This section will serve to acquaint the reader with the day-to-day needs and the cost of those needs on a farm in Jefferson County, N. Y. during the mid-to-late 19th century. A comparison (the dollar then/the dollar today) Money Chart is available from the Index for this feature.

The Conklins, as explained elsewhere, operated a farm/farms near Brownville in Jefferson County, N. Y. The management of income from farming must have presented a great challenge in the difficult years following our Civil War. In all, I found 724 receipts from 1854 to 1892, ranging in amounts from $1.00 to $500.00 and one wonders how enough money was raised from these farms to accomplish releasing these debts. There were large sums borrowed from members of the family always upheld by promissory notes in the custody of a local banker. It became evident there was a great deal of patience on behalf of both debtor and creditor. Interaction with the business and financial community can be observed from looking at this pile of old receipts. Let’s look at what I noticed:

Usually, as explained above, a merchant held an account for a creditor, but in several instances the larger amounts were formally held as promissory notes by a banking house, such as Merchant's National, National Union Bank, Jefferson County National Bank, or C. G. Harger & Son Bank, at which time Revenue Stamps were affixed to the document, based on the amount of the loan. For instance, a promissory note written on March 1, 1867, to Ray W. Banister or bearer in the amount of $500.00 for value received with interest payable in Watertown generated 5 - 5 cent stamps, saying "Inter. Revenue For Exchange." In one instance, an 1" x 1-1/2" area on the right side of a promissory note was labelled specifically "Revenue Stamp." Perhaps these stamps were purchased at the local Post Office.

The text of an 1856 receipted note read: "For value received I promise to pay to Adriel Ely or order at his store the sum of Four Hundred Dollars in four agreed annual payments from the date hereof with interest annually on all sums unpaid reserving the privilege of paying any sums at any time." Signed at Watertown September 5th, 1856, $400, In presence of Charles N. Ely. The signature was clipped off, as was the case in many of the receipts. Apparently, the custom when a debt was satisfied, was to cut or tear off the name of the debtor. In this case, I believe the debtor was Daniel Conklin.

While browsing through the box of papers, I noticed a receipt for $87.50, dated Dec. 26.1864, where John T. Conklin pays "Int. to Jan'y 1, 1865 on Bond & mortgage for $1500." This amount was due Henry Hafford and showed a stamp on which was printed "2" Inter. Rev. Express.

In only a few cases was a receipt found for monies owed the Conklins by someone else. From Clairion (?), on Jan. 26, 1857, a Frank Hird borrowed of John Conklin, $15.00 with interest. The amount of the interest was torn off.

The Conklin brothers, at times, borrowed from one another, or from their father, Daniel: "One year from date for value received I promise to pay Andrew S. Conklin or bearer eighty five dollars with use. Hounsfield, April 15th, 1860." Signed by John Conklin. In 1865 John needs money again -- this time he went to his father, Daniel for $420 with use. Signed at Brownville July 21, 1865, payable at his house. No banker was involved this time - however, a No. 5 denomination Revenue Stamp dated July 21, 1865, was used. The absence of a banker's involvement causes me to wonder how the "Revenue Stamp" was regulated.

John Conklin, on March 8, 1872, went next door to his Uncle Francis Hamburgh, for $150, payable on the 1st day of May next. We know of the relationship because of genealogy research.

There was considerable activity after the 1859 death of Daniel Conklin, who had remarried in that decade to a lady by the name of Magdalena. I don't understand the evidence I found in the box of receipts, but if I were to guess, Daniel the father of Andrew, John, Theodore, and Franklin, was still involved in the ownership of the Conklin farm. Also, since the sons borrowed monies regularly from their father, a means of reimbursing his estate was needed. Being fairly prudent, Daniel must have set up an annunity for widow, Magdalena, one in which each of the sons made payments. On June 19th, 1869, "$150 Sixty days from date I promise to pay Magdalany Conklin or bearer one hundred anad fifty dollars with interest value rec'd." On May 27, 1871 from Watertown, Jonas Walrath received of T. C. and F. L. Conklin One Hundred and Sixty five Dollars - a payment to M. Conklin, widow of Daniel Conklin deceased - which sum goes to the widow by will and the payments are to be made by the above parties." Payment of $100 was made by Theodore Conklin on the annunity to "Magdalena Conklin from the estate of the late Daniel Conklin" (1872). Men by the name of Alonzo Satchwell via Geo. Satchwell and Josiah Walrath, among others, directed the payment activity and were receiving monies at least up until June 21, 1878.. I haven't been able to determine the Walrath family's involvement with Magdalena, but cited on the 1870 Census a Walrath female, age 57, living with the 61 year old, Magdalena. Our genealogy search has not uncovered when or where Magdalena Conklin died, but from these receipts, we learn that she had passed away sometime before October 8, 1877, but the payments continued through 1879 to the "estate of Magdalena Conklin."

Examples of these payments "$160.00 Rec'd of Mr. T. C. Conklin, One Hundred & Sixty dollars for Jonas Walrath - Cook, Codwell, Watertown, N. Y. July 3, 1875. "Watertown, Sept. 4th, 1877 - Received of Theodore Conklin this day One Hundred Dollars as part payment to the estate of Magdaline Conklin deceased. Alonzo Satchwell, Administrator." "Received this day of Theodore Conklin Seventy-two dollars to apply on his indebtedness to the estate of Magdlin Conklin. Signed at Watertown, October 8, /77 - Alonzo Satchwell "Watertown, June 21, 1878 Rec'd of Theodore Conklin, Forty dollars to be handed to Alonzo Satchwell and to be applied on the am't due the estate of Lanie Conklin. Gus E. Satchwell " "Received this day of Theodore Conklin payment in full of all accts and demand up to date. Watertown, Oct. 12th /78. Alonzo Satchwell."

Two mystery items involving dealings between C. J. McClean, Mary Jane Phippin and Duane L. Pierce remain just that, a mystery. From genealogy research I found a connection between John Conklin's wife, Sarah Edwards and Mary Jane Phippin . My brother remembers family talk of a Phippin which bordered our Conklin farm. Here's what the receipts read: "Apr 1st /75 Received of John T. Conklin Two hundred and Forty three dollars and 75/100 To apply on the McClean Bond and Mortage (sic) now held by me. Duane L. Pierce." The second related receipt was Granby, Apr 1st, 1876, Received of John T. Conklin $229.75 to apply on a bond & mortgage given by Mary Jane Phippin to C. F. McClean" .

We can conclude that brother, Andrew, was the best money manager of the family. The younger brothers appear to have gone to him for small sums of money as early as 1871 through 1880 -- small sums, being $50 to $64. The National Union Bank was usually involved.

By April 21, 1876, an older Conklin brother, comes to the rescue of his younger brother, Theodore C. Conklin and loans him $230, for two months, payable at the National Bank & Loan Company. A Samuel Roberts witnessed the debt's dissolution.

* * * *

Income Sources

Hay was a commodity, not only as a means of feeding the horses used for transportation and providing bedding for other livestock, but it was also bought and sold, particularly during the months of January and February when its demand was more acute. Causing this fluctuation was the factor that when it appeared there was more than enough hay for the farmer’s needs, it was weighed and sold. There were several hay scale companies in the area, as evidenced by several receipts. Nowhere did I find a receipt which showed the amount for which the hay was sold. Most likely, that information was available in the daily newspapers. An article written by

Kemp’s Watertown Hay Scales, John Nichols, Weigher, February 28, 1861; Gross Weight: 1,695 lbs., Tare Weight, 510, Net Weight: 1,185 lbs.

Brownville Hay Scales, A. A. Gibbs, Weigher, For C. L. Witt, March 12, 1874; Gross Weight: 2,070, Tare weight, 1,010; Net Weight: l,060.

Brownville Hay Scales, Weigher (not included), for S. Lutz, February 9, 1877; Gross Weight: 2,150, Tare Weight, 900; Net Weight, 1,250.

Brownville Hay Scales, N. R. Goodwin (Frank Patrick crossed out), May 12, 1877; Gross, 2,187; Tare, 1,300; Net, 887.

Fairbanks’ Standard Scales, M. J. Wilcox, Weigher, May 21, 1888. Gross weight, 2,300; Tare weight, 1,175; Net, 1,125. Fee: 15 cents

Fairbanks’ Standard Scales, M. J. Wilcox, Weighter, For Baker (?). February 4, 1892; Gross, 2,690; Tare, 1,020; Net, 1,670. Fee: 15 cents.

Fairbanks’ Standard Scales, Jno. J. Sullivan, Weigher. April 27, 1892. For Cleveland. Gross, 1,760; Tare, 1,065; Net, 725. Fee 15 cents.

It isn't clear from the receipts whether the hay was purchased by the locals or if it was shipped to an out-of-state market. Hay certainly fluctuated in price from decade to decade. From researching the Internet we found that in 1871, hay was bringing $16.50 a ton. Rodney Flouroy, in his “Reflections on the Cattle Market and Business” provides us the following information about hay prices:

“Some early information on hay production and prices in the United States runs as follows: in 1839, 10 million tons were produced; in 1849, 14 million tons; in 1859, 19 million tons; and in 1869, 25 million tons. Eighteen sixty-six was the first year the average price per ton was listed at $14.50, but three years later it was down to $12.75 per ton. The year 1871 showed the highest prices for hay for all the years from 1866 to 1906, and that was $16.50 a ton. I wondered if the high cattle prices of 1870 caused hay to be worth so much in 1871. In 1876 the price dropped to $9.80 a ton and continued in the $8.50 to $9.50 a ton range clear on through to 1905. The exception was 1898 with an all-time low of $6.50 per ton with production that year being 60 million tons.”

The sale of slabwood appeared to generate minimal income. An 1891 list of names to whom this wood was delivered included L. Fralick, C. Rawsom, L. Shultz, A. Shultz, Mrs. Phillips, Lawyer, Spafford, Jero, Gloyd, D. B. Gotham, L. Welch, E. Giles, J. Patrick,Kennedy,Hickey, D. Boulton, and others which weren't legible. Nowhere in these papers was there indication that the farms operated by the Conklins engaged in selling the lumber from which this slabwood derived, but that was undoubtedly so.

Several receipts surfaced from the millers of the area. One has to assume that the grains ground there were used to feed livestock. Again, if the refined produced was sold, then I couldn't determine to whom. An undated receipt signed by F. Moffatt of the Union Mill in Watertown was for 12 bags of oats (a total of 937 lbs. gross "wait.") Bartlett & Smith of Brownville in March 4, 1871 held an account known as "mill account" for John Conklin. The same year, Mr. Conklin dealt with Andrew Patrick from February thru August for flour and bran, probably for household use. Theodore Conklin, on Aug. 1, 1881, paid $.63 for 50 lbs. of meal from H. E. Freeman of Brownville.

John Conklin, it appears, grew wheat, oats, and barley on his farm during the summer of 1884. He hired Babcock and Phillips in as threshers. The yield was 54 bushels for which he was charged $.03 a bushel or a total of $16.38 for the threshing service. The seal used on the bill was fascinating. It resembled a seal, or large coin, flanked by stars at the top with "Fattened On An Aultman Taylor Strawstack" along the inner curve at the bottom; inside was "Trade Mark Pat'd March 7th 1876" and a chicken in the center. The use of logos was beginning to take hold in the advertising world of the late 19th century.

Not to be forgotten is the fact that some of what a farm produced was for self-sufficiency -- an entirely different cost of living structure than we have today. Also, at times, farm produce, such as eggs, butter, hay, straw, etc. was sold or traded as payment of outstanding bills, particularly to the medical doctors.

Surprisingly, there were few invoices/receipts for medical expenses. One dated August, 1871 from Goodwin & Trowbridge (no billhead) follows:


		T. Conklin from Goodwin & Trowbridge

		Aug  19	Med self	      $     .50
		     20    	Vis & med	           l.50
		     21	      "                 1.50
		     22            "                1.50
						       $  5.00

By 1875, Dr. Goodwin had increased his charges for a visit and medicine to $2.00, as evidenced by finding a second invoice for care given to John Conklin's son, Fred. On that invoice there are $4.00 per day charges for a 12-day period and the description read: "Attendance & med Fred." Dr. Goodwin administered Fred from December 1875 thru May of 1876 and billed between $2 each for 25 visits and meds (none in January) and $4 for 12 attendance and meds in February. Partial payments were made via small loads of straw, 2 bushels oats at $.40 ea., 1,200 lbs. hay for $6.00 and cash. You might think that a strange deal, but remember in those days the doctor had to maintain a stable for the horses he used for his calls. The billing appeared to have been for visits made at a hospital or house of confinement.

Fred's illness commenced in 1870 and a bill for professional services and meds looked like this:

Mr. J. T. Konklin

DRS. H. G. P. SPENCER & SON
WATERTOWN, N. Y.

