Textiles

Coverlet

The 50,000 objects in the textile collections fall into two main categories: raw fibers, yarns, and fabrics, and machines, tools, and other textile technology. Shawls, coverlets, samplers, laces, linens, synthetics, and other fabrics are part of the first group, along with the 400 quilts in the National Quilt Collection. Some of the Museum's most popular artifacts, such as the Star-Spangled Banner and the gowns of the first ladies, have an obvious textile connection.

The machinery and tools include spinning wheels, sewing machines, thimbles, needlework tools, looms, and an invention that changed the course of American agriculture and society. A model of Eli Whitney's cotton gin, made by the inventor in the early 1800s, shows the workings of a machine that helped make cotton plantations profitable in the South and encouraged the spread of slavery.

Resource Type: Samplers (embroidery)

Hannah Hall's Sampler; 1803

This sampler features two block alphabets, and below the alphabets are flower-baskets, trees, birds, and dogs. The flower baskets on this sampler may stand for friendship and love, while the birds are spirits of the air, and dogs denote fidelity and watchfulness.
Description
This sampler features two block alphabets, and below the alphabets are flower-baskets, trees, birds, and dogs. The flower baskets on this sampler may stand for friendship and love, while the birds are spirits of the air, and dogs denote fidelity and watchfulness. It is hemstitched on all four sides. Hannah included the inscription:

“Hannah Hall / AE 12 1803”
The sampler is stitched with silk embroidery thread on a linen ground with a thread count of warp 25, weft 22/ in. The stitches used are cross, crosslet, satin, and reverse tent.
Nothing is known about the life of Hannah Hall.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1803
maker
Hall, Hannah
ID Number
TE.T12186
catalog number
T12186
accession number
233422

Sarah A. Skillin's Sampler

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

Rebecca Ballinger's Sampler

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

Adaline Ann Williams's Sampler

Block upper-case alphabet all one color. Block lower-case alphabet all one color. Script alphabet all one color, no "J." Numbers 1 through 9. Rows separated by simple geometric crossbands.
Description
Block upper-case alphabet all one color. Block lower-case alphabet all one color. Script alphabet all one color, no "J." Numbers 1 through 9. Rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. At bottom of sampler, three strawberry plants with brown and white seed stitches decorating strawberries. In lower right corner, floral swag with cords and tassels above patterned basket of flowers. Simple geometric border on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, seed. THREAD COUNT: warp 25, weft 24/in.
Inscriptions:
"Adaline Ann Williams Aged 12 Years Done
In The 35th Year Of The Independence Of The
United States Of America July 24th AD 1810.
Bef[s]et with snares on every hand
In lifes uncertain path I stand
Saviour divine diffuse thy light
To guide my doubtful footsteps right
Engage this roving treach'rous heart
Great God to chuse the better part
To scorn the trifles of a day
For joys that none can take away"
Background:
This is probably the Adaline Ann who was born on July 16, 1798, in Hartford, Connecticut, to John and Sarah Powers Williams. She married John Bois Turner on September 25, 1855.
Date made
1810
maker
Williams, Adaline Ann
ID Number
1988.0831.02
accession number
1988.0831
catalog number
1988.0831.02

B. Lazarus' Sampler

One Hebrew alphabet of 21 consonants. Two block alphabets with no "J." Three script alphabets with no "J." Numbers to 10. Alphabet letters and numbers each worked in different color. Six narrow geometric crossbands. Border of geometric design on all four sides.
Description
One Hebrew alphabet of 21 consonants. Two block alphabets with no "J." Three script alphabets with no "J." Numbers to 10. Alphabet letters and numbers each worked in different color. Six narrow geometric crossbands. Border of geometric design on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on cotton ground. STITCHES: cross, satin. THREAD COUNT: warp 37, weft 36/in.
Inscription:
"B Lazarus 1843"
Background:
B. Lazarus has not yet been identified.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1843
associated dates
1983
part of
Warshaw Collection
maker
Lazarus, B.
ID Number
TE.T293320.0700
accession number
293320
catalog number
T293320.0700

