Sampler by Margaret J[ane] Cross

DateApril 30th, 1829 (dated)

Artist/Maker Margaret Jane Cross

OriginAmerica, Delaware, Lewes (attributed)

MediumSilk and crinkled silk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 34 wefts x 29 warp threads per inch; drawn ink outline (identification of fibers by eye)

Dimensions21" x 17 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1996-804

DescriptionThis is a needlework sampler worked in shades of green, brown, black, gold, and ivory silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler is hemmed at sides with a 1/4" hem and has selvedges at top and bottom. The bottom half of the sampler consists of a two-story house with two chimneys, seven windows, and an arched doorway. The house sits on a grassy mound with pathways and is flanked by a fence with two gates. To the left of the house are three trees and tree trunk. To the right of the house are three trees and a tree trunk. To the right center is a grassy mound with tree and memorial which reads: "Taylor Cross/ deceas'd/ June 18 1821." A large realistic vine of leaves sprouts from tree trunks at right and left corners and spreads upwards on either side to about one third in at top of sampler. Centered at top between vine is a realistically worked spray of flowers consisting of a large rose, smaller flowers, leaves, and bow. Below this about 1/4 down is the verse: "When Young life journey I began,/ The glitt'ring prospect charm'd my eyes'/ I saw along th' extended plain./ Joy after joy successive rise./ But soon I found twas all a dream,/ And learn'd the fond pursuit to shun./ Where few can reach their purpos'd aim/ And thousands daily are undone/ Our hearts are fasten'd to this world,/ By strong and endless ties./ But every sorrow cuts [a] string,/ And urges us to rise." Centered at left and encircled in a vine is the signature line, "Wrought by/ Margaret J. Cross/ APril 30th 1829."

Stitches: chain, cross, outline, satin, and straight
Label TextMargaret Jane Cross completed her sampler in memory of her father, Taylor Cross, eight years after his death in 1821. The original inked outline of the design can still be seen in some areas of this sampler.
Inscribed"Taylor Cross/ deceas'd/ June 18 1821"
"When Young life journey I began,/ The glitt'ring prospect charm'd my eyes'/ I saw along th' extended plain./ Joy after joy successive rise./ But soon I found twas all a dream,/ And learn'd the fond pursuit to shun./ Where few can reach their purpos'd aim/ And thousands daily are undone/ Our hearts are fasten'd to this world,/ By strong and endless ties./ But every sorrow cuts [a] string,/ And urges us to rise."
MarkingsSee description.
ProvenanceMargaret Jane Cross was the daughter of Taylor Cross (son of Cyprian Cross and Christian Riddick) who was born in Gates County, North Carolina, and later moved to Nansemond, Virginia. Margaret was born November 5, 1816, and married Lassiter Riddick of Gates County where they resided. Their daughter, Elizabeth, married Cyprian Riddick Cross, and the sampler descended through the family to the last owner. (See: FORGOTTEN GATES: THE HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE OF A RURAL N. C. COUNTY, by Thomas R. Butchko.)