Henry Wilson’s Wallet | c. 1850-1875
1651:1085:1
This leather wallet is believed to have belonged to Henry Wilson (1812-1875). Wilson rose from humble beginnings as a Natick shoemaker to become a Massachusetts Senator (1855-73) and served as Vice President of the United States from 1873-75 under President Grant.
The wallet's condition shows that the item was used often, if not daily, by its owner. This wallet probably held some of the first “greenbacks,” paper currency issued in 1862. Before that date, only gold and silver coins were legal tender, and paper banknotes could only be redeemed at the private banks that issued them.
Attached under the inner flap is a note that reads:
“This article to which this is attached was formerly the property of Henry Wilson.”