John Brown Ledger, 1853/1860

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John Brown Ledger, Ms1988-113, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Brown, John
Abstract:
Ledger maintained by John Brown, a resident of Camden, Maine, providing a record of payments for hauling lime and charcoal, carpentry and farmwork, and goods purchased.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John Brown Ledger, Ms1988-113, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a single ledger maintained by John Brown, a resident of Camden, Maine, in the mid-19th century. Identified as "Account Book No. 5," the ledger contains entries suggesting that Brown operated a lime kiln, with many documenting payments made for the hauling of lime and of wood for the kiln. Elsewhere, Brown lists rents paid for a kiln. Other entries relate to payments for carpentry, for farmwork, and for goods purchased. Inserted in the ledger are a number of bills and receipts.

Biographical / historical:

The front cover verso of this ledger bears, in a latter-day hand, the notation "John Brown, Camden, Maine, 1853-1855." A search on several names in the ledger confirms that it documents business transacted in the area of Camden. The 1850 census lists a 48-year-old farmer named John Brown living in Camden (Waldo County), Maine. Also listed in the household are Sarah Brown, 45; John J. Brown, 19; Sarah N. Brown, 17; Phillip Brown, 15; and Phillip Brown, 32. Brown continues to be listed as a Camden resident and farmer through 1870. John Brown, born 1802 in Maine, died in Camden, on October 29, 1877, and was buried in West Rockport (Knox County), Maine.

Acquisition information:
The John Brown Ledger was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the John Brown Ledger commenced and was completed in May, 2021.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Ledgers (account books)