Deborah Dennis

Signed, “Deborah Dennis Mad / e This Sampler In The 10 Yea / Of Her Age April 22 1771,” this sampler is part of a highly regarded group made in Norwich, north of New London, Connecticut. These samplers were made as early as the 1760s and shared characteristics can be found occasionally on samplers made into the early decades of the 19th century. Clearly a number of different teachers continued this tradition and these motifs. 

Deborah was born in Norwich on June 6, 1759, to Benjamin Dennis (1722-1795) and his wife, Thankfull (Bliss) Dennis (1721-1793), who were married there in 1746. In 1782, Deborah married Merrit Rockwell (1762-1800), son of Daniel and Mindwell (Bliss) Rockwell. The Dennis, Bliss and Rockwell families had deep roots in New London County and many photocopies from many published sources are included in the file that accompanies the sampler. 

Deborah and Merrit remained in Norwich and had 8 children. Deborah died in 1818 and is buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Norwich. Record of her death was published in the New London Gazette, Connecticut Mirror and The Hartford Times, attesting to the prominence of the family. 

The sampler was worked in silk on linen and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in a molded and black painted frame. 

photo of reverse