Breeches
- Object Name:
- Breeches
- Object ID:
- 1989.026
- Place of Origin:
- Kingston, NH (probably)
- Date:
- 1775-1781
- Description:
- Breeches, said to have been worn by Josiah Bartlett. Tanned animal skin (probably moose hide). Silvered brass buttons, three large, two small (for flap), and six small on each leg. Three interior pockets. Possibly made by John Calfe.
- Material:
- Leather
Brass - Dimensions:
- L-30 inches
- Provenance:
- Purchased at auction of the contents of the Josiah Bartlett homestead in Kingston, NH. NHHS also purchased many of Bartlett's papers and the original charter of the N.H. Medical Society (total of 45 lots).
These may be the "pair of Mooseskin Breeches for my self" which Bartlett noted purchasing from Kingston tanner John Calfe on January 8, 1781. According to an affidavit signed by 5th generation descendent Janet Donahue and 6th generation descendant Ruth Ready in 1989, "It is family tradition that the accompanying moosehide breeches was used by Josiah Bartlett as riding breeches."
Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795) of Kingston was New Hampshire's first governor and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was also a physician and founder of the N.H. Medical Society. - Credit Line:
- New Hampshire Historical Society Purchase
- People:
- Bartlett, Josiah (1728-1795), Calfe, John
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