The sampler has eight rows of alphabets and numbers, separated by simple and mildly ornate crossbands. At the bottom of the sampler are two urns, an open field, and the signature line which reads:
Mary Letitia Montgomery’s work done in the 9th year of her age

At the periphery of the entire sampler is a vine and floral border. The vibrancy of the gold-colored silk thread is unique among AKS samplers and is not done justice by AKS’s photographs.

Mary Letitia “Lettie” Montgomery was born December 29, 1824, in Washington County, Kentucky to Benedict Elder Montgomery (1792-1872), and Bianna A. Wight (1795-1885), who were married in Washington County, Kentucky on September 1, 1817. In addition to Mary Letitia, their children included Elizabeth Jane (1818-1854), Rosella (1820-1840), Isabella Catherine (1821-1922), James William (1823-1881), Julia Ann (1825-?), Margaret Ellen (1828-1908), Martha Frances (1829-1847), Charles Thomas (1831-?), Hetty Ann (1833-1918), Richard (1835-1850), Susan Mary (1837-1891), Emily Valina (1839-1844), and Ann Catherine (1843-?). Census records from 1840, 1850, and 1860 indicate Benedict Elder Montgomery was a slave owner and wealthy, with real estate valued at over $22,000 and a personal estate valued over $12,000.

Mary Letitia married Timothy Peckham Reynolds (1814-1861) (originally from New York) on April 21, 1845, in Washington County, Kentucky and their children included John B. (1849-?), Frances Biblianna (1849-1919), Charles Oscar (1855-?), and James E. (1859-?). Per census records, they were living in Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky by 1850 where Timothy worked as a “livery stable keeper”.

Mary Letitia Montgomery died on February 24, 1884, in Jessamine County, Kentucky and was buried on February 28, 1884, in St John’s Cemetery (Reynolds plot), Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky.