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Breeches

Object Name:
Breeches
Object ID:
1989.058.02
Creator:
George, Gideon (1736-1822)Tailor
Place of Origin:
New Hampshire
Date:
1770
Description:
Breeches. Attributed to Gideon George (1736-1822), Kingston, NH. Knee-length. Black silk satin. Said to have been worn by Dr. Josiah Bartlett when he signed the Declaration of Independence (along with vest, 1989.58.1). Waist button and flap front closures, string tie back closure, button knee closures. Front and waist lined with linen and features thirteen buttons: four metal, four black painted wood, and five fabric covered wood. Four button closures at each knee of fabric covered wood (wood disks missing on five of these buttons). Breeches features include one small waist pocket and two large front pockets. Adult man's size.
Material:
Textile
Silk
Linen
Metal
Wood
Provenance:
Vest (1989.58.1) and breeches (1989.58.2) owned by different descendants of Josiah Bartlett. Joint gift coordinated by Madeline Goodrich Bernard; vest owned by her son, William Joseph Bernard, Jr., and breeches owned by her brother, William Bartlett Goodrich. History: William Bartlett Goodrich, Coventry, CT; Descendant of Dr. Josiah Bartlett, the signer. Was given this vest by his mother, Lottie Mary Bartlett Goodrich as a surprise Christmas gift, 1983. Madeline Goodrich Bernard, Manchester, NH, Sister of William Bartlett Goodrich, and descendant of Dr. Josiah Bartlett, the signer. Provided information and coordination of the donation of vest and breeches to the New Hampshire Historical Society. Lottie Mary Bartlett Goodrich, mother of Madeline Goodrich Bernard and William Bartlett Goodrich, and descendant of Dr. Josiah Bartlett, the signer. Inherited objects belonging to Dr. Josiah Bartlett, including vest and breeches believed to have been worn while signing the Declaration of Independence, as well as tri-corner hat. Breeches presented to William Bartlett Goodrich as a Christmas gift, 1983.
Dr. Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795), Kingston, NH. Signer, for New Hampshire, of the Declaration of Independence. First president of the New Hampshire Medical Society. Gideon George (1736-1822), Kingston, NH, friend and tailor to Josiah Bartlett; accompanied Josiah Bartlett to Philadelphia. Believed to have made this outfit.

Reference: The Papers of Josiah Bartlett, Frank Mevers, ed., 1976.
Credit Line:
Gift of William Joseph Benard Jr..
Subjects:
Stockings
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