Jacob Kent Account Books

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. 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.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Jacob Kent Account Books, 1765-1796, Ms1992-031, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
ca. 2 Cubic Feet 2 boxes
Creator:
Kent, Jacob
Abstract:
This collection contains two account books that belonged to Jacob Kent, a merchant and innkeeper in Shawsville, Virginia.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Jacob Kent Account Books, 1765-1796, Ms1992-031, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of two account books. One ledger (spanning the years 1765-1771) is of unknown origin but records transactions of a merchant in the Cumberland County, Pennsylvania area. The second ledger is divided into two sections: The first section covers the years 1774-1776 and seems to detail the transactions of Kent's store in Montgomery County, recording customers' names, merchandise purchased, and credits to accounts. A section at the rear, written in a different hand and covering the years 1784-1793, may be from a store operated by Kent's son, Joseph Kent.

Biographical / historical:

Jacob Kent was born in Montgomery County, Virginia, in 1730, to John Kent and Anne Tonge. Jacob Kent married Mary Crockett on April 5, 1760. The two has a son, Joeseph Kent, on November 7, 1765. Jacob Kent passed away on February 7, 1765. During his life, Jacob worked as a merchant and an innkeeper in Shawsville, Virginia.

Source: Jacob Kent

Acquisition information:
The Jacob Kent Account Books were acquired by Special Collections and University Archives in 1992.
Processing information:

The procesing, arrangement, and description of the Jacob Kent Account Books was completed in October 2023.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard