Kitty Drabble 1848

Catherine ‘Kitty’ Drabble, born on May 23, 1824, in Ecclesfield, Yorkshire, England, to Hannah Helliwell Drabble (41) and Joseph Drabble (41), married on April 15, 1811, at the age of 28. Notably, both Hannah and Joseph used an “X” for their signatures on the marriage license, suggesting they were illiterate.

Kitty passed away in 1882, never having married or lived alone. Multiple census records indicate she had no occupation and never worked outside the home.

It’s also noteworthy that she began living with her older sister at the age of 15 instead of her parents. Is it possible Kitty’s inability to live alone was due to a mental impairment, childhood ailment, or an accident that left her with disabilities?

Kitty’s sampler includes two red chairs. The inclusion of a red chair motif in a sampler could mean home and hearth, hospitality, and industriousness. 

Is it possible that Kitty’s sampler embodies the profound impact much loved objects have in fostering a connection to our past? 

After all, isn’t that why we stitch samplers?