Notes
This desk, called a "plantation desk" by antique furniture appraisers, was owned by John Henry (1786-1868), Patrick Henry's son, who was born and lived at Red Hill. According to the cut nails, it dates to the 1820s. The top case is made from cherry wood and poplar with a yellow pine interior and base. Both the top and bottom sections were made at the same time. The brass fittings are American-made, and the wood pulls are original.
A tag formerly on the underside of the desk lists “Varner, Pole & Co. / Furniture and Undertaking / Lexington, Virginia.” This tag was removed for preservation and is now stored in the object file. The tag was likely affixed to the desk while it was being repaired by the company rather than during its construction.
The finish of the top and bottom sections proves the desk was manufactured simultaneously, which is unusual as the top would often be added later based on need. The current black finish was added sometime in the 1870s or 1880s; the original finish was shellacked wood.
Anne LeDuc gave this desk to PHMF in 2018. According to LeDuc, she received it from her mother.
Anne LeDuc is a direct descendant of Patrick Henry. LeDuc's mother was Bessie Daniel Catlett (1889-1970); Bessie’s father was Robert Catlett (1855-1926); Robert Catlett was the son of Celine Henry (1827-1874) and John Robert Catlett (1824-1861). Celine Henry's parents were Winston Henry (1794-1872) and Jane Yuille (1799-1866). Winston Henry was the 9th child of Patrick Henry (1736-1799) and Dorothea Dandridge (1757-1831), Henry’s 2nd wife.