Parthenia Bessonett Richardson and the Bessonett Lowestoft Bowl

For more information, visit my website. www.stewartfoxfamilyhistory.com

Here's some information provided by Dave Linfoot of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.

First is a scan of a photocopy of a photo of Parthenia Bessonett Richardson who is the grandmother of Marion E. Wenzell.



Next is an image of a china bowl that was owned by Elizabeth Bessonett, wife of James Bessonett, followed by a description of the bowl...the original handwritten copy followed by a typed version of the handwriting.





The Bessonett Lowestoft Bowl and Assorted Pieces of China

Translation of an undated letter written by Mary A. (Richardson) Wenzell, daughter of Parthenia Bessonett and great-grandmother of David A. and Benjamin R. Linfoot.

"This bowl, the property of Mary A. Wenzell, was bequeathed to her by her grandmother Mrs. Elizabeth Bessonett, wife of James Bessonett of Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 1881, and was then 150 years old. When the British troops passed through Burlington, NJ during the Revolutionary war it was securely hidden in a cellar by Elizabeth Fennimore and from her it came into the possession of Mrs. Elizabeth Bessonett."

The large Lowestoft bowl is of chinese Import-Export origin, circa 1754. While badly cracked, it has since been expertly restored. It should not be cleaned in water, only wiped with a damp cloth. Hidden with it during the war were the following chinese Import-Export items, again circa 1754: a cup; a seed dish with a piece missing from the rim; a tea cup with a dime-sized flower design (missing); a 4" high porcelain scent bottle (stopper missing), and a handle-less tea cup.




Dave Linfoot
6/14/04

David A. Linfoot
243 Righters Mill Rd.
Gladwyn, Pennsylvania 19035