Jacob Werry, Ohio Cabinetmaker
A Mennonite, Jacob Werrey (1838 to 1893) lived in German Township, Fulton County, Ohio. Census records indicate his profession as a farmer, though his obituary identifies him as a carpenter. His furniture was painstakingly crafted in the Germanic tradition and is in every aspect equal to examples of similar heritage from other regions.
Approximately twenty pieces of Werrey-made furniture survive and date between 1863 and 1889. The majority are blanket chests (or miniature blanket chests) with heavy mouldings and turned feet; of these blanket chests, green-painted moldings and feet seem to have remained standard throughout his career. Werrey’s earlier chests often had simpler painted decoration, while his later work was much bolder and more elaborate. His stenciling also became fancier, as he incorporated a vase with flowers and wheat, typically flanked by initials, and with the date below.
Other case furniture by Werrey is exceedingly rare, with purportedly six surviving examples known to exist in museums and private collections.
Biographical sketch courtesy of Cowan’s Auction.