One of my favorite artifacts in the Cobb House is the sea captain’s personal medicine chest. I admire the design and function, but most of all, the fine workmanship of the impressive mahogany chest. A bonus is the chest also contains 3 original items: epsom salts, hartshorn, and turkey rhubarb, named for the route taken from China before its journey to America. Another remarkable item on exhibit at the Cobb House Museum!
~ BHS Docent
This elegant mahogany chest belonged to Capt. William Freeman of Brewster (1820 – 1911). It may have been for personal use only; however, early ship’s captains administered medical advice. His medicine chest included a book with symptoms that refer to numbered bottles and the strength of dosages. The donor of this chest was the last surviving child of Capt. Freeman. She was born when he was seventy and passed away in 1976.
~ Bequest of Phebe Freeman Focht
William Freeman commanded ships Maine, Undaunted, Kingfisher, Monsoon, Mogul, Ocean King, and Jabez Howes. On the 1874 passage of the Mogul from Liverpool to San Francisco the cargo of coal took fire by spontaneous combustion on July 26. After two weeks they abandoned ship and took to three life boats with 27 men. After 12 days they all reached the Marquesas 2100 miles away. Rescued by a small sloop they were transported to Nukahioa and then by schooner to Tahiti. After four months they were returned to San Francisco.