For Professional Services & Med $65.00

(Alongside of the receipt was listed:
H. G. P. Spencer, M. D. Office: No. 1 Stone Street
James D. Spencer, M. D. Residence: 17 Stone Street)

The receipted invoice shows payment by cash, $17.00, by hay $23.99 and another cash payment on Mar 12, 1877 of $10.00

Fred Conklin, the son of John & Sarah Edwards Conklin, died on or just before March 28, 1885, fifteen years after Dr. Spencer first treated him. My grandmother’s historical sketches of the family mentioned only that he died in young manhood. Up to the point of finding these receipts, we had no approximate date of death for Fred Conklin, but our quest was over by the following receipt:

“Brownville, April 22, 1885. This is to certify that I have this day sold John T. & Sarah A. Conklin one monument to be first class after the style of design left and sample exhibited to be fully letter(ed) on decease of either (sic) free of charge and I hereby guarantee and fully warrant the above sale in every respect for all time to D. L. Simmons. Gen’l State Agent”

The funeral expenses are reflected via a receipt from a Watertown company, S. W. Ballard & Northam, whose billhead was quite elaborate. This billhead mentions a telephone (1885); however, no number was printed. This shows that the Watertown area may not yet have access to Bell’s patent/invention of 10 years earlier.

Watertown, May 2nd, 1885
Mr. John T. Conklin
Bought of:

S. W. BALLARD & NORTHAM
Dealers in
ALL KINDS OF UNDERTAKING SUPPLIES
Office No. 34 Court Street
CONNECTED WITH TELEPHONE DAY AND NIGHT

S. W. Ballard W. G. Northam
Residence 26 Franklin St.

Mar 28 To provide all cloth casket,
six handles, cream satin
lined plate & box
service with hearse       $80.00
Flowers                              6.00
                                          $86.00

(Note by transcriber: The burial was made in Brownville Cemetery)

Twenty-two years earlier, Daniel Conklin lost a son, but it’s not definite if it was Levi or Charles. Family sketches show both sons died young. One lost his life by drowning. No dates of death have been found for either boy and the stones at the Muscalongue Cemetery are of no help. Among the receipts in this box, I found two receipted invoices for burials: One for 1863 and one for 1857. In all probability the following bill from S. W. Ballard, then appearing as sole proprietor, was for the funeral expenses of Charles Conklin in 1863.

Watertown, N. Y., Jany 25, 1863
Mr. Daniel Conklin

Bought of

S. W. BALLARD,
Keeps Coffins and Burial Cases Trimmed and Ready for Use
SHROUDS AND GRAVE CLOTHES OF ALL KINDS.
Entrance through VanNamee & Smith’s Ware Rooms, No. 19 Public Square

Wall (?) Coffin    10.50
Silver Plate           2.50
Handles Box         3.00
Black shroud        5.50

Interesting is the charge for the black shroud.

As pointed out above Daniel Conklin had a son who was drowned in Black River Bay. Judging by the time of year, one can assume the very informal invoice of $15.00 from a J. Blood represented the burial charges for Levi.

1857 Hounsfield
Daniel Conklin
(Owed) to J. Blood

June 29 to (provide) Walnut Coffin $12.00

4 handles 1.50
Plate 1.50

Note: At the bottom of Mr. Blood’s invoice was the following plea for payment:

“Need Payment, Watertown, Feb. 16.1859. J. Blood”

An element of “counseling” services surfaced in 1876 in the John Conklin family. From the research done on this Conklin family we know that a child, Eddie Conklin, born 17 Nov 1873 died 4 July 1875. The receipt was for payment of services on March 31 of 1876 for counseling a child - amount of bill $6.00 - payment received 12th day of December 1876 and signed “L. E. Frann (?) & Son.” Was this an early-day psychologist? Was service administered to the deceased’s brother, the sickly Fred, who was age 9 at that time?

There was only one receipt from a druggist, Camp & Massey, April 17, 1877, in the amount of $30. The receipt was signed by a Mr. Rudd on behalf of James Hunt. The receipt was for payments made by Theodore Conklin.

All in all the receipts for the Illness, Death & Burial were not numerous. Please refer to billings from the local general store merchants for the home-remedy items used in the mid-1800’s.

SCHOOLS

From 1872 thru at least 1891 John Conklin had an active connection to a rural school at a place called Woods Falls. This school was in School District No. 18 in the Town of Brownville and John Conklin’s capacity was Collector. One of the items was written on a standard form, likely one used statewide. The underlines represent the filled-in spaces:

To John Conklin, Collector of District 18 of the Town of Brownville
Pay to Elizabeth M. Walts (or order) $65 Dollars and 56 cents, on account of wages earned by her while duly qualified as a teacher in the Town of Brownville School District No. 18 in said town, between the 6th day of May A. D. 1872 and the 31st day of August A. D. 1872.

Dated this 19 day of Dec. A. D. 1872.
_______J. M. JONES
*sole Trustee of School Dist. No. 18, Town of Brownville.

(*Insert “Sole,” if the district has but one Trustee)

Another receipt read: “Received of John Conkling exe clector (sic) 17-76/100 dolars (sic) being money in his hands belong (sic) to the district No. 18 of Brownville. Dec. 2, 1873 signed C. F. Gould

A new Sole Trustee in 1876 is evidenced by the next receipt:

Brownville, Dec. 23rd, 1876 Received of John Conklin one dollar and thirty three cents School funds. Jefferson Lawyer.

Spruce flooring was purchased for the Brownville School District No. 18, by J. B. Graham, Trustee in October of 1880 from Sloan & Greenleaf, West End Beebee’s Island. The company proprietors were Chas. W. Sloat and L. C. Greenleaf. The school needed 860 ft. of spruce flooring at $.17 per ft., totalling $14.62. Sloat & Greenleaf was a lumber yard and planing mill.

Two other papers show that this school at Woods Falls, wherever it was, continued to operate at least into the 1890’s:

“Brownville, N. Y., Oct. 26, 1891
Prof. (?) Bosworth, Jr.
A. Van De Walker, Trustees

Take notice that agreeably with decisions of W. L. Cleveland, referee, that the expense of bringing school house wall to the level of limits by order of J. W. Griffin, Architect, will be charged to Brownville School District No. 1. H. S. Barbour & Sons”

The following bid for a furnace was rendered sometime in the decade of the 1890’s:

S O P E R & M c C R A D Y,
Tin and Copper Work, Plumbing, Gas and Steam Fitting
CORNICE WORK A SPECIALITY.

Sole Agents for the Economy Furnace
Watertown, N. Y., ____(not filled in)_189_

Bid for Furnace to Heat School House at Wood Falls

1 No. 40 Beaver Furnace $185.00 the carpenter to do all cutting & woodwork including cold air box

One usually pictures the pot belly stove as the heating device in the rural schools of this area. Could this have been an alternate method new to the 1890’s -- a furnace?

LEGALS

Documents such as indentures, deeds, mortgages appear in a separate section.

Several receipted invoices made it obvious that this family, continually,had problems paying its bills.

On May 8, 1854, "Seven months after date for value Receiv'd I promise to pay James J. Hunt or bearer fifty dollrs 89/100 with use. Dated Brownville May 8, 1854 - signed Daniel (his mark) Conklin." The document went on to say "A ____?___ for a judgment I hold against Christopher Conklin for the above amount of which I am to assign to said Daniel Conklin, dated May 8, 1854 In the presence of A. W. Walrath . Attached to this was another receipt: "Good to James J. Hunt for one Dollar Balance on Christopher Conklin judgment - torn off - _______ 8, 1854 - signed Daniel (his mark) Conklin . This obligation continued through two more receipts: "Received of Daniel Conklin his note on Judgment I held against Christopher Conklin - May 4, 1854 Balance then due fifty one dollars 91/100 at Brownville Aug. 20, 1856 - (signature torn off). This all led to foreclosure proceedings being the earliest evidence of involvement with the courts under date of September 11, 1857. It related to Reference #1 in the Summary of Receipts Section. The obligation between the original parties was apparently assumed by Daniel Conklin on behalf of one of the parties, his brother, Christopher. My research has led me to suspect that Christopher up and left for Illinois without clearing up his financial obligations. This is confusing and difficult to determine what transpired, but here it is:

Mr. J. W. Tamblin*
I have settled with Mr. Danl (sic) Conklin & he has paid me for the land in the Deed. Except your cost of Foreclosing & the printing Bill Charge him nothing for what Notices I served but on his settling up with you give him the Deed. He paid for the recording of the certificates & Sale.

September 11, 1857 (signed) James Evans**

(on the bottom) Recd of Daniel Conklin the costs in full for foreclosing the mortgage in favor of Christopher Conklin. September 18th, 1857.

J. W. Tamblin, Atty.

* J. W. Tamblin was an attorney
**James Evans was most likely a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., N. Y.

In 1861 the Courts subpoened Daniel Conklin for testimony in a case involving the Watertown & Rome Rail Road Company. The form on which this was presented was called a Subpoena Ticket.

By virtue of a Writ of Subpoena, To you directed and herewith shown to you, YOU ARE COMMMANDED, that all business and excuses being laid aside, you be and appear in your proper person, before one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, at a Circuit Court, appointed to be held in and for the County of Jefferson at the Court House in Watertown in said County on the 11th day of November 1861 at 10 o’clock in the fore noon, to testify all and singular what you know in a civil action now pending in the Supreme Court, then and there to be tried between Daniel Conklin plaintiff and The Watertown & Rome Rail Road Company, defendant on the part of the (unclear Reff) And for failure to attend, you will be deemed guilty of a contempt of Court, and liable to pay all loss and damages sustained thereby to the party aggrieved, and forfeit fifty dollars in addition thereto.

Dated this 31st day of October 1861.
BY THE COURT

TO (blank) signed Brown & Braen, Attorneys

The subject of unpaid bills was undoubtedly foremost in the minds of anyone dealing with farmers in the mid-1870’s. Elections were coming up in 1876; and it was stated that “debt-ridden farmers were clamoring with their interest in inflating the currency.” A savvy businessman covered all the bases decidedly and promptly.

On November 21, 1876, Theodore Conklin made a purchase from H. Binninger for goods valued at $64.98. T. Conklin gave him a promissory note in that amount, the fulfillment of which was due on January 24, 1877. After only two months Mr. Binninger took formal steps to collect the money via a notarized protest. The protest was made promptly on the due date of the note!

United States (eagle logo) of America!
State of New York
Jefferson County,

BE IT KNOWN, That on the 24 th day of January 1877, H. B. HOTCHKIN, a duly empowered Notary Public, at the request of the holder, did present the annexed Note at the place where the same is made payable and demanded payment, which was refused. Whereupon I PROTESTED the same for non-payment, and served notice thereof on each endorser, by depositing same in the Post-Office in this City, on or before the next day, “postage prepaid,” addressed to said endorser, at his reputed place of residence, and Post-Office nearest thereto, viz:

_________Theodore C. Conklin, Brownville, N. Y. _________
_____________H. Binninger, Dexter, N. Y.______________

Thus done and Protested at the City of Watertown, the day and year first above written. In Testimonium Veritatis.

_____________H. B. Hotchkin_________

Notary Public*

This procedure was resolved as evidenced by information on the back of the document: "Within note paid in full with all costs of suit thereon Feby. 26, 1877 - -unclear word of Merchants Bank --Unclear word -- is hereby discontinued. Signed: Ralph (?) C. Scott, Attorney for Merchants Bank for collection of this note."

*Notarizations began to include the imprinted seals which are in use today.

Earlier in the same year the same action was taken by Geo. W. Wiggins, proprietor of Great Wardrobe Clothing House (established in 1857) against Theodore Conklin who failed to pay a 1-month note in the amount of $94.64. This protest was also executed on the due date. The year, 1876, was one of panic in the world of business and finance.

Another protest was executed in January, 1880, against Theodore Conklin for monies in the amount of $120, plus $7.80 interest, due from a year ago. Chas. A. Ralston was the payee. There’s no evidence of what merchandise was purchased. Mr. G. W. Hannahs was the Notary Public.

Serving as a Juror:

The responsibility of citizenry was evident when an order to serve as Petit Juror was issued to John T. Conklin sometime during the 1880’s decade - exact year not apparent. Notice the format does not include the female gender - most likely because women could not vote in those days and therefore did not meet the criteria for jurors.

Mr._____John T. Conklin, Brownville_____

SIR: You have been drawn to serve as a PETIT JUROR at a Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer, to be held at the Court House in the City of Watertown, on the __9__ day of Sept 188__, at 10 o’clock, A. M. whereat you are required to attend without fail.

W. E. SAXE Sheriff of Jefferson County

There were two more items of legalese which I set aside because they looked interesting. Unfortunately, each of the items was illegible in places. Apparently, someone brought suit against Theodore Conklin sometime before 1880. The allegations are not stated, no date, and the plaintiffs’ names aren’t legible. The names Frederich Lawyer & James Reed are a possibility. Looks like the Justice Court found Theodore not guilty because the plaintiffs were required to pay the court costs.

