A wax profile portrait of Maria Ord (1779-1834), Philadelphia, PA, dated, "1799"

The wax profile mounted and framed, with inscription verso, “Maria Ord wife of John McMullin/ daughter of Rebecca Lindemeyer & George Ord- born May 22 1779/ died May 16 1834/ Portrait was taken when she was 20 years old/ 1779”; sold together with Maria's leather-bound journal, with a printed mathematical / units of measurement and currency table pasted to interior cover, printed by Stewart & Cochran, the front blank page inscribed, “Maria Ord's Book February 7th, 1792,” and containing mathematical notes, poetry, letters to various friends, and recorded thoughts on society from a woman's perspective, dating through the early 1800s.

H: 3 ¼ in. (wax profile only, approx.), Dia: 5 ½ in. (frame), 7 ¾ in. x 6 ¾ in. (diary)

Maria Ord was daughter of George Ord, Sr. (1741-1806) and Rebecca Lindemeyer (1742-1823). George was a sea captain and privateer, famed for stealing British gunpowder for use in the American Revolution, but he also established his own successful ship and supplies enterprise in Philadelphia. He and Rebecca had four other children: Ann, Rebecca, George Ord, Jr. (famous naturalist), and Henrietta. The family was active in the Swedish Lutheran Church, and they are buried in the graveyard at Old Swedes' Church (Gloria Dei).

Maria married John McMullin (1765-1843), the famous Philadelphia silversmith, on January 27, 1803. Together, they had five children: George O. McMullin, John Smith McMullin, Jr., Rebecca Ord McMullin, Ann Maria McMullin, and George Ord McMullin.

Maria Ord (1779-1834), thence by descent to the present consignor.