Museum Collections

This cradle was originally owned by Capt. Ira (1834-86) and Johnnette Brinckerhoff (1845-1932) Wood, who acquired it for their son Frederic Kenyon Wood (1868-1939). Ira Wood descended from New England patriots, was a graduate of West Point, and a distinguished Civil War veteran who organized and commanded the 12th New York State Volunteer Infantry. He later became a prominent upstate merchant and champion fly-cast fisherman. Wood married Johnette Brinckerhoff in 1867. Brinckerhoff was a descendant of the early Dutch settler Joris Brinckerhoff (arrived ca. 1638-41). The cradle was purchased for their son, Frederic Kenyon Wood, who retained the cradle throughout his life.