Asenath Colman,
Ashby, Massachusetts,
1792

Sampler size:
8½" x 8¼"

Price: $sold

Enlarged and Printer Version

Asenath Colman was born on Oct. 7, 1776, the 2nd of 12 children of Benjamin and Susannah (Martin) Colman of Ashby, Massachusetts; and made this fine little sampler in 1792. Ashby is at the northern border of the state in Middlesex County and is described in an 1839 geographic gazetteer as "A pleasant town … 42 miles west northwest of Boston." In 1797 the population of the town was only 751.

In 1798 Asenath married Benjamin Allen (1777-1866) a shoemaker and farmer, who was active in the civic affairs of Ashby and served as Representative to the Massachusetts Legislature. He was the son of Phineas and Sarah (Danforth) Allen. They became the parents of 8 children, all born in Ashby, and Asenath died in 1848.

Asenath's sampler is an excellent 18th century example, with a pear tree growing from a hilly lawn and a large basket of fruit. The inscription, which includes her birth date, the town name and the date the sampler was finished, is unusually complete, rendering this sampler a rare find. Worked in silk on linen, the sampler is in excellent condition and has been conservation mounted into a maple frame.

Considering buying this sampler?
We suggest you let us know that you are interested. We will be happy to:

You may contact us by phone, fax or email (see below) or complete our quick Contact Me form and we will respond promptly.

How to Buy
Includes information regarding payment, return privilege, and shipping to any location.