| This charming sampler
was stitched by Ann Willcocks at age 10 in 1817. Through our research,
we have learned that Ann was born in Startin, England, a small settlement
in the parish of Stoneleigh. The whole parish of Stoneleigh was owned by
Lord Leigh, whose family lived at Stoneleigh Abbey.
We learned through Ann's baptism records and the estate records that her parents were Matthew and Ann Willcocks. Matthew was employed on the estate during haymaking. The house is now being restored, partly for sale as apartments and partly for display to the public. Ann used satin stitch, Algerian eye stitch and a variety of colors to add character to her sampler. My daughter, Carol Sessoms, stitched the model. As Carol says: "This sampler interests us because Ann finished her sampler on my father’s birthday. This is in honor and tribute to my daddy, Phil Medlin, whose life exemplified the verse she chose." Our reproduction was stitched on 40 count
Cottonfields linen with silk threads. Finished size on 40 count linen:
7” x 10”. |
If Truth be my Guide
|