Sampler done with polychrome wool cross stitch on tan loosely woven scrim, bound in blue silk ribbon.
At top of vertically oriented sampler is the date "1853" under which are the initials "AE" within an octagon. Sampler is densely decorated with motifs such as a running deer, a peacock and other birds perched in trees or potted flowering plants. At bottom center is a two-story house flanked by an outdoor pump and a chair.
Made by Anna Eshelman Good, according to family history and Edith Herr (niece of Ida M Herr) and seller's research at the Lancaster Menno. Historical Society. Anna Eshelman married John E. Good (1827-1901), they were farmers in Marticville and had 13 children. They were Mennonite (some of her siblings are buried in River Corners Mennonite cemetery).
Provenance
Descended in the Ida M. Hess family. Her sale was held July 13, 1991 at Wilshire Hills. Descent from maker to daughter Emma, born 1865, who married Jonas H. Hess. Her youngest daughter was Ida M. Hess, now deceased.
