A remarkable donation of clothing that dates from shortly after the Revolutionary War has been made to the Brown County Museum of History. Charles Harvey, along with his sister Alta Yeats have donated the 224 year old pair of cotton trousers that have been in their family since they were made in 1791.

The men’s trousers were made by Mrs. Bertie May Bass Lynch, (Lowe). Mrs. Lynch was an ancestor of the Harvey family and was sixteen years old when she spun the cotton grown at their farm into thread, wove the material, and hand-sewed the clothing.  Buttons were made of cow horn.  The clothing is in remarkably good condition.

The garment has been passed down through the family through all the generations, and now has been generously donated to the Museum of History.  “We feel this is such an amazing artifact, we want the public to be able to see it.” says Mr. Harvey.  “Our family has cherished it for many years, and now it is time to share it with others” confirms Ms. Yeats.

Wanda Furgason, Museum Director, stated that once conservation measures are put in place, the trousers will be on display at the Brown County Museum of History.  “We are proud to be able to exhibit such a wonderful historical article, and are very appreciative of the family for this outstanding donation,” Furgason said.

Pictured above, left to right, are Stephanie Ddughdhnemimnmier, Museum Manager, Alta Yeats, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harvey.