Finding receipts involving home furnishings gives me a clue about the lifestyle within the home. Perhaps the invoice dated November 27, 1860, from Gibbs & Steele to John Conklin was a clue of when he and Sarah Edwards set up housekeeping. John and Sarah were married April 26, of the same year. On plain columnar paper I learned that a set of dishes cost $8.66. The extensions are difficult to interpret. On the bottom of this invoice was a scribbling of figures in ink showing $119.92, plus the $8.66, totaling $128.58. There is no indication what the $119.92 charge was for. However, Sarah signed the back of the invoice in pencil. The use of a pencil was unusul and to have the woman of the household sign was also not common.

6	plates	10-1/2	.63
9	“	8/	.75
9	sauce plates	6/	1.13
6	Tea plates	7/	.44
1	Dish	4/6	.56
9/12	Teas & Saucers	4/	.75
1	Platter	6/6	.81
1	Sett Cream & Sugar Bowl	-	.75
1	Pitcher	-	.56
2	Bolls (sic) Each	1/3 1/-	.28
2	Setts knives & forks ea.	5/ 11/	2.00
		Total	8.66

The next invoice was for household furnishings bought prior to November 25, 1870, from G. W. Lawrence & Co. This one is billed to Theodore Conklin, John’s younger brother. The billhead is fancy and certainly provided adequate and interesting information. Theodore and his bride, Laurentine Wallace, were married September 18, 1863, so why the purchase of household items of this nature in 1870, is unknown. If I were to guess there probably was some moving around among the Conklin brothers after the settlement of the estate of their father, Daniel Conklin, who died in May of 1869. Theodore may have acquired the house on the Conklin property, a house which, in 1897, would be torn down and replaced by a new home just a few yards east of the original house. Looks like the items for which Theodore was billed were purchased between September 30th and October 21st. There is a $3.25 charge tacked on from the Beebe account - it is unknown what that meant, but perhaps G. W. Lawrence bought out a concern owned by Beebe and this amount was outstanding from Conklin.

Oct. 21	1	Looking Glass	4.50	.
Sept. 30	1	Table Chair	1.50	.
Oct. 12	1	Bedstead	14.00	.
Oct. 12	1	Spring Bed	15.00	.
Oct. 12	1	1 Couch	18.00	.
Oct. 12	1	Looking Glass	10.00	$63.00
	Beebe ? acct.			3.25
				$66.25

On December 5, 1873 Theo. Conklin purchased a stand for $2.00 from a company named Hills, Hunn & Mix, dealers in Rich & Plain Furniture at No. 26 Court Street in Watertown. The principals of this concern were Fred D. Hills, Frank E. Hunn, and H. D. Mix.

Zimmerman & Hardiman sold Theo. Conklin a table for $7.00. Looks like he paid cash of $5.00 on May 15, 1886, the day of purchase and returned on June 12 of that year with payment of the $2.00 balance. This company manufactured and dealt in “Parlor, Library, Dining Room, and Chamber Furniture” and lines of “Carpeting, Bedding, Curtain Material and Upholstery.”

John Conklin was billed on July 3, 1891 by the A. Bushnell & Co. Store, a total of $6.64 for doylies (sic), carpet, umbrella, hats, 4 yards of oil cloth and mitts. The date of the purchase was July 3, 1891. Even though the terms were “thirty days” there was a hand-stamp at the bottom indicating “Settlements required in July and January. Kindly give the above, your immediate attention.” Do you suppose the original purpose of visiting the store was to settle up his previous account? Bushnell’s billhead showed a photo of the building, but no address appeared on the invoice. The principals of this company catering to retailers and jobbers were A. Bushnell and Fred’k George.

It appears that most of the clothing was made by the women of the households. The dry goods stores were the sources of fabrics and notions needed. The so-called general store invoices included purchases of fabrics, thread, etc. (see The General Store section below). One item from Zoller & Timmerman of Brownville on July 3 1861 was strictly for shoes, fabric, etc.: 1 pr. shoes for $1.38; 10-1/4 yd. Calico at .10 a yard -- $1.03; 1 yd. Twill at .13; 1 yd. Brilliant for 19 cents; 9 yds. of shirting @ 9 cents = .81; 2 yards of shirting for .25 and one hoop skirt priced at .88. Before this project is completed maybe we will determine the definition of "Brilliant!"

On another receipt with an attractive billhead, the Zoller name was shown as O. H. Zoller, Wholesale and Retal Dealer in FANCY AND STAPLE DRY GOODS, Hats & Caps, Boots & Shoes, Ready Made Clothing, Groceries &c. This billhead was formatted for the 1860's and showed the location as No. 2 Basin Street, Brownville, N. Y.

Say it's 1867 and the Mrs. in the household has a birthday on November 9th. Well, my research tells me this was the case in the Theodore Conklin household. And surely enough, looks like Theodore went to Brownville and ordered a "Ladies Buff Robe" for $1.00 for his wife's 29th birthday. If I'm correctly interpreting this transaction, it looks like the robe was ordered prior to Nov. 9th from A. E. Lord of Brownville, who in turned ordered it from New York. A classy billhead from H. J. CIPPERLY & Co, reveals its line as "Hats, Caps, Furs, Straw Good, Millinery, Umbrellas & Parasols." The principals of the company were listed as H. J. Cipperly, F. McNulty, P. H. Malloy, and R. W. Smith, and they operated from 279 & 281 Canal Street (presumably New York City). I was intrigued by the record keeping on this one. In the top left corner read: Salesman Smith, then Book 3 Page 181 . Their return policy seemed rigid: "No Claims for Damages or Deficiencies will be allowed, unless accompanied with proper description, nor unless made within FIFTEEN DAYS after Receipt of Goods. No Good to be returned unless damaged."

Wintertime was when the women found time to sew, as shown by an invoice from Herrick & Ayers, of Watertown, N. Y. The purchase was made on November 22 ,1870 for alpaca and flannel. The alpaca was 14 yards for $8.75, the flannel sold for $1.25 for 2-1/2 yards. Twill was $.25 a yard, cambric, $.25 for two yards, Calico 2 yards for $.25, thread was $.08 a spool, braid was $.10, and a spool of silk thread was $.20, while the buttons were $.30 for 9 buttons. Herrick & Ayers upgraded their business by having an official billhead by February of 1873. They wanted to be known for their "Foreign & Domestic Dry Goods, Carpets, Oil Cloths, Trunks, Traveling Bags, &c." The address was 7 Washington Place in Watertown, N. Y. Toweling, table service, sheeting, and yards of some type of waterproof material was purchased at that time. One can conclude that the women not only sewed the clothing but made their own towels and sheets.

Cashmere was the order of the day on an undated invoice issued in the 1870's from A. Bushnell, Dry Goods, Clothing, &c. It's not clear when in the 1870's, but the price of cashmere was $1.40 a yard. Ten and one-half yards were purchased and to go with it a dozen buttons for $.25. A. Bushnell & Co. was owned by A. Bushnell and Fred'k George. They advertised themselves as "retailers and jobbers." A total of $14.95 was a hefty budget item in that period. The Bushnell billhead was the first in the pile of receipts to employ the use of advertising a specific product. I suppose I haven't made this clear, but "Clark's Spool Cotton O. N. T." trademark appeared at the top of the sales slip -- most likely the same logo that was pasted on the tops and bottoms of spools of thread in those days. The thread, a statement said was "Also, constantly on hand a complete assortment of which is unequalled for Hand or Machine Sewing." Also, "All Numbers Six-Cord From 8 to 100." One of the receipts indicated Milward's Needles..... "they are the best."

Boots were sold by Chidester & Knapp, located at 2 Court Street in Watertown. They specialized in boots, shoes and rubbers. The proprietors were A. B. Chidester and I. W. Knapp, successors to E. A. Andrews. On July 2, 1871, Frank Conklin purchased "___?___ Boots" for $8.50. The mystery word looks like "Seward." Forgive my imagination....but maybe in 1871, a company could have named a boot after Seward, who had, only four years earlier, follied with the purchase of Alaska. However, I have to remark that $8.50 for a pair of boots in July seemed out of line in comparison with prices of other items and services. Could it have been that Frank wanted to be fashionable. After all he was about 23 now, wasn't yet married and wouldn't be until about 1874. The upcoming July 4th holiday, along with summer and fall activities, should have been a fine time for a young man to impress the girls. Well? Just my imagination again!

The Woodruff House, the newest and snazziest hotel in the city of Watertown, must have leased out space to merchants as early as 1875. I found two notes from Great Wardrobe Clothing House at that address, one for 1875 in the amount of $81.62 and in 1877 for $67.95, each for two months payable to G. W. Wiggins at Merchants Bank. In January of 1882, John Conklin was in arrears for the purchase of a suit at the same place, the balance of $8 which went uncollected since August 19, 1881. I wonder if the "Terms - 30 days due in Sept. last -- Please call and settle" elicited a payment. Unfortunately, I found no original billing so the cost of the suit remained unknown.!!! Before I leave Great Wardrobe, the company was established in 1857, or so says the printing on the receipt.

The place to go for shoes in December of 1877 was Geo. Haas, Jr., who was a dealer in "Boots, Shoes and Rubbers and manufacturer of Fine Men's Wear." He was located at No. 4 Court Street in Watertown, N. Y. Looks like there was a running account for Theodore Conklin, because after the purchase of 2 pair of boots for his sons ($2.75 and $1.75), the bill tallied $12.95, a sum which by April 17th of 1878 was making Mr. Haas a little uncomfortable. At the bottom of the invoice read: "Dear Sir, Please call and pay up & greatly oblige for I need it."

Here's a name you'll like: Grand Central Clothing House of Watertown, N. Y. The receipts ranged in date from 1885 to 1888 for small amounts. One was in full for suit - $30.00 - for John Conklin. There isn't any indication where the concern was located and each of the receipts was signed "Streeter Brimmer and Olean." One showed a D. C. Roberts signing for the principals.

If you are interested in what cloth, notions, etc. cost during this period, go to my section on General Stores (below).

There were many receipts for merchandise purchased from A. Frost who served the public from Beebee’s Island in Watertown, N. Y. His name is on many of the receipts from very early on. He was a dealer in “lumber, lath, shingles, etc.” His business remained in operation in 1885 when Theodore Conklin maintained an account. The following invoice represents a transaction for the purchase of lumber in 1867:





















August 15

  225 ft.

Planed Boards

$  .30

 $  6.75


-

  628 ft.

Planed Boards

    .30

   18.84


-

  362 ft.

Planed Boards

    .35

   12.67


-

   60 ft.

Boards

    .40

       2.40


-

  147 ft.

1114 Rek ?

    .30

       4.41


 -

    78 ft.

2 inch Rek ?

    .25

       1.95


August 24 

1069 ft.

flooring

    .25

   26.70


-

  500 ft.

Clap Boards

    .25

   12.50


Sept. 2

  844 ft.

Ceiling

    .28

   23.63


-

-

-

-

109.35


August 15

-

By Cash

 20.00
-


Sept. 2

-

 “     “

 25.00

- 45.00


-

-

-

-

$64.35


-

-

Rec’d Payment


-

-


-

-

Sept. 12th, 1867


A. Frost

The above invoice for building materials was affixed with an orange stamp which was printed with “U. S. Inter. Rev.” #2 denomination and initialed A. F. 9/12/1867. I haven’t determined the significance of this stamp, but suspect it was established to raise revenues needed for expenses of the “Reconstruction Act” subsequent to the Civil War.

A. Frost sold J. Conklin 2-inch newels (533 ft. and 660 ft.) for a total of $16.70 in June of 1869. This merchandise, 14 in number for each footage figure. A man by the name of G. Hoover was associated with Mr. Frost in 1873-1874. At that time, it appears the business was involved in sawing logs into boards for John Conklin. In 1878 Theodore Conklin purchased (on November 15) pine ceiling, 1/2 inch spruce, bundles of sash, and shingles for $2.95. A. Frost accepted payment for these items on March 15th the following year!!

The Conklin Bros. purchased window glass for $4.20 in September of 1870 from Ten Eyck, Utley & Co., successors to H. & E. F. Cooper, “Hardware Dealers and Manufacturers of Agricultural Implements” at No. 2 Iron Block in Watertown, N. Y. The proprietors were Robert Ten Eyck, Robert L. Utley, and Edward B. Sterling. An account continued with Utley & Winslow at least through June 30, 1877.

Bolts, hinges and nails were purchased in November of 1878 from Sponenbergh, Sterling, & Walker, of 12 Washington St., Watertown. Their invoice heading read: “Dairy Goods, Farming Implements, Cutlery and General Hardware.” The proprietors were H. M. Sponenbergh, Edward B. Sterling, and R. W. Walker.

A. & L. A. Howard, Manufacturers and Dealers in Tin, Copper, and Sheet-Iron Ware, Stoves, Furnaces, &c., &c., was visited by Theodore Conklin on December 6, 1879 where he spent $7.00. The billhead was quite detailed stating that the company specialized in “Steam Works Repaired, and Plumbing of all Kinds Done on Short Notice.” It also handled “Nails, Agricultural Implements, &c. out of No. 48 Court Street in Watertown, N. Y.

