William Woodruff papers, 1771-1803 1799-1800.

ArchivalResource

Woodruff, William, fl. 1771-1806. William Woodruff papers, 1771-1803 1799-1800.

William Woodruff papers, 1771-1803 1799-1800.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/53040033

The records of William Woodruff consist of an account book (1770-1803) and an auction ledger (1782-1802). The account book details Mr. Woodruff's business transactions by listing the name of the client, transaction date, service rendered, price, and method of payment. Typical services include the selling of household supplies, hides and food, the slaughtering of animals, labor, and fabric mending. The most recurrent services, and perhaps the most interesting for genealogical research, are the digging of graves. Many such entries are accompanied with other related charges such as ringing the bell, transportation to and from the gravesite, and other funeral services. Most grave digging transactions include the name of the deceased and/or their relation to the account holder. The auction ledger details another of William Woodruff's occupations: recording the transactions of estate auctions. The ledger spans 1799-1800, with two interleaved notes extending the range to 1782-1802. Each auction entry includes the date of the auction, the name of the estate, the items sold, amount paid for each item, location (if the item is a house or piece of land), and purchasers. Typical items sold at the auctions include household items, livestock, land, and houses.

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New Jersey Historical Society Library