Franklin County, Tennessee needlework sampler stitched by Lucy Margaret Foster, and dated 1867. Wool on linen, strawberry border surrounding uppercase, lowercase, and script alphabets, a row of numbers and a signed verse: "The desire of improvement discovers a liberal mind; and is connected with many accomplishments, and many virtues. Margaret Foster finished this sampler in the 13 year of her age 1867." Housed under glass in a simple molded antique giltwood frame. Sight: 12" H x 12" W. Framed: 13 1/2" H x 13 1/2" W. Note: This sampler has been documented by the Tennessee Sampler Survey, and a packet of genealogical information is available for review, and to the winning bidder. Lucy Margaret Foster and her twin brother, Frederick, were born in May 1854 or 1855 to Thomas and Temperance Foster. Her father's occupation in the 1860 census was listed as Farmer, working between Salem and Winchester. Margaret may have attended a dame school, or attended Mary Sharp College (formerly the Tennessee and Alabama Institute) in Winchester. It appears she never married, and her death occurred sometime between 1870 and 1880. (Source: The Tennessee Sampler Survey).

Private Tennessee Collection.

Overall very good condition; ground has some discoloration but remains intact and the thread shows little to no losses and minimal fading. There are a few small round dark spots at the outermost edge of each side, likely from the sampler previously being tacked to a backing with iron tacks or nails. The sampler has not been examined out of its current frame, which may or may not be original. Frame has losses and exfoliation.