Phoebe E. Downing's Sampler

Three block alphabets of 26 letters and numbers to 0. Five scattered eyelet stitches and short row of tent and reverse tent. Initials "ID," "ED," MSD," "PED," "RID," and "SWD." Border of simple geometric band on top and two sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground.
Description
Three block alphabets of 26 letters and numbers to 0. Five scattered eyelet stitches and short row of tent and reverse tent. Initials "ID," "ED," MSD," "PED," "RID," and "SWD." Border of simple geometric band on top and two sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, rice, eyelet, crosslet, tent. THREAD COUNT: warp 23, weft 28/in.
Inscription:
"Phebe E 18 16 Downing"
Background:
Phoebe was born on December 23, 1807, to Joseph and Elizabeth Webster Downing in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Since the letters "I" and "J" were interchangeable, the initials "ID" were for her father, "ED" for her mother, "MSD" for her sister Mary S., "PED" for Phoebe, "RID" for brother Richard J., and "SWD" for sister Sarah W. An older brother Wesley R. died before the sampler was made, and another sister Thomazine was born after the sampler was made. Phoebe did not marry and died on August 20, 1849.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1816
maker
Downing, Phoebe E.
ID Number
TE.T17754
catalog number
T17754
accession number
316364

Sarah Yard's Sampler

One block alphabet of 26 letters; numbers to 10. Alphabet and numbers colored in groups of two or three. Each word in inscription and each set of initials worked in different color. Flower basket, bird, eight-pointed star, and several flowering plants.
Description
One block alphabet of 26 letters; numbers to 10. Alphabet and numbers colored in groups of two or three. Each word in inscription and each set of initials worked in different color. Flower basket, bird, eight-pointed star, and several flowering plants. Border of simple geometric vine-and-leaf on top and two sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross. THREAD COUNT: warp 24, weft 29/in.
Inscription:
"SARAH YARD IN H
ER SEVENTH YEAR
Y SM MAY
J S MAY GMY JY"
Background:
Sarah was born in 1809 to John and Sarah McKimson Yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She married Alexander Cummings in 1836, and they had six children—Mary B., Alfred, Sarah Ellen, Charles Thomas, Alexander M., and John. Alexander was a general in the Union Army during the Civil War, and then governor of the Colorado Territory from 1865 to 1867. He died in Canada, but was buried in Philadelphia. Sarah died in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1887, and is also buried in Philadelphia. The initials on her sampler may be family members, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother Mary Ann Yard, sister Mary Ann Yard, brother George Mickerson Yard, and brother John Yard.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1815-1816
maker
Yard, Sarah
ID Number
TE.H14388
catalog number
H14388
accession number
55589

Catalina Juliana Mason's Sampler

In center, urn surrounded by wreath and flanked by words of inscription. Around center panel, on all four sides, eight geometric borders. Silk thread on cotton ground. STITCHES: -cross, satin, stem, herringbone, triple herringbone, fishbone, pulled thread, open chain variation.
Description
In center, urn surrounded by wreath and flanked by words of inscription. Around center panel, on all four sides, eight geometric borders. Silk thread on cotton ground. STITCHES: -cross, satin, stem, herringbone, triple herringbone, fishbone, pulled thread, open chain variation. THREAD COUNT: warp 59 weft 47/in.
Inscription:
Over the urn in the center panel:
"VIVA
YSABEL ZA"
flanking the urn and wreath in the center panel:
"LO HIZO CATA-
LINA MA-
SON DIS-
CIPULA
D DA AM
BROSIA
MARTIN
EZ EN LA
ACADEMIA DE PUERTO RICO A 21 DE MA-
YO DE 1836
Y SELO DEDY
CA A SU PA-
PA BALOR,
CONSTAN
SIA Y APLI-
CACION
CON LA ESPE
RIENCIA H
EGARA A CON"
The translation of the inscription is "Long Live Isabel II. This was made by Catalina Mason student of Mrs. Ambrosia Martin in the year of 1836 in the academy of Puerto Rico on the 21st of May Dedicated to her father Courage, Perseverance, and Diligence with experience to arrive to know."
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. She stitched her sampler during this stay in Puerto Rico. 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. She married Theodorus Bailey Myers in 1847, and they had two children, Theodorus Bailey and Cassie Mason. She and her husband made many trips to Europe, and she was 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 also Catalina Mason's map sampler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1836
maker
Mason, Catalina Juliana
ID Number
TE.H33413
accession number
70138
catalog number
H33413

