Images(2)

Sampler by Mahala Cline

DateApril 19, 1830 (dated)

Artist/Maker Mahala Cline (1816-1870)

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Shenandoah County, New Market

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 29 x 29 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOH 17 3/4" x OW 18"

Credit LinePartial funds donated by Mrs. Harold A. Via, Jr. in memory of Mrs. W. Peyton May.

Object number1994-1

DescriptionThis is a square needlework sampler worked in shades of green, blue, tan, black, and yellow silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler has selvages at sides and 1/8" hem at top and bottom. The upper half of the sampler consists of four sets of alphabets and the numerals 1-13. The bottom half of the sampler consists of the signature line, "Mahala Cline Newmarket April 19th 1830" and a large three-story yellow house with flanking trees, fence, and a smaller building. The sampler is enclosed on all 4 sides in a vine border.

Stitches: cross, eyelet, herringbone, queen, and satin
Label TextMahala Cline's sampler is one of the earliest from a group of samplers stitched as late as 1845 in Shenandoah and Rockingham Counties, Virginia. They are distinguished by their prominently centered yellow houses and fences, bold vine borders, and sawtooth bands. Mahala Cline was probably a member of the Shenandoah County Cline family, which was closely associated with the Lutheran churches in the area.
ProvenanceIn 1989, this sampler sold at an auction in Woodstock, Virginia. Five years later, Colonial Williamsburg purchased it from a Valley dealer and researcher.

History of Sampler Maker:
The maker of this sampler was most likely Mahala Cline (1816-1870), the daughter of Henry Cline (1783-1859) and Catharine Wiseman (1782-1860). Mahala lived, married, and died in Shenandoah County, making it likely that she is the samplermaker. She married Jacob Fravel and had at least four children: Ketmat, Susan, Malinda, and Rebecca. Mahala died on September 14, 1870 and is buried in Hamburg, Virginia.
Of special interest, Henry Cline, along with other trustees, advertised in the "Shenandoah Herald" for a teacher at Zion's Church, built jointly by the Lutherans and the German Reformed.