Sampler

In 1879 a young girl embroidered a sampler bearing the inscription “ Boast not thyself of Tomorrow, Isabella Kennedy aged 12 1879 Ettrick Bridge”.  See our February 2104 Newsletter.

At some point the sampler came into the possession of Sue Sendall residing in Canada. Her family history research failed to produce any connection at all with the family of Isabella Kennedy.

Sue contacted us and asked if we might be able to trace a descendant of the young embroiderer and Society member, Alan Turnbull, did some quite extensive research on the family which he passed on but could find no living relatives.

He suggested in the circumstances the sampler might be donated to the local school at Kirkhope which Sue was  more than pleased to do.

The sampler was duly sent from Canada and having been framed by Alan was presented to the school today, the last day of the summer term. This raised considerable interest from the children but perhaps in some ways more so from their parents and teachers.

All thanks to Susan for a most thoughtful donation and to Alan for all his research  and facilitating.