Turn-boots of John M. Hood of Philadelphia, c. 1830

Turn-boots of John M. Hood of Philadelphia, c. 1830
A pair of turn-boots of goatskin leather, possibly Madeira-made, applied, scalloped boot tops or turn-downs, owned by John M. Hood and bearing his name on each sole. “Madeira boots” were soft and made without heels and were a specialty of that island, where perhaps Hood acquired them in person while on a wine-purchasing trip. Born in Ireland, Hood migrated to Philadelphia in the late 18th century and by 1796 was operating as a successful wine merchant and grocer on Market Street until his retirement in the 1830s. He served as an officer in the Pennsylvania militia during the War of 1812. His business papers are in the U. of Delaware Special Collections. Acquired from Howard S. Mott, Inc. in 2018.