I don't think I have ever posted this before, but my apologies just in case.
The object I am inquiring about is a small brass piece with a threaded end and a name carved into the other end. The name appears to me to be I.A. Coles.
I didn't think much about this until I was reading an article in our museum newsletter that said there was an Isaac Coles who served as personal secretary to both President Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Specifically, his middle initial was "A" purportedly for Albemarle County in Virginia, This middle name was chosen to distinguish this Isaac Coles from several relatives with the same first and last names.
Further research details the fact that this Isaac Coles was raised on a large estate near Keene, Virginia--only about 15 miles from Monticello, and that he had a law office in Scottsville, Va. Lo and behold, that is where I dug up this relic! I don't know if there is any connection whatsoever, but it is an interesting story nonetheless.
I would LOVE to find pictures of some early documents with Coles' signature or seal on them to compare with this relic. If anyone knows of any, please let me know and THANKS!
The object I am inquiring about is a small brass piece with a threaded end and a name carved into the other end. The name appears to me to be I.A. Coles.
I didn't think much about this until I was reading an article in our museum newsletter that said there was an Isaac Coles who served as personal secretary to both President Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Specifically, his middle initial was "A" purportedly for Albemarle County in Virginia, This middle name was chosen to distinguish this Isaac Coles from several relatives with the same first and last names.
Further research details the fact that this Isaac Coles was raised on a large estate near Keene, Virginia--only about 15 miles from Monticello, and that he had a law office in Scottsville, Va. Lo and behold, that is where I dug up this relic! I don't know if there is any connection whatsoever, but it is an interesting story nonetheless.
I would LOVE to find pictures of some early documents with Coles' signature or seal on them to compare with this relic. If anyone knows of any, please let me know and THANKS!