Week 46 – This Ancestor Went to Market

 

I know I’ve mentioned my Anthony ancestors, probably more than any other, but my fascination with them stems from the early days of my genealogical research. Add that to the fact that there is much written documentation about them.  The topic this week is “This Ancestor Went to Market” and I’m carrying that just a tad further…”This Ancestor Went to Market Street.”

Joseph Anthony, II was born 15 January 1762 in Newport, Rhode Island.  His father was a wealthy shipping captain, so his childhood was one of wealth and privilege.  As the oldest child born to Captain Joseph Anthony and Elizabeth Sheffield, he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps, however, the area around Newport was rich with artisans and craftsmen.  Joseph, instead, chose to resume the profession of his ancestors.  Beginning with his sixth great-grandfather, William Anthony, generations of Anthony’s had taken up the occupation of silversmiths and engravers.

Joseph Anthony (Senior) was a staunch Federalist and near the end of the Revolutionary War, relocated his family from Rhode Island to Philadelphia. Joseph (II) must have apprenticed in Rhode Island prior to the move because shortly thereafter, an ad appeared in the Dunlap & Claypoole’s American Daily Advertiser on 16 October 1783 announcing that Joseph Anthony, Junior, “begs leave to inform the Public in general, and his Friends in particular” that he had opened shop “in Market-Street, two doors east of the Indian King” (The Indian King is at what is today 240 Market Street).  Thus was the beginning of Joseph Anthony, Goldsmith & Jeweler.

Joseph’s business prospered, in part, no doubt, to the associates and acquaintances of his father, who was well ensconced with the important men of the new government.  Two years after opening, he married Henrietta Hillegas, daughter of the United States Treasurer, Michael Hillegas.  His tradecard read:  Orders from the Country carefully attended to & Punctually executed - Joseph Anthony - Goldsmith Jeweller - Market Street, between Second and Third Streets, Philadelphia - Makes and sells the most fashionable Articles in the above branches - Wholesale and Retail - A general assortment of Gold, Silver, Plated Wares, & Jewellery - Of the newest Fashion, and most elegant taste - TEA and COFFEE URNS of the most modern & approved Patterns - Miniature Pictures set, Devices in Hair - Mourning Rings & Lockets - Made on the shortest Notice - The full Value given for Gold, Silver, Lace, & Diamonds

His business soon began importing fine goods in addition to his wares. He eventually expanded his business to include turner and brass maker of musical instruments. In 1790, artist John Trumbull, sanctioned a series of prints, depicting the most notable events of the Revolutionary War, by subscription.  Initially, Mr. Trumbull himself was the only one to accept payments, but he soon authorized Joseph Anthony to receive them, undoubtedly due to his upstanding character and honesty.   It’s apparent his wife, Henrietta, took an interest in the day-to-day operations. A receipt for items purchased by Samuel Meredith, with her signature, was dated 1791. His clientele were among the most well-to-do of Philadelphia. 

As the business grew, so did their family.  Joseph and Henrietta had eleven children, but unfortunately only three lived to adulthood.  On 20 December 1809, an advertisement in the Aurora General Advertiser announced that son Michael was taken into partnership and the business would now be known as Joseph Anthony & Son.  Then, on 1 November 1811, son Thomas joined the enterprise. The firm then became known as Joseph Anthony & Sons.

There are many advertisements and articles relating to Joseph Anthony’s travels to find the most unique and stylish items from across the sea.  On 20 December 1809, he had just returned from London with “a very elegant and extensive assortment of goods selected immediately from the Manufactories in England; and flatters himself that in point of workmanship, stile, and elegance of patterns, they are not to be exceeded, if equaled, in the United States.”  On 17 August 1814, he travelled to Harrisburg in the middle of the state.  He arrived by stagecoach around noon, in apparent good health and spirits. Less than an hour later he was “seized with a fit of apoplexy” (likely a stroke) and died almost immediately. His remains were interred in the Presbyterian Burial Ground there.

Several of his works survive to this day.  A coffee urn, owned by George and Martha Washington is on display at Mount Vernon. Several more pieces are exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which include a hoop tankard (c 1788); a cream pot (c 1790); and a marrow spoon (c 1790-1800).  At some point, he fashioned a platinum and ruby ring for his daughter, Henrietta Hillegas Anthony (b 1898 – d 1868).  It is a lovely little petite piece of jewelry.  At her death, she left the ring to her namesake, granddaughter, Henrietta Anthony Patton, the daughter of her son William Anthony Patton.  “Hennie” as she was known, left the ring to her only daughter, Carolyn Patton Fulton.  My grandmother, also Henrietta Anthony Patton, inherited the ring when her first cousin, Carolyn died.  I have it now, and it is one of my most precious treasures.