Artifacts

Sarah Hutchinson Sampler

Created By: Sarah Hutchinson
Artifact Type: Sampler
Artifact Date: 1822
Origin/Region: United States
Material/Medium: Silk thread on linen ground
Museum Database Number: OBA 1960.008.0002
Artifact Condition: Good
Artifact Location: Old Barracks Association Collection
Ownership History: Gift of Mr. Neafie Adams in memory of his aunt, Mrs. Hutchinson Lukens (Sarah Elizabeth Hollenback)

A fine example of an early 19th century alphabet sampler. Seven alphabets worked in different styles of block and script letters. Flowers, birds, and a scalloped border separate the alphabets from her signature. Both the alphabets and other figures are Quaker in style.

Sarah Hutchinson was born to unknown parents in 1807. In 1834, she married Samuel Stockton Williams (1811-1898) and together they had six children. Sarah passed away in 1868 and by 1870, her sister Mary Hutchinson Lukens had moved in with her sister’s widower and his children (Mary’s sampler can be found here).

Mary’s son Joseph Hutchinson Lukens married Sarah Elizabeth Hollenback. Her nephew, Mr. Neafie Adams, donated both samplers to the Old Barracks Association.