The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-07
THOMAS JEFFERsoN's CHAIR.
An Historical Curio Now Owned by
BaltimOrenR.


There is a curio surrounded by many
precious memories in the studio of Clinton
Brooks Burgess, and Il Is nothing less than
| an old armchair which once belonged to
Thomas Jefferson.
From authentic information the chair was
made especially for Mr.. Jefferson. who kept
1t in his library. where. with it drawn up
before great log fire. he reclined in its
spacious arms and thought out the things
he wrote and said and which made him
famous
Just as it is seen now so it was when
in the home of the Sage of Monticello
Possibly nothing has been changed; at
least. there are no visible marks of van
dalism. With the exception OF the Brussels
facing seen on the great arm at its right.
it is the same old chair. On the back
about halfway up. is the name Thomas
Jefferson" written in charcoal in bold and
strong lettering.
As anyone can plainly see. it was and is
yet most comfortable seat 1t was pat
termed after the Colonial idea of what con-
stitutes tlissful repose. and in this re-
spect it might well be copied today. The
high back affords ample space for the
largest of men to rccline, while the low
retreating seat makes it perfectly natural
position. The table arm is wide enough
to hold writing material and several books.
1t is also arranged with the proper angle.
so that person may write all day with
out becoming tired
How the old chair travelled from Month
cello, Va, to Baltimore is n story. TO get
the details Of which it is necessary, as is
often the case, to resort to the memory of
the old colored servants. The chair is now
In Baltimore. because Signor Hazazer pur-
gIaa sad IL II,
to have been Jefferson's own chair. One
day about eighteen years ago the signor.
who has genuine love for antiques.
stopped at an auction sale to see what he
could find in this line. He noticed an Old
colored man standing over by the wall
holding affectionately to a big chair. He
seemed to be hesitating about something,
and the Sgnor addressed him as to the
cause. The old fellow told him that he had
brought the chair TO the auction to have it
sold. but could not quite make up his mind
to part with it. as it once belonged to
Mars Tom Jeff'son.'
The Sgnor became interested at once and
asked the old colored man il he could prove
that the chair was once the property of the
great jefferson.
20. yes, indeed" was the reply. "Dis
cher am de berry one wat Mars jeff son sit
in hissef."
He told the SignOr that his father was a
servant in the Jefferson family, and that
after the death OF the statesman and the
final dissolution of the Monticello house
hold he moved to Baltimore and brought
the chair with him. Upon the death of his
father the chair fell into his hands, to-
gether with the admonition to always keep
ii, as it was the chair of MARS Jeff son an
am sho good luck" He said he wished to
keep it, but he was in poor circumstances
and must have some money.
But" said the Signor. taking him back
tc the first question. how are you going
to prove to me that what you say is cor
rect; is there anyone here that knows any
thing about it,
The old fellow was silent for few mo-
ments, and then suddenly exclaimed:
'I done hear de people say dat Mars