Page 18 - Demo

14Margaretta E. Hodson, Burlington County, New Jersey, 1828Margaretta%u2019s sampler is an excellent example from Burlington County, New Jersey, reflecting the prevalent Quaker influence on samplers made in the area. Overall composition and assorted motifs were popularized and then reinvented, so that an individual sampler can resemble others, but offer new variations with appealing results. Margaretta English Hodson was 10 years old in 1828 and living in Mansfield, Burlington County when she worked this engaging sampler. The central cartouche exhibits the simplicity of conservative Quaker work while the many pictorial motifs represent the best of more decorative Quaker design. This sampler offers much to admire in both its appealing design and proficient execution. For example, the strawberries worked in the queen%u2019s-stitch, contained within the cartouche, are an impressive accomplishment for a 10 year old. The satin-stitched lawn sets a fine visual foundation for the sampler, and a base from which the floral border emanates.Margaretta was born in 1818 to Samuel and Ann (English) Hodson. The roots of the Hodson family ran deep in Burlington County, where Margaretta%u2019s great-great-grandfather, John Hodson, was born in 1691. He and his wife, Ann Whitaker, were married at the Chesterfield Monthly Meeting and the Hodson family%u2019s affiliation with the Society of Friends began, varying within subsequent generations. By 1837, Margaretta married John Antrim Beck, also a Mansfield native, and they settled in Yardville, a bit north in Mercer County. Their house at 289 Yardville-Allentown Road was on their 202 acre farm. They became the parents of six children and Margaretta died in 1895.The sampler was worked in silk on linen and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in a black and gold painted frame. Sampler size: 16%u00bd%u201d x 17%u00bd%u201d Frame size: 18%u00be%u201d x 19%u00be%u201d Price: $4600.