SIZE
16 × 10 × 6” tall.

DESCRIPTION
Well figured maple. An upper New England object with unique construction reminiscent of English box making tradition. (viz., ID window). Likely a wedding present for Rosaline (Morgan) Shattuck. ex collection of the late Neil Zuehlke, Heartland, Wisconsin.

Acknowledgements to Esther Allen, President of the Reading VT Historic Society for her meticulous research and comments:

“The Shattuck's were indeed in Reading; we still have a ‘Shattuck Hill Road.’ which lies just over the town line into Brownsville, VT.  Most of the Shattucks are buried in the Amsden Cemetery which is located nearby.

This family of Shattucks originally came to the US from England. Soloman Shattuck, Sr. came to Reading from Pepperell, MA.  His son Sewall had 8 children and they all had more. It is a rather extensive family tree with lots of branches.

Anyway the box was either made by Sewall Shattuck (1791-1844) who is listed as a carpenter and joiner or his son, Sewall Augustus Shattuck (1821-1893) also a carpenter. * Sewall Augustus married Rosaline A. Morgan thus the Rosaline A. Shattuck. They were married in December 1842. Perhaps a wedding present to her due to the S.A. Shattuck on the box. 

Sewall and Rosaline moved from Reading in 1853 to Maquoketa, Iowa which was a young town at that time.  Sewall's brother, James Albert and his family, also moved there.  I don't know if they went together or not.

They traveled to Iowa by stage to Albany, thence to Buffalo by canal, and from there to Chicago, and on to Freeport, then the western terminus of the railway, by the cars, and from there to Savanna and to Maquoketa by stage.” 

What a marvelous journey that box has taken. Imagine the well loved items that it has held over the years. There are still descendants still living in Iowa.”

*Note that the pencil inscription inside the box attributes craftsmanship to Sewall A (husband of Rosaline) rather than the elder Sewall.

CONDITION
Very Good with minor use-wear.

PRICE: $325

Shipping: $20