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Scarce Weakley County West TN Schoolgirl Needlework Sampler, stitched by Unity M. Terrell in 1837. Silk on linen, featuring a hemstitched border with strawberry and vine embroidery, enclosing 6 rows of alphabets and numbers, over a verse and signature: “Unity M. Terrell’s sampler wrought in the 10 year of her age – Dresden 1837.” (Note: Dresden is the seat of Weakley County). The lines of text are divided by decorative geometric stitched bands, all rendered in cross stitch, Queen’s stitch, and rice stitch. Housed under glass in a later molded simulated wood frame. Sight: 19 3/4 in. H x 21 3/4 W. Frame: 21 1/4 in. H x 22 1/4 in W. According to the Tennessee Sampler Survey, this sampler, documented by the TSS after the publication of its book ( Tennessee Samplers: Female Education and Domestic Arts 1800-1900, published by the University of Tennessee Press, 2025 ), is only the 18th sampler to have been discovered from West Tennessee. That area was less populated than Middle and East Tennessee during the 1830s. Unity M. Terrell Simmons was born January 15, 1827 in Weakley County to Jephthah Terrell and his wife Nancy Hockaday Terrell. She married James Simmons in 1844, with whom she had 9 children. She died Aug. 25, 1886 at the age of 59. She is buried in Hartsfield Cemetery, Trenton, in Gibson County, TN. A file containing copies of some genealogical records is available to the winning bidder.
PROVENANCE:
Private Tennessee collection.
CONDITION:
Overall very good condition with little to no losses of ground or thread. Moderate toning and fading to fabrics. Deeper discoloration or grime at corners and upper edge. Small spot of staining lower left border area. Frame is later and exhibits some wear. Sampler is stitched to an old cardboard backing.
