A Guide to the Milton H. Key Journal, 1857-1860

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Milton H. Key Journal, 1857-1860, records transactions of Key's wood working business. Transactions are recorded monthly and then alphabetically by customers' surnames within each month. Each entry includes name of customer, date of transaction, items purchased or services rendered, quantity of items purchased, amount owed for services rendered or items sold, total amount owed, form of payment, and total amount paid. Items sold include rocking chairs, coffins, tables, towel racks, writing tables, cribs, and bookshelves. Services rendered include building and repairing furniture items, varnishing furniture, and work on houses. Forms of payment include cash, credit, labor, and barter of items such as beef, lumber, flour, and bran.

Biographical / historical:

Milton H. Key was a cabinet maker and undertaker who conducted business in Lexington, Virginia.

The journal was used as an exhibit in the chancery suit Administrator of Milton H. Key versus Heirs of Milton H. Key, heard in the Rockbridge County Circuit Court.

Acquisition information:
This item came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Rockbridge County.
Physical description:
1 volume (194 p.)