Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Ring, Finger |
Catalog Number |
2016.65 |
Date |
ca. 1801 |
Material(s) |
Brass/Glass/Hair/Pearl |
Dimensions |
H-0.75 W-0.75 D-0.875 inches |
Description |
This is a ring that belonged to Judge John Rowan and is said to contain the hair from Dr. James Chambers who was killed by Rowan in a duel in February of 1801. The piece is a brass ring with a band crafted from several thin sheets of brass. The face of the ring is oval in shape and has an oval of 29 seed pearls (one is missing) surrounding a circular opening at the center. The opening has brown and gray hair woven into an intricate design under a circle of beveled glass. |
Notes |
On January 31, 1801 Dr. James Chambers sent a letter to Judge John Rowan challenging him to a duel. According to a published account from Rowan's second, Judge George M. Bibb, the duel was fought on February 3, 1801. Dr. Chambers died as a result of his wounds. According to family tradition, Rowan had this ring crafted from a lock of hair from Dr. Chambers. |
Media Links |
The Duel Between John Rowan and Dr. James Chambers |
Collection |
Sympson Family Collection |
People |
Rowan, John Chambers, James |
Subjects |
Rings Jewelry Dueling |
Search Terms |
Frankfort (Ky.) |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |