neighbors.