- Joined
- Nov 26, 2016
- Location
- central NC
On a recent trip to Virginia, I had the pleasure of staying at Belle Grove Plantation in King George. Belle Grove was the birthplace of President James Madison and witness to the American Civil War. Belle Grove belonged to the Carolinus Turner family during the war and I slept in the oldest daughter's bedroom during my visit.
Caroline Turner, Carrie for short, made a lovely and still mysterious etching in her bedroom window. It reads:
“Carrie Turner
Van Der Burgh
May 18th ‘69”
Van Der Burgh
May 18th ‘69”
Carrie married Dr. William Newton Jett in 1872 , but no one knows who Mr. Van Der Burgh was. Most think he was a Union Soldier Carrie met and fell in love with during a Union occupation of the house. Did he die? Did they end the relationship before the marriage? I have read that during the 1800s, it was a lovers’ tradition to etch their names in a window with a newly adorned "engagement" ring. Carrie etched her inscription beautifully. This room is now called the Turner Suite and serves as the bridal suite. It seems quite appropriate.
Carrie's future husband, Dr. Jett, was a widower and several years older than her. They had one child, a daughter named Virginia. The innkeeper at Belle Grove found a portrait of Carrie and it hangs in the bedroom. She was lovely. Belle Grove is a lovingly restored bed and breakfast that sits on the Rappahannock River. It's a short distance from Stratford Hall, Robert E. Lee's birthplace, and Montpelier, home of James and Dolley Madison.
I'm curious if other have seen 19th century lovers' window etchings. If you have, please add your story here.