Seeking Info on W.B. Button

[GreencoatCross]

Guys,

This past weekend I viewed a pair of contract Federal trousers that I haven't run into before and I need some help with the maker. The waistband lining was stamped "W.B. Button" and the trousers also had a NY inspector stamp. I'm seeking information on when this contractor was in business, where he was located, what variety of garments he made, and how many trousers he made in total.

Haven't been able to find the information here; I've got few resources that cover every contractor during the war.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[CJDaley]

Re: Seeking Info on W.B. Button

I'd ask Fred Gaede. He has access to all the Federal contracts and contracts from the 1860s.

[BrownBlanketMess]

Re: Seeking Info on W.B. Button

Brian,

From Bazelon & McGuinn's Directory of American Military Goods Dealers & Makers 1785-1915:

page 20:

Button, Worthington B., NYC. Had Civil War contracts for infantry trousers; cavalry trousers; overcoats; jackets; artillery uniform coats; Invalid Corps jackets. (See Lord) Listed in 1864-65 as clothing at 326 B'way. Button is listed in 1867 as in the drygoods business at 98 Franklin & in 1870 as a merchant at the same address. No longer listed by 1882.

page 14 of supplement:

Button, Worthington, NYC. Button's large Civil War contracts included 175,000 Inf. greatcoats & 67,000 Cav. greatcoats (1862 63); 6,000 Veteran Reserve Corps jackets (1/14/1864); 1,000 Artillery coats (9/4/63); 10,000 Engineer coats (7/2/63); 40,000 Inf. coats Aug-Oct. 62; 11,000 Arty jackets (Oct.-Nov. 62), 28,000 Cav. jackets (Aug. 62-Dec. 63); 1,000 Mounted Rifles jackets & 100 Mounted Rifles musicians jackets (11/12/1862). Nothwithstanding these large orders, Button does not appear in NY CDs until 1864 when listed as clothing at 326 Bway, h. Bklyn; 1865 at 376 Bway; no trade in 1866 & later as dry goods or merch. at 98, Franklin. (NA RG-217, Entry 236).


Hope some of this helps,
Steve LaBarre
Corn Fed Comrades

[J.H.Berger]

Re: Seeking Info on W.B. Button

Brian, would you share pictures of the trousers with us? I am always interested in seeing different details of trousers!