Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

The collection is without restrictions.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Tyler Family Farm Account Book, 1851-1888, Accession #11304, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

This farm account book was purchased by the Library from Jerry N. Showalter of Ivy, Virginia, on April 24, 1997. There are no restrictions.

Scope and Content Information

This farm account book, 1851-1888, was kept by George   B. Tyler and Robert H. Tyler of "The Shelter," Prince William County  , Virginia. There are also several manuscript poems written by George   B. Tyler. An alphabetical index begins the ledger. There are many accounts, 1851-1888, of George   B. Tyler for the sale of wheat and some for corn and oats. The accounts were paid by cash or services used or needed by the Tylers. Accounts with Mary E. Tyler concern the rent of "Maple Springs" and "The Shelter" for the years 1852 through 1856. Charges made to Mary E. Tyler include rent of "Maple Springs" and the hire of Lewis; payments were made by rent of "The Shelter" and the hire of Marshall. Garret Hulfish, the estate of Theron Newman, James T. Newman, and Cassius Foley paid their accounts by shop services. Robert Bentley, Jr. and Robert Beverley paid their accounts with several head of cattle. One charge made to Luther Lynn was a "difference in horse trade"; one method of payment by Lynn was for insurance for colts. Mention of a bond, January 1856, for John Janney is on numbered page 40. There appears to be an account for "The Shelter" for 1852 through 1856 following numbered page 47.

The accounts of George   B. Tyler and Robert H. Tyler cover 1856 to 1867, with some miscellaneous accounts to 1888 following. There are accounts for the sale of cattle and bushels of wheat, corn and oats. Dr. Jesse Ewell paid his accounts by medical care for "Nelson," "Black Sallie" and the family, by the hire of servant "Anne" for 1868, and by the difference in a horse trade. Doctor Pugh also paid by his account by medical care. Josiah T. Carter and C. J. King paid their accounts by blacksmithing. There is an account, January 10, 1862, with the Confederate States, for groceries for R. H. Tyler. A notation follows on time lost by "Nelson" because of illness and a trip to Alexandria, Virginia. There are two accounts for African-Americans: Henry Skinner for tobacco, boots, and cash paid by his wages for 1867; and, "Jim" for shoes and cash. There are accounts involving the church and related matters with W. A. Alrich, W. M. Dame, R. T. Brown, Rev. John Ambler, and Rev. A. P. Gray. Several accounts appear to be with hired workers. Accounts with Charity Hailstock and Scott Hailstock were paid by wages. Charges to Charity Hailstock include cash for Mrs. Jordan, "Hannah," "Matilda," and Dr. Hamilton which were paid by wages for "Hannah" for 1868. Charges to Scott Hailstock include cash and tobacco which were paid by wages for himself and "Matilda" for 1868. Charges to John Burrell of cash were paid by his wages in 1868. There are three accounts with women--Molly Coats, Susan Thomas, and Sally Berry--whose accounts were paid by bills for washing.