Susan Hamlin

Inscribed, “Wrought by Susan Hamlin Aged 10 1818,” this large and handsome sampler features alphabets, borders and bands of assorted flowers and an excellent verse advising that education will improve the soul and the mind. A fine satin-stitched color-block band forms the bottom of the sampler, anchoring the design nicely. Overall, this sampler is very appealing. 

Susan lived in Westford, Massachusetts, a town northwest of Boston and near Chelmsford. She was born on August 29, 1808, the second of seven children of Asiaticus and Susan (Read) Hamlin. The Hamlin Family A Genealogy of James Hamlin by Hon. H. Franklin Andrews (Exira Iowa, 1902) publishes much about the family and the progenitor, James Hamlin (1636-1718).

Additional information is provided in a book written by a family member, Cyrus Hamlin, My Life and Times (Boston and Chicago, 1893). Four of the Hamlin sons were named Africanus, Americus, Asiaticus (father of Susan), and Europus, after Roman heroes. One of Susan’s first cousins, Hannibal Hamlin, became Vice President of the United States under Abraham Lincoln for his first term (1861-1865). A copy of this book, as well a file of research, accompanies this sampler. 

Our samplermaker, Susan, married Pelatiah Fletcher on May 12, 1830 and they removed to Groton, the town to the immediate northwest. He was a farmer, selectman and Representative to the State Legislature. They became the parents of five children and Susan died in 1850. 

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