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Sampler 2002-7
Sampler by Annis Dewese
Sampler 2002-7

Sampler by Annis Dewese

Date1825-1830
Maker Annis Dewese (b. 1815)
OriginAmerica, North Carolina, Mecklenburg County
MediumSilk embroidery thread on linen ground of 33 weft by 28 warp threads per inch (identification of fibers by eye)
DimensionsUnframed: OW17" x 17 1/4" Framed: OW23 1/4" x 24 1/4"
Credit LinePurchased with funds given by Friends of the Textile Collection
Object number2002-7,A
DescriptionThis is an almost square needlework sampler worked in faded shades of green, brown and gold silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground of 33 warps by 30 wefts per inch. The sampler is hemmed at sides in a 1/8" hem and has selvedges at top and bottom.
The top half of the sampler consists of alphabets and saw tooth bands. The bottom half of the sampler consists of the verse: "O let my name engraven stand/ Both on thy heart and on thy hand/ Scal me upon thine arm and wear/ that pledge of love forever there."
A three-color band separates the verse from the signature line which reads "Annis Dewese's Sampler worked/ by herself while under the tuition/ of M*V*t* She was born May the/ 10th*A. D. 1815. Mecklenburg Co. NC."
The sampler is enclosed with an inner border of cross stitch and an outer border of flowers and leaves with vine and flowers at sides. An "A" and an unfinished "A" appear in the left bottom corner.

Stitches: buttonhole, chain, cross over two, eyelet, foursided, satin, and stem/outline
Label TextThis Mecklenburg County, North Carolina sampler worked by Annis Dewese is similar to Jane L. Barry's 1825 sampler and Dorcas M. Cochran's 1836 sampler--both of which were worked in Mecklenburg County. All three samplers include a striped horizontal band and the name of their teacher.
Inscribed"O let my name engraven stand/ Both on thy heart and on thy hand/ Scal me upon thine arm and wear/ that pledge of love forever there"
"Annis Dewese's Sampler worked/ by herself while under the tuition/ of M*V*T* She was born May the 10th*A. D. 1815. Mecklenburg Co. NC"
MarkingsAcidic paper backboard of sampler was marked "Made in Germany."
Flyer taped to back of sampler read "PALMETO ESTATE JEWELRY AND WATCH SALE/ Sunday October 28, 2001."
ProvenanceNo known provenance prior to purchase from vendor is known.
Note:
Acidic paper backboard of sampler was marked "Made in Germany."
Flyer taped to back of sampler read "PALMETO ESTATE JEWELRY AND WATCH SALE/ Sunday October 28, 2001."

History of maker:
Annis [Annie] Dewese [Deweese] was born May 10, 1815 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Her parents were Captain William Dewese [Deweese] (b. March 8, 1789 in Caswell County, North Carolina, d. February 1, 1858 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina) and Nancy Allison (?). Annis married John E. Johnson on January 8, 1826 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
(http://www.deweeses.com/aqwg17.htm)