According to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, “Samplers depicting alphabets and numeral were worked by young women to learn the basic needlework skills needed to operate the family household.” In the Homestead we have three samplers that have not only letters and numbers, but much more as well.
The Eliza Sumner Sampler. Dated 1821, this sampler, with figures, animals, and biblical script, was purchased by Bertha Mather McPherson from a local antique shop in 1957. The first section reads, “Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman that feareth the lord she shall be praised.” The lower text with figures of Adam and Eve reads, “Adam and Eve Whilest innocent in paradise were placed but soon the serpent by his while the happy pair disgraced.” The stitched signature is: “Eliza Sumner finished this work december the 8 1821 aged 9 years.”
The Nancy McPherson Sampler. This 1818 needlework sampler contains the alphabet and numerals in blue along the upper section, over uppercase alphabet in cross-stitched brown in the center section over a lower section of Biblical script…All the pious duties…” The signature and date embroidered are: Nancy McPherson Nov 24, 1818.
It would appear that this sampler was handed down in the McPherson family and given to Bertha’s husband, Edward McPherson.
The Mary Culbertson Sampler. This 1834 sampler displays three alphabets rendered in white (except for a “UVWZ”) in blue above a two-handled bowl with a stylized floral arrangement flanked by two trees.
The signature reads: Mary Culbertson’s work 1834 Shippensburg September 8th 1834.”
Research appears to show that Mary Culbertson was born 9 April 1822 and on 20 August 1840 married Samuel Henderson. She died 8 July 1845. Given that Margaret Henderson, whose letters were the subject of an earlier blog, was a great-great aunt of Edward McPherson, it appears likely that this work of Mary Culbertson Henderson was also passed down to Bertha’s husband.
To fully appreciate the folk-artistry and detail of these samplers, take a time to look for them on your next visit to the Homestead. Indeed, walls do talk.
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