Exemplum Samplers - Antique Cross Stitch Samplers on the Internet

Sampler Showcase - Emily Shelton Sanders 1858

The tragic life of Emily Shelton Sanders

Emily Shelton Sanders was born on the 12th of August 1851. She was the eldest daughter of Thomas and Ann Sanders. Thomas Sanders was born in 1825 and during his life became a prominent figure of Northamptonshire, England by being the Mayor of the town of Higham Ferrers. The Sanders family lived in the family home called 'Prospect House' which is still stands today and is situated in a small village called Rushden just out of Higham Ferrers.

Toward the end of 1864, Emily became ill with the deadly disease known as TB or Tuberculosis, and on the 14th of December 1864, she died as a result of contracting the disease at the very young age of just 13 years old.

The sampler measures 11.5 inches by 12 inches. It is comprised of greens, blues and beige 2ply silk cross stitch on 28-count natural linen. The border above the date is made up of 'eyelet' stitching. The design is a very typical example of what samplers looked like in this era with its rows of alphabets, numerals and a verse together with the creators signature and date. The verse reads: "Follow me, John.21 . 12 verse. Blessed Jesus. Let it ever be my chief delight to follow thee" I'm not so sure on the accuracy of the reference to the bible chapter and verse, as John.21 Verse.12 reads something different!

The condition of this sampler is in average - good condition, the linen has a dirty appearance and the silk threads are faded however the sampler suffers no holing or any other distress. The sampler was discovered folded into four in a drawer in 1948 when after discovery, it was framed. the original fold lines are still visible as would be expected for a sampler spent the first 90 or so years of its life folded up in a drawer! The sampler is actually a family piece of ours inherited by my wife as she is a direct descendant of Emily's younger sister, and it currently has pride of place amongst my other samplers at our home. I am hoping to chart this sampler with a view to selling a kit exclusively through Exemplum Samplers.
RIGHT: An example of the alphabet illustrating the accuracy of the six year old's work. BELOW: An example of Emily's eyelet stitching in the border above the date. BELOW RIGHT: Emily's age as stitched on sampler.