American Samplers

The earliest known American sampler was made by Loara Standish of the Plymouth Colony about 1645. By the 1700s, samplers depicting alphabets and numerals were worked by young women to learn the basic needlework skills needed to operate the family household. By the late 1700s and early 1800s, schools or academies for well-to-do young women flourished, and more elaborate pieces with decorative motifs such as verses, flowers, houses, religious, pastoral, and/or mourning scenes were being stitched. The parents of these young women proudly displayed their embroideries as showpieces of their work, talent, and status.

In recent years, samplers have become important in museum collections as representations of early American female education. Many are signed, and some are inscribed with locations and the names of teachers and schools. The emergence of large numbers of these samplers has resulted in much research in diaries, account books, letters, newspaper ads, local histories, and published commentary that is helping to illuminate the lives of women in early America.

Many early samplers do not have the letters “J” and “U” in their alphabets because they were not part of the early Latin alphabet and so the letter “I” was used for “J” and the “V” for “U.” The letter “s” is often replaced with the printers “s” which looks like the modern f.

There are 137 American samplers in the Textile Collection. The first was donated in 1886, the Margaret Dinsmoor sampler. In the 1890s the Copp Collection was received and it contained two samplers—one by Esther Copp and the other by her great niece Phebe Esther Copp. (The Copp Collection is an extensive collection of 18th-and 19th- century household textiles, costume items, furniture, and other pieces belonging to the Copps, a prosperous but frugal Connecticut family.) The earliest dated sampler in the collection was made in 1735 by Lydia Dickman of Boston, Massachusetts.

Two block upper-case alphabets, no "J," alternate colors. One block lower-case alphabet of alternate colors. Numbers 1 through 9. One crown. Satin-stitched sawtooth crossband; one crossband worked in Irish stitch, also basket and two large diamonds in lower half.
Description
Two block upper-case alphabets, no "J," alternate colors. One block lower-case alphabet of alternate colors. Numbers 1 through 9. One crown. Satin-stitched sawtooth crossband; one crossband worked in Irish stitch, also basket and two large diamonds in lower half. Two weeping willow trees, each with bird in its top, and three boxes, one containing verse and two containing maker's name and date and group of initials. Box on right side contains initials "WB," "CB," "JS," and "ES." Box on left side contains initials "WB," "LB," "WP," "EP," "NU," "CU," "WB," "EB," 'SB," "MB," "LP," and "LU" as well as "Rebecca Ballinger 1830." Strawberry border. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, Algerian eye, satin, rice, Irish, queen, crosslet, long-armed cross, gobelin. THREAD COUNT: warp 24, weft 34/in.
Inscription:
"In thy fair book of life divine
My, god, incribe [sic] my name
There, let it fill some humble place
Beneath the slaughter'd Lamb"
Background:
Rebecca was born on March 22, 1814, to William and Lydia Smith Ballinger in Pipe Creek, Maryland. The family moved to Ohio in 1819, and Rebecca stitched her sampler under the tutelage of Ann Thorn in Jefferson County. The initials on her sampler are of her grandparents, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, and two nieces who died in infancy. The initials in black are family members who had died by the time she stitched her sampler. Rebecca married Thomas H. Terrell as his second wife on April 22, 1863.
Date made
1830
maker
Ballinger, Rebecca
ID Number
1989.0343.12
accession number
1989.0343
catalog number
1989.0343.12
Man in fawn-colored fall-front trousers, short blue jacket decorated with faceted gilt beads, and tall dark hat.
Description
Man in fawn-colored fall-front trousers, short blue jacket decorated with faceted gilt beads, and tall dark hat. On his arm, lady wearing long dress with wide white collar and blue bonnet tied with long bonnet-strings; she carries parasol and reticule and wears necklace or chain of gilt beads. To right of couple, blue-domed building (temple?) with tall columns on hill above pond, with two deer and flowering bush; to left of couple large tree and under it, sheep and dog. In each upper corner, bluebird under grapevine; children's names enclosed in panel outlined by wave band. Grapes on vines in upper corners worked by coiling purple thread and tacking down each coil in two or three places. Border on all four sides, straight vine bearing roses and rose buds. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, chain, four-sided, French knot. THREAD COUNT: warp 28, weft 28/in.
