Mary Cannon

A fine large basket of flowers is central to the composition of this handsome sampler. Additionally, a pair of fruit baskets, other tiny flower vessels and a stylized flower motif flanked by a pair of birds provide further interest. The verse is considered the most popular one employed by samplermakers in the early 19th century and in this case is entitled, “The Wish.” 

The sampler is signed, “Mary Cannon New Windsor 1834.” New Windsor is on the Hudson River and best known today as the location of Storm King Art Center, the open-air museum that contains perhaps the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the country. Historically, the town played an important role in the Revolutionary War as it served as the major depot for the Continental Army and Army Medical Department, quartering up to 8000 men, women and children. 

Although New York Vital Records are notoriously incomplete, there were Cannon family members mentioned in town and census records in the early decades of the 19th century and buried in the Bethlehem Presbyterian Cemetery there. Perhaps further research will specifically identify Mary Cannon. 

The sampler was worked in silk on linen and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in its fine, original figured maple frame.