Elizabeth Orme's Sampler

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

Lydia Ann Garton's Sampler

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

Elizabeth Marx's Sampler

Verse and two wide floral crossbands, both arcaded, one with roses and one with strawberries and forget-me-nots. Two eight-pointed stars. Black guidelines under flowers in rose crossband. Center section framed in band of sawtooth.
Description
Verse and two wide floral crossbands, both arcaded, one with roses and one with strawberries and forget-me-nots. Two eight-pointed stars. Black guidelines under flowers in rose crossband. Center section framed in band of sawtooth. Border of geometric flowering vine with strawberries and pinks, and an outer row of dentil pattern on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, straight, Algerian eye, satin, surface satin, encroaching satin, stem, queen, outline. THREAD COUNT: warp 40, weft 38/in.
Inscriptions:
"Here In This Garden Here Below
Water Me That I May Grow
And When All Grace To Me Is Given
Then Transplant Me Into Heaven
Elizabeth Marx Her Work 1802"
Background:
This is probably the Elizabeth born on March 20, 1790, to George and Elizabeth Marx in Reading, Pennsylvania. According to the records from the Trinity Lutheran Church in Reading, she married Christian Brobst on September 6, 1812. She died June 20, 1847 and is buried at the Union/West End Cemetery in Allentown, Lehigh, PA.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1802
maker
Marx, Elizabeth
ID Number
TE.T11651
catalog number
T11651.000
accession number
222389

Ruth Lemmon's Sampler

Two block alphabets; letters colored alternately; no "J" or "U." Numbers to 9. All rows (including verse) separated by wide and narrow crossbands, many satin-stitched sawtooth bands.
Description
Two block alphabets; letters colored alternately; no "J" or "U." Numbers to 9. All rows (including verse) separated by wide and narrow crossbands, many satin-stitched sawtooth bands. At base of sampler, spies returning from Canaan (Caleb and Joshua), wearing flared coats, wide hats, and kneebreeches, and carrying bunch of grapes on pole; letters "C" and "I" identify them, and over their heads further notation "NVMBERS C 13 V 23"; flanked by tulip plants in baskets and small trees. Border of geometric vine-and-flower on top and two sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, satin, fern, eyelet, outline, stem, straight. THREAD COUNT: warp 50, weft 50/in.
Inscriptions:
"MY GOD I NEVER LONG'D TO SEE MY FATE WI
TH CVRIOVS EYES WHAT GLOOMY LINES AR
E WRIT FOR ME OR WHAT BRIGHT SCENES
SHALL RISE IN THY FAIR BOOK OF LIFE & GRA
CE MAY I BVT FIND MY NAME RECORDED IN SOM
E HVMBLE PLACE BENEATH MY LORD THE L
AMB
RVTH LEMMON HER SAMPLER WORKED IN
THE 13 YEAR OF HER AGE 1760"
Background:
Ruth was born on December 27, 1747, to Joseph and Hannah Lemmon in Marblehead, Massachusetts. She married John D. Prentice on January 11, 1770, in Marblehead, and they had one daughter, Ruth, born in 1770. Later they moved to Londonderry, New Hampshire, where her husband was a lawyer and New Hampshire Attorney General from 1787 to 1793. Mrs. Prentice died in 1791 in New Hampshire, and John married Tabitha Sargent in 1793.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1760
maker
Lemmon, Ruth
ID Number
TE.T14112
catalog number
T14112
accession number
272420

