Writing case
United States or Europe
1840-1860
Measurements
2-3/4 in x 12 in x 11 in
Materials
WOOD,PAPER,BRASS,BRASS
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Mrs. Ernest P. Janvier in memory of Levi Janvier, Caesar Augustus Rodney Janvier, and Ernest P. Janvier
Accession Number
1982.269
Inscription
“Levi / Janvier’s / from Car G.[?]” is written in blue ink on a "jelly label" pasted to the outside of the case.
Provenance
The writing box has a history of ownership by Levi Janvier (1816-1864), who used it while a missionary in India.
Comments
The dark green writing box has a locking flap that, when unfolded, allows the case to be opened to compartments at the top for pens, ink, and other writing implements. Hinged flaps open to a compartment for letters and papers.
Levi Janvier (1816-1864), born in Pittsgrove, New Jersey, of George Washington Janvier, a son of cabinetmaker John Janvier of Odessa, was ordained in the Presbyterian church (as was his father) on December 31, 1840. Thereafter, he served as a missionary in India where he used the writing box until his murder by a Sikh fanatic on March 25, 1864. Levi's son, Caesar Augustus Rodney Janvier (1861-1928), was also a missionary. Levi's papers are at the Princeton Theological Seminary Library.