Inscriptions:
"FAMILY RECORD
Mr Levi Ingersoll was born Dec 26th 1775
Miss Sarah Hubbard was born Jan 2nd 1779
They were united in marriage Jan 31 1802
THEIR DESCENDANTS
Hannah Ingersoll was born Jan 30th 1803
Eliza Ingersoll was born Oct 30th 1804
Ann Ingersoll was born Nov 1st 1806
Henry H Ingersoll was born Feb 25th 1809
Charles Ingersoll was born Jan 23rd 1811
Jane Ingersoll was born July 1st 1815
Mary Ingersoll was born Sept 27th 1819 [last 2 numbers replaced or filled in later]
Sarah Ingersoll was born Feb 10th 1821 [last number replaced or filled in later]
By Miss Mary Ingersoll in the 9th year of her age New York 1830" [number 9 replaced or filled in later]
Background:
Mary was born on September 27, 1819, to Levi and Sarah Hubbard Ingersoll in Pound Ridge, New York. She died unmarried on April 18, 1889.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1830
associated dates
1990-03-26
maker
Ingersoll, Mary
ID Number
1990.0146.01
catalog number
1990.0146.01
accession number
1990.0146
Two block alphabets. Upper-case alphabet has 26 letters; lower-case alphabet has no "J." One script alphabet with no "J" or "U." Numbers 1 through 14. Border of a vine with triangular flowers or leaves. Silk embroidery thread on linsey-woolsey; blue linen warp, tan wool weft.
Description
Two block alphabets. Upper-case alphabet has 26 letters; lower-case alphabet has no "J." One script alphabet with no "J" or "U." Numbers 1 through 14. Border of a vine with triangular flowers or leaves. Silk embroidery thread on linsey-woolsey; blue linen warp, tan wool weft. STITCHES: cross, Algerian eye, hem. THREAD COUNT: warp 27, weft 26/in.
Inscription:
"Embroidry [sic] decks
The canvas round
And yields a pleasing view
So virtue tends
to deck the mind
and form its blisful [sic] state
Mary W Tyler aged 12 years
Background:
This may have been made by Mary Welles Tyler, born on April 2, 1792, to Nathan and Nancy Tyler, or by Mary Whitwell Tyler, born on June 23, 1798, to Royall II and Mary Tyler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1775-1825
maker
Tyler, Mary W.
ID Number
1991.0764.01
catalog number
1991.0764.01
accession number
1991.0764
Family genealogy is centered above pair of weeping willow trees. At sides of sampler, vines with roses and buds twist around columns and continue upward forming an arch at top. One death record and worker's name at bottom, below weeping willow trees.
Description
Family genealogy is centered above pair of weeping willow trees. At sides of sampler, vines with roses and buds twist around columns and continue upward forming an arch at top. One death record and worker's name at bottom, below weeping willow trees. Brown guidelines under all free embroidery. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: four-sided, crosslet, cross, satin, straight, chain, stem. THREAD COUNT: warp 28, weft 31/in.
Inscriptions:
"GENEALOGY
Simeon Skillin born Cape Elizabeth, Me May 31 1787.
Nancy Adams born Castine, Me Aug 26, 1789.
Married Aug 16 1812.
OFFSPRING
Edward P Skillin born Portland Me April. 28 1813.
Charles P Skillin born Portland Me Aug 18 1814.
George W Skillin born Portland Me Dec 18 1816.
Simeon Skillin born Portland Me May 12 1818.
Robert Skillin born Portland Me Oct 31 1819.
Sarah A Skillin born Portland Me Jun 29 1821.
Silas B Skillin born Portland Me Oct 29 1822.
Oliver P Skillin born Portland Me May 19 1824.
Eliza M Skillin born Portland Me Dec 25 1826.
Nancy P Skillin born Portland Me Feb 25 1829.
Silas B Skillin born Portland Me Aug 26 1830.
Mary Skillin born Portland Me July 17 1831.
Deaths
Silas B Skillin died
APr. 25, 1826.
By Sarah A Skillin
1835."
Background:
Sarah Adams was born on June 29, 1821, to Simeon and Nancy Adams Skillin in Portland, Maine. Sarah married Smith C. Hadlock, a fisherman, on July 14, 1843, and died in Maine on January 8, 1889. They had eight children—Harriet A., Emma C., Nancy A., Samuel, Oliver E., Cyrena A., Henry B., and Sarah G.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1835
associated dates
1982-12-02
maker
Skillin, Sarah A.
ID Number
1983.0617.03
catalog number
1983.0617.03
accession number
1983.0617
At center, an inscribed monument with stepped top surmounted by sphere.
Description
At center, an inscribed monument with stepped top surmounted by sphere. Behind monument, weeping willow tree with crooked trunk; above monument and tree are five sprays of flowers, including roses, rosebuds, tulips, carnations, and star-flowers, with leaves; two sprays are tied with blue bows. At lower corners, two weeping willow trees that, like the monument, stand on ground of French knots. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: satin, straight, split, French knot, stem, cross, crosslet. THREAD COUNT: warp 28, weft 26/in.
Inscriptions:
"To the memory of
Guni Goodale who
was born March 9th
1780
and departed this life
Jan 27th 1832 aged 52.
There remaineth there-
fore a rest to the peo-
ple of God.
Amanda F. Goodale 1832."
Background:
Amanda F. Goodale was born ca. 1818 to Guni (1780-1832) and Ann (1776-1864) Goodale in Glastonbury, Connecticut. On July 11, 1848, she was married to Henry Magill (1809-1892), by Rev. Charles R. Fisher. Henry was a farmer. Ann Goodale is living with Henry and Amanda in the 1850 census. Amanda died February 4, 1892 in Windsor, Connecticut.
