The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware  19735

Telephone: 302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:         Webb, Thomas, 1829-1910                            

Title:               Bills

Dates:             1875-1894

Call No.:         Col. 248

Acc. No.:        93x1

Quantity:        112 items

Location:        34 K 5

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

Thomas Webb lived in Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois.  In the 1880 census, he was listed as being 51 years old, born in England, a retired farmer, married to Laura, and with four children at home: Arthur (age 19, a bank clerk), Alice (age 17), Albert (age 14), and Mabel (age 9). 

 

A genealogy web site identifies Thomas Webb as having been born in Lancashire and married to Laura Washburn (1836-1915).  He died on Feb. 2, 1910, in Florence, Illinois.  Although there is no definite proof that this is the man who paid the bills in this collection, daughters Alice and Mabel are mentioned in bills.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Consists of over 100 receipted bills, all of which have printed billheads, addressed to Thomas Webb for a wide range of products and services.  Webb purchased most of what he needed from local merchants, including coal by the ton from M. Hettinger, staple and fancy groceries from Samuel Chapman and H.D. Post, art supplies from D. Adamson, and dressing making goods from William Walton.  Such items as curtains, paints, wall paper, hats, kid shoes, boys suits, gloves, silk, shawls, fabrics, lace, napkins, books, cards, a writing desk, a pail, planks of wood, china plates, tumblers, and a wood stove are featured.  Webb also paid local vendors to have walls painted, wallpaper hung, a chair repaired, and a chair upholstered.

 

           

ORGANIZATION

 

The bills are in chronological order.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

           

 

PROVENANCE

 

Purchased from Neal J. Boyle.

           

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

Topics:

            Artists' materials.

            Clothing and dress.

            Coal - Prices.

            Dressmaking materials.

            Dry-goods - Prices.

            Finance, Personal - Illinois - Freeport.

Food prices - 19th century.

            Furniture - Repairing.

Groceries.

Hardware - Prices.

House furnishings.

House painting.

Household linens.

Household supplies.

Kitchen utensils.

Lumber.

Stoves - Prices.

Textile fabrics - Prices - 19th century.

Wallpaper.

Bills of sale.

Receipts.

           

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 34 K 5

 

All accession numbers begin with 93x1. 

All bills are addressed to Thomas Webb, unless otherwise indicated. 

All merchants are in Freeport, Illinois, unless otherwise indicated.

All bills have printed billheads; only a few are illustrated.

 

 

Folder 1: 1875

 

            .1         from Hettinger & Williams, March 12, 1875: coal;

                                    Dealers in grain, feed, stock, salt, stucco, water lime, coal

 

            .2         from John R. Smith, Sept. 1, 1875: ice for august

                                    Dealer in ice

 

            .3         from Jacob Williams, Oct. 4, 1875: oats

                                    Dealer in grain and ground feed

 

            .4         from M. Hettinger, Oct. 4, 1875: range and egg coal;

                                    Dealer in coal

 

 

 

Folder 2: 1877

 

            .5-.6     from Samuel Chapman, Feb. 9 and March 26, 1877: grocery items, such as sugar, salt, matches, eggs, butter, crackers, etc.

                                    Dealer in teas, coffees and fine groceries; formerly partnership of Chapman & Collins, but the name Collins has been crossed through

 

            .7         from Daniel Adamson, May 1, 1877: wallpaper and hanging, curtains, rollers, etc.

                                    House, sign & fresco painter, dealer in paints, oils, glass, varnishes, brushes, paper hangings and curtain goods

 

            .8         from T.L.J. Klapp, July 26, 1877: balance on [illegible];

                                    Manufacturer of first-class carriages only

 

            .9a-b    from Samuel Chapman, Aug. 1, 1877: grocery items, such as coffee, rice, codfish, raisins, potatoes, flour, etc.

                                    Dealer in teas, coffees and fine groceries; formerly partnership of Chapman & Collins, but the name Collins has been crossed through

 

            .10       from M.D. Chamberlin, Aug. 3, 1877: straw hat for son and another hat;

                                    Dealer in hats, caps, furs and trunks, and gents’ furnishing goods

 

            .11       from Jacob Williams, Aug. 21, 1877: oats

                                    Dealer in grain and ground feed

 

.12a-b  from Samuel Chapman, Nov. 2, 1877: grocery items, such as raisins, corn starch, cheese, apples, oil, peaches, Iowa flour, spices, etc.

