Whitefield Public Library Donates Significant Revolutionary War Artifacts to
New Hampshire Historical Society

Free Museum Admission Offered in Celebration of Gift and John Stark Day

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE—Thanks to the Whitefield Public Library, the New Hampshire Historical Society's collection of important Revolutionary War era artifacts has gained three new pieces with ties to New Hampshire residents who served in that war.  The library donated a powder horn, a powder measure, and a cap used by Josiah Moody (1746–1832) of Unity, New Hampshire during the American Revolution.

"We are very grateful to the board and staff of the Whitefield Public Library for recognizing the importance of these rare objects and for donating them to the Society where they will be preserved and shared with the public for generations to come," said Bill Veillette, executive director of the New Hampshire Historical Society.

Josiah Moody apparently received the powder horn during the American Revolution from another soldier, Ward Thurston, who was part of a force of "Minute Men" raised in 1775 in Newbury, Vermont, then considered part of "Coos Country."  Ward Thurston's name and the date "1772" are carved in block letters along its side.  Like Thurston, Josiah Moody was part of the forces gathered during 1775–76 to defend against advancing British forces, including the Battle of Bunker Hill. 

Included in the gift from the Whitefield Public Library is a powder measure and cap of linen, leather, and cotton.  The maker of the three objects is unknown.  The objects apparently were passed down to Josiah Moody's son, Laurin Moody (1785–1849), to Winfield S. Moody (1815–1894), and from him to his son, Ralph Moody of New York City.  Ralph Moody donated the items to the Whitefield Public Library in 1935.

The rare powder horn is hand-carved with a pine plug that is secured by iron tacks.  It has a scalloped edge near the tip and carvings of whimsical animals, birds, vines, flowers, human figures, and a house around the body. 

In celebration of this gift and in recognition of April's John Stark Day (New Hampshire's most famous Revolutionary War hero who coined the phrase "Live Free or Die"), the Society will offer free museum admission on Sunday, April 27, from 12 noon to 5 p.m.  The public is invited to come and see the rare Moody powder horn on display along with objects captured by John Stark at the Battle of Bennington.

The Society's Museum of New Hampshire History is located at 6 Eagle Square, Concord.  For directions, visit http://www.nhhistory.org/directions.html or call 603/228-6688.

Founded in 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving, preserving, and sharing New Hampshire history.  The Society serves thousands of children and adults each year through its museum, research library, educational programs, publications, and outreach programs.  The Society is not a state-funded agency.  All of its programs and services are made possible by membership dues and contributions.  For more information, visit nhhistory.org or call 603/228-6688.