copper locket
by an unknown creator in early 1800s
Son of Col. William Pearce, Cap. Pearce became a very successful merchant in Gloucester
Donated by Hough, Misses in 1928
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Son of Col. William Pearce, Cap. Pearce became a very successful merchant in Gloucester
As a young man, he was placed in the Gloucester store of merchant David Plumer to learn the ins and outs of the mercantile business; shortly thereafter Hough moved to the counting-rooms of Winthrop Sargent, Judith's father, who was engaged in trade with the West Indies. Hough remained in the employment of Sargent until he struck out on his own in about 1790. He bought the house in 1801 from Gilman's widow. He was married on January 12, 1791 to Elizabeth Plumer, the daughter of David Plumer, who had instructed young Hough in the ways of business. The marriage was performed by Reverend John Murray. Elizabeth died five years later at the age of thirty, childless, and Hough remarried in 1801 to Lucy Sayward Foster, the widow of Colonel Thomas Foster. He served as an Officer of the Gloucester Bank for 35 years and as its President for 5. He was the Treasurer of the Church for 40 years and a founder of the Gloucester Lyceum.
Grew up in this house, and like his father was a merchant, served as an officer of Gloucester Bank, was one of the founders of the Sawyer Free Library, along with Fitz Henry Lane.
The painting is unsigned. It was most recently on loan to the Cleveland Museum for study. Gift of Maria Parsons in 1977 (William Parsons and BK Hough Jr were partners in business until 1850). Parsons could be part of the Sargent Genealogy and connected through Fitz William (1768) who married Anna Parsons. Also BKHough Jr. and FitzWilliam Sargent were common shareholders in merchant ships.
As a young man, he was placed in the Gloucester store of merchant David Plumer to learn the ins and outs of the mercantile business; shortly thereafter Hough moved to the counting-rooms of Winthrop Sargent, Judith's father, who was engaged in trade with the West Indies. Hough remained in the employment of Sargent until he struck out on his own in about 1790. He bought the house in 1801 from Gilman's widow. He was married on January 12, 1791 to Elizabeth Plumer, the daughter of David Plumer, who had instructed young Hough in the ways of business. The marriage was performed by Reverend John Murray. Elizabeth died five years later at the age of thirty, childless, and Hough remarried in 1801 to Lucy Sayward Foster, the widow of Colonel Thomas Foster. He served as an Officer of the Gloucester Bank for 35 years and as its President for 5. He was the Treasurer of the Church for 40 years and a founder of the Gloucester Lyceum.
Possibly modeled from a daguerrotype
Grew up in this house, and like his father was a merchant, served as an officer of Gloucester Bank, was one of the founders of the Sawyer Free Library, along with Fitz Henry Lane.
Painted at the time of their marriage. These portraits are very well executed and should be attributable.
was the daughter of Capt William Pearce (1777-1841); she married Benjamin Kent Hough, Jr
Painted at the time of their marriage. These portraits are very well executed and should be attributable.
Andirons used by Samuel Gilman, who was born in the house when the Gilman's owned it in 1797-1801.
Bedwarmer with ebonized handle and unadorned brass cover
Fire Fender used by Samuel Gilman, who was born in the house when the Gilman's owned it in 1797-1801.
According to Hough family history given to Lt. Thomas Foster by Lafayette. The widow of Foster later married B. K. Hough. Blade inscribed with "Be Liberty Thine"
Benjamin K Hough Jr. used this chest while living in this house. Sides of chest are made from a single piece of mahogany. Reverse serpentine, short frontal cabriole legs, claw and ball feet, shaped with a central fan, original brasses. line stringing frame drawer front.
Caribbean mahogany with crotch birch & rosewood veneer primary. Eastern white pine and birch secondary. Oval inlay on front rail. Serpentine front, turned legs. Serpentine front: having balanced wavy curve that is convex at center and ends. Mussey Attributed by Mussey to the shop of John and Thomas Seymour. "A very nice example of their work"
The bombe Shaving Mirror is described as an incredibly rare and fine object by SPNEA & Mussey. Designated by Sack as "among examples of exceptional pieces of furniture that are outstanding individual creations of American craftsmanship." "B.K. Hough, Jr" on drawer bottom.
Hepplewhite Card Table, crotch mahogany & inlaid tiger maple panels, folding top,gate leg,elliptical front,cuff inlay (a decorative string of contrasting small pieces of wood) and serpentine ends.
This Dressing Table has been noted by conservators as a very fine piece of furniture. The graceful proportions of this piece and the intricate inlay attest to its superior workmanship. Style suggests it was made in Portsmouth NH (Winterthur attribution)
Slant-top desk originally owned by Ebenezer Hough, a Gloucester sea captain who married Mary Sanders, niece to Judith Sargent. Ebenezer was captured by the British and held prisoner aboard ship for the duration of the Revolutionary war. After the war he returned to Gloucester and continued to captain ships. He was lost at sea. Oxbow serpentine front, blocked interior, original brasses, and feet typical of Boston Chippendale style.
The built-in cabinet is original to the room. Cabinet is similar to cabinets in Judith's and Murray's bedrooms. Thought to have been constructed when Hough purchased the house OR removed from the second closets in those bedrooms and reassembled as one in this room at that time.
was the daughter of Capt William Pearce (1777-1841); she married Benjamin Kent Hough, Jr
Sampler was done when she was 10, hence at the time her name was just Elizabeth Pearce
Snuff Box. Marked: "Old Ironsides. E.B. Babbitt to B.K. Hough, 1797"
Snuff Box. Marked: "Napolean Empereur"
Mournting Locket with hair insert. Inscribed: "In memory of Mrs. Eliz.Hough Obt.10 July 1796 AEt. 30 & David Plumer Jr.obt.Novr.26 1795 AEt 21."
Mourning Ring. Engraved: "In Memor of E. Hough. ob July 19 1796 AE 30."
Ivory figures made in China. This set was a gift to Benjamin Hough Corliss, a descendant of BKH. This is a beautiful example of the late China Trade craftsmanship.