Mary Harrison's Sampler; Alexandria, Virginia; 1830

Embroidered sampler worked in 1830 by 11-year old Mary Harrison of Alexandria, Virginia. In upper half of sampler, flanking verses, flowering plant with birds flying overhead, and lady and gentleman under tree. Man wears short flared coat and carries cane; lady wears elaborate hat, long-sleeved dress, and pantalettes, and carries small bag with long ribbon straps and what appears to be furled parasol. In lower half, large flat-roofed building with tall windows and columns. On flat roof recessed second story also flat-roofed but with large semicircular window. Building stands on lawn (or hill) flanked by trees, urns of flowers, and spotted dog. Border of geometric strawberry vine on all four sides. Silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross, crosslet, queen, satin, double cross, four-sided, chain, stem. THREAD COUNT: warp 29, weft 31/in.

"What iS the blooming fair
And tincture of the Skin
to Peace of mind from care
And harmony within
Sickness and age will blaSt
All outward charmeS away
Virtue will Sooth at last
in deathS tremendiouS day

See the Kind Shepherd JeSuS StandS
with all engaging charmeS
Hark how he calls his tender lambs
And folds them in his arms

Mary Harrison Aged Eleven Years
Alexandria July 1830"

Mary Harrison was born September 18, 1818, to John and Elizabeth Carlin Harrison of Alexandria, Virginia She married December 28, 1842, Isaac Kell (1814-1864). She died June 30, 1906.

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