The Winterthur Library

The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE 19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Creator: Holmes, Joseph

Title: Account books

Dates: 1728-1766

Call No.: Doc. 342

Acc. No.: 77x459

Quantity: 4 volumes

Location: 31 C

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

Joseph Holmes operated an iron forge in Kingston, Massachusetts, probably near the mouth of Jones River. He was also involved in the establishment of a school in Kingston. By 1814, the iron mill was operated by Hyde, Holmes, & Co. Another early 19th century iron forge operated by the Holmes family specialized in making anchors.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

Records debits and credits accrued by Holmes and his associates, documenting the income of the iron works. Individuals received credits for coal, oak, and pine brought to the furnace, carting iron, and storing items needed for operating the forge. Many of the entries list a person's name, the phrase "iron waid" (weight), and an amount owed to the forge. Holmes often noted that money was paid at his house. References to furniture, beef, food, tools, framing, and spinning are also in the volume.

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

The materials are in English.

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

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

PROVENANCE

Purchased from Paul P. Glenn.

ACCESS POINTS

Topics:

Business records - Massachusetts - Kingston (Town)

Iron industry and trade - History - 18th century.

Iron foundries - Massachusetts - Kingston (Town)

Iron-works - Massachusetts - Kingston (Town)

Ironwork, Colonial - History - Sources.

Iron.

Account books.

Founders.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Location: 31 C

Partial list of names found in acc. 77x459.1-.3 only (other names were illegible)

Bradford, Ephraim

Bradford, Kolerd [i.e. colored?]

Bruster, Jenken

Bryant, Jonathan

Carver, John

Cats, Amos

Chandler, Phillip (Filop, Philop)

Cooke, William

Cooke, Mr.

Crucker, Jonathan

Cushin, Joshua

Cushman, Moses

Cushman, Rolerd

Dengly(?), Onkel [i.e. uncle?]

Eaton, Frances

Everson, James

Everson,John

Forster, Samuel

Forster, Thomas

Gardner, Samuel

Grod, Mr.

Hall, Job

Holmes, Ephraim

Holmes, Isaac

Holmes, Jonathan

Holmes, Joseph

Houtton, Thomas

Jengly, Jacob

Jones(?), John

Jones(?), Thomas

Leffel, Madam

Michel, Jacob

Oates, John (also spelled Otes)

Peterson, Benjamin

Prat, John

Ripley, Joshua

Rogers, Benjamin

Rogers, John

Rogers, Stephen

Samson, Mr.

Staton, Elisha

Stutson, ?

Tomous, Samuel

Turner, John

Wadworth, Crest

West, Elisha

Winslow, Anthony

Winslow, [first name illegible]

Wite, John

Wordgworth, Cristen