Her sampler was probably worked at Miss Cornwall’s school in Glastonbury, Connecticut. All the motifs on her sampler can be found on other samplers worked at Miss Cornwall’s school.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1832
associated dates
1982-12-02
maker
Goodale, Amanda F.
ID Number
1983.0617.04
catalog number
1983.0617.04
accession number
1983.0617
Block upper-case alphabet; letters colored alternately; no "J" or "U." Numbers 1 to 0. These rows, together with rows containing verse, all separated by narrow crossbands, including sawtooth and dentil patterns.
Description
Block upper-case alphabet; letters colored alternately; no "J" or "U." Numbers 1 to 0. These rows, together with rows containing verse, all separated by narrow crossbands, including sawtooth and dentil patterns. Below verse, three wide crossbands: one of flowering plants, birds, and sheep or goats, and two wide geometric bands in patterns that appear often on eastern Massachusetts samplers, especially in Boston area. At bottom of sampler spies, from Canaan, wearing knee-breeches and flared coats, identified by letters "Ja" and "Ca" and flanked by trees, flowering plants, and small birds. Below them, 1 5/8" strip with geometric strawberry vine solidly worked in cross-stitch. Border of geometric flowering vine on top and two sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, satin, Algerian eye. THREAD COUNT: warp 38, weft 42/in.
Inscriptions:
"When Stern Affliction Waves her Rod
My heart Confids in the my God
When Nature Shrinks Oppresd with woes
E en then in thee She finds Repose
Affliction flyes and hope returns
Her Lamp with brighter Splendor burns
Gay Love with all his Chearful Train
And Joy And peace are here again
Molley Ruff[ss]ell
Ad 12 1776"
Background:
Mary (Molly) was born on June 19, 1765, to Peter and Molly Russell of Bradford, Massachusetts. Her father was a distinguished shipbuilder. She married Ephraim Emery on September 17, 1785. He enlisted as a fifer on April 19, 1775, at the Lexington alarm, and entered the service in William Rogers's Company on April 27, 1775. Ephraim was in the assault on Stony Point and the battle of White Plains. After the war, in 1799, he was appointed captain in the United States Army, 14th Regiment, which was disbanded in 1800. He served successively as captain, brigade major, and inspector in the state militia. The couple had four children—Mary, John, Thomas, and Hannah.
Mary died on March 3, 1843, in Newbury, Massachusetts.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1776
associated dates
1963-11-28
maker
Russell, Molley
ID Number
TE.T20239A
accession number
246268
catalog number
T20239.A
One script alphabet no "J." Two block alphabets with 26 letters and numbers to 0. One partial and three complete geometric crossbands. Two small flower baskets and border on all four sides.
Description
One script alphabet no "J." Two block alphabets with 26 letters and numbers to 0. One partial and three complete geometric crossbands. Two small flower baskets and border on all four sides. Framing center is simple zig-zag, geometric strawberry vine in middle, Greek-key band at outside edge. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, queen. THREAD COUNT: warp 29, weft 32/in.
Inscriptions:
"Remember now thy Creator in the days
of thy youth while the evil days come not
nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt
say i have no pleasure in them.
Susan H Salter aged 10 years Elizabethtown
7th May 1826"
Background:
Susan Henrietta was born on April 7, 1816, to Thomas and Susan Henrietta Williamson Salter in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. She married George W. Wallace in 1843 and they had three children—William, Thomas, and Elizabeth. The sampler descended in the family of her sister, Harietta Matilda Spencer Salter, who married Elisha Codwise.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1826
associated dates
1967 06 09
maker
Salter, Susan H.
ID Number
TE.H11981
accession number
51998
catalog number
H11981
Large cornucopia of flowers and leaves above verse, with geometric carnation border. Flowers include morning glory, moss rose, sweet peas, and lily. Brown guidelines under cornucopia and flowers. Maker's age and date written in ink, probably added later.
Description
Large cornucopia of flowers and leaves above verse, with geometric carnation border. Flowers include morning glory, moss rose, sweet peas, and lily. Brown guidelines under cornucopia and flowers. Maker's age and date written in ink, probably added later. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: Cross, crosslet, herringbone. THREAD COUNT: warp 30, weft 28/in.
Inscription:
"The star of Bethlehem
Brighter than the rising day
When the sun of glory shines;
Brighter than the diamond's ray
Sparkling in Golonda's [sic] mines
Beaming through the clouds of wo
Smiles in Mercy's diadem
On the guilty world below
The Star that rose in Bethlehem
Elizabeth Orme
Novr 9th"
written in ink after the inscription is "1833 Age 9"
Background:
Elizabeth was born about 1825 to Sarah and Thomas Orme in Washington, D.C. She married James Hizer on September 6, 1854, but by the 1860 census, she was widowed and living with her mother and sister Anna, who was also a widow. Elizabeth died in 1892 of tuberculosis. See her mother's (Sarah Kurtz) sampler. Anna's daughter Mary donated her grandmother's and aunt's samplers.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1833
associated dates
1933 06 22
maker
Orme, Elizabeth
ID Number
TE.T07319
accession number
124663
catalog number
T07319
Script upper-case alphabet, & at end; second line completed with geometric vine; block upper-case alphabet; lower-case alphabet, & at end. Fourth row completed with geometric vine. Fifth row, numbers to 14, completed on each side with geometric vine.
