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D2011-CMD. Sampler
Sampler by Mary M. Skinner
D2011-CMD. Sampler

Sampler by Mary M. Skinner

DateJanuary 24, 1848
Maker Mary M. Skinner
OriginAmerica, Wisconsin, Racine
MediumSilk and wool embroidery threads on a cotton ground of 25 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOW 18" x OH 12 1/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2011-89
DescriptionThis is a small rectangular sampler worked in shades of green, brown, black, red, blue, and gold silk and wool embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The top portion of the sampler consists of:
"A-R" uppercase block worked in cross stitch
Cross stitch band
"S-Z" uppercase block; "&"; "a-l" lowercase block worked in cross stitch
Cross stitch band
"m-z" lowercase block; "x" "1-5" worked in cross stitch
Cross stitch band
"6-10" "x" followed by the signature line: "Mary M. Skinner. Aged. 9 Ys."
Cross stitch band
"Racine W. T. January 24 1848 x"
Cross stitch band
The lower section of the sampler consists of the centered verse:
"Count that day lost/ Whose lo descending sun/
View from thy hand/ No worthy action done."
Flanking the verse are the letters "A" in eyelet stitch on the left and "B" in eyelet stitch on the right; pairs of birds; and tall slender flowering plants.
Below verse are fairly evenly spaced motifs from left to right: star, bird, lama-like animal, tree, tree, tree, bird, star.
Sampler is bordered on four sides in a small undulating geometric border worked in cross stitch.

Stitches: cross and eyelet
Label TextThis alphabet sampler, which is signed "Mary M. Skinner," dated January 24, 1848," and marked "Racine, W. T." is one of the few well-documented samplers created west of Ohio. Naturally, this body of samplers dates later than that in the east because of settlement dates. Although the date of the sampler is somewhat late, the format and style of the work is in keeping with examples stitched some forty years earlier. The Wisconsin Territory (indicated on the sampler as "W.T.") was created by an act of the U.S. Congress on April 20, 1836. Just four months after Mary completed her work, the Wisconsin Territory became the thirtieth state in the Union and the last state completely east of the Mississippi.
Inscribed"Count that day lost/ Whose lo descending sun/ View from thy hand/ No worthy action done"
MarkingsSee signature.
ProvenanceNothing more is known of provenance prior to vendor's ownership.

History of Samplermaker:
Mary M. Skinner (b. 1838) was the daughter of Russell Skinner (b. 1814) and Else Skinner (1814-1850s). Born in New York, Mary moved with her family to Racine, Wisconsin Territory sometime before 1848 when she worked and marked her sampler with the inscription "Racine W.T. January 24 1848." On December 31, 1867, Mary became the second wife of Universalist minister Rev. Henry De Lafayette Webster (1824-1896). Her Husband's claim to fame was his authorship of the lyrics of a famous song, "Lorena" (1857)--the mournful song that was a favorite to both sides during the American Civil War. The couple had two children. (Information from an email message dated June 14, 2011, to Kim Ivey from Bill Subjack)