Sampler (Verse sampler)

Description

This verse sampler was worked in 1831 by Ann Maria Condit of Jersey, Ohio in Licking County using cotton threads embroidered on a plain weave linen ground. A variety of stitches are used, including some that are quite traditional and reflect similarities to earlier needlework work samplers, providing evidence of techniques taught and re-taught over time. Few examples of Licking County samplers are known, making this a rare object within a similarly small number of embroidered samplers attributed to girls and women in Ohio from the first half of the 19th century. Licking County was primarily settled by New Englanders, however the Condit family arrived from New Jersey. Wykiff Condit, Ann Maria's father, was an early settler and community leader in Jersey, Ohio. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Licking Church (Presbyterian) and the construction of the first few church buildings. The current building, now Faith Bible Church, appears to have been built in 1840, postdating the creation of the sampler. It is a possibility that this sampler depicts an earlier church building, or perhaps is a generic architectural rendering. Further research may reveal the inspiration for the church building or the stitched phrase. Additionally, the teacher for the embroidery may be gleaned from comparison to other objects. Such comparisons may also connect it to other samplers from the East or from Ohio.