Description
Script upper-case alphabet, & at end; second line completed with geometric vine; block upper-case alphabet; lower-case alphabet, & at end. Fourth row completed with geometric vine. Fifth row, numbers to 14, completed on each side with geometric vine. Alphabets and numbers separated by simple crossbands; simple crossbands separate above from Family Record and inscription. Geometric vine separates inscription and verse. Floral motif on each side of verse. All above enclosed in simple geometric border. Outer border of flowering vine that emanates from Grecian-style urn at bottom center and bows at top center, at lower left, and at lower right. Inked pattern for outer border visible. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: satin, encroaching satin, queen, chain, outline, cross. THREAD COUNT: warp 32, weft 28/in.
Inscriptions:
"Family Record
Daniel Dutch born f[s]eptember 3 1765 Sarah Dodge born June 12 1766
were married september 17 1786 Nathaniel Dodge Dutch born
september 10 1787 Daniel Dutch born march 7 1790 died may 12 1791
Sarah Dutch born march 20 1792 Daniel Dutch born december 28
1794 Priscilla Dutch born september 9 1797 Mary Dutch born
november 12 1800 Isaac Dodge Dutch born december 21 1803
Mrs Sarah Dutch died February 7 1808 in the 42 year of her age
Priscilla Dutch wrought this sampler in the 11th year of her age 1808
As this fair sampler shall continue still
The guide and model of my future skill
May Christ the great exemplar of mankind
Direct my ways and regulate my mind"
Background:
Priscilla was born on September 9, 1797, to Daniel and Sarah Dodge Dutch, near Ipswich, Massachusetts. She married Ebenezer Putnam, a widower, on May 7, 1844. They did not have any children, but Priscilla was a mother to the thirteen children of Ebenezer and his first wife, Betsey Webb Putnam. Priscilla died on April 18, 1856, in Massachusetts.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1808
maker
Dutch, Priscilla
ID Number
1999.0083.01
catalog number
1999.0083.01
accession number
1999.0083
One script and four block alphabets. Numbers to 10 and to 16. Two large and one small alphabet colored in groups of two; fourth alphabet colored in groups of four; numbers and smallest alphabet one color.
Description
One script and four block alphabets. Numbers to 10 and to 16. Two large and one small alphabet colored in groups of two; fourth alphabet colored in groups of four; numbers and smallest alphabet one color. Rows of alphabets and numbers separated by geometric crossbands; some geometric motifs used to fill spaces on rows of alphabets. Lower third of sampler contains two urns of free-stitched flowers surrounding large basket of fruit with side leaves. Geometric design border on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, satin, Algerian eye, rice, double herringbone, stem, four-sided. THREAD COUNT: warp 29, weft 29/in.
Inscription:
"[Margaret] C. Simmons Work Washington City Oct th 2 d
1827"
Background:
Margaret was born about 1819 to James and Mary Simmons. James is listed as a cooper, a barrel-maker, living at the Navy Yard in the 1822 Washington, D.C. directory. The court records of the District of Columbia record the marriage of Margaret C. Simmons to Patrick Dowling on May 9, 1839. In 1847 they had a son named Julius, who married Rosa M. Kuhn on January 10, 1877. Julius enlisted to serve in the Civil War in 1864 under the alias name of John Dickson. Miss Simmons's first name is missing from her sampler, but she made another sampler, typical of Navy Yard samplers, that included her whole name. Finding that sampler in a private collection made it possible to identify this sampler. Margaret died sometime after the birth of Julius in 1847, and before October 2, 1852, when her husband Patrick remarried.
Date made
1827
maker
Simmons, Margaret C.
ID Number
2000.0143.01
catalog number
2000.0143.01
accession number
2000.0143
Flowers, people, building with fence, crossbands, inscriptions. Top and sides have floral border with eight-pointed star at center top.
Description
Flowers, people, building with fence, crossbands, inscriptions. Top and sides have floral border with eight-pointed star at center top. German alphabet of capitals, no "J." Script alphabet of capitals, no "J." Lower-case alphabet has both "I" and "J" with "w, x, y, and z" smaller than rest of alphabet to make them fit. Silk embroidery thread on cotton ground. STITCHES: cross, satin. THREAD COUNT: warp 25, weft 26/in
Inscriptions:
"School No 7"
"M. A. Hofman
Carlisle
1848"
Background:
Public schools were established in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1836, and needlework and sampler making were part of the curriculum. After grade three, the girls and boys where separated and went to different schools. For the girls, one afternoon each week was devoted to needlework. There are samplers in existence from School No. 7 and School No. 8. It is thought this work was done under the tutelage of Miss Fanny Webber, who taught from 1836 to 1863. M. A. Hofman has not yet been identified.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1848
maker
Hofman, M. A.
