Pardon Mawney Whipple’s Hair

It was common in the 19th century to give a lock of hair to family members as a memory of a loved one. Hair, which does not decompose quickly, was often braided, tied with ribbon, or incorporated into jewelry. This lock of hair belonged to Pardon Mawney Whipple, who served as a midshipman on USS Constitution during the War of 1812.