In Dexter there was a business called Leonard Gilmore & Co., in 1888. This was a woodworking shop where John Conklin had a small account.

By 1890, John Conklin purchased shingles (pine) in June and July from Winslow & Knapp Lumber Co., successors to E. W. Knapp, “Importers of and Wholesale Dealers in Pine and Hardwood Lumber, Manufacturers Generally of Articles Made From Wood.” He paid the $21.50 bill on August 9, 1890; the receipt was signed by Hotchkins. The office, works and yard was located at the North End Suspension Bridge.

L. Maynard was a millwright to whom wood was taken to be milled. In July of 1871 he milled 517 feet of hardwood for $2.58; 1122 ft. of softwood for $5.05 and 100 ft. of hardwood (for Patrick, a neighbor) for $.45. Partial payment was made with dairy products.

John Conklin bought bush mounts costing $5.00 in May, year unknown, from D. (David or Daniel) Frink.

A store which we natives remember, W. W. Conde, was in operation in May of 1889, when John Conklin chose them from which to purchase a pair of Lane Door Rollers, 10 ft. of track, a door handle and screws, and a spade -- all for $2.25. The billhead indicated the address as No. 3 Public Square in Watertown. They specialized in “builders and carriage hardware, mechanics’ tools, manufacturers’ supplies, and agricultural implements.” Their policy was “after goods are shipped and receipted in good order our liability ceases. All claims for errors must be made immediately.” Interest was charged on all bills after maturity.

A mill, known as Union Mill, located in Watertown, was the site to which oats, etc. were taken to be ground. 937 lbs. was the gross weight on one occasion. This was done on June 26th, but the year is obliterated. T. Moffatt signed the receipt.

The general merchandise stores provided the seed planted to grow the crops the farmers produced. Many times the purchase was made when visits were made to the store for other merchandise. I did find one receipt dated 16 April 1888, from the former A. E. Lord & Co., then known as A. R. Wilcox & Son, (dealers in drugs and general merchandise) for 2 and 32/44 bushel of Timothy Seed @ $3.25 a bushel, totaling $8.86 and one-half bushel Clover seed for $3.00.

Keeping the horses in well-maintained footwear, the harnesses repaired, and the vehicles which they drew in good shape required a constant vigil. A. Howard & Co. did this type work, almost monthly, for John Conklin from Dec. 3, 1864 to August 3 of 1865 - work totaling $11.89. The services included putting on new shoe sets, welding rods, fixing a cutter, repairing bits and harness straps, sharpening colter, and mending a wagon brace. One curious item was installing a thumb screw in a coffee mill! One item suggests that an iron horse sled was sold to Mr. Conklin. At the end of February Conklin paid part of the bill with 5 ft. of one-sixteenth wood and 7 ft. of wood. Another bill from A. Howard for work done on Aug. 23, 1865, was for one shoe set - cost, $.20, and putting a ring in a neck yoke - cost, $.25. In the meantime, John Conklin sought the services of Simpson & Sharlene, another blacksmith, for a new shoe set, costing $.65. He operated out of Brownville. By 1869 John Conklin was using another blacksmith, whose went unnamed. Comparing the penmanship on the billing gave me no leads to his identity, but the services administered were certainly of the blacksmith nature; i.e. new shoe sets, bolts, welding a spring, fixing a whippletree, and repairing a mowing machine, etc. - all between September of 1869 and November of 1870. Periodic payments were made by large quantities of beef - 891 lbs. in November, 11,050 lbs. hay, also in November, 139 lbs. of beef in December. This was the first evidence that beef was bartered by any of the Conklin brothers. William Loan (?) did some work along these lines in 1879 for Theodore Conklin in the amount of $8.65 for the months of June, July, and November. The person taking the payment was C. L. Witt. Theo. Conklin ended the decade of the 1870’s by having blacksmithing done by George Brett - amount of bill $5.00. Seemingly, blacksmithing didn’t take a large chunk out of the farmer’s budget.

The Old Austin Livery Stable, once owned by P. Bergevin at 2 Arcade Street in Watertown was taken over in 1875 by P. Primeau. This concern advertised “good horses and vehicles and careful drivers.” The nature of the service is not clear to me, mainly because I can’t read the writing. However, $30.85 was received from T. Conklin to pay his acc -- the name M. Andrews to the assinee’s (sic) of Gear (?) St. Paddock... (this was just impossible to decipher).

MACHINERY REPAIRS

The machinery used around the farms in the mid-1800's, though primitive at today’s standards, was in need of repair from time to time. I was intrigued that much of the repairs required the services of others. From looking at these receipts, it seems that the care of the machinery was handled in the off-seasons, and judiciously so. Two reasons, most of the machinery wasn’t being used then and the farmer was able to barter with cord wood, pork, etc., readily available at that time of the year. In May of 1874, Theodore Conklin had a Drag painted for $.75 by Samuel Nickles who worked for O. V. Tefft out of Brownville, N. Y. In August spring bars and head blocks were installed as well as rimming and spoking a wheel - $7.50. Back to Nickles’ shop in November, just after Conklin delivered 3/4 cord of wood valued at $3.38, a purchase was made of a wagon body for $12.00, spring bar, whippletrees, a tongue, and the washing, rubbing down and painting of gearing - The partial payment was made in 124 pounds of pork @ 10-1/2 cents a pound. Some of the balance of the account was paid in March, 1875, by another one-half cord of wood for $l.75 leaving a balance of $8.35, not paid until the following June 16th.

It appears a new mower or reaper was purchased July 11, 1877 by John Conklin from a company out of Albany, N. Y., known as Wm. Anson Wood’s, Mowers and Reapers. The promissory note in the amount of $40.00, plus interest of $1.20 was payable at the Merchants Bank at 7% per annum, payable to the order of The Eagle Mowing and Reaping Machine Company. Anson’s logo was the familiar mower that I remember from my childhood. On the back of the note was a printed endorsement: “For value received, I hereby guarantee the payment of the within note, waiving demand and notice of protest.” It was signed by C. E. Gould, who probably represented Merchants Bank; then underneath that, was the name, Cuba Quackenbush, Treas. The document then went to G. L. Woodruff, Cashier, for account of Manufacturers National Bank, Wellington, Cashier. It ended up on December 12 at First National Bank, Watertown, N. Y. - two days before the December 14, 1877 due date!

Other machinery repair was done by Wm. Graves on March 21, 1878 and again on April 18, but the $3.98 bill wasn’t paid until July 15, 1879 - M. E. Peck signing for Mr. Graves. In 1883, much work was done for Theodore Conklin by John D. Derewalt (?) from May thru Sept. The handwriting is not legible but the repairs seemingly involving a total revamping of a milk wagon. Evidence of the milk wagon in 1883 gives me a clue that the farm which T. Conklin operated had a dairy and the milk was transported via the milk wagon to a local cheese factory, probably in Brownville.

In 1883-1886, John Conklin had work done by Levi Rockwood, who was a horse shoer at the time. Their dealings started out a bit stormy, financially, as seen by a summary of account dated January 14, 1884. Although a bill of $23.54 was partially paid by wood and a pig, the $20.54 remaining caused Mr. Rockwood to plea for his money: “I am in need of money much. Please favor me as soon as possible and oblige.” He again used the services of Rockwood in December of 1888, then associated with H. T. Brown as Rockwood & Brown, “Practical Horse Shoers, Builders and Repairers of Fine Carriages, Wagons, Sleighs and Cutters.” The existence of a stone shop in its Brownville, N. Y. location and prices to suit the times was announced on the billhead. The nature of the work isn’t clear to me, but repairs were evident, to a pump, spade, seat and the purchase of a new tongue in a doublewagon. The words “tire set” leads me to wonder if the wagons and carriages in the 1880’s were rubber-tired. A June 27th charge of $1.25 was for “by team to Watertown ret” is a curious one.

Brownville Iron Works, operated by D. B. Gotham, in November of 1890, but there is no evidence of what type work he did for John Conklin for which $2.75 was charged.

The only clue of fuel charges was a receipt from Dexter Coal Company for 4,300 lbs. of chestnut coal for $9.79 on October 16, 188?. Also, one for Nov. 5, 1886 for 1850 lbs. nut coal. The company carried the following types of coal: Culm, Buckwheat, Pea, Grate, Egg, Chestnut, No. 2 & 4, Lump, Clearfield, Cumberland, Stove and Blacksmith.

There was just one example of a purchase from a tree nursery and that was in on September 19, 1881, when Theodore Conklin paid $5.00 for assorted Russian Firs, a Toronto and an Olivett. There is no indication from whom in Brownville he made his purchase, but there was a statement at the bottom, "Keep this and bring it with you when you come in for your trees, and we will receipt it."

Most of this section will be extracted from invoices submitted by the General Stores with which these farmers dealt. In that I don't have the proper computer program needed to reconstruct the actual invoice, an narrative analysis is the best I can offer.

Oysters were a popular item in the Conklin household, and remained so even when I was a child. It was a custom to have oysters and crackers on or around New Years. Usually, the purchase was noticed in the long running accounts kept by the general stores - mainly the ones in Brownville. However, a trip to the H. I. Harris store on February 6, 1884, resulted in the purchase of 1 quart of oysters costing $.40 and 2 lbs. crackers for $.20. On January 2, 1885, Theodore Conklin went to a store owned by J. Johnston and bought oysters costing $.34 and crackers costing $.16. A John W. Lawyer signed the receipt at a later date.

The grocery purchases are more fully detailed in my section called, "The General Store," found below.

As insurance-minded men, these Conklins, sought coverage on their property from as early as 1867 when fire insurance was purchased from Lorillard Ins. Co. through agent E. M. Winslow. The amount of coverage for John Conklin’s property was $2,000, the premium being $11.50 for three years. In 1876, Mr. C. B. Fowler was the agent for Agricultural Insurance Co. , but no coverage figures or premium charges were evident on the receipts. The family remained with the Agricultural Insurance Co. dealing with several agents, including E. M. Winslow, E. A. Seely, Munson Seaver, and N. Welch.

John Conklin’s dwelling, barns, granary and hog house were insured against loss or damage by fire or lightning at $1,400 via a policy with Agricultural Insurance Company policy. The document was on an interesting size paper -- 14” x 17”. Signatures of the Secretary, H. M. Stevens and President, Jean R. Stebbins were at the bottom of the document. What was interesting to me was a glued-on rider, known as Form 17 - Wood Permit, on which the word “AGRICULTURAL” was spralled across the half-page item. The language seemed intimidating and without class. Here is what it said:

“Slip attached to Policy No. 14424 issued for John Conklin _ from Watertown____ Agency of the Agricultural Insurance Company of Watertown, N. Y.

“Consent is hereby given that hard wood in place of coal be used for fuel to generate steam for threshing, on condition that a wind does not blow strongly from the engine towards the insured property, and that all the other conditions in this policy in relation to the use of steam for threshing are fully complied with.

(Signed by H. M. Stevens, Secretary.)

“N. B. But this Company strongly urges you to procure coal to burn instead of wood. When a furnace door is opened to throw in wood, sparks and even burning coals will escape if the wind blows. If you doubt this statement, get the engineer to run the engine a few minutes after dark, if you can, so that you may see whether sparks escape or not. Makers and owners of wood burning threshers will tell you there is no danger in using them; but Insurance Companies are constantly receiving notice of losses by them. The simple fact that an engineer says there is no danger in building a fire of any kind in your barn yard while the wind blows toward a barn or stacks, proves him to be a careless, reckless man. You know there is danger, and you need to be afraid of such a man and ought not to trust him.

“Coal is much less dangerous than wood. Get and use it if possible. But if you will use wood, then put out the fire when the wind blows toward your buildings.”
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TAXES

Little evidence of taxes was seen by going through these papers. However, on January 30, 1864 a Z. Wakefield by the hand of John Conklin paid $3.47 to A. A. Gibbs on behalf of Collector, Chester Lowe, an amount which represented unknown taxes for the year, 1863. Since Gibbs owned a general store, was it probable that this was a place of payment for certain taxes?

It appears the United States Internal Revenue in August of 1869 attached a $14.27 Excise Tax on Succession. This amount was assessed from a monthly list for two months previous (June, 1869) on each of the Conklin Brothers from a Collector’s Office, 20th District of New York, Evans Mills, N. Y. by Sidney Cooper, Collector.

After Christmas, 1872, Theodore Conklin paid his county and town taxes for that year in the amount of $93.81 to J. L. Spicer, Collector, of Hounsfield.

The county taxes for 1878 assessed against Theodore Conklin were $63.34. This was paid on January 7, 1879 to Clerk Arnold Call.

