Stearns family. Papers, 1792-1854, 1792-1836 (bulk).
Title:
Papers, 1792-1854, 1792-1836 (bulk).
The collection consists of two groups of papers. Both contain bills, receipts, and letters; in addition, the first also includes a trade card. Many of the bills and receipts pertain to the buying and selling of furs and fur accessories by members of the Stearns family. Kinds of furs include brown bear, pole cat, black genet, cat, sable, and mock sable; they were usually made into muffs or tippets; fur gloves are also mentioned. As well, there are receipts for the purchase of what may be items for personal use (as opposed to use in their businesses), such as lumber, cart wheels, cloth (broad cloth, India cotton, nankin, cambric, linen), buttons, thread, and food items. One document lists items "sent to holand" in 1804. There is a trade card for Horace Stearns, commission merchant in hats, furs, trimmings, gloves, and umbrellas. His printed trade card depicts two women in classical dress with a shield between them and hats and an umbrella at their feet. In back of them are seen sailing ships and a fort. Almost all the papers in the second group relate to Thomas Stearns. He bought skins, at least some of which came from Maine. In addition, there are bills for hardware, food, cloth (French print, linen tape, gauze ribbon, Paris jaconet, diaper, etc.), lace, sewing supplies, and other household items. Thomas died in 1836; there is an inventory of his goods with prices affixed, either the valuation or the price realized at a sale. The list includes furniture, barrels, a wash tub, knives and forks, china, bedding, cooking pots, a floor cloth, and carpet; the items are listed by room (entry, dining room, chamber, etc.) As well, there are inventories for the stores of Thomas Stearns & Co. and James Stearns. Thomas' store included hats and bonnets for men, boys, and women, and hat making supplies. James' store had fur muffs, tippets, cloaks, and some fabric.
ArchivalResource:
118 items : ill.
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