Hattie Leona Main (1873-1876)
Hattie Leona Palmer, who was just 3 years old when she passed in 1876 was memorialized in a large portrait. Hattie or “Little Leona” was the daughter of Reuben Palmer (1824-1909) and Hattie J. Knepfly Main (1849-1911). A framed hand inscribed death announcement immortalizes Leona as a “bright little cherub, not only the pet of the household, but the favorite of the neighborhood. Well may it be said that ‘Death loves a shining mark,’ and his icy grasp heeds not age or condition. “Little Leona” the fairest flower, has been plucked from the bosom of living friends to be transplanted above and bloom in eternal spring.” The dress pictured (2011.23.2) is the dress worn in the painting.