You probably would have had an outhouse, too. But this chair would certainly do the job without you heading outdoors first. You’ll notice the pot below, which would be removed for dumping and cleaning.
Scotsman Alexander Cumming patented the S-trap toilet in 1775, which laid the foundation for the modern flush toilet. But it was only until the turn of the 20th century with growing levels of urbanization and industrial prosperity that the flush toilet became widely used. In America, the chain-pull indoor toilet was introduced in the homes of the wealthy and in hotels soon after its invention in England in the 1880s.
If you travel to England today, you will often see a sign that says WC, which stands for “water closet.” The term "water closet" originated there indicating an interior or exterior room with a flushing toilet in contrast to an earth closet usually outdoors and requiring periodic emptying.
I found this toilet/chair in the Miracle of America Museum in Polson, Montana. Watch my three-minute tour of the wonderful museum.
When I was a youngster chairs were used by invalids who were not able to use the outhouse or later, to use stairs to the only bathroom in the basement.
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