Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

Use microfilm copy, Goochland County (Va.) Reel 84.

Preferred Citation

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.

Acquisition Information

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.

Historical Information

Goochland County was named for Sir William Gooch, lieutenant governor of Virginia from 1727 to 1749. It was formed from Henrico County in 1728.

Scope and Content

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.

Index Terms

Persons:

• Wiley, Randolph.

Subjects:

• African Americans -- History.
• Agricultural implements -- Virginia -- Goochland County.
• Barter -- Virginia -- Goochland County.
• Blacksmithing -- Virginia -- Goochland County.
• Horseshoeing -- Virginia -- Goochland County.
• Shoemakers -- Virginia -- Goochland County.

Geographical Names:

• Goochland County (Va.) -- History -- 19th century.

Genre and Form Terms:

• Business records -- Virginia -- Goochland County.
• Ledgers (account books) -- Virginia -- Goochland County.
• Local government records -- Virginia -- Goochland County.