LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA FAMILY RECROD SAMPLER
Elizabeth Hartman’s Sampler
Silk on linen
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
1825
Condition: Toning and some minor fading
A rather convoluted family record sampler that includes numerous (presumably) extended family names, along with an alphabet line, a verse (A Bleating Flock A Humble Cot / Of Simple Food A Store/ This Be My Blest Unenvied Lot / Nor Need All For More), and inscription “Elizabeth Hartman’s Sampler made in the 12th Year of her Age 1825,” and with “R. Evans” in a box. In a mid-19th century frame. 15.25” high, 19.625” wide (overall).
Elizabeth Hartman (1813-1900) was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to Henry Hartman (1777-1867) and Anna Hildebrand Hartman (1786-1853). She was one of six children in the family. She married John Stauffer (1809-1872) in 1837, and had a large family (8-10 children depending on the source). By 1850, the couple had moved west, settling in Wayne County, Ohio. After her husband’s death, Elizabeth moved to Green Township, Summit County and lived with her daughter Annetta, until she died in 1900.
Elizabeth’s lack of planning and organization make identifying all the names and initials on her sampler a bit tricky. The top row of the record appears to be Elizabeth’s parents’ names twice (Henry and Ann Hartman). Below them are her mother’s parents (Michael and Catherine Hildebrand), her uncle and aunt (Michael and Barbara Hildebrand), and Peter and Catharine Shirk (relationship unknown). Next to her aunt and uncle appears to be her father’s mother (Ann Hartman). The initials in the corner of the block appear to be for her siblings Henry, Anna, Catharine, Frances, and Esther. The Henry and Fanny at the bottom may be two of her siblings repeated in full names, or another couple of unknown relationship. In a box next to the date is “R. Evans,” a name that has not been identified, but was likely Elizabeth’s teacher.
Provenance
Nancy Wagner, Dayton, Ohio
Garth’s Auctions (2010)