I rarely have any interesting news to contribute, but I couldn't think of a more appropriate place to share my excitement.
Christmas morning my Father in law surprised me by bringing over a piece of furniture that he was excited to show me. He had acquired it a few days before in a trade. He collects antiques but especially old bottles and crocks. It was during this trade that he was able to acquire a chair made by Thomas (or possibly even John) Cottam! It's an earlier chair made in Salt Lake City.
Even better is the fact that the chair was made for a wife of Brigham Young. Unfortunately someone from her family replaced the original rush seat with a spring seat and so it will need to be set back to the original. It also appears that the chair back had at one point snapped and broke. Someone repaired it a bit improperly but thank goodness they did not throw it away. It's a very solid, beautiful piece of furniture and should be easily returned to its original condition with the right hands.
I could not stop myself from running my hands all over the beautiful work and amazing wood. It's a wonderful heirloom. I am extremely jealous that I could not claim it for my own. Although I can't complain too loudly as my Father in law is also a descendant of Thomas Cottam and Caroline Smith.
Sara Emett
-Daughter of Mary Cottam Ewell
