Circa 1890, likely Alabama by Amos Johnson of Birmingham. The piece has a seated figure carved and placed at top left with charming carved scenes telling a story at the back upper crest of the piece. At the top peak a symbol, likely representing God, appears above a mule, man, woman and cart leading down to three genre scenes depicting three important events for the family. The first, from left, are energetic walking figures on what appears to be a welcome journey, the center scene "the Kissing Tree", likely a marriage proposal, and on the far right is carved a family at worship. The piece looks to be crafted of a mix of woods including yellow pine. Very nice early surface throughout. The piece is accompanied by an early handwritten letter which states the shelf was made by Amos Johnson of Birmingham Alabama while at "Master Williams Plantation." Sister Eliza sitting on the porch and getting ready to leave for Georgia with Amos and Tom, It was a long journey but we made it through." H40" W31" D6" Sold from the collection of a Camden, South Carolina lady and gentleman.