ID Number
1998.0130.01
catalog number
1998.0130.01
accession number
1998.0130
Worked in pink, green, blue, beige, cream, tan, brown, gold, and black thread. Decorated with central flowering cornucopia above bird and inscription, all enclosed within strawberry queen-stitch border. Silk embroidery on plain-weave linen ground.
Description
Worked in pink, green, blue, beige, cream, tan, brown, gold, and black thread. Decorated with central flowering cornucopia above bird and inscription, all enclosed within strawberry queen-stitch border. Silk embroidery on plain-weave linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, queen, straight. THREAD COUNT: warp 30, weft 28/in.
Inscription:
"Mary M. Meem
finished this work in her fifteenth year
of her age
George Town D.C
A.D 1836"
Background:
Mary Margaret was born on October 17, 1821, to George A. and Rebecca Ann Mudd Meem in Georgetown, D.C. She married Seth Nichols as his second wife on April 8, 1842, and they had seven children—Clayton, Charles, Catherine, Caroline, Tillman, Ann, and Seth. He was a tailor, and they lived in Frederick, Maryland. Sometime after Seth's death on June 14, 1871, she moved back to Georgetown, D.C., and died there on October 27, 1889. She is buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frederick.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1836
maker
Meem, Mary M.
ID Number
2004.0246.01
accession number
2004.0246
catalog number
2004.0246.01
Map of New York State. Most counties and county seats named; rivers shown but not named; names of neighboring states given (Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania); Erie Canal shown, but not named.
Description
Map of New York State. Most counties and county seats named; rivers shown but not named; names of neighboring states given (Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania); Erie Canal shown, but not named. Light gray guidelines under all embroidery; water damage prior to arrival at Smithsonian. Silk thread on wool ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, four-sided, Algerian eye, back, chain. THREAD COUNT: warp 44, weft 46/in.
Inscription:
"MAP
of the
STATE
of
NEW YORK"
Background:
Catalina Juliana was born on June 19, 1823, to Sidney and Maria Benito Dorado Mason, in St. Johns (San Juan), Puerto Rico. Catalina's father was American consul in St. Johns from 1829 to 1835. Desiring to educate his children in his native land, Mr. Mason brought his family to the United States in one of his own sailing vessels. After arrival in Baltimore, they were taken to Gloucester, Massachusetts. His wife soon succumbed to the rigors of the climate and died on September 14, 1835. On the death of his wife, Mr. Mason gave up all business interests and set forth on an extended tour of Europe. Before departing, he traveled to Puerto Rico one more time and took Catalina with him. When they returned, he placed Catalina at Miss Emma Willard's boarding school for girls in Troy, New York. Recalled from Europe by the death of his son on Dec 25, 1839, he took up residence in New York, and Catalina finished her school days with the Misses McClennachan. It is not known where she stitched her map sampler. She married Theodorus Bailey Myers in 1847, and they had two children, Theodorus Bailey and Cassie Mason. Catalina and her husband made many trips to Europe, and she is known to have paid a visit to the famous dressmaker, Worth. Her niece admired her hands, saying "They were not ornamental only, for they could sew and embroider beautifully, and do all sorts of fine worsted work." Catalina died on August 27, 1905. See Catalina Mason's other sampler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1837-1847
maker
Mason, Catalina Juliana
ID Number
TE.H33819.A
catalog number
H33819.A
accession number
70138
Below family record, pyramidal monument (memorial to deceased sister) flanked by rosebushes and butterflies, under weeping willow tree, on ground-line worked in "crinkled" silk. To left of monument, verse in square outline, all lettering black.
Description
Below family record, pyramidal monument (memorial to deceased sister) flanked by rosebushes and butterflies, under weeping willow tree, on ground-line worked in "crinkled" silk. To left of monument, verse in square outline, all lettering black. Border of geometric flowering vine on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, satin, stem. THREAD COUNT: warp 28, weft 31/in.
Inscriptions:
"A Family Reccord
Nathaniel and Margaret Pof[s]ey
The Parent's of thof[s]e Children
SoPhia Maria Pof[s]ey born Oct 8th 1813
Fredrick Jerome Pof[s]ey born Feb 28 1815
Margaret Pof[s]ey born Dec 19th 1816
John Pittf[s] Pof[s]ey born Oct 12 1818
Mary Jane Pof[s]ey born Dec 3d 1820
Hester Ann Pof[s]ey born Dec 28 1822
Nathaniel Boliver Pof[s]ey born April 11 1827
Henry Clay Pof[s]ey born Aug 14 1829"
To left of monument in square:
"Weep not my frien
df[s]. af[s] you paff[ss] by.
af[s] you are now. f[s]o
once Waf[s] I. af[s] i
am now. So you
muf[s]t be. prepare
to meet me in
Eternity."
