Warrenton, Virginia Account Books
Scope and Content
This collection contains three account books (one daybook and two ledgers) relating to an unidentified business in Warrenton, Virginia, during the late 19th century. Transactions detailed in the individual entries suggest that the business consisted of a gristmill, foundry, and general mercantile store. Individual entries provide names of customers and employees, goods purchased, and transaction dates and amounts. In addition to goods sold, the ledgers also document goods purchased by the business as well as household expenses.
Dates
- 1870 - 1882
Language of Materials
The materials in the collection are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
The content of this collection is in the public domain. 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.
Biographical Note
The name "William G. Douglass" appears on several items inserted in the account books, suggesting that was the owner's name. In the 1870 census, William G. Douglass is documented as a 24-year-old foundryman living in the Fauquier County home of Charles C. Briggs, possibly a brother-in-law. The products of industry census, conducted that same year, lists William G. Douglass of Fauquier County as owner of a foundry, machine shop, and gristmill, employing a total of eight people. The 1880 census shows William G. Douglass, 30, living in the home of his sister, Jane E. Briggs. According to the census, Douglass is engaged in mining. In 1869, William G. Douglas of Warrenton was awarded a patent on an machine for separating cockle from wheat.
Extent
0.4 Cubic Feet (1 box)
Abstract
This collection contains three account books (one daybook and two ledgers) relating to an unidentified business consisting of a gristmill, a foundry, and a general mercantile in Warrenton, Virginia, during the late 19th century. Evidence within the volumes suggests that they may have belonged to William G. Douglass, a late-19th century Fauquier County foundryman.
Source of Acquisition
The Warrenton, Virginia Account Books were acquired by the university in 1939 or 1940 and transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in 1955.
Appraisal
These account books were rebound by Roanoke Printing Company in 1942. Information that may have helped in further identifying the owner may have been lost in the process.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Warrenton, Virginia Account Books by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your- work/public-domain/cc0/).
Processing Information
The processing and description of the Warrenton, Virginia Account Books commenced and was completed in August 2017. Initial description was completed in or prior to May 1970.
- Title
- Warrenton, Virginia Account Books, 1870-1882
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- John M. Jackson, Archivist
- Date
- 2020 (CC0 1.0)
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu