Ruth Ames

This fine sampler was made by Ruth Ames of Woburn, Massachusetts, a town north and a bit west of Boston. The pictorial register centers on a wonderfully graphic and carefully stitched pine tree with several birds, a pair of fruit baskets and other plants filling the scene. The initials, NG, are likely those of her teacher. 

The Ames family of Woburn began with Robert Ames who emigrated to Massachusetts in 1634 and was living in Woburn as early as 1653. Historical Homes and Places and Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of Middlesex County Massachusetts by William Richrd Cutter (Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1908) includes much information about the Ames family and photocopies are included in the research file that accompanies the sampler. 

Ruth was born on June 12, 1798, the youngest of the seven children born to Jacob and Esther (Tay) Ames. About Jacob (1751-1824), a farmer, it is written that, “when the alarm was given on April 19, 1775, he joined the company to which his father belonged and marched with it to Lexington and Concord and took part in all the action that occurred on that memorable day.” Further that when the alarm was given of the fight at Bunker Hill that he was haying in his field, and springing for his gun and knapsack went to Charlestown to take part in the fight. He was by nature courageous and venturesome and never hesitated to expose himself to danger, if duty called.”

In 1820, Ruth married Samuel Leathe, also of Woburn and they had several children. Much is written about their son, Samuel Henry Leathe (1825-1907) in Encyclopedia of the History of St. Louis (The Southern History Company, 1899) as he became a leading citizen of that city. Ruth remained in Woburn throughout her life and died in 1878. 

The sampler was worked in silk on linen and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in an early 20th century frame.