Knoxville, Tennessee genealogical sampler, signed Isabella M. Baker, 1848; executed in silk needlework on linen, with floral vine border and stitched garden at lower edge; features three rows of upper case letters, one row of lower case letters and one row of numerals, plus seven geometric dividing bands, all sewn in eyelet, cross stitch and four-sided stitch. Center field contains marriage, birth and death information for Isabella's parents, C.H. Baker and M.L. White, and family, 1831-1847. 23 3/4" H x 24 1/2" W unframed. Note: This sampler has been documented for the Tennessee Sampler Survey. The survey's genealogical research found Isabella (Belle) McNutt Baker was born Oct. 30, 1836 in Knoxville, TN. Her parents were Caleb Hodnett Baker, Sr. and his second wife, Mary Lawson White. Through her mother, Isabella was the great-granddaughter of Gen. James White, the founder of Knoxville. Isabella was listed as a sophomore in the 1848-1849 catalog of the East Tennessee Female Institute, successor of the Knoxville Female Academy. As she was not listed in the catalog for 1847-48, it is not certain that she completed her sampler there. However, if she did, her embroidery teacher would have been Mrs. Mariah McAnally, wife of Rev. David R. McAnally, principal of the school. Isabella married Benjamin J. Stephenson, a druggist, in 1856 and gave birth to four children. She died in 1913 and is buried in the Old Gray Cemetery in Knoxville. (A copy of the Tennessee Sampler Survey genealogy report, including guide to initials on sampler, is available on request). (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

Overall good condition with some fading and discoloration. 3/8" x 1/2" and 3/8" x 3/8" tears near upper right corner.