Images(2)

Sampler by Anna Wilson

Date1792

Maker Anna Wilson , born ca. 1782

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Chesapeake (attributed)

MediumSilk embroidery thread on a linen ground of 25 x 27 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye).

DimensionsOH: 17 1/2"; OW: 8"

Credit LineGift of Ann Wilkerson

Object number2008-144

DescriptionThis is a rectangular alphabet sampler in a band format worked in faded shades of green, pink, red, cream, gold, black, and tan silk threads on a darkened linen ground. From the top the sampler consists of:
"A B C" "[E]" "F G [H] I J K L" upper case block in marking cross and cross
Band of marking cross stitch
" N-V [?]" upper case block in marking cross and cross
Band of marking cross stitch
"W-Z" "SEPTEM" upper case block in marking cross and cross
Band of cross stitch
"BER" "1791" "1-7" in cross stitch
Band of cross stitch
"A-G" upper case block in eyelet stitch
Band of eyelet
"H-N" upper case block in eyelet stitch
Band of cross stitch
"O-U" upper case block in eyelet stitch
Band of double cross
"W V X Y Z" upper case block in eyelet stitch
Band of cross stitch
"ANNA WILSON MADE THIS" in cross stich over one
Band of stylized undulating vine and flower in cross stitch
"PSALMPLER [sic] IN THE 10 YEAR OF" in cross stitch over one
Band of wave motif in pink eyelet stitch
"HER AGE 1792 1-9" in cross stitch over one
Band of undulating strawberries (or flower buds) in cross stitch
The very bottom portion of the sampler consists of a centered vase of a tall flowering plant flanked by green mounds with two trees and two birds. Above each of the four trees perch birds, two pink and two gold.
The sampler has selvages at top and bottom and a 1/8" hem at sides.

Stitches: cross, double cross, eyelet, marking cross

Label TextAnna Wilson's marking sampler of 1791/92 is worked in an early band format of alphabets and numbers. The sampler is dated twice--September 8, 1791, and 1792--perhaps suggesting when she began and completed her sampler.
It is probable that Anna Wilson was born in the region near Norfolk, Virginia. Family history states that she married Edward Lindsay, once of Norfolk. They had three children. By 1810 the York County census places them in the township of Williamsburg with a daughter and son, both under the ages of ten. Edward was killed in the War of 1812. Anna continued to live in Williamsburg and appears in the 1820 census for the Independent City of Williamsburg with one son under the age of ten. Her oldest son, Edward Brook Lindsay (1807-1855) is buried in the graveyard of Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg.
Markings"ANNA WILSON MADE THIS / "PSALMPLER [sic] IN THE 10 YEAR OF / "HER AGE 1792"
ProvenancePer letter from donor:
The sampler descended from sampler maker, Anna Wilson Lindsay, to her daughter Eliza Lindsay Bosher, to her granddaughter, Eliza Bosher Hicks (6/23/1853), to her great granddaughter Ida Hicks Bowen (4/27/1883), to her great great grandson, Warren Bowen (4/2/1919), to her great, great, great granddaughter Winnifred Bowen Wilkerson (12/27/1941), to her great, great, great, great granddaughter Ann Wilkerson, who donated the sampler to the museum.

History of sampler maker:
Anna Wilson married Edward Lindsay, son of Jesse and Justina Lindsay, once of Norfolk, Virginia. There were three children: Eliza, Edward Brook, and Thomas M. Edward Lindsay was killed in the War of 1812. (Email message from donor dated 8/23/2006; LINDSAYS OF AMERICA, 1889 by Margaret Isabella Lindsay.)

The 1810 Census of York County, township of Williamsburg, lists Edward as the head of a household containing a boy under 10 (probably son Edward Brook), a man 26-44 (presumably Edward himself), a girl under 10 (probably daughter Eliza), a woman 16-25 (possibly Anna if her age were given incorrectly), and a woman (26-44) (presumably Anna or a female relative). The 1820 Census for the Independent City of Williamsburg lists Anna Lindsay as the head of a household containing one boy under 10 (probably son Thomas M.) and a woman of 26-45 (Anna).

It has been impossible to locate Anna prior to her marriage because we do not know her father's name.