Ohio Finds: Jacob Werrey Paint-Decorated Blanket Chest

During a drab Midwestern winter, one starts to crave color, and while it’s easy to imagine early Ohioans’ homes as dark and dreary, Mennonite decorations like those on this blanket chest suggest otherwise.

Mennonites were one of many Germanic separatist groups who established themselves in Ohio in the 19th century. Here, they created communities, some so tightly bound and structured they were more like communes, trading and moving between villages.

A member of the Mennonite community, Jacob Werrey was born in Ohio in 1838 to European-born parents. His older brother inherited the family farm, and Jacob spent time there working as a carpenter.

Insulated from outside influences, craftsmen like Werrey produced traditional wares long after they had fallen out of mainstream society’s favor. Both construction and decoration, including the metallic stenciling, reflect a Mennonite tradition seen in these communities that exist throughout parts of the Midwest. This chest was sold in November of 2023.

Sold: $11,800

Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio. meanderauctions.com

For more Ohio history, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters.

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.