Jeremie Dummer America's First Silversmith



 Jeremie Dummer came into this world in Newbury, part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was the eldest offspring of Richard Dummer and his second spouse, Frances Burr.

At the tender age of 14, young Jeremie commenced his apprenticeship under John Hull, the esteemed mintmaster in Boston. Hull documented this momentous occasion, noting that he "welcomed Jeremie Dummer into my household as an Apprentice for eight years." When Jeremie turned 23, he embarked on his own journey, quickly establishing himself as a renowned silversmith known for crafting an array of exquisite items, including tankards, beakers, porringers, caudle cups, and candlesticks. His signature touch was the distinctive fluted band adorning plain surfaces, a hallmark of his craftsmanship. Jeremie Dummer is also credited with introducing the decorative style known as "gadrooning" to American silverwork, characterized by curved flutings on the surface.

Jeremie Dummer held numerous prominent positions throughout his life. He became a Member and Captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Society in 1671 and served as Constable of Boston from 1675 to 1676. In 1680, he was granted the status of Freeman of Boston, later joining Capt Hutchinson's Company in 1684 and contributing to the Council of Safety against Andres in 1689. Jeremie served as a Selectman of Boston from 1691 to 1692 and assumed the role of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Suffolk County from 1702 to 1715. He also took on the responsibility of Treasurer of Suffolk County from 1711 to 1716 and remained a devout member of the venerable First Church.

Beyond his silversmithing and public service, Jeremie Dummer displayed his skills as an engraver, producing plates for currency. In 1710, he played a pivotal role in printing the initial paper money in Connecticut. The government of Connecticut entrusted Dummer with engraving the plates and printing the bills when they decided to issue paper currency, or Bills of Exchange, in 1709. Documents from 1710 reveal transactions involving Dummer in this currency endeavor. In 1712, Governor Saltonstall presented Dummer's bill for printing 6,550 sheets of this paper currency to the Council Board. It's worth noting that Dummer's former apprentice, John Coney, was responsible for engraving the plates for Massachusetts' first paper money, a historic milestone in the American continent's financial history. However, some sources also attribute the engraving of the Massachusetts copper plates to Dummer.

Jeremie Dummer's talents extended beyond craftsmanship and currency; he was recognized as one of America's pioneering portrait painters. His collection includes a self-portrait, a portrait of his beloved wife, Anna, and depictions of many of his contemporaries.

Tragically, Jeremie Dummer's journey ended on May 24, 1718, in Boston. His passing was commemorated in the Boston News-Letter on June 2, 1718, with an obituary that paid tribute to his remarkable life and accomplishments.

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