Sarah Prince Fenn's Sampler

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

Annzalette Hussey's Sampler

Two block alphabets of 26 letters. One script alphabet with no "J," and "O" instead of "Z"; numbers to 19. Alphabets and numbers colored in pairs or groups with all these rows separated by simple geometric crossbands.
Description
Two block alphabets of 26 letters. One script alphabet with no "J," and "O" instead of "Z"; numbers to 19. Alphabets and numbers colored in pairs or groups with all these rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. In lower half of sampler, flower basket on rectangular base, flanked by two eight-sided lozenges decorated with swags and tassels containing inscription and date. Border of geometric flowering vine on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, outline, stem, chain, satin. THREAD COUNT: warp 22, weft 25/in.
Inscriptions:
"Annzalette
Hussey
aged 9
In the year of
our Lord
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. In 1827, at the age of fourteen, she was a student in the First Female School of Portsmouth. On this sampler she spelled her name Annzalette, and throughout her life she used the two different spellings for her first name. This sampler is very different from her other one and was probably worked at a different school. See Anzolette Hussey for her other sampler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1821
maker
Hussey, Anzolette
ID Number
TE.H33961
catalog number
H33961
accession number
63786

Alcinda C. Timberlake's Sampler

Three block alphabets of 26 letters. One script alphabet with no "J." Numbers to 12 and to 6. All these rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. One wide crossband, grapevine, worked in free embroidery, with brown guidelines under stitches.
Description
Three block alphabets of 26 letters. One script alphabet with no "J." Numbers to 12 and to 6. All these rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. One wide crossband, grapevine, worked in free embroidery, with brown guidelines under stitches. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, long-armed cross, rice, Algerian eye, queen, outline, stem, satin, gobelin. THREAD COUNT: warp 25, weft 26/in.
Inscriptions:
"Do as you would be done by
Alcinda C: Timberlake, Char
-lestown Virginia 1817."
Background:
Alcinda Timberlake was born about 1803 and married Harfield Timberlake, Jr. on June 18, 1822, in Charlestown, Virginia. Their son Henry Carter Timberlake, born in 1835, taught at Mississippi College. He married Alice Jordan and they named one of their girls Alcinda after his mother. This granddaughter donated her grandmother's sampler. West Virginia became a state in 1863, and Charlestown is now part of West Virginia.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1817
maker
Timberlake, Alcinda C.
ID Number
TE.T13497
catalog number
T13497
accession number
254795

Sylvia Blakeslee's Sampler

Two long narrow strips of cloth joined with all four edges turned and whipped. One block alphabet with two of some letters; no "J." One crown. Same simple outline often used as spacer in alphabets. No border. Initials "SB." Linen thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross.
Description
Two long narrow strips of cloth joined with all four edges turned and whipped. One block alphabet with two of some letters; no "J." One crown. Same simple outline often used as spacer in alphabets. No border. Initials "SB." Linen thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross. THREAD COUNT: longer strip warp 38, weft 48/in.
; shorter strip warp 36, weft 40/in.
Background:
Sylvia was born on September 28, 1770, to Zophar and Eunice Ives Blakeslee in New Haven, Connecticut. She married Andrews Hall on December 3, 1800, and they had four children—William, Sylvia, Abigail, and Mary. She died on July 19, 1851, in Wallingford, Connecticut. Sylvia's simple sampler was treasured and passed down in her family. Her daughter Sylvia Hall made a more traditional sampler. See Sylvia Hall's sampler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1750-1775
maker
Blakeslee, Sylvia
ID Number
TE.T16941
catalog number
T16941
accession number
310734

