Mary 395 1869
The original sampler size is: 10 inches wide x 10.5 inches high (stitched area)
Mary didn't sign her name to this sampler, instead she stitched her bed number. This traditional style 1869 sampler was stitched over 2 threads on an uneven-weave fabric that was 60+ threads per inch. The entire piece was worked in Cross stitch with approximately 31 full stitches per inch.
This sampler is a fun example of the redwork samplers created in the Orphan Homes in the 1860's and 1870's. What makes Mary's sampler special is the number of motifs she stitched. She worked the required alphabets and numbers at the top of her sampler. Many samplers stitched during this time then had rows of border band patterns beneath the alphabets. Mary shortened her band patterns into short repeats spaced among many different types of motifs. We can imagine that she loved to stitch because she filled every inch of her fabric. This style is easily recognizable as a Bristol Orphan sampler.
This sampler is in the private collection of Claudia Dutcher Kistler.
This sampler has been charted for stitchers. You can purchase a chart from a needlework store or directly from Hands Across The Sea Samplers. The second picture of Mary shown on this page is the HATS stitched model. Our thanks to Nicola Parkman for allowing us to share this picture.
Here are links to some of Mary's orphan records.
Information Letter Before a child could be admitted, the orphanage asked for specific information about the child, their family, and the current circumstances. This is a transcription of Mary's letter that provided the information the orphanage requested.
Admission record
Dismissal record
Orphan Story
Since Mary did not sign her full name, we have made a guess that Mary Elizabeth Stead could have stitched this sampler. If Mary Stead did not stitch this exact piece, she would have stitched one very similar to Mary 395.
Below is a brief outline of Mary Stead's life. You can read more of her story on the Hands Across The Sea Samplers webpage.
Mary Elizabeth Stead
1853 Born 1 Dec in Richmond, Yorkshire, England
Baptized 1 Jan 1854 in Richmond, Yorkshire, England
Parents - William Stead [b.1820] Susannah Elizabeth Clifton [b.1820]
Occupation - tin plate worker
1851 William and Susannah were married February 20, 1851 at St. George, Hanover Square, Middlesex, England
1860 Susannah - died Sept 4 [age 40] hemorrhage during child birth
1862 William remarried to an Alice Bell in September, in Richmond, Yorkshire
1863 William - died Dec 19 [age 43] from pneumonia
The Siblings
1852 Alfred Mark [b. April 1852 - d. 1870*]
1855 William George [b. 20 Sept 1855 - d. Dec 1855]
1856 Frederick William [b. 26 Nov 1856 - d. 1911] He married twice & had 7 children
1860 George Clifton [b. 4 Sept 1860 - d. 1870*]
1864 April 5th Mary [age 10] was admitted to Orphan House 3 [#1685]
1869 Mary Stead was 15 years old when she completed her sampler.
1870 *It is possible that Alfred [age 18] & George [age 10] died together in Dec 1870.
1872 Mary was dismissed from the Orphan Homes
On June 11, 1872 [age 18] she was sent to Mrs. Phillips, 9 Eastfield Road, Cotham Road, Bristol. This location was only a little over a mile from the orphanage.
In the 1871 census there is an Edward [age 31] and Annie [age 23] Phillips listed as living at 9 Eastfield Road. Mr. Phillips occupation was listed as a position connected with the orphanage. Mr. Phillips was also an ordained minister. They welcomed a daughter into their family late in 1871. Mary could have been employed there as a nursery maid.
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1881 The 1881 census lists a Mary Stead born in Richmond, Yorkshire, as a teacher (Schoolmistress) in a Baptist School for girls in Hornsey, Middlesex. This is the only Mary Elizabeth Stead that is a match found in the 1881 census.
After the 1881 census Mary Elizabeth Stead disappears.
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