Fine Needlework Sampler, Eunice Winchester, Salem, Massachusetts, dated 1805

Delicately worked in silk stitches on a linsey-woolsey ground with floral vines rising from cornucopia and an urn, at center bands of alphabets and numerals and a pious verse; signed Eunice Winchester is my name and with/ my had I have wrought the same in/ The 10th year of my Age. Salem, November 14th 1805 born December 11th 1795.

Childs Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts, August 1977

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 10, fig. 14)

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This sampler is typical of many pieces worked on linsey-woolsey in the North Shore region of Massachusetts. An almost identical one was made by Phebe Willson in 1807 and names Danvers (see Sotheby Parke Bernet, Americana, sale 4709Y, October 23, 1981, Lot 255). Eunice Winchester was born in Danvers, the daughter of Caleb B. Winchester and Elizabeth. On December 28, 1816, she married Henry Cook (b. 1793).

 Eunice Winchester (1795-1872) married Henry Cook (1793-1875) an exporter of soap, in 1816.  She was instrumental in organizing and was the first president of the Ladies Association within the South Church in Danvers.  It began with the intention of raising funds for the purpose of buying an organ for the new church, but under her leadership the focus soon turned to raising funds for numerous causes including the support of many missionaries in the Midwest. (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).