Nancy Batchelder's Sampler

Block upper-case alphabet of 26 letters, plus additional letters "NSABCDMHW." Three block lower-case alphabets of 26 letters. Script alphabet to "W" ("XYZ" in lower part of sampler, with inscription). Numbers 1 to 0 and vowels follow inscription.
Description
Block upper-case alphabet of 26 letters, plus additional letters "NSABCDMHW." Three block lower-case alphabets of 26 letters. Script alphabet to "W" ("XYZ" in lower part of sampler, with inscription). Numbers 1 to 0 and vowels follow inscription. All these rows separated by simple crossbands. At bottom of sampler, flowering plant with birds, flanked by large urns of flowers and small flowering plants; much of this section worked in crinkled silk thread. Guidelines under some flowers and stems. Border of geometric flowering vine edged by narrow bands. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: satin, cross, stem, crosslet, chain, eyelet, surface satin, straight, encroaching satin, roumanian. THREAD COUNT: warp 22, weft 22/in.
Inscriptions:
"Youth like the sPring in verdues clad InraPtu'd beauties they disPlay
Their blooming smiles Profusive shed Which win the heart but fade awaY
Nancy Batchelder aged twelve years aeiou wy
Whilst You ingraVe with Silken art
Let Virtue occuPy Your heart"
Background:
Nothing is known about the life of Nancy Batchelder.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1800-1825
maker
Batchelder, Nancy
ID Number
TE.T08816
catalog number
T8816
accession number
164484

Sarah Kurtz's Sampler

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

Anna Leadbeater's Sampler

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

Nancy Mary Lindley's Sampler

Five block alphabets; one script alphabet; numbers to 15. All alphabets colored in pairs or groups. Six narrow geometric crossbands. Verse in lower register flanked by two-story house and tree.
Description
Five block alphabets; one script alphabet; numbers to 15. All alphabets colored in pairs or groups. Six narrow geometric crossbands. Verse in lower register flanked by two-story house and tree. Red cotton thread used only for "s" in "Lindleys" and for three small geometric motifs at bottom of sampler. Border of geometric zig-zag on all four sides. Silk and cotton embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, Algerian eye. THREAD COUNT: warp 39, weft 42/in.
Inscriptions:
"Nancy Mary Lindleys work done at the age of 8 years
Let virtue be my greatest care
And study my delight
So shall my day be always fair
And peaceable my night,"
Background:
Nothing is known about the life of Nancy Mary Lindley.
Location
Currently on loan
Date made
1800-1825
maker
Lindley, Nancy Mary
ID Number
TE.T14662
catalog number
T14662
T.14662
accession number
279148

Augusta Ann Phillips's Sampler

Three block alphabets; one double of 26 letters and one script alphabet of 26 letters. Numbers to 21. All rows separated by simple geometric crossbands.
Description
Three block alphabets; one double of 26 letters and one script alphabet of 26 letters. Numbers to 21. All rows separated by simple geometric crossbands. In lower half of sampler two-story brick house with two chimneys and double door on stepped terrace, flanked by two pairs of flower baskets. Border of single row of cross-stitch on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, rice, Algerian eye, four-sided, crosslet, stem, outline, French knot. THREAD COUNT: warp 27, weft 31/in.
Inscriptions:
"The rof[s]e, The Sweetly Blooming rof[s]e
Ere from the Tree itf[s] torn
Itf[s] Like the charmf[s] which Beauty Show
In Livef[s] exulting Morn.
Auguf[s]ta Ann PhilliPs June
The 18 1794"
Background:
Nothing is known about the life of Augusta Ann Phillips.
Date made
1794
maker
Phillips, Augusta Ann
ID Number
TE.E309069
catalog number
E309069
E 309069
accession number
63668

