Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2009.24.01 |
Object Name |
Chest |
Year Range from |
1808 |
Year Range to |
1878 |
Features |
Storage/Transitional chest; butternut and pine, over-grain. Rectangular in shape with a hinged top, 2 metal hinges on back. Top swings up to reveal an open compartment (42.5cm in depth). 2 stacked drawers under where the compartment sits. Each has 2 wood mushroom pulls. Base board surrounds bottom of dresser with a piece cut out at the front creating ogee feet. There is a key hole at the top front of the artifact |
Object Story |
Henry Walrath (1808-1878) was a fanning mill maker in MacKeesport, Pennsylvania. By 1831, Henry and his wife, Nancy Reuff, had immigrated to Canada. According to the family, Henry crossed the border at Prescott but was unable to pay the high duty on his machinery. He was forced to leave his tools in storage at the border while he and Nancy continued on to the Centreville area. When he returned later for his tools, he discovered that they had been stolen. By 1851, Henry, Nancy and their 10 children were living in a one storey log house on lot 22, concession 8, Richmond Township. Henry supported his family by farming and making chairs. Travelling by horse and wagon, he sold his chairs as far south as Picton and north as Denbigh. |
People |
Walrath, Henry Reuff, Nancy |
Subjects |
Furniture Furniture Making Immigration Immigrants Chairmaking |
Search Terms |
Pennsylvania, MacKeesport Richmond Township Richmond Township, Conc.8, Lot 22 Centreville |