Early
Cabinet Makers in
Chester Township -
1850
In the pioneer period in this
area many specialized skills were needed to
supply the needs of the citizens of the area.
Obviously, doctors, lawyers and teachers were
especially important but close behind them were
artisans of all sorts. And, because it was a
heavily wooded area furniture makers, carpenters
and/or joiners, wagon and wheel makers, and
barrel and stave makers were in great demand.
Cabinet makers or furniture makers were
necessary to make repairs of furniture damaged
in the long and rugged journey from the East or
to make furniture for families just setting up a
household. Seven men were listed as cabinet
makers in Chester Township in the 1850 census.
Lewis Davis, Chair Maker, age
22, from Pennsylvania.
William Krisher, Cabinet
maker, age 18, from Pennsylvania.
Emuel I, Mowrey, Cabinet
maker, age 22, from Ohio.
James Oakley, Cabinet Maker,
age 34, from North Carolina
John F. Smith, Cabinet Maker,
age 24, from Ohio.
David M. Story, Cabinet
Maker, age 18, from New York
John Townsend, Cabinet Maker
and painter age 49, from Kentucky
These men usually advertised
their business in local papers. Most ads
included lines such as "All kinds of country
produce taken in exchange for work and cash not
refused." or "Lumber will be taken in exchange
for furniture, and money not refused." Cabinet
Makers often doubled as Undertakers. This line
in one ad.. "Coffins made on request at all
times and suitable conveyances furnished, when
desired, without charge." Though much of the
furniture making was custom built, most cabinet
makers had some supply "on hand". One especially
well-stocked business listed "Sofas,
secretaries, sideboards, Centre, Pier, Sofa and
Card tables, plain or knock-down wardrobes,
enclosed washstands, divans, ottomans, Tete-a-tetes,
dressing stands.
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