Sampler by Harriet A. Brady

DateJuly 23, 1836 (dated)

Maker Harriet A. Brady (1823-1902) (1823 - 1902)

OriginAmerica, West Virginia, Hampshire County, Springfield

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 23 warps by 28 weft threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsSampler size: OH: 11 3/4” x OW: 8 1/2”; Frame size: OH: 15 3/4” x OW: 12"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2014-216

DescriptionThis is a small rectangular alphabet sampler worked in shades of green, brown, gold, rust, cream, and blue silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler is hemmed at top and bottom with a 3/16" hem and has selvages at sides.
From the top the sampler consists of:
"A-I" "K-L" upper case block worked in cross stitch over two threads
Band of cross stitch over two threads
"M-U" upper case block followed by a X motif, worked in cross stitch over two threads
Band of cross stitch over two threads
"V-Z" upper case block worked in cross stitch over two threads followed by two cross motifs worked in straight stitches
Band of cross stitch over two threads
"1-12" worked in cross stitch over two threads
"a-i" "j-o" lower case block worked in cross stitch over two threads
Band of cross stitch over two threads
"p-z" lower case block worked in cross stitch over two threads followed by a square of cross stitch
Band of cross stitch over two threads
"A-I" upper case block worked in block stitch followed by a chain stitched circle motif
Band of cross stitch over two threads
"Harriet A Brady" worked in cross stitch over two threads
Band of cross stitch over two threads
"A-E" upper block worked in cross stitch over two threads followed by a chain stitched circle motif
Band of eyelet and cross stitch over two threads
"Born April 2nd 1823" worked in cross stitch over one and two threads
Band of cross stitch over two threads
The bottom portion of the sampler consists of six motifs: a square on "legs"; three daisy-like floral motifs; and a square divided into four blocks worked in straight, cross, and chain stitches.
The sampler is enclosed at top and sides in a simple border of double cross stitches.
On the left margin of the sampler outside of the border is the inscription: "Work and
Finished July 23 1836" worked in cross stitch over two threads.

Stiches: block, chain, cross over one and two, eyelet, and straight
Label TextFew samplers have been identified from Hampshire County, Virginia, now West Virginia, where this schoolgirl project was made in 1836 by Harriet Ann Brady. Located on the south branch of the Potomac River, the area was an important gateway to the developing west. Harriet inscribed her simple alphabet sampler, "Harriet A. Brady Born April 2nd 1823 Work and Finished July 23 1836.” She was the daughter of John and Harriet (Parker) Brady who lived in Springfield, Hampshire County, Virginia. Like other settlers to the area, the Brady family had settled early in the area from northern Virginia. In 1849, Harriet married Joseph Inskeep Taylor (1816-1895), also from an early Hampshire County family. They resided in Springfield where Joseph was a farmer and they had six children. In 1900, the census recorded Harriet as a widow, living with some of her children, still in Springfield. She died in 1902.
ProvenancePurchased from dealer; no further provenance is known.

History of samplermaker:
Harriet Ann Brady was the daughter of John and Harriet (Parker) Brady who lived in Springfield, Hampshire County, Virginia. Sources, including the History of Hampshire County, West Virginia from Its Earliest Settlement to the Present (Morgantown, West Virginia, 1897), state that the Brady and Parker families were among the prominent, early settlers of the area. The Brady family had lived in Loudoun County, Virginia, and the Parker family settled in Hampshire County prior to the Revolutionary War. Harriet was the third of their six daughters and one son. The family remained in the area and Hannah Parker Brady’s will is in the county courthouse. In 1849, Harriet married Joseph Inskeep Taylor (1816-1895), also from an early Hampshire County family. They resided in Springfield where Joseph was a farmer and they had six children. In 1900, the census recorded Harriet as a widow, living with some of her children, still in Springfield. She died in 1902.