Sanford W. McMullan record book and ledger, 1850-1859.

ArchivalResource

McMullan, Sanford W. Sanford W. McMullan record book and ledger, 1850-1859.

Sanford W. McMullan record book and ledger, 1850-1859.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/319603107

The collection consists of a record book kept by Sanford W. McMullan of Henry County, Georgia to record membership and dues for an unnamed society, probably a unit of the "Sons of Temperance" (1850-1854). It also served as a personal ledger (1854-1859). One ms. vol. (31 X 19 cm), marbled boards, well-worn, with calf backstrip bearing in martin "Financial Secy's Book." 107 pages of text, most only partly entered. The entries for the Society, made early in the 1850's, are somewhat brief. They note each member's initiation date, the dues paid (65 cents per quarter year), and, occasionally, his expulsion (for "drinkin cider and Profain Swarring," "for nonpayment of dews," "for violation of article 2d Constitution," and so forth). A four-page index lists 91 members of the organization in Henry County. Many families were represented by three of more members, including the Crowell, Fargason, Tarpley, Upchurch, and White families. Additionally, there is one line of code, together with a second line deciphering it - perhaps a code used by the Society for confidential communications. The principal value of the Society records is for its listing of members, documentation of their periods of association with the temperance movement, of their financial contributions to the local chapter, and of occasional acts of misconduct warranting expulsion. Beginning in 1854, McMullan used the ledger to record, often on the bottom half of the page bearing Society entries, various personal accounts. These include "notes taken," "produce sold," and accounts with various parties, including a blacksmith. His puchases included such items as castor oil, "a pain killer," velvet "ribbin," a carpet bag, boots, and tobacco. He sold himself quantities of eggs and peaches. Additionally, there are notations on McMullan's affairs, some of them running to 30 lines.

1 item (0.1 linear ft.)