Lydia Dickman's Sampler

Two block alphabets with no "J" or "U" with each letter in alphabets and each word in inscription different color.
Description
Two block alphabets with no "J" or "U" with each letter in alphabets and each word in inscription different color. Ten narrow decorative crossbands, three wide crossbands, and narrow geometric crossbands separating these and lettered rows; last crossband has row of strawberry(?) motifs against background solidly filled with cross stitches and first nine letters of lower-case alphabet. All four edges hemstitched with yellow silk thread. Wool and silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, two-sided cross, eyelet, marking cross, gobelin, satin, tent (petit-point), hem. THREAD COUNT: warp 46, weft 43/in.
Inscription:
"LYDIA DIC
KMaN IS MY NAMe AND ENGL
AND IS MY NATION aND BOST
ON IS MY DWeLLING PlaC aND
CHRIST IS MY SALVATION DON
e IN THIRTeeN YeAR OF MY
age 1735"
Background:
Lydia was born about 1722, and married Francis Shaw of Boston, Massachusetts, on January 1, 1745. They had one son, Thomas, who was born December 11, 1745. Lydia died in Boston on December 26, 1746, just a year after the birth of her son.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1735
maker
Dickman, Lydia
ID Number
TE.E388182-a
catalog number
E.388182-a
accession number
182022

Mary Shields's Sampler

Two block alphabets of 26 letters. Two rows of evenly spaced small motifs (hearts, birds, crowns, eight-pointed stars). Two small dogs in lower corners. Five whole and four partial geometric crossbands. No border. Wool and silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross.
Description
Two block alphabets of 26 letters. Two rows of evenly spaced small motifs (hearts, birds, crowns, eight-pointed stars). Two small dogs in lower corners. Five whole and four partial geometric crossbands. No border. Wool and silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross. THREAD COUNT: warp 30, weft 32/in.
Inscriptions:
"On God for all events depend you cannot
want when Gods your friend
The Ant against Cold winter wisely hoard
Provision which The Summer's wealth afford
Reading a Silent Lesson to mankind that they
Ending moove not behind
Better'n the Kindnesses that you Receive
As far as your ability which leave nothing is
More unmannerly than muth as that vile
temper of ingratitude
(This last verse has been badly repaired, and should read: Return the kindnesses that you receive
As far as your ability gives leave Nothing is
more unmannerly nor rude Than that vile
temper of ingratitude)
Mary Shields May the 30 1827"
Background:
Nothing is known about the life of Mary Shields.
Date made
1827
maker
Shields, Mary
ID Number
TE.T11676
catalog number
T11676
accession number
219034

Phebe Esther Copp's Sampler

Three block alphabets of 26 letters and numbers to 13; simple geometric crossbands separate these rows. Below verse, centered tree flanked by rose bushes and two framed texts.
Description
Three block alphabets of 26 letters and numbers to 13; simple geometric crossbands separate these rows. Below verse, centered tree flanked by rose bushes and two framed texts. In verse, words colored alternately with name and date worked in black; in two framed texts, all lettering worked in black. Width of sampler full fabric width, selvedge to selvedge. Border of geometric strawberry-vine and cross-stitched zig-zag, with single rows of cross-stitch on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, Algerian eye, long-armed cross, petit point, rice. THREAD COUNT: warp 28, weft 30/in.
Inscriptions:
"Let the f[s]weet work of prayer and praif[s]e employ my
Youngef[s]t breath Thuf[s] im prepared for longer dayf[s] or
Fit for earlier death Phebe Ef[s]ther Copp aged 8 1822
Better it is to be
of an humble Spirit
with the lowly
than to divide the
Spoil with the proud
This work I did
To let you See
What care my
Parents took of me"
Background:
Phebe Esther was born on November 9, 1813, to Samuel and Phoebe Haight Theall Copp in Stonington, Connecticut. The design of this sampler, made in 1822, when Phebe Esther was eight years old, is obviously based on a similar sampler made fifty-seven years earlier by her great-aunt Esther Copp. Phebe never married and died on February 3, 1837, in New York City. See Esther Copp's sampler.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1822
maker
Copp, Phebe Esther
ID Number
TE.H06591
catalog number
H06591
accession number
28810

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