Elizabeth “Betty” Dorn: A Woman of Color in Monmouth County
Shortgown
ca. 1790
Printed Cotton Calico
Whether an African American woman in New Jersey could vote depended on her status as either property or a property owner. Elizabeth “Betty” Dorn likely experienced both legal statuses.
Later in her life, Dorn was able to acquire property of her own, including this armchair, short gown, and pencil sketch. By then she was a free woman and servant to the Hartshorne family in Monmouth County. If she was free and owned enough property at any point between 1776 and 1807, she may have voted.
Monmouth County Historical Society, Freehold, NJ
Gift of Mrs. Charles G. Bennet and Miss Louise Hartshorne, 1935
Portrait
Pencil and paper
Monmouth County Historical Association, Freehold, NJ
Gift of Amelia Vredenburgh Knight, 1932
Three-Slat Rush Bottom Armchair
ca. 1775 - 1810
Maple, Ash, or Oak Wood, Rush Seat
Monmouth County Historical Association, Freehold, NJ, Gift of Amelia Vredenburgh Knight, 1932