American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts

Provenance:

According to tradition this desk and bookcase originally belonged to James Wilson (1742-1799) of Carlisle and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a framer of the Constitution, Wilson was appointed first associate justice of the United States Supreme Court by George Washington in 1789.

When Wilson left Carlisle for Philadelphia, the desk came into the possession of James Hamilton (1752-1819), a lawyer and first President Judge of the 9th Judicial District of Pennsylvania. The desk and bookcase was inherited by James Hamilton, Jr. (1793-1873) and sold at his death in an estate sale. It was purchased at this sale by Wilber F. Sadler, also a judge, and descended in his family until 1922 when it was loaned to the Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle. In 1929,

the desk and bookcase was purchased by Edna M. Netter. Purchased by Mrs. J. Amory Haskell and gifted in 1934 to Historical Society,

Property of a New Jersey Historical Society.

Literature:

The Magazine Antiques (April 1932), pg. 160.

Charles T. Lyle and Philip D. Zimmerman, "Furniture of the Monmouth County Historical Association," The Magazine Antiques (January 1980), pg. 193, plate V.

Note:

George Whitefield or Whitfield (1714-1770) was an English minister who played an active role of the Great Awakening- the religious revival of Christianity that took place in America from about 1730 to 1750. With a non-denominational appeal, Whitefield traveled from Massachusetts to Georgia, delivering charismatic open air sermons to riveted throngs. Whitefield's extraordinary public speaking attracted the attention of Benjamin Franklin. The two debated the role of religion in education, and Whitefield is considered to be one of founders of the University of Pennsylvania. Whitefield died at the age of 56 in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

The bust finial of Rev. George Whitefield surmounting this bookcase may have been modeled after one of the many period engravings of the evangelist, or one of the ceramic or busts created by Enoch Wood and others in the late 18th century.

Upper section and base are married, desk has replaced brasses.

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