Name/Title
Rocker with FootstoolEntry/Object ID
2024.4.2 A-BDescription
Wooden rocker and ottoman with pink striped upholstery. The arms of the rocker are scrolled and the entire rocker features various etchings. At the head of the rocker contains a carving of a woman's face. The woman wears a head piece and her face is framed on either side by her hair. While the ottoman is likely made of rosewood, the chair isContext
This chair has historically been attributed to cabinetmaker Milo Hoyt Berry (1819–1907), who came to the South from Newark, New Jersey in 1843. After settling in Columbia around 1845, Berry established a furniture and undertaking business in the city. Despite numerous fires and the destruction of his cabinet shop and warerooms during the Civil War, Berry operated at 107 Main Street (later renumbered 1440 Main Street) from c.1850 to 1903.
His first marriage was to Harriet Meiggs Berry (1820–1849). Married in 1843, the couple had four children together after they made the move from New Jersey to South Carolina. Upon Harriet's death, Milo married his sister-in-law, Julia Meiggs (1822–1906), five months later in 1849.
According to family lore, the carving on this chair is of Harriet's face. While this carving may bare a resemblance to Harriet, it was likely a mass-produced ornamentation. As for the construction of the chair itself, research is still being done to property attribute the craftsman.Furniture Details
Furniture Type
Chair - RockerMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Milo H. BerryAttribution
Attributed toRole
MakerDate made
circa 1845
