Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Burgess Ticket, Manuscript #MS 2002.12, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Acquisition Information

Purchase, 2002

Biographical/Historical Information

None available.

Scope and Content

Issued to Thomas Melven, shoemaker of Cannongate, Edinburgh, Scotland. Melven was Received and Admitted Burgess and Freeman in the presence of the Baillies John Learmonth, Robert Pillens, and William Berry, as well as William Hamilton, Treasurer. Melven appears to have been made Burgess and Freeman not only because he was a shoemaker, but also on the grounds that his lawful spouse, Rachael Douglas, was the daughter of a shoemaker and Freeman Burgess. Melven paid five merks of Scots money for the honor. Freemen and Burgesses date to the 15th century. No man could carry on a trade or business unless he was a Burgess of the town in which he plied his vocation. The ticket is signed by James Leach.

Arrangement

1 item.

Index Terms

Persons:

• Berry, William
• Douglas, Rachael
• Hamilton, William
• Leach, James
• Learmonth, John
• Melven, Thomas, fl. 1758
• Pillens, Robert

Geographical Names:

• Edinburgh (Scotland)