Page 5 - Demo

Hannah Pearley, Haverhill, Massachusetts, c. 1789 Samplers made in Haverhill, Massachusetts in the 18th century reveal a fresh, folk quality that place them amongst the most desirable of American samplers. Scenes of couples on hills with animals and fruit trees appear on the best of the Haverhill samplers and Hannah Pearley's sampler is an icon within this group. Hannah's sampler is published as figure 141 in Betty Ring's Girlhood Embroidery, vol I, and Mrs. Ring observes that these splendid samplers suggest the enduring influence of a talented and respected schoolmistress in this town on the Merrimack River in northwestern Essex County. Hannah Pearley states on her sampler that she was born the fifth of August, 1777; she was the youngest child of John Pearley, a farmer and tailor, and his wife Hannah Green Pearley. John, who fought at the battle of Lexington, died of small pox when Hannah was just a year old. Hannah married Moses P. Payson, Esq., who was, according to published family genealogies, the most prominent citizen of Bath, New Hampshire and the first preceptor of Haverhill Academy. It is a privilege to offer this sampler, which embodies the best of American samplers and folk art. It is in excellent condition and was worked in silk on linen. Conservation mounted, it is in a period black molded and carved frame. Sampler size: 13W' x 10 ~\Price upon request. A I ERICA's LEADING sAMPLER A D NEEDLEWORK DEALER M. Finkel e:J Daughter. 1