Evidence that this farm family read the newspapers of the day was clearly seen in the number of receipts for subscriptions to the local newspaper publishers. The names of the newspaper and their owners was a changing scene. The first receipt for $1.00 was issued to John Conklin and was dated December 19, 1866 for a weekly subscription to the former “Jefferson Democrat,” known as the Watertown-Re-Union, starting August 2, 1866 to January 26, 1867. A. H. Hall must have been the proprietor, signing for him was a N. A. Perkins on Receipt No. 545. John Conklin must have liked the Watertown Re-Union because he re-upped his subscription through January 12, 1870 at the price of $7.00 and was billed on January 4th, 1870, again by A. H. Hall. C. W. Buck signed for Hall that time. John continued his allegiance to this newspaper at least through May of 1890. I'd like to point out here that John T. Conklin served as a Township Supervisor as a Democrat along about 1890. It has not been made clear to me if the other Conklin brothers followed John's political philosophy. Back to the newspapers and the Watertown Re-Union, the billhead in 1872 indicated that the same proprietors also published the Morning Despatch, a daily, costing $8.00 a year, and later owned by Moss & Boon & Buell (agents). In 1878, A. Goodale, was manager, with Chas. I. Baldwin, Agent. In 1881, Kelly & Clare, were the proprietors. The price of the paper in the latter two cases was down to $1.50. John Conklin, who by 1890, was running in the election as a Democrat, subscribed in Nov. of 1888 for three months to Daily Times owned by Brockway & Sons, then located in the Times & Reformer Building at 12 and 14 Arcade Street in Watertown. The price then appears to have been $1.50 for three months. By December 23, 1891, a subscription to the same “Times” was $8.00 for a 4-month period. Baldwin was working then for Brockway.

On Jan. 18, 1869, Theodore Conklin was billed $1.50 by Ingalls & Co. for 52 issues of New-York Weekly Reformer. The bill was paid in full August 15, 1869. Theodore continued with his subscription to this newspaper and was billed March 2, 1870 for 52 issues on March 2nd, 1870, to August 15, 1870.

Theodore continued his subscription, at least through 1871. Out of Adams, N. Y. in January of 1874 came the Jefferson County Journal, owned by Hatch & Allen. This was an 8-page newspaper published every Thursday for $2.00 per year. If the payment was made in advance, there was a $.50 deduction. Theodore’s subscription ended April 2, 1874, and I couldn’t find evidence that he re-subscribed. However, by August 18, 1877, Theodore was again dealing with S. Ingalls who was publishing the Watertown Post - a Mr. Norris signed for him.

It is with Theodore’s choice of newspapers in October of 1882 that I found first evidence of Brockway & Sons, the publishers working out of the Times & Reformer Office on Arcade Street in Watertown. Theodore signed up for their paper, known as The Watertown Reformer. Remember, John Conklin, didn’t go with this newspaper until 1888. Does anyone know if the “Watertown Reformer” became the “Daily Times” to which John Conklin subscribed in the 1890’s?

On January 19, 1878, out of Brownville, N. Y., Theodore Conklin promised to pay, five days later, the sum of $10 to L. H. Everts & Co. One has to assume that value received was for a history published by the company of that name. This wasn’t the first time that the Conklins purchased a history. On February 4, 1891, John Conklin purchased via what was called a subscription, the Hamilton Child “Gazetteer and Directory of Jefferson County, N. Y.” The price was $7.50. The canvassing agent, M. L. Stedman, must have left a brochure telling what the publication embraced - that brochure was found among these papers in this tin box.

The General Store

This section contains transcriptions of the invoices presented to the Conklins by local general store owners for items purchased on account. They will appear in chronological order. At the beginning of each invoice, I will insert a relative value amount taken from Samuel H. Williamson’s “What is the Relative Value?”, Economic History Services, April 2004 (http://www.eh.net/hmit/compare/).

Although the penmanship was usually above average, there were passages where I found it illegible. In a number of cases, the items were foreign to me, items such as the saleratus used to make baking powder. Most of the invoices were done in a fascinating bookkeeping style which may have been used to save paper. Several purchases made in one visit appear on one line. Shown beside the item was the unit price, the actual price (at half line) and at times a unit packing figure, not relevant to the customer. The prices within the horizontal listing did not always include decimals, but the decimals were used when the day’s purchases were extended. It is confusing, but in order to retain the originality of the system, I have typed what was written.

Several of the invoices were from A. E. Lord of Brownville, N. Y. The first is a semi-annual statement, dated 1861 (Williamson states: “In 2003, $1.00 from 1861 is worth $20.76), under the billhead name of Lord & Austin. The name, Austin, was crossed out. The top of the statement has a note in script which reads:

Semi-Annual Statement

Dear Sir:

Below we hand you statement of your Account to date; if found correct please call and settle the same. We sell Goods to prompt paying customers at Cash figures.

Very Respectfully,

A. E. Lord

Brownville, N. Y. March 1st, 1862

Mr. John Conklin__________________

1861

Aug. 30 20# Sugar 7 1.40

Oct. 31 Lamp Oil 4/ .50

Nov. 7 Cream Tarter 1/ .13

" Sulphur 3 .03

" 1 oz Pitch Burgandy .03

" Reo Precipitate .13

Nov 25 10# Sugar 10/ 1.00

Dec 21 Lamp Oil 4/6 .56 3.78

Rec'd payment, A. E. Lord, per J. A. Austin

The following invoice was also to John Conklin from A. E. Lord, and dated 1864:

Apr 9 1/4 Gal P Oil 4/1 .50

9 1/2 Paint Turpentine 5/1 .31

9 Rial (first letter ?) 6 .06

9 1-1/4# Scarlch* 2/6 .39 (starch ?)

June 18 6 yd. Shirting .33 l.98

July 21 9.5# Codfish** .10 .95

Aug 2 7# Codfish .10 .70

2 8.5# Codfish .12 l.00

Sept 21 Suspenders 4/6 .54

Oct 25 Broom .40 .40

Paid Jny 3/65 A. E. Lord

*This word appears on most of the invoices. It may be "starch."

**Codfish seems to have been purchased only during the summer months. It was most likely a salted
and dried product. There would have been no problem in keeping it without refrigeration. The 10 cents per pound
has turned into at least $7.00 per pound in 2004 and it is only carried by Italian food stores.

John Conklin visits the A. E. Lord Company many times from December 1866 thru October of 1867. During this period Williamson states
"In 2003, $1.00 from 1867 is worth $12.36." The questionmarks indicate I was uncertain about the legibility of the word.

1866
Dec	 1	Bot Castor Oil .15  1/2# ? Shirts.31			             .46
	 3	Alcohol ?  .38 Campher					.47
	 4	1 Pt. .75	Bot  .12					.87
	 8	1/2 Pt. Alcohol    .38 Camphor  9				.47
	12	Sal Mitro  .15			                          .15

1867	
Jany	11	8 yds Binding  8  .64  1# Tobacco  .30			             .94
	25	Alcohol and Camphor .47			                          .47
Feby  	 5	1/2 gal Drips ?  14/88  R. Braid  6		                          .94
	 5	2# Nails  82  .17   1/2# Tea  .63		                          .80
	12	1 Pt. 40  Bot 12  Browns Comfits  .25			             .77
	21	Pink Root  .20  (26)  Pt. Rye .40				.60
	27	Linseed Oil  .40  Craten ? Oil & ?  .10			.50
March 19	1/2 Pt Alco  .38 Campher 9					.47
	19	Sweet Oil & C			                          .15
April	24	Pt. 40  Tobacco  15			                          .55
May	24	1 Collar  10  Qt B Oil  45  1-1/2 V Red 10 15		             .70
	24	1 ? Coffee  .38   1 Tobacco 30				.68
	29	Lead  18  Lamp Black 6					.24
June	 4	8-3/4 Cod ?   75   5-1/2 Cheese  18 99		                         l.74
	10	Boiled Oil  45   (12)  Tobacco  15				.60
	19	10# Sugar  1.20   1 Saleratus  15			            1.35
	22	Tobacco 15  (July 3)  10# Sugar  13  1.30	                         1.45
July 	 3	5# Sugar  83  1 Tobacco  30			            1.13
	 5	Pt Rye  40    1 oz Paragoric  10				.50
	 8	1/2 M. Oil  14/   88 (19)  10# Sugar  1.45	                         2.33
Aug	 8	1 Pt 40  1/2 Gal K Oil  70   35				.75
	16	10# Nails   72  75   2#  Do  82  17			             .92
	16	1 Paper Brads  20 (22)  Pt  30				.50
	23	25 Brooklyn Lead   		                                     4.19
 	26	Paint Brush 115 (29)  10# Nails  7  70		                         1.85
	31	Chimney 12  Wick  2			                          .14
Sept	 3	Paper Brads  25  Fly Paper*  10				.35
 	 6	50# Lead  162  825  1/4# Tobacco  8/  .25	                         8.50
	12	Hammer 120 Screws  6  1 Gal  B. Oil  160	                         2.86
	18	1 Gal B oil  160  4# Nails  7  28			            1.88
	21	7# Nails  7   49  (26)  1 K  70  41 Pr  40		            1.59
	26	6# Putty  20   80 Screws  42		  	            2.14
	27	4 Sett Butts 20  80  Screws  42		 	            1.22
Oct	 4	Butts 20  1# Tea  125 (7) Alcoh & Camphor  47	                         1.92
	14	1 Gal B Oil  160  1/2# Tobacco  8?  50		  	            2.10
	16	5# Nails  7   35 (29)  2 oz. Cochineal  20  40	  	             .75
             29    	 C. Tarter 10  M Compound  16		                          .26
	29           1# Tea		            	                                      1.25

			            	                                   	           52.50

1867		CREDIT
May	24	By Eggs				         .68
June   	 3	Sugar Ret			                      .50
Oct	19	Cash	                                   	       40.00

				                                                  41.18
				                                         Bal.     11.32

*Fly Paper was a sticky paper wound up in a roll - when unravelled it resulted in a spiral and then hung by a tack from
the ceiling. This was used to attract houseflies, so prevalent on the farm. It is still sold today.

The next invoice was dated 1867-1868. The dollar today would be worth $12.36, according to Williamson's chart. This invoice represented the running account of Theodore Conklin at A. E. Lorde (sic). It is on much wider columnar paper. The horizontal style of recording a day's purchases makes it more difficult to type, consequently, less readable.

Feby	12	9.5# Apples @ .17 (l.62) 4% Sugar .73	2.35
.	18	5# Sugar (1.12) (.57) Bot Squaw Weed .35	.92
Mar	4	Rope .40 (June 1) Dried Apples .30	.70
June	5	10 yds Calico (.19) 1.90 (10) 5# Sugar (.13) .65	2.55
.	10	1 oz. Nutmegs (.15) 1/2 K Oil (.70) .35	.50
.	18	1 Tub .60 Dried Apples .80	1.40
Sept	10	1 Pt. Alco (75) Bot (12) 2 oz Campher (18) 36	1.23
.	19	1 Pt. Wheat (60) 1 Gal K Oil (70)	1.30
.	21	1 Gal Wheat (4.00) Jug Lent (40)	4.40
Oct	1	1 Gal Wheat (4.00) 1 Sugar (18) Chimney (10)	4.28
.	5	Sauvens Powders (25) 1 # G. Salts (10)	.35
.	9	Sauvens Powders (25) 1# G. Salts (10)	.35
.	18	Rope (29) (Nov 25) 2# Lead (16) 32	.61
Dec	3	Twist (13) Thread (8)	.21
.	23	1 Rafer (?) Tacks	.08
1868	.	.	.
Jany	18	1/2 oz. Worsted ? (13) 1/2 # Tea (1.20) 60	.73
.	18	10 Yds DeLaino ? 20 (2.00) Hk Eyes & Thread 13	2.13
.	18	1 Yds. Jean (22) 10 Yds Calico (15) 1.50	1.72
Feby	11	2 Nails (7) 14 (26) Cambric (30) DeLaino (25)	.69
.	.	.	26.50
.	.	CREDIT	.
June	10	By Eggs .92	.92
.	.	.	25.58
Mar	20	Bolts (1.75) (27) Pt .40 Butt .12	2.27

.	.	To Amount Over	27.85
Jan	1	To 9 Glass & Cutting (.16)	1.54
1868	.	CR.	29.39
May	29	By Cash 16.00	.
June	8	By Cash 10.00	26.00
.	.	.	3.39
.		Rec. payment in full June 11/58 A. E. Lord	.
.	.	.	.
.	.	.	.

On October 31st, 1868, John Conklin started an account with J. H. Parker. The bookkeeper's format is the same as that of A. E. Lord; one wonders why Mr. Conklin switched general stores. Could he have had trouble paying the $11.32 account previously shown here? Lord did not go out of business because there are later statements from him. By Williamson's chart, the dollar of 1868 would be worth $12.87 in 2003.