Embroidered on the monument are the following words:
"sacred
to The -
Memory of
Margaret Posey
Who died Feb 2
A.D. 1824 aged 8 YS
1 Month and 14 days
Below monument:
"Hester. Ann. Poseyf[s] Sampler Finished in the 15.th
year of her age. A.D. 1837."
Background:
Hester was born on December 28, 1822, to Nathaniel and Margaret Posey in Baltimore, MD. Nathaniel and Margaret Kemp were married on October 9, 1812, in Frederick, Maryland. Hester was a teacher and did not marry. She died November 7, 1916 in Frederick, MD.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1837
maker
Posey, Hester Ann
ID Number
TE.E365238
catalog number
E365238.000
accession number
124238
Two block alphabets, no "J," with "V" and "U" reversed. Numbers to 10. Alphabets and numbers colored in groups. These rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. Crown and several simple geometric motifs fill out alphabet lines.
Description
Two block alphabets, no "J," with "V" and "U" reversed. Numbers to 10. Alphabets and numbers colored in groups. These rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. Crown and several simple geometric motifs fill out alphabet lines. At base of sampler, rose, tulip, strawberry plants, and tree climbing one edge. Brown guidelines under tree and flowers. Border of single row of marking cross on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: two-sided cross, marking cross, satin, Algerian eye, stem, outline, queen, straight, tent, crosslet, herringbone, chain, hem. THREAD COUNT: warp 26, weft 31/in.
Inscription:
"Sarah Prince Fenn Aged
12 Year 7 months
1775"
Background:
Sarah was born on February 21, 1763, to Benjamin and Mary Peck Fenn in Milford, Connecticut. She married Theophilus Miles, and they had three children—Mary, Samuel, and Sarah Fenn. Mrs. Miles died in Milford on May 15, 1790, about five months after the birth of their daughter Sarah Fenn Miles. Theophilus married Martha Clark on September 15, 1791.
Date made
1775
maker
Fenn, Sarah Prince
ID Number
TE.T16945
catalog number
T16945
accession number
311079
Three block alphabets of 26 letters (one incomplete); one script alphabet to "V"; no "J"; numbers to 9. Alphabets and numbers colored in pairs or groups with all rows separated by simple geometric crossbands.
Description
Three block alphabets of 26 letters (one incomplete); one script alphabet to "V"; no "J"; numbers to 9. Alphabets and numbers colored in pairs or groups with all rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. At bottom of sampler, pair of birds on trees and pair of urns with flowers. Border of simple geometric meandering band on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on dark green linsey-woolsey ground; warp is blue linen and weft is green wool. STITCHES: cross, satin, hem. THREAD COUNT: warp 24, weft 34/in.
Inscription:
"Anzolette Hussey Aged
9 Years Nov 7th 1821"
Background:
Anzolette was born on April 7, 1812, to Captain Andrew (1783–1861) and Mary Tredick Hussey in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She married Ebenezer Knight on June 15, 1835, and they had five daughters—Mary, Ariadne, Hannah E., Sarah K., and Abby. Anzolette died on November 20, 1895, in Washington, D.C., but is buried in Portsmouth. This sampler is very different from her other one and was probably worked at a different school. In 1827, at the age of fourteen, she was a student in the First Female School of Portsmouth. Throughout her life she used two different spellings for her first name. See Annzalette Hussey for her other sampler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1821
maker
Hussey, Anzolette
ID Number
TE.H33960
catalog number
H33960
H. (/) 33960
accession number
63786
Three block alphabets of 26 letters. Numbers to 9. Word "Marcellus" appears at end of one alphabet. Sampler worked in black silk with brown cotton used only for small period at ends of rows.
Description
Three block alphabets of 26 letters. Numbers to 9. Word "Marcellus" appears at end of one alphabet. Sampler worked in black silk with brown cotton used only for small period at ends of rows. Border of single row of long-armed cross at top, single row of herringbone on each side, single row of double cross at bottom. Silk thread on cotton ground. STITCHES: cross, long-armed cross, herringbone, eyelet, four-sided, crosslet, double cross. THREAD COUNT: warp 26, weft 26/in.
Inscriptions:
"With ink and pen.
These marks will give.
The lives of men.
To all that live.
Worked by M Cook.
August 1818."
Background:
Mary was born on February 22, 1806, to Daniel and Rebecca Pomeroy Cook in Skaneateles, New York. Daniel served in the Revolutionary War for three months at Saratoga in 1781, and died on August 3, 1806, in Marcellus, New York. Mary stitched her sampler while her family was living in Marcellus. She did not marry, and died on January 30, 1869. She is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, New York. The sampler descended in the family of her brother, Ira.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1818
maker
Cook, Mary
ID Number
TE.T13201
catalog number
T13201
accession number
250307
Three block alphabets; one script alphabet. Two alphabets have letters colored alternately with no "J"; numbers to 4, to 15, and to 21; all these rows separated by geometric crossbands.
