Half-Tester Bed, c. 1846

This Victorian-style Half-Tester Bed (1846) attributed to Prudent Mallard has the earliest Texas provenance at the NCHM.

Ruben and Sarah Reeves purchased the bed in New Orleans when they also emigrated from Kentucky to Palestine, TX - quite the wedding trip! Reeves later became Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court and was appointed Justice of the Court of New Mexico Territory.

Intricately carved flowers surmount the headboard. Gift of Mrs. R. W. McClendon, 1969.