Basket
PeriodCirca 1800 - 1839
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumReed
Dimensions7.5 × 4.75 × 8.38 in. (19.1 × 12.1 × 21.3 cm)
ClassificationsStorage & Display Accessories
Credit LineGift of Eleanor P. Rue, 1932
Object number283
DescriptionA small ovoid basket of thin woven reed, with a narrow foot rim, double lid top with small loop closures, and a woven arched handle.NotesThis charming little basket was owned by Fransinchy Forman Rue. Fransinchy was born in Freehold to William P. Forman and Evelina Baird. Her grandfather, David Baird, apparently presented the basket to his granddaughter when she was a little girl. David Baird (1754 - 1839) was born in 1754 on the family farm in Topanemus in Upper Freehold. David was named for his father. Upon his father's death in 1798, David inherited the farmlands in Topanemus, 6 cattle, a windmill, a large cross cut saw, and the "great Bible." Baird enlisted in the Monmouth Militia and served as a private in the First Regiment, then as First Sergeant in 1776. He moved up the ranks and was promoted to Ensign, then Lieutenant, then Quartermaster. Baird achieved the rank of Captain in 1777. He fought at the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778. Baird was just as busy in his private life, marrying three times and having a total of eighteen children, more than 94 grandchildren, and over 149 great grandchildren. Evelina Baird was born in 1805 and was the daughter of David and his third wife, Mary Edwards. Evelina married William Peter Forman (1807 - 1886) and had several children, including her daughter Fransinchy Forman (1831 - 1924). David Baird died in 1839 at the age of 85 when Fransinchy was about eight. The basket's small size would have been perfect for a small granddaughter. Although it is uncertain as to the basket's origin, it is entirely possible that it was made in Monmouth County.
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