Rafael Osona Auctions Annual Catalog 2020 | Page 37

79. PORTSMOUTH, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND SAMPLER “WROUGHT BY PHEBE ALMY IN THE ELEVENTH
YEAR OF HER AGE 1801”, with verse (sic)
1. “Obferve the one for fhe inftructs the man,
2. And Preaches labour gathering all fhe can,
3. Then brings it to her safe her heap at home,
4. Againft the winter which fhe knows will come,
5. And when that comes fhe creeps abroad no more,
6. But lies at home and feafts uPon her ftore.”
The Phebe Almy sampler is accompanied by Almy family
memorabilia: a schoolhouse slate, and four 19th c. books
owned and inscribed by Almy family members David,
Elizabeth, Lucy and Pelig Almy. See details page 251.
25 ¾ in. x 16 ¼ in. 4,000/6,000
Note: this verse is cited in three publications: by Creech: The Plough, the Loom and the Anvil – Volume 1 – Page 68; American Farmer’s Magazine
–Volume 1- Page 68 and Anecdotes of Remarkable Insects – Page 44
Phebe Almy’s husband Ebenezer Metcalf and his descendants are considered to be one of the oldest farm families in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Phebe Almy was born Portsmouth, Newport Rhode Island March 18, 1791.
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