Miniature Sampler by C. Garrison

A true gem of sampler, this is signed, “C. Garrison Brooklyn Nov 21 1818.” An uppercase alphabet and the inscriptions are separated by narrow lines of needlework and surrounded with a border of strawberries on a stylized vine. A photo of the back of the sampler, taken prior to conservation mounting, indicates that the colors remain close to the original. 

The samplermaker was most likely Cornelia Garrison, the daughter of John and Mary (Moser) Garrison as research turned up only this possibility. The Civil, Political, Profession and Ecclesiastical History and Commercial and Industrial Record of the County of Kings and The City of Brooklyn, N. Y. from 1683 to 1884 by Henry R. Stiles (W. W. Munsell & Co Publisher, New York), is very informative about John Garrison (1764-1831). 

Charlotte was one of 12 children born to John and Mary, who were married in 1790. John Garrison worked as a butcher with a stand in the Fly Market, an outdoor market located at the base of Maiden Lane, near the East River in Manhattan, in operation from 1699 to the early 1800s, with stands selling meat, produce and fish. He served as a trustee of the Old Sands Street Methodist Church in Brooklyn for 36 years. The civic positions that he held include Overseer of the Poor, Fireman, Committee of the Board of Health, School Commissioner. For much of his life, he was Justice of the Peace and was much revered in that role. Cornelia seems to have remained single and died in 1842. 

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

photo of reverse