                                    Dealer in teas, coffees and fine groceries; formerly partnership of Chapman & Collins, but the name Collins has been crossed through

 

            .13       from M.D. Chamberlin, Nov. 24, 1877: hat and cap;

                                    Dealer in hats, caps, furs and trunks, and gents’ furnishing goods

 

            .14       from George Bordner, Nov. 26, 1877: coal;

                                    Dealer in coal, water lime and cement

           

.15       from Samuel Chapman, Dec. 6, 1877: grocery items

                                    Dealer in teas, coffees and fine groceries; formerly partnership of Chapman & Collins, but the name Collins has been crossed through

 

 

 

Folder 3: 1878

 

            .16       from Burkhart Brothers, April 19, 1878: box of collars and a boy’s suit;

                                    Dealers in ready-made clothing and gents’ furnishing goods and merchant tailors

 

            .17       from T.K. Best, July 18, 1878: whalebone, hat, ribbon, lining, dress goods, gloves, silk hose, lace, spools of thread, elastic, shawl, parasol, buttons, hat, flower, ornament, gimp, etc.

                                    Dry goods, millinery, fancy goods

 

            .18       from Jacob Williams, Aug. 21, 1878: oats

                                    Dealer in grain and ground feed

 

            .19       from William Walton, Oct. 2, 1878: duster

                                    Dry goods and carpets, ready-made clothing and merchant tailoring

 

            .20       from S.W. Chapman, Dec. 2, 1878L for grocery items;

                                    Dealer in staple and fancy groceries

 

 

Folder 4: 1881

 

            .21       from J. H. McNamara, The Eagle Book Store, Jan. 1, 1881: arithmetic, blank, and copy books;

                                    Books, stationery, news, pocket books, blank books, school books and supplies, wallpaper, &c.

 

            .22-.23             M. Huber, March 31 and April 30, 1881: collars, suits;

                                                Dealer in ready-made clothing and gents’ furnishing goods and merchant tailors; using billhead of Burkhart Brothers, but their name is crossed through

 

            .24       from George Bordner, May 24, 1881: coal;

                                    Dealer in coal, water lime and stucco

 

            .25       from H. Janssen, June 16, 1881: neatsfoot oil, wallpaper, whitewashing, curtain cloth, rollers, curtain fixture, varnish brush, paint, etc.

                                    Dealer in paints, oils, glass, brushes, wall paper, picture frames, &c.

 

            .26       from D. Adamson, June 18, 1881: panels and panel pictures, stretcher covered with canvas, mirror plate, tubes of colors, brush, frames, paint cup, japan tin, etc.

                                    Dealer in artists’ materials, wall paper, paints, oils, glass, varnishes, Winsor & Newton’s colors, tracing and transfer papers, academy boards, [etc.]

 

            .27       from Dr. W. S. Caldwell, July 2, 1881: for professional services

 

            .28       from Wm. Walton, Oct. 1, 1881: cloth, buttons, silk and twist, pins, calico, cambric, etc.

                                    Dry goods, carpets & oil cloths, ready-made clothing and merchant tailoring

 

            .29       from George Bordner, Nov. 3, 1881: coal;

                                    Dealer in coal, water lime and stucco

 

            .30       from Hiller & Chapman, Eagle Front, Dec. 2, 1881: for cap and hat;

                                    Fashionable hatters and gents’ furnishers

 

            .31a-b              from Chas. G. Sanborn, Dec. 29, 1881: slate, pencils, cards, blank books, ink, Easter cards, Choice Selections, geography, reader and speller, other books [short titles given], writing desk, subscription to Chicago Weekly Times;

                                    Blank, school, and miscellaneous books; legal blanks, memoranda, gold pens, albums, pocket books, stationery, baby carriages, pictures, picture frames, cords, etc., newspapers and magazines

 

            .32       from John R. Smith, Dec. 20, 1881: candy, nuts;

