Hello again Scott, I have done a little research on this mystery box. I really believe the item was made by my distant cousin, Henry Larcom Abbott. Back around the time it was made, a lot of people living in the city would vacation at a place called "Cole's Island," located near the shore in the Beverly/Gloucester/Rockport area, even today there are many fine old hotels in that area. So Cole's is a place name, as opposed to a person's name. I believe that he made that box at some point around 1846, while on break from school maybe?? In spite of the fact that he was only 15 years old at the time, he was a military engineer and West Point graduate (2nd in his class) and obviously very bright. He would have been very capable and as you say it is crudely made. I am giving you a link to a "Biographical Memoir of Henry Larcom Abbott" written by another relative, author Charles Greeley Abbott. Interesting reading, I am still going through it. He was an amazing man, he is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetary, a National Historic Landmark, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, not too far from Beverly, where he was born (link provided below). After 40 years of distinctive military service, he worked on important engineering projects for our country for another 20 years!! Lots of great info in the manuscript. Let me know what you think, I will be in touch, Warmest Regards, Ernie Abbott http://www.nasonline.org/publications/biographical-memoirs/memoir-pdfs/abbot_hen ry.pdf http://www.findagrave.com/php/famous.php?FScemeteryid=91241&page=cem
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To Ernie Abbott
I bought a small crudely made dovetailed box with sliding lid at a consignment shop in Matthew Court House, Matthews County, Virginia. The following inscription is on the lid of the box: "Box made by Henry L (the letter looks like an L) Abbot / at Coles (Cole's?) Beverly prior to 1846 some years / contains trinkets old letters_____(last word not clear)" The box is made of unfinished white pine. I am curious about the Abbot who made it. Perhaps your research will turn up some additional information. Best wishes, R. Scott Krejci, Urbanna, Virginia 804-758-0789 Hello Ernie, I very much enjoyed your Abbott website. You've done an excellent job of compiling so much information. It turns out we are related though distantly. We are both descended from William Abbott 1525-1569, you from George and me from Robert. My first ancestor in America was John William Abbott of Culpepper Virginia, he fought in the Revolutionary war as an officer with George Rogers Clark. I grew up in Spokane Washington. I currently live in Warwick RI. Rich Abbott
Our respective family tree has countless branches extending and reaching far and wide...my brother John Abbott, lives in High Point and has for many years. No matter if you are descended from George of Rowley or George of Andover, we have a very interesting and accomplished lineage, whom contributed greatly to the United States through word, action and deed. We have, throughout our long presence here, had a significant number of teachers, preachers and authors. Their positive contribution to the betterment of society is far-reaching and enduring...so feel proud Wayne, you are descended from a truly AMAZING lineage....please keep in contact, Ernie Abbott ---- Wayne Abbott <[email protected]> wrote: > My lineage spent several generations in Ipswich, Massachusetts for the most part and then for some reason someone moved to Maine settling in the Kennebec county area. In the fifties, times were tough in Maine and many of my relatives moved to Connecticut. All but my parents moved back when they could. I've been in North Carolina since 87, my brother followed a few years ago. I am in the Raleigh/Durham area, he is in the Charlotte area. > > Sent from my iPad
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