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Use microfilm copy, Goochland County (Va.) Reel 84.
Randolph Wiley Blacksmith Ledger, 1835-1882. Goochland County (Va.) Reel 84, Local government records collection, Goochland County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.
This item came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Goochland County.
Microfilm reel was generated by Backstage Library Works through the Library of Virginia's Circuit Court Records Preservation Program.
Goochland County was named for Sir William Gooch, lieutenant governor of Virginia from 1727 to 1749. It was formed from Henrico County in 1728.
Randolph Wiley Blacksmith Ledger, 1835-1882, used to record transactions of two separate businesses. Two-thirds of the ledger contains the transactions of a shoemaking and repair business from 1835 to 1845. The volume records the accounts of individual customers. Each account lists transactions in chronological order. Information found in each entry includes date of transaction, service rendered, form of payment, and the amounts owed or paid. Most transactions do not list type of services rendered. They contain the generic phrase "to work". A few transactions do mention boots or shoes being sold and repaired. Payments were made by cash, credit, or barter, such as leather, wood, and flour.
The last third of the ledger, 1877-1882, contains transactions of a blacksmith shop owned by an African-American named Randolph Wiley. The volume records the accounts of individual customers. Each account lists transactions in chronological order. Information found in each entry includes date of transaction, service rendered or merchandise sold, form of payment, and the amounts owed or paid. Services rendered include shoeing horses; making, repairing, or sharpening farm equipment; repairing wagons; and making nails. Payments were made by cash or credit.