Call Number:

Ms. Codex 1783

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 volume

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

John Hall notebook, 1766-1810, Ms. Codex 1783, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1766-1810 (inclusive)

Creator:

Hall, John

Form:

Codices (bound manuscripts), Financial records, Inventories, Accounts, and Notebooks

Abstract:

John Hall of Waterbeach, England kept this volume of account notes and lists spanning the years from 1766 to 1810 with a majority of the entries written in the 1790s .

Born in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, England on March 29, 1753. John Hall, a landowner, appears to have had two marriages and both women named Mary. Hall had three sons with his first wife Mary: Charles Thomas, born in 1777; William born 1778, and Thomas, born 1781. "Mary Hall the wife of John Hall died April 10, 1784" is written in the notebook followed by the entry "John Hall married Miss [Mary] Harlock May 30, 1786." John Hall and Mary Harlock (1755-1839) had two sons George, born in 1789 and John, born 1794. Hall was a landowner operating a farm at Landbeach and also rented property.

Hall was the owner of this small green leather notebook with a fold-over cover, a brass turn clasp, and stamped decoration. The volume of account notes and lists spans the years from 1766 to 1810 with a majority of the entries written in the 1790s . Hall owned the volume from the age of thirteen and "John Hall pocket book, March 3, 1766" is written on the first page. The book is chiefly comprised of Hall's accounts of expenditures and the collection of debts. Early entries are items purchased and expenses incurred from the operation of Landbeach Farms including paying shepherds and livestock costs of sheep and cattle. A majority of the volume is written sideways and consists of taxes, rent, and debts received from the following three individuals: Thomas Norman, James Lawrence, and William Dewsbury. Written on a few pages near the center of the volume is a short genealogical history of John Hall, his wives, and his children. Some information is written in a different hand. An inventory of items dated 1784 includes silverware, table linens, sheets, and towels. Hall noted the marks stamped on the silver.