Davis Family Record Sampler, Tyngsboro, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Family Record Samplers reached their peak in popularity between 1820 and 1830, especially in Massachusetts according to the Hubers in their book Samplers, How to Compare & Value. Unlike other samplers made at that time  that focused on alphabets, verses and pictorial elements, these Family Records were created to document the history of the family, giving us insight into the specific family unit.  Being so personal in nature they depict the family as it existed in that "moment in time".  With today's emphasis  on genealogical research, collectors have come to appreciate the vast amount of information in these stitched needlework histories.

While this sampler is first and foremost a Family Record it also is a splendid example of the Floral Samplers produced in Massachusetts utilizing wide borders filled with meandering vine filled flower blossoms on both sides and across the top.  The Family information is contained within a border that also contains  more floral elements.

 The eye is drawn to the superbly executed and exuberant floral basket that virtually fills the bottom portion of the family record.  The lushness of the stitching, one of the regional characteristics of Massachusetts samplers is due to the use of long stitches of crinkled silk to embellish their wide borders.

While the sampler is unsigned, it was most likely made by either Rachael or Maryann as they both would have been of the right age to have worked the piece, being born in 1815 and 1816 respectively.  The Davis family is listed as living in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, a small village in Middlesex County, close to the New Hampshire border.  Thaddeous Davis was a farmer who lived with his wife, Rachael and his family of 9 children in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts and is listed in the various census as such.

The sampler, in excellent condition and contrast is 19 inches x 20 inches and is framed in its original, deep-well, molded walnut frame and conserved on acid free board.
SOLD
R12H315751

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