John Partridge Bull's Account Book (1768 - c. 1788)
What is an account book?
Eighteenth century account books reveal much about the times in
which they were written: the types of materials and services exchanged,
the types of people who engaged in trade -- and those who did not,
and the local and regional economical, social, and political currents
of the times.
As primary documents,
account books are invaluable in constructing an understanding of
the past, but it takes some training to unveil the rich content
that they can provide. Bull's account book is one of many housed
in the collections of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association.
With access to its pages, we can re-discover daily life and customs
in eighteenth century Deerfield.
A "Middling
Sort"
John Partridge Bull's account book is additionally significant because
it reflects the life of someone of the "middling sort".
Many of the records that survive come from the "better sort"
-- like physicians, lawyers, and ministers. Bull's account reflects
the trade of a craftsman, the type of community member whose records
are rarely available for our exploration today for the simple reason
that few of their books survive. Bull created new goods and mended
old ones. He provided blacksmithing and gunsmithing services to
individuals at all levels of Deerfield society, and his records
reflect the lifeways of Deerfield's residents.
To begin
learning from the Account Book, follow the links below.
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