1868

Oct	31	1# Tea (1.25) Lamp Wick (4) Broom (50	1.79	.
Nov	8	1/4# Tea	.25	.
.	20	1 Gal M Oil (1.00) 1 Gal Oil (.50) 1/2# Pepper (.25)	1.75	.
.	20	1 Candle Wick 2 hunks thread (.10)	.20	.
.	24	1/4# Tobacco (.25) 1/2 Smoking Tobacco (.20)	.45	.
Dec	1	1/2# Tea (.75) 10# Sugar (1.40) Lantern ? (.25)	2.40	.
.	11	2 oz. Cochineal*	.30	.
.	24	1 Gal Oil (.50) 1/4 Tobacco (.25) 1/2 Tobacco (.20)	.95	.
.	30	4 Yds. Cotten Flannel	1.00	.
Jan	7	1/2 Pt. Camphor (.50) 1 Lamp Chimney (.10)	.60	.
.	7	1/4 Tobacco (.25) 1 wick (.08)	.33	.
.	16	1/2# Tea (.63) wick (.08) Almanac (.05)	.76	.
.	19	1 Saleratus**	.15	.
.	27	1/4 Tobacco (.35) Plaster (.25)	.60	.
.	27	1 Box Matches (.40) 1/2 Tobacco (.20)	.60	.
Feb	9	3/4 yd Wigam (.18) 3/4 Drill*** (.19) Buttons (.08)	.45	.
.	9	1 Thread (.08) 1/2 Tea (.63) 1/4 Tobacco (.20)	.98	.
.	20	1 Gal Oil (.50) 1 Saleratus (.15)	.65	.
Mch	6	1/2# Tea	.63	.
.	11	1/4# Tobacco	.25
.	20	1 Gal Oil (.50) 1 Saleratus (.15)	.65	.
.	20	5# Sugar	.80	.

April	5	1/4# Tobacco	.35	.
May	5	1# Jap Tea	1.40	.
.	14	1/2# Tobacco	.20	.
.	27	1/4# Tea (.25) 1 Saleratus (.15)	.40	.
.	31	1/4# Tobacco	.25	.
June	9	1/2# Starch (.08) 1/4 Tobacco (.25)	.33	.
.	12	1 Bag Salt (1.10) 1# Tea (1.25)	2.35	.
.	15	7-1/2 Codfish	.75	.
.	16	10# Sugar (1.25) 1/4 Tobacco (.25)	l.50	.
.	25	1 Chimney	.10	.
July	3	5# Sugar (.85) 1 Fruit Jar (.28)	1.05	.
Aug	6	1 Broom (.50) Box Mustard (.15)	.65	.
.	14	1 Bag Salt	.25	25.92
1868	.	CREDIT	.	.
Oct	31	By 90# Beef 8c	7.20	.
May	6	“ 15 Eggs 20c	3.00	10.20
.	.	To bal on a/c	.	15.72
Nov	11	By Butter 66-3/4# 40c	26.70	.
.	11	By 89-1/2 Beef 7 c	6.26****	.
.	.	Cash	________	10.98
.	.	.	26.70	26.70
.	.	.	.	.

* Cochneal is a dye stuff.
** Saleratus was a leavening agent, probably used in baking powder.
*** Drill was a fabric, heavy, something like twill.
**** $6.26 crossed out - extensions confusing.

Notes: Quantities unknown, the prices for matches and salt appear expensive. The purchase of salt in June may have had a two-fold use -- feeding the cattle and home-canning.

The 1870’s decade found John Conklin returning to the A. Lord Company for his general items. The
statement is dated 1871 and starts out with July 15th. Thedollar spent then would be worth $14.97
in 2003, according to Williamson’s chart.

1871

July

15

Pair Boys Shoes l.56 1 oz. Nutmegs .15

1.71

.

Aug

3

Sash Ribbon

2.00

.

Nov

3

Molasses

.45

.

1872

.

.

.

.

Jany

21

1# Saleratus

.12

.

.

24

1/2 Gal K Oil

.18

.

Feb

16

1/2 Gal K. Oil .18, Pt .35

35

.

Mch

8

Yarn .35 Thread .08 Ball Cotton 12

.55

.

.

19

1/2 Gal K. Oil .18 Chimney .10

.28

.

.

23

2 Yds. Ticking .56 Knitting Cott. .12

.68

.

.

23

2-3/4 Yds. Lonsdale Cambric

.77

.

.

23

2 Yds. Calico .25 Pins .10

.35

.

Apr

26

Broom

.38

.

.

.

1/2# Sulphur

.08

.

June

11

4 dpz/ screws

.32

.

.

14

4 Pair Hinges .72 4 doz. screws

1.04

.

.

14

5-1/3 Screws .32 10 doz. Nails .70

1.02

.

20

5-1/3 Doz. Screws .36 1 doz. Nails

1.06

.

.

20

1/4 Tobacco

.25

.

July

4

1 Gal. P. Oil

1.13

.

Aug

2

25 Gal. Lead

3.13

.

Sept

5

Dye Stuffs

.30

.

.

5

Liniment

.40

.

.

5

2 S. S. Jars

.36

.

.

.

.

17.09

17.09

1872

.

.

.

.

Jany

20

By Eggs

.75

Mch

19

By Eggs

1.13

.

.

23

By Chimney returned

.10

1.98

.

.

.

.

15.11

.

.

Rec’d Payment Nov. 7th, 1872 A. E. Lord

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Meanwhile, brother Theodore was dealing with a vendor named Gibbs & Welch. The following statement commenced with a purchased on November 20, 1871. Theodore, as the reader must realize was the younger brother of John Conklin. According to the 1870 Census, Theodore lived over in the Town of Hounsfield in Jefferson County and his brother, John, lived in the Town of Brownville -- probably out toward Perch River. While Gibbs & Welch, it appears, carried general merchandise, it does seem that more clothing items were purchased there. There is a tendency to suspect that the Conklins were switching back and forth between the stores only because their accounts had gotten too far behind. Remember, times in the 1870’s were difficult ones, financially, particularly so for the farmers. Between now and 1876, the farmers found themselves in default of their bills and it was generally known that they were becoming more restless about the declining value of the dollar. This statement period ends September 12, 1874.

Theodore Conklin, TO

Gibbs and Welch, DR

1871

Nov	20	1 pr Drawers 10/	1.25	.
“	20	1 Wrapper 8/	1.00	.
“	20	1 pr Drawers & wrapper 6/	1.50	.
“	20	1 Boys Cap 8/	1.00	.
“	30	5 yds Check .40	2.00	.
“	30	1 pr Mittens 14/	1.75	.
“	30	1 Cap	5.00	.
Dec	16	1/2 yd. Shirting	.20	.
“	29	1 pr Artics	2.50	.
“	29	1 pr Artics (Ladies)	2.00
1872	.	.	.	.
Feb	1	5 yds Callico	.63	.
“	1	spool Th	.05	.
“	22	1 Pr Boots	4.25	.
March	11	1 Pr Shoes	1.00	.
	11	1 Pr. Shoes	.90	.
	11	2-1/4 yds Flannel .55	1.24	.
May	11	10 yds Callico	1.25	.
	13	paper pins	.08	.
	25	2 Bunches yarn	.60	.
June	7	1 Bunch yarn	.30	.
	13	1 pr. Boots	5.00	.
	26	4-1/2 yds Binding	.36	.
Aug	15	13 yds Callico 1/	1.63	.
	15	1 pr Shoes	2.50	.
Sept	13	Box Collars	.35	.
	13	2 Doz Buttons	.25	.
1873	.	.	.	.
Jan	18	1 pr Shoes	1.00	.
July	22	1 gall K Oil	.30	.

July	22	2 fruit Jars	.34	.
“	22	1/4# Turnip Seed	.10	.
	22	1/2# Tobacco	.20	.
“	26	2# Saleratus	.25	.
“	26	paper & Envl	.10	.
“	29	1/2 gal K Oil	.16	.
Aug	12	1 pr Shoes	2.50	.
“	12	Yds. Callico	1.13	.
Sept	4	Fruit Cans	.38	.
“	13	1/2 doz Fruit Cans	1.00	.
Oct	6	1 gall K Oil	.30	.
“	29	1-1/2 yds flannel	.67	.
1874	.	.	.	.
March	5	1 pr Boots	5.00	.
Apr	15	3# putty	.27	.
“	25	6 yds cloth .40	2.40	.
May	25	Bunch Th	.08
“	25	Butter Tub	.50	.
June	2	2 pr Shoes 10/	2.50	.
“	5	Diffon ?	.25	58.82
1874	.	Amt. up	58.82	.
June	10	1 pt. molasses	.12	.
“	10	1# Tea	1.00	.
“	20	10# Sugar	1.10	.
July	4	1/2# Tea	.50	.
“	4	1 qt M Oil	.31	.
“	4	4-1/4# Cod fish	.34	.
“	4	3-1/2 yds Shirting	.70	.
“	13	Box pepper	.15	.
“	16	1# Tea	1.00	.

July	16	1# Saleratus	.12	.
“	16	1/4 gall S Oil	.63	.
“	25	1/4 gall S. Oil	.63	.
“	25	1 oz nut meg	.15	.
“	25	1 Hat	.25	.
Aug	6	box matches	.20	.
“	7	1# Tea	1.00	.
“	17	10# Sugar	1.10	.
Sep	12	2 fruit Cans	.50	68.62
1872		CR	.	.
Nov	21	Cap retd	1.00
1873	.	.	.	.
Sept	13	By Eggs 5-1/2 Doz	.98	.
.	3	Note*	48.54	.
Feb	16	Butter 7/2/16#	2.84	.
1874	.	.	.	.
May	25	By Eggs 6-3/4 Doz.**	.93	.
July	4	By Eggs 8 Doz.	1.12	55.41
.	.	Balance		13.21
.	.	Interest 3 years (crossed out)		2.79
.	.	Balance due (x’d out) (crossed out)		16.00
.	.	Recd Payment	13.21	.
.	.	____?______ Rushman(?____	.	.
.	.	R. W. Murlbun	.	.

*Promissory note -- looks like the interest was waived at some time after the statement was prepared (it was crossed out).

**Interesting that eggs were taken to market in less than full dozen lots. I found myself remembering when my parents took eggs to market or sold them door to door in Watertown. And, I can’t help but recall how stingy my mother was with the eggs served at our meals. We, children, weren’t allowed to have two eggs; only our father could have two eggs. With amusement I thought of how I got more than my share, though. I sat next to a brother who wouldn’t eat the yolk and he always tossed it over onto my plate!

***************************************

Gibbs & Welch kept another account for the Conklins under the name, Conklin Bros. The account ran concurrently with the account listed above for Theodore. The dates ran from Nov. 1871 thru Sept. 1874. The items purchased varied only slightly, whether by differing lifestyle of one of the partners (Frank), or perhaps items new on the market and basic lifestyle changes during the decade. Therefore, the itemized invoice does not appear here. Let me point out what I noticed, though.

Someone in 1872 bought a bushel and a half potatoes for $.75; 2# ginger for $.38; molasses was purchased by the gallon for $1.00; syrup, $1.00 a gallon; raisins were new to the household - 2 lbs. for $.40, with plenty of cinnamon, nutmegs, and sugar to go with it. Cloves came into the culinary scene for these families, as well as sage. Two lbs. of crackers were $.20. The daily carbohydrates were occasionally introduced to the menu by the purchase of 6 lbs. of rice for $.75. Mustard by the can (probably dry mustard) continued to be a staple purchase; but why, defies my imagination - either a lot of mustard pickles or one heck of a lot of mustard poltices!!!!! Tea continued to be the drink of choice and had not gone up in price since the last decade. Fruit jars or cans were purchased in more numerous quantities; so maybe the farm was producing more fruit and for sure the ladies were being kept busy in summer and autumn. At least their stock of fruit jars was increasing.

The ladies of the households continued to flit their needles making bedding and clothing. Sheeting was bought in large quantities (34 yards at a time), batting and flannels purchases suggest they were making quilts. Towelling in the quantity of 6 yards adorned the primitive bath sessions. Eight yards of the favored callico undoubtedly made one of the ladies fit to be a queen, as well as 2 yards of gingham, costing $.28. Exquisite to the sewing room was 4 yards of poplin at the dear price of $.45 a yard. Something described as “C Cotton” was picked up on the same trip - 5 yds. costing $1.25. Hose, combs, and fine combs were found at Gibbs & Welch, too. The talents of someone were put to use by a crochet hook, but I couldn’t determine what type of thread was used, unless one of the spools of thread was a larger quantity than the hunk or bunches of thread usually seen on these invoices!!!! And, as usual, denim at $.28 a yard was probably made into men’s frocks, etc. Flannel continued to be a favorite item.

Shoe laces were purchased 6 pair at a time. On one occasion they were called shoe strings rather than laces. Shoe prices remained the same ($2.50), but the advent of rubbers among their possessions was noted. A bath brick costing $.10 reminded me of one that went for sale in the Conklin Farm auction. Speaking of baths again, this is the first appearance on these invoices of bar soap, of which 2 bars cost $.20.

