Sophia P. Reed, taught by Adeline Dean

Sophia P. Reed, age 9, created this fine sampler and included on it many attributes that collectors look for – alphabets, a detailed inscription naming the teacher, an excellent pictorial scene with a fine double-chimney house, and a very good border to frame it all. 

The Reed family is well documented in History of the Reed Family in Europe and America by Jacob Whittemore Reed (Boston, 1861). Elias Reed, born in 1595 in Kent, England, was the first family member to arrive in America, settling in Woburn, Massachusetts. Many generations later, Sophia was born on March 12, 1814, to Micajah and Ruth (Gleason) of Hubbardston, a town northwest of Worcester. Sophia remained single and lived in Hubbardston throughout her life. She died in 1896.

Research also identified Sophia’s teacher, Adeline Dean. She was born on November 16, 1805, to Daniel and Jerusha (Houghton) Dean of Petersham, the town just west of Hubbardston. Adeline died young, in 1826. 

Worked in silk on linen, the sampler is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in a beveled cherry frame with a black bead.