                                    Commission merchant, manufacturer of American confectionery and candies, dealer in apples, cider, nuts, sugars, figs, herring, etc.; successor to J.D. Diffenbaugh

 

            .33       from C.W. Brown & Son, Dec. 30, 1881: payment on account;

                                    Flour, feed, and all kinds of grain, flour

 

 

Folder 5: 1882

 

            .34       from Wm. Walton, Jan. 2, 1881 [sic, i.e. 1882]: textile fabrics, thread, jacket, hose, handkerchiefs, etc.;

                                    Dry goods, carpets & oil cloths, ready-made clothing and merchant tailoring

 

            .35       from D. Adamson, Jan. 3, 1881 [sic, i.e. 1882]: frames, sable brush, tubes of colors, academy boards, stretcher, New Year card

                                    Dealer in artists’ materials, wall paper, paints, oils, glass, varnishes, Winsor & Newton’s colors, tracing and transfer papers, academy boards, [etc.]

 

            .36       from C.W. Brown & Son, Mar. 23, 1882: Gold Medal Flour, corn, oats;

                                    Flour, feed, and all kinds of grain, flour

 

            .37a-b  from Wm. Walton, April 25, 1882: textile fabrics, thread, napkins, hose, handkerchiefs, gloves, shirts, buttons, pins, ribbons, etc.;

                                    Dry goods, carpets & oil cloths, ready-made clothing and merchant tailoring

 

            .38       from George Bordner, May 16, 1882: coal;

                                    Dealer in coal, water-lime and stucco

 

            .39a-b-.41        from H.D. Post & Co., June 1, July 1, Aug. 1, 1882: grocery items, including clothes line, oranges, coffee, vinegar, cheese, eggs, butter, starch, walnuts, flour, etc.

                                    Grocers, dealers in staple and fancy groceries

 

            .42a-c  from Wm. Walton, Aug. 5, 1882: textile fabrics, twist, bunting, fan, handkerchiefs, gloves, buttons, lace, rubber[?] circular, etc.;

                                    Dry goods, carpets & oil cloths, ready-made clothing and merchant tailoring

 [note: page .42b is shorter than the other two]

 

            .43       from Chas. E. Scott & Co., Aug. 23, 1882: dinner pail

                                    Hardware, iron, steel, springs, axles, cutter and sleigh stuff, hard wood lumber, wagon and carriage material, &c., successors to Burchard & Scott

                       

.44-.46             from H.D. Post & Co., Sept. 1, Oct. 1, Nov. 1, 1882: grocery items, including coconut, lemons, melons, candy, pickles, roast rib, starch, etc.

                                    Grocers, dealers in staple and fancy groceries

 

.47       from George Bordner, Nov. 4, 1882: coal;

                                    Dealer in coal, water-lime and stucco

 

.48       from H.D. Post & Co., Dec. 1, 1882: grocery items.

                                    Grocers, dealers in staple and fancy groceries

 

            .49       from D. Adamson, Dec. 15, 1882: plaques [by daughter], chromolithograph, curtain gimps, academy board, tubes of colors, box of watercolors, stretcher and canvas, brush, Christmas cards

                                    Dealer in wall paper, paints, oils, glass, varnishes, brushes and artists’ materials, Winsor & Newton’s colors, tracing and transfer papers, academy boards, [etc.]

 

            .50a-b  from Wm. Walton, Dec. 29, 1882: textile fabrics, thread, fringe, handkerchiefs, gloves, cuffs, lace, duster, ties, etc.;

                                    Dry goods, carpets & oil cloths, ready-made clothing and merchant tailoring

 

 

Folder 6: 1883

 

.51       from George Bordner, May 1, 1883: coal;

                                    Dealer in coal, water-lime and stucco

 

            .52       from Wm. Koenig, Aug. 1, 1883: repairing chairs

                                    Undertaker, manufacturer and dealer in all kinds of furniture

 

            .53       from Sanford & Rowell Lumber Co., no date but paid Aug. 6, 1883: boards, posts

                                   

 

            .54       from Seeley & Read, Dec. 31, 1883: velvet, cloak

                                    Dry goods and notions

 

 

Folder 7: 1884

 

            .55       from J.H. Snyder, April 22, 1884: cistern pump

                                    Manufacturer of sash, doors, blinds, &c.

