Notes
According to the donor, Elvira "Ella" Henry Miller (1850-1955), this meat block was used by her grandfather, John Henry (1796-1868) and her great-grandfather, Patrick Henry (1736-1799). This information is yet to be confirmed, although the piece looks to be fairly typical of the 18th century.
Letter from Stanhope Johnson (03/11/1960): Quote from this letter: "The old meat block that Miss Ella sent me that her grandfather had in her lifetime. She was pretty well assured this was Patrick Henry's meat block. This is not authentic with me, however."
Letter from Stanhope Johnson (06/23/1961): Quote from this letter: "Whether this [meat block] is authentic or not, I do not know. It was delivered to me with this information. It was from the Henry family as far back as Miss Ella could remember. Whether it was John Henry's or Patrick Henry's, we do not know. However, it is of the period and possibly should be labeled so and not as authentic."