Martin Urner Ledger

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 for 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], Martin Urner Ledger, Ms2010-041, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Urner, Martin, 1813-1868
Abstract:
The collection contains a single ledger from Martin Urner's harness and saddle-making business in New Market, Virginia. The ledger includes customer and payment information from 1867 to 1881.
Language:
The material in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Martin Urner Ledger, Ms2010-041, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The ledger is organized by customer name and date. Each page usually contains either one or two customers, while each line represents an individual day's transactions. Some item descriptions are detailed, but most are simple, e.g. "1 Wagon whip" or "For repairs to a side saddle."

Details are also recorded for payments. Urner accepted many methods of payment, including cash, services, and barter for his services. Examples of payment include bushels of potatoes received over the course of a year, the use of a horse and plow hand for four days, and "dentistry."

Biographical / historical:

Martin Urner was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, in 1813. In March 1837, he married his first wife, Barbara Zirkle (1818-1845). Before her death, they had four children: Sarah C. (1838-1864), John Osborn (1840-1914), Lewis Harvey (1842-1925), and Emily Susan (b.1845). In 1848, he married Susan Keyser (b.1824) and together they had five children: Annie Floren (1851-1862), Charles Keyser (b.1854), Clarence Henry (b.1856), Frances Mary (1858-1862), and Margaret C. (b.1863).

Urner was a saddler in New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia. He was also a minister and served as pastor of the Smith Creek Baptist Church in New Market from 1868 until his death. (His second wife was the daughter of a previous minister at the church.) Urner died in New Market in 1888. Susan Urner lived until at least 1910.

Acquisition information:
The Martin Urner Ledger was purchased by Special Collections in December 2009.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Martin Urner Ledger commenced and was completed in June 2010.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by material type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard