American sillk thread needlework showing the Stearnes family record represented as an apple tree; at the roots the marriage on April 29, 1779, of Jonathan Stearns, born June 3, 1750, and Mary Stearns, born April 28, 1760. Their nine children are born roughly every two years, each child's name and birth date on an apple, ending with Oriah B. Stearns, born February 25, 1800. The names on the record are: Jonathan Stearns, Mary Stearns, Mary Stearns (daughter), Abigail Stearns, Louisa Stearns, Isaac Stearns, Nathanial Stearns, Grace Stearns, Jon Stearns, Prentice Stearns, and Oriah B. Stearns. The needlework was done by Louisa Stearns, born 1784, likely around the age of 16. Linen is mounted to wood frame, to which remnants of a Massachusetts newspaper still partially cling, with a small detached piece dated 1808 suggesting a Massachusetts origin. Sampler is loose / not attached to the frame. Some fading, discoloration, mold or mildew damage, one tear. Very fragile condition. Frame, approx. 18 3/4" x 13 3/4". Sight, approx. 16 3/4" x 11 3/4". Provenance: the estate of John Long, highly regarded Virginia antiques dealer and collector.