Office supplies in larger and varied in scope were found on this Conklin Bros. invoice. They got themselves a pen & holder for $.10; a bottle of ink for $.08; a half quire of paper for $.12, plus the usual bunch of envelopes for $.15. Amusingly 2 rolls of paper for $.30 caused me to wonder about the purpose. No further comment!!!! But, stopping to notice the length of this particular invoice (about 30 inches long), it was probably an office supply.

Now.....did the use of tobacco, as evidenced by the invoices of the 1860’s, now become a “no-no” among these Conklin men? Had the ladies won over with their protests (see my Old Letters section - a letter by Dilly), or did they not feel it kosher to have this dastardly item billed to Conklin Brothers? There were no charges for tobacco. Fear not, they guys maybe did get away to fish at the nearby Muscalongue Creek, along about May 23rd when they bought a quantity of fish line for $.15. For $.20 the men now had themselves a sythe stone to keep busy with. A watch key, whatever that is, was brought home for $.05.

One costly item has me perplexed: On March 9 of 1872 the invoice read:

“Bill Goods pr. H. Girl”

The charge for this H. Girl item was $9.26. I suspect this was an ordered item on which Gibbs & Welch were billed separately by their source of supply. Looks like it was definitely a lady’s possession and in today’s dollars would be about $150. Any ideas?

The last item which caught my attention was the purchase of a “wash bowl & pitcher” for $1.00. A popular antique item in 2003, such an article would sell well above the $14.97 it would be worth on Williamson’s Value of the Dollar Chart. A peek into the summary of sales at the Conklin farm auction of 1991, a “wash bowl & pitcher” brought $60.00.

*******************

In March of 1875 the billhead of an invoice to John Conklin showed A. A. Gibbs as the debtor. The 1875 dollar, on Williamson’s chart, converts to $16.67 in 2003.

For the most part the items purchased were pretty ordinary, except the introduction of coffee which retailed at $.40 per lb. The tobacco habit had returned in the form of both chewing tobacco and smoking tobacco @ $1.00 per pound, purchased in 1/4 lb. lots. A pair of shoe rubbers cost $.90, a gallon of molasses was $.80, a quarter of a pound of pepper was $.13. A gallon of oil, presumably oil for machinery was $.20. Rope listed as 1-5/16” was priced at $.29 - possibly the $.22 alongside the entry led me to believe it was sold by the diameter size, but no lineage was evident. Along about May, there were entries for some type of seed, “Pa seeds.” I suppose the most interesting entry on this invoice was that of “1 box Stove Polish” at $.10.

*********************

A. E. Lord held an account for Theodore Conklin, the account out of Brownville, N. Y., dated October 7, 1875. Some of the entries were unidentifiable, such as 1-14/16” Warp for $.75 and Gaiters (definitely not garters) for $3.00 (a boot perhaps). Lard Oil, a file, and a sythe stone were included. Apparel such as stockings at $.60 a pair, caps at $.19, collars and cuffs and cuff buttons, which were $1.50, were frequently purchased. Two instances of over shoes called “Zirtwell” seemed to reflect the name of the manufacturer. Tobacco was again being consumed in the Theodore Conklin household. A gallon of kerosine priced at $.20 a gallon. A January toothache was treated with “Pike’s Toothache” drops.

***********************

The Theodore Conklin household at the end of 1877 through January of 1879, according to my research, consisted of the mother and father and two boys. The mother-in-law was sometimes staying there as evidenced by old letters. The $1.00 in 1879 was tremendously inflated. According to Williamson's chart, $18.34 would be needed in 1879 to match the dollar. It does appear that most of the family’s purchases were made from the A. E. Lord Company of Brownville. The lengthy invoice was on 14-1/2” bi-fold columnar paper and the entries consumed all the space thereon. The purchases from this general store probably represented those of a standard farm household, as the 1870’s decade closed out. Again, rather than type the whole invoice, I shall summarize the purchases and point out those I found a little unusual.

Medicine, tobacco, drawers, crackers, rice, sugar, a broom, and slips were found on the first few entries. Three pounds of oat meal seemed new to the diet at $.08 a lb. March seemed the time to start sewing with “cassimere” (sic), while knitting cotton in balls was on hand for some purpose. March was probably the time to kill the hogs, so perhaps corned beef was made with the salt peter, which cost $.10. April must have brought the flies because a fly blister was purchased for $.10! I couldn’t help but wonder if a bit of wallpapering also took place in April when $.75 was the outlay for a roll of paper and a few days later 17-1/2 yards of bordering was purchased for $.35. More “cassimere” (sic) was on its way into someone’s garment at a price of $1.50. Looks like a reader was purchased for $.63. Personal hygiene may have been the reason for the tweezers which came to $.10.

One huge quantity of sheeting (51-3/4 yd.) amounted to $3.76 on a day in May, accompanied by 11 yds. of a bleached ?, maybe also sheeting, came to $.99. June probably brought on the rhubarb and one wonders if the 4-1/2 lbs. of lard, costing .56, was used to make a delicious crust for pies. To be decked out in overalls for $.50 and a pair of “Ed Southards,” (and we still don’t know what those were) for $l.75, probably made the young men look like clean young farmboys. Cheese was bringing $.09 a lb. on June 26th of 1878. By the end of July there was another pair of Ed Southards in the household. Products like Epson Salts, condition powder, and Sulphur Sal Soda appeared July through September. Cream of Tarter and Sal Niter were purchased in September, along with more fruit jars. October was time to sew again with 2 yards of Drill @ $.15 a yard. Something called “Balance Dyes” resulted in a charge of $.25.

Winter was coming and the men must have been busy with several pounds of nails, glazier’s points, putty and glass. Again the discomforts of the human body may have been relieved by something called “Electric Ointment.” Glauber Salt, used in dyeing or as a cathartic, sold 5 lbs. for $.30 in November of the year. The end of November was time to outfit someone with a pair of rubber boots for $2.75. A little later, December 10, $4.99 was expended on a pair of “Jno Black.” Aren’t we curious as to what they were? In January, 2 pair of shoes were $3.00 and over shoes were $1.00. Another curious item, “Pass Book” was $.10. The invoice ended with a product I wouldn’t have thought available in 1879: Lemon Extract, which cost $.20.

Theodore’s total bill for all these months was $74.44, partially reduced via the sale of eggs and milk throughout 1878.

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The only 1880’s invoice for general store items found in the box was from A. E. Lord, dated 1880-81 issued to J. T. Conklin. It totaled $10.81 and contained little out of the ordinary. A gallon of boiled oil was $.90; lead by the 25 lb. lot was $2.50. Sugar prices hadn’t changed since the 70’s. A drug known as quinine was only $.40, camphor was $.25, and a no-doubt cure-all called Palmers Balsam was $.50. Mr. Conklin paid this small bill with amazing promptness. Finally, in 1880, the inflation was starting to decline a wee bit.

What’s an old tin box, of the kind through which we’ve been exploring , without cancelled deeds, mortgages, insurance policies, etc.....the types of documents which represented life’s struggles and the challenges for betterment done through the safety net of the law. Well, those we found plenty of. Since they offered me a measure of curiosity, I feel justified in transcribing a representative few here. For me, certain of the documents helped me with the why and wherefore of the environs in which I grew up; i.e. how acreage was acquired to form the 194 acre farm where I was born. The terminology in the documents intrigued me. I was awed by the impeccable penmanship of the scrivners of the times. Not always, were the parties mentioned in these documents ones with which I am familiar. For the most part, I could see no connection between the parties mentioned and the Conklin family nor any reason why these papers were domiciled in this tin box. A full-fledged Conklin researcher, of which I am not one, may be able to come up with a reason.

The first document is called an Indenture. Webster’s most apt application is “a formal or official document usually executed in two or more copies.” The paper stock was of rough, heavier than newsprint quality.

Those of you familiar with the land purchases in early Jefferson County, N. Y. will recognize terms such as "the Chassanis line," "Great Lot No. 4 of the Macomb purchase," and the reference to LeRay de Chaumont. The earliest Indenture is one dated January 5, 1836:

THIS INDENTURE made the fifth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six BETWEEN Isaac H. Bronson and Sophronia his wife of Watertown in the County of Jefferson and State of New York of the first part and Jacob Hafford of the same place of the second part, Witnesseth, That the said part(ies) of the first part, for, and in consideration of the SUM of forty five Dollars money of account of the United States to them in hand paid, by the said part(y) of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, HA(ve) granted, bargained, sold, remised, released, aliened and confirmed, and by these presents, DO grant, bargain, sell, remise, release, alien and confirm unto the said part(y) of the second part, and to his heirs and assigns forever, ALL that part or portion of Lot No. 485 of the subdivisions of Great Lot Number 4 of Macombs purchase in the Town of Brownville in the County of Jefferson comprehended within the following boundaries to wit Beginning at a post and stones standing in the Chassanis line distant two chains & 96 links from the West corner of 161.10 acres conveyed by LeRay to Calvin Britton twenty second August 815 & which post is on a course N. 86-1/4 degrees W from said West corner - and running from said “post North 86-1/4 degrees West along the Chassanis line 21 chains 62 links to the centre of the highway and South East corner of 26.84 acres once contracted to Simeon Rouse - Thence along the centre of said road North 20-3/4 degrees East 2 Chains 88 links to an angle - Thence continuing along said centre North 30-1/2 degrees East 14 chains 27 links to a point. Thence South 29 degrees East 20 chains 77 links to the place of beginning containing Sixteen acres and ninety two hundredths of an acre of land, be the same more or less It being the Westerly corner of Eighty four and an half acres contracted by said Bronson to George I. Knight June Second 1834.

TOGETHER with all and singular, the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, and all the estate, right, title and interest, of them the said part(ies) of the first part, of, in, or to, the same, and the reversions and remainders thereof. To Have and to Hold, all and singular, the said premises hereby granted to the said (part(y) of the second part, his heirs and assigns, to the proper use of the said part(y) of the part, his heirs and assigns forever: subject to the conditions and stipulations contained in the Letters Patent whereby the Lands were originally granted. And that they the said part(ies) of the first part, do hereby, for themselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators, covenant with the said part(y) of the second part, his heirs and assigns, that they the said part(ies) of the first part, immediately before the ensealing and delivery hereof, were seized of the said premises of an estate in fee simple therein: Also, that they have power to sell and convey the same, as hereby intended: Also, that the said part(y) of the second part, his heirs and assigns, shall quietly and peaceably hold and enjoy the same: also that the same is free from incumbrances.

And they the said part(ies) of the first part, and their heirs, the said premises to the said part(y) of the second part, and his heirs, against all persons, do and will Warrant and Defend forever, by these Presents.

In Witness Whereof, the said part(ies) of the first part(y) have here unto set their hand(s) and seal(s) the day and year first above written.

Signed: Isaac H. Bronson
S. Bronson

State of New York
Jefferson County On this 6th day of January 1836 personally appeared before me Isaac H. Bronson and Sophronia his wife who are known to me to be the same persons described in and who executed the within conveyance; and they acknowledged that they had severally executed the same; and the said Sophronia on a private examination apart from her husband acknowledged that she executed the said conveyance freely and without any fear or compulsion of her husband.

Signed: P. G. Keyes (Court) of Deeds

Beside each name was a strange-looking seal. Some believe it was a wax seal. Here’s what it looked like to me: Two blood-stained index fingerprints, each with a diamond shaped piece of tissue or vellum placed over them, as if to protect them from blotting onto parts of the document should they not dry before the document was folded. I don’t believe it was wax. Whatever the case, it laid around in this old tin box for a 169 years and here I am caressing it as if it would emit magic.

Perhaps after the mortgage was paid up and the Deed officially transferred on January 13, 1846, the usual formalities are written on it: “Isaac H. Bronson and Sophronia his wife to Jacob Hafford. Deed Clerk’s Office, Jefferson County Recorded January 13, 1846, at 11-1/2 h. a.m. in book No. 80 of deeds page 94 (?)C. D. Hoard, Clerk.” The name, Henry Hafford, was written in pencil also in this area.

In pencil is “Fees $0.75 paid by Mr. Knight.” This deed cleared the Clerk’s Office on January 13, 1846. Did it take tens years to pay the $45 mortgage?

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The next indenture was dated March 16, 1837. The form used was on rough, heavy 14" x 17" paper, printed locally and the printer’s insignia appears on the top left. It read: “Job Printing, with despatch, &c by Knowlton & Rice, Watertown, N. Y. Opposite the Bank.”

