Stephen emory
Captain, and maker of Drums and "Nest-Boxes"
Stephen Emory was born on May 13, 1778 in Rindge, New Hampshire. On February 15, 1804, he married Betsey Wood. According to the "History of the Town of Rindge," Emory was farmer and engaged in the manufacture of oval and round spice boxes. The making of these was labor intensive and required the use of many woodworking hand tools to complete. These were made in various sizes so as to place one within another, thus the term "nest-boxes" was given to them.
It was certainly not a far jump to then construct drums as well. Emory made an "enormous drum, which for many years was so accurately and soundly beaten by Elbridge Wood on training and muster days..." Of the many elected positions Emory held throughout his life in Rindge, captain of the militia was the most notable as he is often referred to as "Captain Stephen Emory" in the town histories. He lived to the ripe old age of 95 and died on January 13, 1874.
16" diameter by 18 1/2" tall.
This drum was formerly in the collection of Jim Smith, but now resides with Peter Emerick.
The circular painted motif shown here is commonly seen on Emory labeled drums. It consists of a rather unattractive eagle on a blue/green field surrounded by thirteen six-pointed yellow stars. A circular sun-burst of red trimmed yellow encompass the whole emblazonment.
The shell of the drum secured by a single row of iron nails and painted with a faux woodgrain technique. Leather braces are tied with a blood knot which allows them to be repaired or replaced without removing the rope.
A series of holes have been drilled in the bottom counter hoop to accept the gut snares, as opposed to the use of a leather "keeper" as seen on many drums of the same time period. No evidence of a strainer exists.
Another Emory drum almost identical to the above mentioned specimen. One difference in motif is the number of stars being greater on this example, and the shorter red painted counter hoops.
New rope and leather braces have been added for restoration purposes. Red counter hoops are secured with iron nails, as well as a single row along the overlap of the shell.
The brush pattern exhibited here is the same as above. A few Meacham labeled drums have a faux woodgrain applied to the shell in a horizontal fashion, but the Emory drums utilize this arching style.
16" diameter by 15" tall.
This drum is part of Brian Hill's collection. According to his website, the drum has a "Hand painted eagle flying on a blue field with a shield, clutching a brace of arrows and branches beneath fifteen, six pointed stars; all in mustard, red, and blue paint. The circular field is edged with s mustard and red sunburst motif. The rest of the shell is painted in a horizontal
As opposed to the first two examples, the faux woodgrain has been applied in a horizontal manner. New ropes, leather braces, gut snares, and skins have been added to bring this instrument back to life.
A single row of iron nails secures the overlap of the scarf joint.
16" Diameter by 13 1/2" Tall
Maker's label reads, "S.EMERY, RINDGE, N.H."
Similar to other Emory drums, however this particular example has been cut down making it shorter than its original configuration.
From the Mike Sorenson Collection
An original stencil appears on the top skins, presumably the drummer’s name, "Chas. N. Paige", possibly Charles N. Paige who served in the 4th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery.
Information from the West Coast Civil War Collectors
"A snare drum with a brass thumbscrew snare strainer, an inset ivory percussion hole, and painted decoration. Drum is grained in mottled brown and bears an eagle within a stylized sunburst motif in black, yellow, red, gold, brown and pale green. The name "Bouden" written on inside.
No paper label, but indicative of Stephen Emory. Drum said to have been used by Alignon Sidney Dodge of Northbridge i
17" Diameter by 16 1/2" Tall
Although this drum carries no label, the construction and decoration point undoubtedly to Stephen Emory. The shell has been "feathered" like the others, and even though the circular eagle motif differs from other examples, it still presents the same theme.
The scarfed overlap of the shell displays a single row of iron nails along the seam with another row spaced farther apart past the vent.
Images and information from the New Hampshire Historical Society.
Ink inscription on interior of body: "The Alexander Lear Drum. / After him William Lane had it. / or / Then MAJ. LANGDON LEAR, NEW RYE, N.H. / FRANCIS I. SMITH, EPSOM, N.H. / JESSE R. PAINE. SUNCOOK, N.H. JULY 12, 1914. TO NOVEMBER / 11, 1919."
16 1/2" Diameter by 18" Tall
Painted with a gilt eagle clutching a brace of arrows and branches bearing an American shield surrounded by leafy decoration...all beneath 15-gilt stars having red highlighting all in strong color within a red border with off-white sunburst centering the decoration. The body of this drum with faux graining.
We again have an unlabeled drum with many characteristics indicative of Stephen Emory. The scarf joint can be is seen here with a single row of iron nails and another row of nails spaced further apart.
A closer look at the decoration shows the wide range of colors used, as well as the small details of the feathers and leaves.