Silas Cheney

Male

1776

1821

Manchester, CT

Litchfield, CT

Mary Young Cheney (May 18, 1807)

Silas Cheney is one of the most prolific documented furniture makers in Litchfield. Raised in Hartford, his family had a long history in the cabinet and clock making industries. His grandfather Benjamin Cheney was a Hartford furniture maker and his father was a clockmaker.

Cheney moved to Litchfield in 1799 and opened a shop on West Street just off the Village Green. He quickly became one of the most sought after tradesmen in town making furniture for Tapping Reeve, Benjamin Tallmadge and Julius Deming.

The business became so successful Cheney was able to support several journeymen and hire specialists in carriage making and veneering. His shop on West Street was listed as one of the largest craftsmen shops in town consisting of two stories. He continued to make furniture ...up until his death in 1821.

Despite Cheney’s prolific production of furniture, he was not immune from the challenges of operating a business in the early 19th century. In addition to making furniture, Cheney did odd jobs, made utilitarian items such as rake handles and clapboard, and repaired or refitted furniture.
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