Washington, Rhea Co.

Tennessee State Museum, Nashville

Emma Harriet Day (1844--1932) was the daughter of Maj. John Day and his second wife Rachel Newman. As a Revolutionary War veteran, in 1822 John Day received a land grant of 650 acres on Richland Creek in Washington (now known as Old Washington), Dist. 5, Rhea County. Emma may have attended the Tennessee Male and Female Academy in Washington, Rhea County. In 1878 at the age of 35, Emma married Dr. Young Landon Berry Abernathy. They lived in Sulphur Springs (now known as Rhea Springs) and Rockwood in Rhea Co. where the couple had four sons. In 1888 the family moved to Hill City, a suburb of Chattanooga, Hamilton Co. Emma died of pneumonia in 1932. According to her death certificate she was buried in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, but the cemetery is unknown.

Emma's cheerful sampler is worked in wool thread on linen. Most of the colors have withstood the onslaughts of time, with the exception of the pale green used for her signature band. Close inspection reveals the text:

Emma Day Aged
12 Years 1856