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Artifacts

Mary Potts Wright Sampler

A simple marking sampler with three alphabet progressions and one numerical sequence separated by geometric stitched lines. The letter “J” is stitched backwards in the first alphabet and omitted in the last alphabet. There is a single rose sprig above the word “Years” in the last row. 

Mary Potts Wright was the daughter of Mary Potts (1768-1849) and Joshua Wright (1757-1831). Mary’s ancestors were two of the founding fathers of Trenton, New Jersey – Joshua Wright and Mahlon Stacy. She was also the grand-niece of Stacy Potts, who hosted the Hessian troops before the Battle of Trenton and whose house was where Colonel Rall died after being mortally wounded in the same battle. 

Mary was the youngest of three children and the only girl. She married Samuel Jones Henderson (1802-1850) in 1834, making her a relatively older bride for the time at age 32. The couple had four children, three girls and one boy. Their names and pictures are below. 

Mary Wright Aged Six Years

Photo Gallery contains images of children of Mary Potts Wright and Samuel Jones Henderson

Created By: Mary Potts Wright (1802-1861)
Artifact Type: Alphabet Sampler
Artifact Date: c. 1808
Origin/Region: Trenton, New Jersey
Material/Medium: Silk thread on linen ground
Museum Database Number: OBA 1945.003.0001
Artifact Condition: Good
Artifact Location: Old Barracks Association Collection
Image Gallery:
Ownership History:
  • Gift of Mrs. Mary McKesson
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