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Child’s Cup

by | Feb 14, 2025 | Metalwork, Mississippi Department of Archives & History

Child's cup, Mid- to late 18th century, Used in Natchez, MS, Silver, Mississippi Department of Archives & History

Child's Cup

Child's cup, Mid- to late 18th century, Used in Natchez, MS, Silver, Mississippi Department of Archives & History
Maker Unknown
Date of Creation Mid- to late 18th century
Location Used in Natchez, Mississippi
Materials Silver
Institution Mississippi Department of Archives & History
Credit Line N/A
Accession Number 2004.1.10
Photo Credit Museum Division, Mississippi Department of Archives & History

This silver child’s cup belonged to either William Dunbar, Sr. (1749-1810) or William Dunbar, Jr. (1793-1847) of Natchez, MS. “William Dunbar” is engraved on the side of the cup opposite the handle. Born in Scotland in 1749, William Dunbar, Sr. moved to Pennsylvania in 1771 and eventually established one of the earliest plantations in Baton Rouge, LA. After the American Revolution ended, Dunbar settled in the town of Natchez, MS, where he amassed a large fortune as a planter, trader, and manufacturer of barrel staves. In 1804, at the request of President Jefferson, he led the Red River Expedition, exploring areas of present-day Arkansas and Texas. Dunbar was also a scientist, and Jefferson recommended him for membership in the American Philosophical Society. When he died in 1810, he was one of the wealthiest men in Mississippi.