 

            .56       from Chas. E. Scott & Co., Oct. 9, 1884: stove repairs, bolts

                                    Hardware, iron, steel, springs, axles, cutter and sleigh stuff, hard wood lumber, wagon and carriage material, &c.

 

            .57       from H. Janssen, Dec. 9, 1884: paint, brush, varnish, velvet frame, curtains, pint of Bunker Hill, turpentine;

                                    Dealer in paints, oils, glass, brushes, wall paper, picture frames, &c.

           

.58       from Wm. O. Wright & Co., Dec. 29, 1884: valise and strap;

                        Boots, shoes, trunks and valises, lap and buffalo robes; illustrated with picture of ankle boot

 

.59       from D. Adamson, Dec. 29, 1884: print of Mater Dolorosa, tubes of colors, stretcher and canvas, academy board, tracing paper, japan tin, vase, photos, sable brushes,  frames, etc.

                                    Dealer in wall paper, paints, oils, glass, varnishes, brushes and artists’ materials, Winsor & Newton’s colors, tracing and transfer papers, academy boards, [etc.]

 

 

Folder 8: 1885

 

            .60       from Arndt & Leemhuis, Feb. 20, 1885: copper reservoir [for stove?], scissor[?], pan, plates

                                    Dealers in hardware, stoves, copper and tinware, &c.

 

.61       from George Bordner, June 8, 1885: coal;

                                    Dealer in coal, water-lime and stucco

 

            .62       from Sanford & Rowell Lumber Co., Dec. 3, 1885: planks

                                    Dealers in lumber, shingles, glazed sash, doors, building paper, &c., &c.

 

            .63a-b  from C.H. Little & Co., Dec. 10, 1885

                                    .63a addressed to Alice Webb, for fancy tumblers, china plate, plaque, china creamer, paint box;

                                    .63b addressed to Thomas Webb, for tile, red shade, burner, chimney, holder, tumblers;

                                    Dealers in crockery and glassware, illustrated with picture of various kinds of light fixtures and decorative wares

 

            .64a-b  from Wright & Kleckner, Dec. 29, 1885: for ink, Valentines, issues of Demorest [magazine], pencils, subscription to Times, song collection, tablets, paper, scrap book, pocket book, copies of Harpers and Leslie’s magazines, Christmas cards, calling cards, etc.

                                    school, miscellaneous and blank books; legal blanks, memoranda, gold pens, albums, pocket books, stationery, baby carriages, pictures, picture frames, cord, cutlery, etc., newspapers and magazines

 

            .65       from Seeley & Read, Dec. 29, 1885: pattern, textile fabrics, buttons, tidy, braid, buttons, cloak, etc.

                                    Dry goods

 

.66       from D. Adamson, Dec. 29, 1885: plaques, frames, tubes of colors, academy boards, tracing paper, stretcher and canvas, etc.

                                    Dealer in wall paper, paints, oils, glass, varnishes, brushes and artists’ materials, Winsor & Newton’s colors, tracing and transfer papers, academy boards, [etc.]

 

            .67       from Janssen Bros., Dec. 29, 1885: paint, varnish, mica paper, wallpaper and hanging it, whitewashing, etc.;

                                    Dealer in paints, oils, glass, brushes, wall paper, picture frames, &c.;

                                    On old billhead of H. Janssen, with H. crossed out and Bros. added in ink

 

            .68       from Arndt & Leemhuis, Dec. 30, 1885: troughs and pipes

                                    Dealers in hardware, stoves, copper and tinware, &c.

 

            .69       from The Golden Boot, Dec. 30, 1885: for pair of kid shoes;

                                    Boots and shoes

 

 

Folder 9: 1886

 

            .70       from Kundinger & Swigert, Oct. 16, 1886: shirt, repairs to coat and vest, collar, suit and pants, night shirts, coat;

                                    Merchant tailors and clothiers

 

.71       from H.D. Post & Co., Nov. 30, 1886: grocery items.

