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Sampler
Hannah Davis (1774-?) c. 1782 New Jersey Silk on Linen Ground Gift of Vaughn Wiley in memory of his mother, Adaline Darling Eldridge Wiley OBA 1959.006.0001 Hannah H. Davies was born the first day of the second month 1774 the daughter of William Davies and Mary Davies born the 24 of Sept |
The maker of this simple marking sampler was most likely Hannah H. Davis, not Davies. Born to William Davis and his wife Mary Ivins, Hannah was one of ten children.
In 1799 she married David Silver (sometimes recorded as Silvers), who was not a Quaker. Marrying outside the faith was enough to be disowned by the Friends. As was custom, the Women Friends visited Hannah and reported back "she appeared in a tender disposition, but expresst [sic] no desire of retaining her right amongst us". Hannah was not alone. Her sister, Abigail, had also married out and was visited by the Women friends around the same time. It was reported Abigail "did not appear so sensible of her breach, as to make satisifaction at this time, it is therefore the judgement of Women friends to testify against her, and refer her case to Men Friends". |