Collections : [Library of Virginia]

John Armstrong, Sr. Ledger, 1827-1842, records Armstrong's personal finances along with the business activities of his farm. Each account records the transactions with individuals that Armstrong either hired or with whom he conducted business. Information found in each entry include the date, type of transaction, and monies debited or credited to the account. Armstrong recorded purchases for such items as wheat, bacon, brandy, tallow, butter, dry apples, and flour. There are also larger purchases such as livestock and furniture. In addition, Armstrong recorded the work done by white laborers which included such tasks as sawing wood, mowing, etc.

Daybook, 1817-1823, was used primarily to record the various suits that Kinney presented at court. Each entry lists the style of suit with court costs and notes the amounts of money owed and paid by his client. Throughout the volume Kinney recorded tasks he needed to accomplish. Some of these tasks relate to his cases (filing warrants, etc.) but other tasks are of a personal nature such as notes to buy candles and tobacco. The volume also contains occasional references to Kinney's farm. Kinney documented plantings and what crops were growing in certain pastures.