                                    Wholesale and retail grocers

 

 

Folder 10: 1887

 

            .72       from C.W. Brown & Sons, June 6, 1887: corn, oats, bran, middling;

                                    Merchant millers, manufacturers of fine brands of flour: Brown’s Best, Fancy Patent, Favorite, Straight, Eclipse, and Family

 

            .73       from Kuhlemeyer & Maurer, Oct. 5[?], 1887: kid button [shoes];

                                    Dealers in boots and shoes, trunks and valises, &c.

 

            .74       from C.W. Brown & Sons, Oct. 27, 1887: corn, oats, bran, middling;

                                    Merchant millers, manufacturers of fine brands of flour: Brown’s Best, Fancy Patent, Favorite, Straight, Eclipse, and Family

 

            .75       from Smith & Porter, Oct. 27, 1887: coal;

                                    Coal: anthracite, Indiana, Illinois, range, chestnut, egg, Minock, etc.

 

            .76a-c  from Wm. Walton, Dec. 29, 1887: textile fabrics, thread, bustle, corset, buttons, fan, pins, handkerchiefs, gloves, cuffs, whalebone, etc., etc.;

                                    Dry goods, carpets & oil cloths, ready-made clothing and merchant tailoring

 

 

Folder 11: 1889

 

            .77       from Brown Brothers, Sept. 17, 1889: patent [flour];

                                    Merchant millers, manufacturers of fine brands of flour: Fancy Patent, Climax Pat., Half Patent, Favorite, Eclipse, Acme and Family

 

            .78       from Diffenbaugh’s C.O.D. Store, Nov. 1, 1889: grocery items, including sugar, coffee, corn starch, oil, eggs, candy, oysters, crackers, grapes, halibut, etc.

                                    Grocer and manufacturing confectioner

 

 

Folder 12: 1891

 

            .79       from Kuhlemeyer & Maurer, Jan. 16, 1891: kid shoes;

                                    Dealers in boots, shoes, trunks and valises

 

.80a-b  from H.D. Post & Co., March 1, 1891: grocery items.

                                    Wholesale and retail grocers

                                    [.80b is much shorter sheet of paper than .80a]

 

            .81       from Pattison & Kryder, March 24, 1891: magazines (Popular Monthly, Harper’s, Scribner’s, Cosmopolitan), and subscription to [illegible];

                                    Booksellers and stationers

 

            .82       Mann & Fry Lumber Co., May 7, 1891: fencing, etc.

                                    Dealers in lumber, lath, shingles, pickets, posts, sash, doors and blinds

 

            .83       from Seeley & Read, Aug. 5, 1891: buttons, ribbons, hooks, twist, crinoline, elastic, towels, lace, pattern suit, textile fabrics, comb, stays, shields, blazer, tooth brush, wash cloths, etc.

                                    Dry goods and notions

 

            .84       from L.F. & J.F. Burrell, Aug. 17, 1891: amount due on account;

                                    Wholesale and retail grocers; successors to Burrell Bros.

 

            .85       from Brown & Dollmeyer, The New Book Store: paper, book, paints, grammar and French books;

                                    Dealers in books, stationery and news, pictures and frames

 

            .86       from Freeport Gas-Light & Coke Co., Oct. 31, 1891: for coke;

                                    Coke and coal tar for sale

                       

.87       from H.D. Post & Co., Nov. 2, 1891: grocery items – typed list of purchases

                                    Wholesale and retail grocers

 

            .88       from Caspar Nehus, Nov. 2, 1891, for [ice];

                                    Dealer in clear ice; leave orders at J. Billerbeck’s Bakery

 

            .89       from Holland & Ascher, Dec. 12, 1891: for coal;

                                    Dealers in coal and wood

 

            .90a-c  from Wm. Walton, Dec. 28, 1891: textile fabrics, bones, ribbons, shields, umbrella, lace, fringe, crinoline, elastic, hooks and eyes, hair pins, hose, cape, handkerchiefs, gloves, muff, etc., etc.

