Sampler (Alphabet sampler)

Description

This is a linen alphabet sampler with silk threads. It was worked by Mary Phillips, probably from Philadelphia or Wilmington, Delaware, in 1814. This sampler is one of a group of four at Winterthur worked by four different girls from the renowned Philadelphia/Wilmington, Delaware, Bringhurst and Ashburnham family line. Mary Phillips remains unidentified, although families with this surname have been found in northern Delaware, southern Chester County, and Philadelphia. The initials on her sampler may represent additional unidentified family members, probably her parents. The inscription reads: "1814" and "Mary Philli / ps * JR * HR"