Hello again,
I forgot to state that the governess was originally from Ireland.  Perhaps
this is why the term is evidently not commonly used in the 19th century
American South.
Thanks again for your assistance.
Jenna

-----Original Message-----
From: Jenna & Carl Kuttruff [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 2:20 PM
To: 'Textile Conservators'
Cc: [log in to unmask]; 'Patricia Hunt-Hurst'
Subject: Question about a josie/josey

Hello,
	I am reading an 1853 diary of a governess from central Louisiana.
The writer frequently mentions sewing on or fitting a Josie/Josey.  She
".fitted on a black silk dress and Josey, the latter too large for her" (p.
32).  "Fitted on my Josey, it was Just right" (p. 10).  I am not familiar
with this costume term and when I asked colleagues I was given two
possibilities.  One, a fitted woman's bodice, separate from a skirt, and
two, an undergarment worn by slaves.  Can anyone help clarify this term?

Thank you so much for your assistance.

Jenna

Jenna T. Kuttruff, Ph.D.
Doris & Jules Carville Professor
School of Human Ecology
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803