Historic Americana
1801-Dated Hand-Wrought "made by POLLY - Findlay, Ohio 1801" Framed Sampler
1801-Dated, Federal Period, Hand-Wrought Embroidered American Sampler with "made by POLLY - Findlay Ohio 1801," Framed, Very Fine.
This early 19th Century Embroidered Sampler dated 1801 by "POLLY - Findlay Ohio 1801," the date likely being the year of her birth. These needlework samplers allowed young women to practice their craft, and have become highly collected for their social history and window to the past. Sampler measures 8" x 8", and framed in wood frame to an overall size of 10" x 10". This Sampler features two lines of capital letters (A-K and J-S) and a single line of lowercase (a-m). Floral image in center with identifying stitching below. Fabric and thread in good condition, though somewhat faded. A small hole is noted in the left center, not affecting any of the stitching. Sampler is framed and ready for display.
In the War of 1812, Colonel James Findlay of Cincinnati built a road and a stockade to transport and shelter troops in the Great Black Swamp region. This stockade was named Fort Findlay in his honor. At the conclusion of the war, the community of Findlay was born. The first town lots were laid out in 1821 by the future Ohio Governor Joseph Vance and Elnathan Corry.
Early in its history, prior to the Civil War, Findlay was a stop for slaves of African descent along the Underground Railroad.