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This month we are featuring a beautiful Baltimore Federal Period card table that allegedly descended through the Messick family from Caroline County, Maryland. The table was most likely made in Baltimore, Maryland around the year 1800. The table when closed is 29 inches high, 18 inches deep, and 36 inches wide. When open it is 28 inches high, 36 inches deep, and 36 inches wide. The table is made from mahogany with satin wood inlay of bellflowers along the four legs and clipped corner rectangles along the skirt. There are four Hepplewhite legs, one of which swings to support the top when extended.
We were able to find a Caroline resident named Robert M. Messick (1841-1913). He was born in Sussex County, Delaware, married Caroline Willis in 1863, and had three children: Arthur, Roy, and Bessie. He was appointed postmaster of Williston, Maryland during the Civil War. He operated a hardware business in Baltimore City and later opened a sawmill and canning factory. He was elected Caroline County Commissioner in 1881 and served in the Maryland Senate, 1898, 1900, and 1901. (MSA SC 3520-14779)
