This Alphabet cross-stich Sampler was made by Sarah Brooks Willard (Bird)-6/25/1805-7/10/1856) daughter of Simon Willard, at the age of 9 in Roxbury, MA, and dated October 15, 1814 . For many years samplers depicting alphabets and numerals were done by young women to learn the basic needlework skills needed to operate the family household. These samples are a great example of women education in early American homes.

The sampler is very typical for the period, made of type of lined, beige, dark-brown and black thread. Fabric size is about 11 1/4" by 10".

This is one of several authentic Samples and embroideries in the collection ranging from as early as 1804 to 1850s.