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Sampler 2018-166
Sampler by Martha Ann Deener
Sampler 2018-166

Sampler by Martha Ann Deener

DateNovember 8, 1837
Maker Martha Ann Deener (1828-1903)
OriginAmerica, Tennessee
MediumSilk embellishment threads on a linen ground of 28 x 28 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOH: 17 1/4 in. x OW: 16 7/8 in.
Credit LineGift of Katherine Skidmore Philipp
Object number2018-166
DescriptionThis is an almost square needlework sampler worked in faded shades of red/pink, brown, black, yellow/gold, green, and rust silk threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler consists of three upper case alphabets; the signature line, "Martha A. Deener's sampler/ Aged nine years marked / under the Tuition of Mrs. / Mary A. Stith Nov. 8th 1837"; decorative bands, and the verse, "may I govern my passion with absolute sway / And grow wiser and better as life wears away." Below verse is a decorative floral band; below this band is a geometric "Greek Key-like" band. The sampler is enclosed at top and sides in a floral and vine border.

Stitches: cross
Label TextA fine example of schoolgirl needlework, Martha Ann Deener's 1837 sampler includes an inscription indicating that she was taught to stitch by Mrs. Mary M. Stiith. The sampler is similar to Tennessee samplers created in Davidson, McNairy, Sumner, Smith, Williamson, and Wilson counties in Middle Tennessee.
Inscribed"May I govern my passion with absolute sway / And grow wiser and better as life wears away."
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceThe sampler with a family photograph were given to the museum by Katherine Philipp. The sampler descended through the family from the sampler maker, Martha Ann Deener Old, to her daughter Octavia Francis ("Fannie") Old Faucette, to one of Fannie's sons, Fletcher Freeland Faucette. The sampler was passed to a son instead of Fannie's daughter, Katherine, because Katherine died too young. Fletcher gave the sampler to his daughter, Emma Shirley Faucette, who gave it to the daughter of her first cousin, Katherine Philipp, the donor. John, the child in the photograph, was the donor's uncle.

According to family history, the individuals pictured in the photograph are Martha Ann Deener Old (at the top), Fannie Old Faucette (at the right), Katherine Faucette Skidmore (at the left), and John Skidmore (on the bottom). Family history states that John Skidmore was born in February of 1903, and records show that Martha Ann died in September of 1903, so this photograph must have been taken sometime in between those dates.

History of sampler maker:
Martha Ann Deener was born in 1828 in Campbell County, Virginia, to John Jacob Deener and Tabitha Batte, who married in Brunswick County, Virginia. Martha Ann had six siblings. In 1836, the family moved to Fayette County, Tennessee. Since Martha Ann stitched her sampler in 1837, it is likely that Mrs. Mary M. Stith taught her to stitch in Tennessee. Martha Ann married William A. Old in Memphis, Tennessee in 1845. Together they had at least four children, including Octavia Francis ("Fannie"), who, according to family history, is pictured in the photograph alongside Martha Ann, Octavia's daughter, Katherine Faucette Skidmore, and her son, John Skidmore. Martha died in 1903 in Arkansas.