                                    Dry goods, carpets & oil cloths, ready-made clothing

 

 

 

Folder 13: 1892

 

.91       from H.D. Post & Co., Jan. 1, 1892: grocery items – typed list of purchases

                                    Wholesale and retail grocers

 

            .92       from Pattison & Kryder, Jan. 4, 1892: paper, envelopes, frame, Fashion Bazar

                                    Booksellers and stationers

 

            .93       from Seeley & Read, Aug. 5, 1891: textile fabrics, eider down, lace, handkerchiefs, child’s jacket, corset cover, bib, etc.

                                    Dry goods, millinery and carpets

 

            .94       from Pattison & Kryder, Jan. 4, 1892: newspapers and magazines;

                                    Booksellers and stationers

 

            .95       from Holland & Ascher, April 30, 1892: for coal;

                                    Dealers in coal and wood

 

.96a-b from H.D. Post & Co., Jan. 1, 1892: grocery items – typed list of purchases

                                    Wholesale and retail grocers

 

            .97       from Mann & Fry Lumber Co., May 2, 1892: feet of “D” stock, etc.

                                    Dealers in lumber, shingles, pickets, lath, posts, windows, doors and blinds

 

            .98       from H.A. Shagger, May 7, 1892: for chair

                                    Upholsterer, parlor suits, fancy rockers, lounges, mattresses, &c., &c.

 

            .99       from McMillan & Smith, May 18, 1892: lumber

                                    Dealers in lumber, shingles, lath, pickets & cedar posts, windows, doors and blinds

 

            .100     from Mandel Brothers, Chicago, June 7, 1892, to Miss Mable M. Webb: lace;

                                    Dry goods, carpets, shoes, upholstery, furniture, &c. [with long list of other goods carried; store was at 117-123 State Street]

 

            .101     from Theo. Janssen, June 1, 1892: wallpaper and hanging it, whitewashing, etc.;

                                    Dealer in wall paper, window shades, paints, oils, glass, brushes, picture frames, &c., sign-writing and decorative work a specialty

 

.102a-b            from H.D. Post & Co., Sept. 1, 1892: grocery items

                                                Wholesale and retail grocers

 

            .103     from C.H. Little & Co., Nov. 3, 1892: for soup nappies[?], spoons, tumblers, slat, silver tea pot;

                                    Dealers in crockery, glassware and lamp goods; illustrated with picture of various kinds of light fixtures and decorative wares

 

.104a-b            from H.D. Post & Co., Nov. 1, 1892: grocery items

                                                Wholesale and retail grocers

 

            .105a-d            from Wm. Walton, Dec. 28, 1892: textile fabrics, ribbons, fringe, corset cover, curtains, hose, shirts, crinoline, bones, rubber, shields, gloves, handkerchiefs, etc., etc.

                                    Dry goods, carpets & oil cloths, ready-made clothing

 

            .106     from Pattison & Kryder, Dec. 30, 1892: receipt book, paper, envelopes, newspapers, tablet, etc.

                                    Booksellers and stationers

 

            .107     from H.S. Brown, [month not clear] 3, 1892: patent [flour];

                                    Roller flour mills; invoice printed with various kinds of flours offered: Brown’s Best Patent, Fancy Patent, Champion, Half Pat., Climax, Favorite, Acme, Eclipse, Family, Gem, corn meal, graham, oat meal

 

 

Folder 14: 1894 and no date

 

            .108     from Leemhuis & Schulte, Feb. 3, 1894: moving and setting stove, cleaning trough;

                                    Dealers in hardware, stoves and ranges; copper, tin and sheet iron workers; illustrated with fancy garland surrounding the words Garland Stoves and Ranges

 

            .109     from Holland & Ascher, Oct. 8, 1894: for coal;

                                    Dealers in coal and wood

 

            .110     from Seeley & Read, Dec. 29, 1894: corset cover and waist, veil, scissors, stamping, purse, cuff buttons, pins, waist, wrapper, hat, jet, pattern, corset, etc.

                                    Dry goods, carpets and millinery

 

.111a-b            from H.D. Post & Co., May 2-Aug. 29, no year: grocery items

                                                Wholesale and retail grocers

 

            .112a-b            accounts with H. Reiniking, mentioning oats, wheat, and barley, Oct.-Dec., no year;

                                    On back of shipping forms from the Illinois Central Railroad Company