This account book, owned by John Austin, records his business activities as a casual laborer in Dracut, MA; Methuen, MA; Plainfield, MA; and Dunbarton, NH. The earliest dated entry is 1766, although the bulk of the entries are from the mid-1770s to the late 1790s. The manuscript appears in more than one hand, including the latest entry of 1834, and the name William Austin appears in several places. Entries indicate that Austin was probably a joiner and cabinetmaker since many entries mention such items as tables, chairs, bedsteads, bread dough troughs, and cupboards. He also made coffins, wheels, window sashes, carts, doors, waterwheels, and sleighs. Entries note that Austin repaired small objects and constructed houses, barns, mills, meeting houses, and fishing wharves. It is possible that he also owned or worked in a sawmill during the late 1780s due to frequent references to logging, sawing boards, and the sale of lumber. He also farmed wheat and rye, and made and repaired leather shoes. Besides Austin's business activities, this manuscript records the Austin family genealogy. Three other entries relating to current events correspond with notable dates in American history: April 19, 1775 (the start of the American Revolution), June 17, 1775 (the Battle of Bunker Hill), and March 17, 1776 (British retreat from Boston). This may indicate that Austin was involved with the militia.