Description
Three block alphabets; one script alphabet. Two alphabets have letters colored alternately with no "J"; numbers to 4, to 15, and to 21; all these rows separated by geometric crossbands. Surrounding verse and inscription paired motifs of trees, crowns, flower-baskets, birds, and bird in wreath; two checkered flower-baskets with handles but no flowers. Border of geometric strawberry vine on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, stem, chain, eyelet, Algerian eye. THREAD COUNT: warp 28, weft 32/in.
Inscription:
"When wealth to virtuous hands is giv[e]n
It blef[s]ses like the dews of heavn
Like heaven it hears the orphans cries
And wipes the tears from widows eyes
Sarah Kurtz." (written in ink after the inscription is: "Worked 1804 age 9")
Background:
Sarah was born January 20, 1795, to Christian (1751 - 1808) and Maria Gardner (1756 -1822) in Georgetown, DC. She and Thomas Orme were married by Rev. Balch in Georgetown, D.C., on June 2, 1816. They had three daughters—Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Anna. Sarah died on December 23, 1864, in Washington and is buried there in Oak Hill Cemetery. Anna's daughter Mary donated her grandmother's and aunt's samplers. See Elizabeth Orme's sampler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1804
maker
Kurtz, Sarah
ID Number
TE.T07318
catalog number
T07318
accession number
124663
Six block alphabets. One double of 26 letters. Numbers through 13. Alphabets and numbers colored in pairs or groups with all rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. No border. Cotton thread on cotton ground.
Description
Six block alphabets. One double of 26 letters. Numbers through 13. Alphabets and numbers colored in pairs or groups with all rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. No border. Cotton thread on cotton ground. STITCHES: cross, four-sided, double cross, rice, Algerian eye, crosslet. THREAD COUNT: warp 25, weft 25/in.
Inscription:
"Anna Leadbeater
to her Father
8 mo 28th
1852.
Age 10"
Background:
Anna was born on October 2, 1842, to John and Mary P. Stabler Leadbeater in Alexandria, Virginia. John Leadbeater was the owner of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary in Alexandria, which today is an apothecary museum. She married Henry C. Slaymaker, a Civil War veteran, on November 6, 1866, and they had three children—Isabel, Henry C. Jr., and Frank. Henry Sr. died of consumption on February 28, 1880, and Anna died on February 15, 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1852
maker
Leadbeater, Anna
ID Number
TE.T12612
catalog number
T12612
accession number
235642
Four block alphabets of 26 letters. Numbers to 14; two rows of initials "MG," "JG," "CG," "LAG,"; "RG," "AG," "WCG," and "JG." Two alphabets, numbers, and initials colored in pairs.
Description
Four block alphabets of 26 letters. Numbers to 14; two rows of initials "MG," "JG," "CG," "LAG,"; "RG," "AG," "WCG," and "JG." Two alphabets, numbers, and initials colored in pairs. All these rows separated by simple crossbands, and included in them, apple worked in pulled thread and patch of shaded florentine stitch; these rows separated from inscription by geometric strawberry crossband. Flanking inscription, two baskets of flowers. Border of geometric carnation vine on all four sides. Silk thread on cotton ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, queen, stem, satin, herringbone, eyelet, rice, tent, four-sided, outline, padded satin, Irish, pulled thread. THREAD COUNT: warp 26, weft 34/in.
Inscriptions:
"O blest Religion heavenly fair
Thy kind thy healing power.
Can sweeten Pain alleviate care
And gild each gloomy hour.
Lydia Ann Garton was Born
April 4th AD 1811 Did this Work
in the 10th Year of her age AD 1820"
Background:
Lydia Ann was born on April 4, 1811, to Mark and Jane Cowgill Garton in Cumberland, New Jersey. The initials on her sampler are for her parents Mark and Jane, and for her and her siblings Charles, Lydia Ann, Rebecca, Ann, William Cowgill, and Jane. Lydia married William Murphy on June 20, 1833, in Cumberland, and they had five children—Sarah, Ann, John, Charles, and Mary. William was a glass blower, and they resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1820
maker
Garton, Lydia Ann
ID Number
TE.T13433
catalog number
T13433
accession number
254791
Three block alphabets. No "J"; numbers to 18 and to 9; alphabets and numbers colored in groups of two.
Description
Three block alphabets. No "J"; numbers to 18 and to 9; alphabets and numbers colored in groups of two. Rows of lettering and numbers separated by geometric crossbands; also two wide crossbands; one geometric strawberry vine, and one geometric vine with free-style roses, with guide-lines drawn under roses. At bottom of sampler, stag and doe on hillocks, surrounded by birds, butterflies, trees, flowers, under angular garland; stag and doe have satin-stitched collars. Name and date appear in flower-shaped medallion hanging from garland. Border of band of sawtoothed satin stitch and geometric carnation vine on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, stem, satin, Algerian eye, straight, bullion. THREAD COUNT: warp 36, weft 29/in.
