Salem Female Academy, NC

Mossy Creek, Jefferson Co.

Tennessee State Museum, Nashville

Emily Brazelton (c.1821-1890) was the daughter of William Brazelton and his first wife Mary Porter Reese. Her father was a wealthy merchant and farmer who sent his daughter to the Salem Female Academy. Emily wed Andrew Mckeldin and they lived in Athens, McMinn Co.

Emily's choice of motifs--a globe, an artist's palette, blowing horns, a sheet of music, and flowers--all represent the disciplines (geography, art, music, and education) taught at Salem Female Academy. The door, located under the weeping willow bough, is specific to the Academy's buildings and signifies the entrance to higher education.