The alphanumeric sampler worked in green and gold silk thread on loose linen ground featuring four bands of upper case letters, two rows of lower case letters and numerals, maker's name, location, and date stitched to lower panel Mary EM Ostendorf / Baltimore August 28 1862, presented under glass in a paint decorated wood frame.

Sight size 7.75 x 8.75 in. Frame size 10.25 x 11.25 in.

The Estate of the late Dr. Larry Southworth, Fredericksburg, Virginia

The sampler maker is likely Mary Elizabeth Ostendorf (June 11, 1850-November 30, 1938), daughter of Stephen Alexander Ostendorf (1817-1893) and Mary Fespolier (abt. 1816-1891), both German immigrants. The 1850 United States Federal Census shows Mary living with her parents and two siblings in Baltimore Ward 13, Baltimore, Maryland. In 1874, Mary married John Adam Hohman (abt.1845-1914). His obituary was published in the September 19, 1914 edition of The Baltimore Sun stating that he died at his home, 868 North Howard street (sic) and " For the past 12 years he had conducted Hohman's Cafe on North Howard street (sic), of which he was proprietor. Previous to that time he had been in the mercantile business."

Very minor stitch loss; some nicks and loss to frame.