Account Book, 1717-1729.

Access and use

Location of collection:
Colonial Williamsburg
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Douglas Mayo
Phone: (757) 565-8521
Phone: (757) 565-8520
Fax: (757) 565-8528

Summary

Creator:
Richards, John.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Account book kept by two wealthy men, an uncle and his nephew, John Richards, who lived near Forty Hill and Enfield, Middlesex County [now London], England. The uncle died in 1729. Accounts of the uncle concern buying lace, clothes, wigs, corn [wheat], jewelry, a book (The Whole Duty of Man), paying rent to Sir William Wolstenholme, Lady Grace Wolstenholme, and Lord Hundon. Uncle sells marine and life insurance and gives to the poor who live near Forty Hill and Enfield. He pays for lessons for the dog and gives money to the washerwoman. He gives Christmas box money and pays for his nephew's education. The nephew's accounts concern searchers [those who pronounce the cause of death], wigs, clothes, jewelry, a gold-headed cane and snuff boxes, books (Roman history and Plutarch's Lives), and payment to Thomas Rutherford for drawing an abstract of his uncle's writings. Other purchases include chairs, shoes, candlesticks, hose, silk, a bleeding, horseshoes, a dog collar, ruffled shirts, chariot wheels, and wine. Payments were made to family members, farriers, coachmen, stable keepers, barbers, and Spanish and French teachers. Also includes accounts for insurance sold for goods shipped to Jamaica and goods of the East India Company.

Biographical / historical:

John Richards and his uncle were wealthy men who lived near Forty Hill and Enfield, Middlesex County [now London], England. Their business involved the sale of marine and life insurance.

Acquisition information:
Transferred from Collections Department, 1977.
Physical description:
1 vol. (68 pp)