In July 1679, the will of Henry Clark, “late of Poynig Creek, Va., [now] of New Yorke” was filed. “A pair of large buttons shall be put in the pocket of my best suite” which would be sent to his brother in England. After other matters are settled, Clark’s will closes with the direction that scarves and gloves be given to the men who carry him to his grave “as the usual custom is.” The gift of items to funeral attendees was common in colonial America, especially in New England. 

 

 

Custom governed the lives of the living too, as is seen in the records of indentures and apprentices. Many of the contracts include language describing the clothes, and accessories, due the apprentice at the end of his or her service. This was common enough that most do not list the exact items expected. But some do.

In January 1698, William Evans, age 14 years was indentured to Abraham Splinter, cordwainer, tanner and currier, for five and a half years. The terms included: “the above said Abraham Splinter at the expiration of the above apprenticeship is to finde and provide to the said William Evans two new suits of apparel one braod cloath and one of stuffer searge six shirts six neckcloaths three paire of stockings two paire of shoes and two hats.”

Hannah Buckmaster, aged 12 years in 1699, was placed with Joseph Latham, shipwright, and Jane, his wife, “seamstress and manto maker” for five years. She was to be taught “to make mantos, pettycoats, sew and make plain worke..” Her pay would include room and board and the “usual provisions.”