Bushong Family Ledger, 1843-1853, 1879-1902

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Bushong Family Ledger contains entries by Shenandoah Valley (Virginia) farmers Jacob and William Bushong. The entries made by Jacob date from 1843-1853 and include lists of accounts with debits and credits for staples, sundries, crops, services, miscellaneous purchases. The account book was subsequently used by Jacob's grandson, William, whose similar account entries date from 1879-1902. The volume also contains directions for home remedies and a few recipes, primarily for cakes.

Biographical / historical:

Throughout the 19th century, members of the Bushong Family resided on a farm near New Market, Virginia. The Battle of New Market was fought on their land on May 15, 1864, and the house served briefly as a field hospital. This ledger was first used by Jacob Bushong and subsequently by his grandson, William.

Physical description:
The collection consists of one bound volume, 7.5 inches x 6 inches x 3/4 inch, ca. 252 pages.