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