Inscriptions:
"See How The Lillief[s] Flour White And Fair
See How the Ravenf[s] Fed From Heavenf[s] Air
Arif[s]e Thou King of Kingf[s] Arif[s]e And Reign
Except Thy Worf[s]hip SprinG All Worf[s]hipf[s] Vain
Elizabeth
Maf[s]On her
WOrk Ma
de
in the 11
Year Of
her ag
1783"
Background:
Elizabeth Mason was probably from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1783
maker
Mason, Elizabeth
ID Number
TE.E391808
catalog number
E391808
accession number
71679
Five block alphabets of 26 letters, numbers to 14. Each row of alphabets and numbers different color. All these rows separated by narrow geometric crossbands. Border of geometric strawberry vine and single row of herringbone stitch on all four sides.
Description
Five block alphabets of 26 letters, numbers to 14. Each row of alphabets and numbers different color. All these rows separated by narrow geometric crossbands. Border of geometric strawberry vine and single row of herringbone stitch on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, long-armed cross, satin, herringbone, eyelet, four-sided, rice, queen, hem. THREAD COUNT: warp 28, weft 28/in.
Inscriptions:
"EDUCATION
Youth like f[s]oftened Wax, with Eaf[s]e will take
Thof[s]e Images that firf[s]t impref[s]sions make.
If thof[s]e are fair, their Actions will be bright,
If foul, they'll clouded be with Shades of Night.
Ann Louisa Ghequiere [f]inished in her 9th year."
Background:
Ann Louisa was born about 1792 to Charles and Harriet Halley Ghequiere in Baltimore, Maryland. She married Dr. Martin Fenwick of West River, Maryland, on August 21, 1815, at St. Peter Pro-Cathedral in Baltimore, Maryland. The marriage was performed by Archbishop John Carroll, with whom her father had been friendly for many years. They had four children—;Harriet, Louisa Claire, Chloe, and Henry. Ann Louisa died on February 22, 1864 in West River.
Location
Currently on loan
Date made
1799
Associated Name
Ghequiere, Ann Louisa
maker
Chequiere, Ann Louisa
ID Number
TE.T14210
catalog number
T14210
accession number
59228
Embroidered sampler worked in 1830 by 11-year old Mary Harrison of Alexandria, Virginia. In upper half of sampler, flanking verses, flowering plant with birds flying overhead, and lady and gentleman under tree.
Description
Embroidered sampler worked in 1830 by 11-year old Mary Harrison of Alexandria, Virginia. In upper half of sampler, flanking verses, flowering plant with birds flying overhead, and lady and gentleman under tree. Man wears short flared coat and carries cane; lady wears elaborate hat, long-sleeved dress, and pantalettes, and carries small bag with long ribbon straps and what appears to be furled parasol. In lower half, large flat-roofed building with tall windows and columns. On flat roof recessed second story also flat-roofed but with large semicircular window. Building stands on lawn (or hill) flanked by trees, urns of flowers, and spotted dog. Border of geometric strawberry vine on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, queen, satin, double cross, four-sided, chain, stem. THREAD COUNT: warp 29, weft 31/in.
Inscriptions:
"What iS the blooming fair
And tincture of the Skin
to Peace of mind from care
And harmony within
Sickness and age will blaSt
All outward charmeS away
Virtue will Sooth at last
in deathS tremendiouS day
See the Kind Shepherd JeSuS StandS
with all engaging charmeS
Hark how he calls his tender lambs
And folds them in his arms
Mary Harrison Aged Eleven Years
Alexandria July 1830"
Background:
Mary Harrison was born September 18, 1818, to John and Elizabeth Carlin Harrison of Alexandria, Virginia She married December 28, 1842, Isaac Kell (1814-1864). She died June 30, 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1830
maker
Harrison, Mary
ID Number
TE.T14710
catalog number
T14710
accession number
280469
One script alphabet, two block alphabets. 26 letters with two or three styles of some capital letters. Numbers 1 to 0 and to 8. These rows separated by rows of cross-stitch. Border of single row of cross-stitch on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground.
Description
One script alphabet, two block alphabets. 26 letters with two or three styles of some capital letters. Numbers 1 to 0 and to 8. These rows separated by rows of cross-stitch. Border of single row of cross-stitch on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, four-sided, crosslet. THREAD COUNT: warp 23, weft 24/in.
Inscription:
"Zealously pursue the course
That leads young minds to god
For faith and love & holy hope
Point to the blest abode
S Hall"
Background:
Sylvia was born on April 18, 1805, to Andrews and Sylvia Blakeslee Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut, and she died there in 1859. See her mother's (Sylvia Blakeslee) sampler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1810-1820
maker
Hall, Sylvia
ID Number
TE.T16942
catalog number
T16942
accession number
310734

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