Thursday, November 20, 2008

Eliza




In my possession there is a piece of linen that has been coveted for many years.

It arrived here in 1862, the year the young Quaker wife from Willerby, Yorkshire, England emigrated to a land not yet a country. Perhaps with a satchel or trunk full of belongings Eliza arrived with her husband Joseph to begin life anew. (In that trunk was also a sampler that I have written about in a previous post that is still an ongoing research).

Having married only three years earlier Eliza had bore a child that had succumbed to an early death. The pain may have been unbearable and so her husband believed that a fresh start in a new land may help to relieve the melancholy.

It is here she came, bearing a son Joseph and a daughter Charlotte. When her husband died in 1889 Charlotte returned to her Mother's homeland to live with her Aunt Rebecca.(Eliza's sister)

The piece of linen and the sampler were passed down through her son to his daughter Dorothy that remained in Canada for all of her 93 years. Research is a mysterious phenomena, through census, birth, marriage and death records one is able to fit the pieces of a puzzle so the picture becomes a whole. The Quakers were infamous for recording meeting minutes, blessed events and their own history. It is because of all this documented knowledge that the path of the linen and sampler has been laid before me. Their history tugs at my heartstrings and renders me content.

~ Eliza 1859~


17 comments:

Carole said...

I am so glad that you visited me today. it reminded me that I have not been here for a long time. The post I just read was just so interesting. The way you told the story was very lovely. thank you for sharing it. Now, are you saying that you own the linen and the sampler? Maybe I should go back and reread to make sure.
Carole

Carole said...

I should have mentioned that, no, I have not watched DWTS much this time. Next time, I am hoping for more interesting stars. How about you?
Carole

Anonymous said...

This post also tugs at my heart as well. I believe that the bits and pieces, the threads of our lives, are full of history. Recorded
documentation keeps this history alive and these precious memories and memorabilla from getting lost. Without a doubt, these stories, rich in their history, make up the volumes of our lives.

Kris

Fete et Fleur said...

I'm always delighted to find out the history of an antique treasure . . . to actually know who owned it and where it come from . . . that fascinates and thrills me.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Nancy

Anonymous said...

If only, right? To be able to speak to some of these amazingly strong women. But that what you do for them- speak for them with your tireless research and then beautiful stories.
XO
D.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful.
How nice that you have this information of history. I loved reading it.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Gosh, what a complete treasure.

SweetAnnee said...

OHHHH..tis lovely..

Happy Thanksgiving my friend..Deena

softinthehead said...

It has been so long since I have had the time to come and enjoy one of your wonderful stories....Your grasp of the past is nothing short of magical. Now when I see antique tapestries or linens and samplers I view them with a true sense of understanding and emotion....Thank you Susan, thank you....Pam

Sandra Evertson said...

Lovely and I just love your sweet gentle lady strolling down a wintery path.... Beautiful scene!
Sandra Evertson

Mia said...

What a lovely piece of linen and what a story! It is quite amazing to think about it all, and that you have come to own this special piece of fabric.

Thank you for visiting my blog and for your lovely comment. It was much appreciated.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

How very, very special...You have a beautiful way with words...I would like to follow you if I may...I just love the winter scene...Blessings to you, Dzintra Ingrid

Suzanne said...

Thank you for sharing Eliza's story. So glad it was so well documented. The past is always so intriguing.

Kathy Hunka said...

What an interesting story. I believe the linen has found a home! Wonderful blog!
Kathy

Doreen Frost said...

I love hearing the stories of the lovely treasures you discover. Thank you!

A Joyous Thanksgiving to you and yours Susan.

Hugs,
Doreen

Sea Angels said...

This is so sad yet? I wonder what if anything will be remembered about the ordinary people now, about our lives and loves and losses. We don't make the same long emigrations, and what about our sacrifices , or altruistic deeds...I love your subjects.
Your Banner looks lovely, your Fayre Ladye walking in the snow.
Thankyou for your really kind comments Susan.
Hugs Lynn xx

Heather said...

how wonderful to knnow the journey of that single piece of linen! Lovely!~