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D2014-CMD_R.2015-396_2014-7, Sampler
Sampler by Henrietta Stevens
D2014-CMD_R.2015-396_2014-7, Sampler

Sampler by Henrietta Stevens

DateJune 3, 1788
Maker Henrietta Stevens (ca. 1776-1809)
OriginAmerica, Maryland, Talbot County
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 38 x 32 threads per inch (identification of fibers by textile lab)
DimensionsOH: 18 1/8" x OW: 15 3/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Textile Fund and The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund
Object number2014-7
DescriptionThis is a small rectangular sampler worked in shades of faded green, brown, purple, pink, black, gold, and maroon silk threads on a linen ground of 38 x 32 threads per inch. From the top the sampler consists of: a simple band of cross stitch (cross over 2); a wide sawtooth band containing stylized tulips and floral motifs (cross over 2); dividing band of cross stitch (cross over 2); the signature line "Henrietta Stevens June the third 1788" (cross over 2); dividing band of cross stitch (cross over 2); wide zig zag band of Irish stitch (over 2); dividing band of cross stitch (over 2); the verse: "To each unthinking being heaven a friend/ gives not the useless knowledge of its end/ to man imparts it but with such a view/ as whilst he dreads it makes him hope it too/ the hour concealed and so remote the fear/ Death still draws nearer never seeming near" (cross over 2); dividing band of cross stitch (over 2); wide sawtooth band with strawberry and diamond motifs worked in queen stitch (over 4); dividing band of longarm cross; wide band of diamonds worked in double cross stitch; dividing band of longarm cross stitch; the verse: "A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord" (cross over 2); dividing band (double cross); scalloped band in double cross stitch; and a band of double cross stitch. The sampler is hemmed on four sides with a 1/8" hem.
Stitches: cross, double cross, longarm cross, Irish, and queen
Label TextThis colorful band sampler was worked by Henrietta Stevens of Talbot County, Maryland. Talbot County, located in the center of the Eastern Shore, is one of Maryland’s oldest counties. During the early years of the young republic some of the wealthiest men in Maryland lived there. Although their daughters had ample opportunities to study needlework and samplermaking, only about a dozen embroideries can be attributed to Talbot County girls.

Dated June 3, 1788, this sampler is worked in silk threads on a linen ground. Henny, as she was known to her family, was not quite twelve years of age when she completed her sampler. She used a variety of interesting stitches including Irish, which makes up the zigzag band near the top, and queen stitches seen in the large sawtooth patterns in the bottom section. In addition to decorative bands of floral and geometric motifs, two verses appear on the sampler. Reflecting the sentiments of the time, the verse at the bottom of the sampler states “A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord.”

On July 24, 1795, Henny Stevens married John Thomas, Jr. (1763-1802), who served as the Sheriff of Talbot County from 1798 to 1802. They had three sons.

A special grant from the Loudoun Sampler Guild and support from the Friends made this acquisition possible.
Inscribed"To each unthinking being heaven a friend/ gives not the useless knowledge of its end/ to man imparts it but with such a view/ as whilst he dreads it makes him hope it too/ the hour concelaed and so remote the fear/ Death still draws nearer never seeming near."
"A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord"
MarkingsOn brown paper on back of framed sampler:
Label for "PURNELL ART COMPANY/ 408 N. CHARLES STREET/ BALTIMORE USA/ PUBLISHERS AND IMPORTERS OF/ PICTURES AND OBJECTS OF ART/ MANUFACTURERS AND DESTONERS OF/ PICTURE FRAMES AND MIRRORS"
In ink on paper glued to brown paper backing: "Edwin J. Stevens/ 206 Ridgewood Road/ Roland Park, Md/ John W. Stevens"
In ink on paper glued to brown paper backing: "Henrietta Stevens daughter of John & Elizabeth was born Augt 14th/ 1776 and married John Thomas 26th July 1795. John Thomas died the/ last of 1801 or the beginning of 1802 and Hennrietta Thomas died June 1809"
In pencil on back of modern frame: "#C-227/ 1098 PTAN 165/3732"

ProvenanceIt is likely that the sampler descended in the Stevens family, given the following inked inscription on the back of the sampler frame: "Edwin J. Stevens/ 206 Ridgewood Road/ Roland Park, Md/ John W. Stevens."

History of sampler maker:
Henrietta "Henny" Stevens was the daughter of John Stevens (1736-1794) and Elizabeth Connolly Stevens (1740-1791). She married John Thomas, Jr., (born and died in Talbot Co. 1763-1802) on July 24, 1795, in Talbot County, Maryland. John Thomas was a member of Masonic Old Lodge No. 6; his Masonic apron is in the collection of the Maryland Masonic Museum. He served as the Sheriff of Talbot County from 1798 to 1802. The couple had three sons: Edmond/Edmund Thomas (born in Talbot Co. in 1798, died in Calcutta, India 1817); John Thomas (born in Talbot Co. 1799, died in Louisville, KY 1849); and James Stevens Thomas (born in Talbot Co. 1802, died in St. Louis, MI 1874). Henny died at the age of 33 leaving her three young sons orphaned at the ages of eleven, ten, and seven.