The Anthony Family
Joseph Anthony, II, probably learned the trade of silversmith and jeweler in Newport, Rhode Island, where there were many such craftsmen. He was born on January 15th, 1762 in Newport, to Captain Joseph and Elizabeth (Sheffield) Anthony. He first advertised as a Silversmith in the Pennsylvania Journal on October 11th, 1783 at "Market Street, two doors East of the Indian King". (The Indian King was at what is now 240 Market Street). A silver tankard made by Joseph Anthony, now in the possession of Captain William L. Willey of Cambridge, Massachusetts is engraved with the Penn Arms and the following inscription "Presented to John Penn Jun. and John Penn Esq. to Mr. Charles Jarvis as a Respectful Acknowledgement of his Services 1788." Lovers of old jewelry will be interested to see that Joseph Anthony made "Miniature Pictures, Set Devices in Hair, Mourning rings and Lockets: those bibelots so dear to the hearts of some who sought to prolong the memory of departed friends by adorning their persons with ornamental hair devices in rings, bracelets, breast-pins and lockets." The silverware made by Joseph Anthony is marked simply with a "J", or "J A". The designs used by American silversmiths at this time were similar to those of England, but the people liked to believe the designs were as new as the nation and the silversmiths helped them to think they were right. In 1789, Joseph Anthony, Jr. advertised silver of "entire new patterns," yet these were similar to those popular in London. I have, in my possession, a ring that has been passed down through 5 generations that Joseph Anthony made for his wife, Henrietta.