THIS INDENTURE, made the Sixteenth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven Between Polly Kanady, Wm. S. Kanady, S. Acker, Executors of the Estate of the late J. C. Kanady, decd. of the first part, and Jacob Hafford of Brownville, Jefferson County, New York of the second part, WITNESSETH, That the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of One Hundred Thirty-four & 3/100 dollars, lawful money of the United States of America, paid to them by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, HAVE granted, bargained, sold, released and confirmed, and by these Presents, DO grant, bargain, sell, release, and confirm, to the said party of the second part, his Heirs and Assigns, ALL that certain piece of Land in the Town of Brownville (aforesaid, in pencil), County of Jefferson & State of New York, aforesaid and is part of Lot Number Four Hundred eighty five of the Subdivisions of Great Lot No. 4 of Macomb purchase & Bounded as follows viz Beginning in the Chassanis line at a point in the center of a road 38 links S 86 degrees ??? (on fold) E from a line of stone and stones set in the ground Viz 27 chains 28 links Westerly from the corner of the 34.35 West Ranges of Beaverlaine Vruns (?) thence along the Chassanis line North seventeen chains fifty links to a hemlock - Easterly from a large maple tree; thence East from a post & stones thence along said Stake 16 links north from a beech tree; Thence East twenty chains fifty links to a hub in the centre of the aforesaid road 38 links East from a post & stones thence along said road S 30-1/2 degrees W. eighteen chains eight links. Thence S 20-3/4 degrees W. two chains eighty eight links to the place of Beginning Containing Forty six acres & Eighty four hundredths of an acre as the same is described in a deed from LeRay de Chaumont to the late S. C. Kanady decd dated 12 March 1833.

Together with the hereditaments and appurtenances, and all the estate, right, title and interest, of them the said part(ies) of the first part, of, in, or to, the same, and the reversions and remainders thereof. To Have and to Hold, all and singular, the said premises hereby granted to the said (part(y) of the second part, his heirs and assigns, to the proper use of the said part(y) of the part, his heirs and assigns forever: subject to the conditions and stipulations contained in the Letters Patent whereby the Lands were originally granted. And that they the said part(ies) of the first part, do hereby, for themselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators, covenant with the said part(y) of the second part, his heirs and assigns, that they the said part(ies) of the first part, immediately before the ensealing and delivery hereof, were seized of the said premises of an estate in fee simple therein: Also, that they have power to sell and convey the same, as hereby intended: Also, that the said part(y) of the second part, his heirs and assigns, shall quietly and peaceably hold and enjoy the same: also that the same is free from incumbrances.

And they the said part(ies) of the first part, and their heirs, the said premises to the said part(y) of the second part, and his heirs, against all persons, do and will Warrant and Defend forever, by these Presents.

In Witness Whereof, the said part(ies) of the first part(y) have here unto set their hand(s) and seal(s) the day and year first above written.

Signed: Polly Kanady
Wm. Sidney Kanady
Samuel Acker

State of New York
Jefferson County, New York
Personally appeared before me this 16 day of March 1837 Polly Kannady, William Sidney Kanady, and Samuel Acker, Known to me to be the persons described in (as grantors) and who executed the within and they severally acknowledged that they executed the same as Executors of Samuel C. Kanady Deceased, for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.

J. Macomber, Judge

The above document executed in the 1837 is so old that it has now broken in quarters. Some of the words along the crease were indistinguishable. The blood-stained, vellum covered seal was also used on the Kanady-Acker document.

The Town of Brownville, we believe, is where the Conklin family settled when they arrived in Jefferson County from Herkimer County circa 1820. The following INDENTURE mentions both E. (Ezekiel) Conklin and his son, Peter Conklin. Most likely this parcel was near Perch River. This Indenture was executed March 23, 1852 between Alanson Skinner and Jacob T. Hafford and Henry Hafford:

THIS INDENTURE, made the (Twenty-third) day of (March) in the year one thousand eight hundred and (fifty-two) BETWEEN (Alanson Skinner of Brownville in the County of Jefferson and State of New York) of the first part, and (Jacob T. Hafford and Henry Hafford of said Brownville) of the second part, WITNESSETH, That the said part(y) of the first part, in consideration of the sum of (Four Hundred and Sixty Dollars and ninety one cents) Dollars, (crossed out), lawful money of the Unites States of America, paid to (him) by the said part(ies) of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, HA(s) granted, bargained, sold, released and confirmed and by these presents DO(es) grant, bargain, sell release, and confirm to the said part(ies) the second part, (their) heirs and assigns, ALL that certain piece of Land situated in the Town of Brownville aforesaid and is part of Great Lot Number four of Macombs purchase and bounded as follows viz; Beginning at the South West corner of 26-84/100 acres deeded to S. G. Kanady on the 12 of March 1833 a beach post seven links Northeasterly from a Maple Stump covered (?), Thence along the South bounds of said Great Lot Number Four North eighty six and one fourth degrees West twenty seven chains sixty two links to a hemlock post and stones, Thence North thirty six degrees East twenty seven chains sixty nine links to an ironwood post along the same South East line of the same North thirty six degrees East four chains, ninety two links to the most Westerly corner of 10-30/100 acres surveyed for Peter Conklin and conveyed to I. H. Bronson. Thence along said 10-30/100 acres South fifty four degrees East five chains Seventy nine to a beach post on the West line of 12-51/100 acres deeded to said Bronson. Thence along the same and along said 26-84/100 acres South twenty one chains Seventy Seven links to the place of beginning containing forty six 11/100 acres as surveyed on the 2nd July 1837 by Alexander Bronson.

The usual format was followed at Alanson Skinner’s signature and the waxy looking seal was included. On the outside of the folded document was the notarization done by the Justice of the Peace, whose name looked like Dewitt Priest. The mortgage ($460.90) was paid up on September 8, 1857, recorded in Book 16, p. 253, by Jno. S. Marsh, Clerk.

The next document, chronologically, was another Indenture, defined as a Deed of Warranty on the outside sleeve. Its date was May 2, 1854 and involved a parcel of land purchased by Daniel Conklin from Frederick M. Livermore and Mary Livermore. This document is of particular interest to yours truly as the parcel became known as Parcel No. 2 of the Conklin farm which was split up among us children in 1991. I believe a portion of my acreage was from this purchase:

THIS INDENTURE made the Second day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty- (four) BETWEEN Frederick M. Livermore & Mary, his wife of Hounsfield, County of Jefferson, N. Y. of the first part, and Daniel Conklin of the same place of the second part Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Seven hundred & fifty Dollars, lawful money of the United State of America, paid to (them) by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, Ha(th) granted, bargained, sold, released and confirmed, and by these presents Do(th) grant, bargain, sell, release and confirm, to the said party of the second part, (his) heirs and assigns, ALL that certain piece or parcel of land situated lying and being in the Town of Hounsfield, County & State aforesaid being part of great Lot No. 32 Beginning at the Northwest corner of land deeded to Jessie Benjamin by A. Champion the 10th day of June 1828 running thence North 89 degrees East, (1 chains 20 links to a stake & stones. Thence North 8 degrees East, 20 chains & 50 links to the center of the old Road leading from Brownville to Sackets Harbor. Thence along the same South 60 degrees W 25 chains 75 links to the center of Jesse Benjamin’s Road 25. Thence along the last mentioned road South 10 degrees W. 8 chains 12 links to the place of Beginning containing Twenty Nine acres and three Roods (sic), & Thirty Two perches of land be the same more or less.

Page 2 - the usual form followed......Together with the hereditments and appurtenances......
............................... (see above)

The signatures on the above document read: “F. M. Livermore, Mary A. Livermore.” The same type seal explained above appeared beside each signature. A notary by the name of H. B. Hayes (Justice of the Peace) witnessed these signatures. The $750 mortgage was paid up and the deed recorded on July 3, 1856 at 4 h. P.M. in Book No. 127, pp 341-?. Jno. S. Marsh was the County Clerk.

In 1863, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hafford sold property in the Town of Brownville to John and Sarah Conklin. This is the same property which was transferred by the Kanady estate to Jacob Hafford, etc. It is now a very lengthy document and for brevity’s sake, it will not be repeated here. One bit of information of genealogical value was the date of S. C. Kanady’s death: March 12, 1833. Also, at the time the transaction took place, Henry and Elmerva Hafford were living in the Town of Alexandria, Jefferson County, N. Y. The notary was W. H. Browne. The transaction cleared the Court Records 2 months later or December 5, 1863 at 6 o’clock P.M. in Liber 154, p. 396, by D. Wilder, Clerk. Note the 6 o’clock p.m. posting time. Did these Clerks work that late? That date fell on a Saturday. Those mysterious wax seals were no longer being used in 1863. There are two plain, green seals pasted beside each of the Hafford signatures. Alongside Mr. Browne’s signature as notary is a very large, orange, $2 mortgage stamp.

The Haffords held a mortgage on another part of the original Hafford property which I believe was situated outside Brownville. A mortgage, dated March 1, 1864, was issued to a Royal Wilcox of Watertown. The mortgage was in the amount of $500. Before the mortgage was paid off, Royal Wilcox died. On the back of the mortgage I found a statement dated March 23, 1869, from Amos R. Wilcox, certifying that the mortgage was fully paid. Since this document speaks to a foreclosure situation and might be of interest to someone, I shall reproduce it here:

THIS INDENTURE made this first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four BETWEEN Elmerva Cordelia Hafford of the Town of Alexandria, Jefferson County, New York and Henry Hafford her husband of the first part, and Royal Wilcox of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York of the second part, Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part in consideration of the sum of Five Hundred dollars have sold, and BY THESE PRESENTS doth grant and convey to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns, ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the town of Brownville aforesaid which was contracted by Leray De Chaumont, Trustee to Simeon Rouse on 30 July 1832 and is part of lots No. 477 and 485 of great lot No. 4 of Macomb’s purchase and is bounded as follows Viz: Beginning in the Chassiness (sic) Line at the west corner of 161-10/100 acres formerly conveyed by Leray to Calvin Brittan a cedar post and stones marked C. B. S. R. and runs thence along the Chassiness line N 86-1/4 degrees W. 24 chs 58 links to a point in the centre of the road thence along the centre of said road N. 20-3/4 degrees east 2 chains 88 links east from a lime stone and stones in the ground. Thence North 30 degrees East 18 chains 85 links to a Basswood tree cornered and marked S. R. G. M. in the South west line of land 19 chains 58 links to a lime stone set in the ground in the Northwest line of said C. Brittans land thence along said line South 34 degrees 40 degrees west 5 chains 85 links to a stake and stones in the south corner of Lot. No. 477. Thence south 36-1/4 degrees west 24 chains 63 links to the place of beginning containing 84.50/100 acres Excepting and reserving therefrom however 16-92/100 acres which was conveyed by Bronson and wife to Jacob Hafford by deed dated January 5th 1836 to which deed refference (sic) is hereby made--Also Abra Strong of Brownville at a public sale at a Mortgage Foreclosure against George J. Knight and conveyed by said Strong to the party of the first part by deed ? the 14th day of May 1846. To which deed of conveyance refferance (sic) hereby had if necessary. The premises above described and the same premises which was conveyed by Daniel Bennet and wife to the party of the first part by there (sic) presents by deed dated 24 July 1847 and recorded in the office of the clerk of Jefferson County Aug. 2, 1847, Book 85 deeds, page 46 &c.

THIS GRANT is intended as a security for payment of the sum of Five Hundred dollars to be paid two years from date with Lawful and anual (sic) interest to be paid thereon according to the condition of a BOND this day executed and delivered by the said Elmerva Cordelia Hafford to the said party of the second part: and this conveyance shall be void if such payment be made as herein specified. And in case default shall be made in the payment of the principal sum hereby intended to be secured, or in the payment of the interest thereof, or any part of such principal or interest, as above provided, it shall be lawful for the party of the second part, (his) Executors, Administrators or Assigns, at any time thereafter, to sell the premise hereby granted, or any part thereof, in the manner prescribed by law, and out of all the moneys arising from such sale to retain the amount then due for principal and interest, together with the costs and charges of making each sale, and the overplus, if any there be, shall be paid by the party making such sale, on demand to the said Elmerva C. Hafford and Henry Hafford to (their) heirs or assigns.

Alongside Henry Hafford’s signature is a piece of pink, embossed paper; Elmerva’s, a bright green piece of embossed paper. Except for the difference in width, they remind me of wallpaper border. It was possibly sold by the roll. Also, pasted on the document was a United States Inter. Revenue stamp, 30-cent denomination, “INLd Exchange” and in ink, HHECH March 2, 1864. The notary was J. F. Reynolds, Justice of Peace. The mortgage was registered on 2 March 1864, Liber 78 of Mortgages, at page 480 &c. A. J. Shelley Dep. Clerk. The mortgage was discharged via record on April 6, 1869, N. D. Gerryman (?), Clerk.

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Another add-on (Parcel 3) to the Conklin farm is represented by a purchase of 24.56 acres from Anson J. Benjamin by Daniel Conklin on March 18, 1864. Price: $784. This land is most likely that on the extreme southwest end of the Conklin farm (across the road from the house). That Indenture follows:

THIS INDENTURE Made this Eighteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four BETWEEN Anson J. Benjamin of Hounsfield, Jefferson County New York of the first part, and Daniel Conklin of the second part, WITNESSETH That the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Seven Hundred & Eighty four to him duly paid has sold, and By These Presents does grant and convey to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns, All that Tract or Parcel of Land situate in the Town of Hounsfield, aforesaid, described as follows Viz Being part of Great Lot No. 32, Beginning at a point in the centre of the Road leading from Brownville to Sacketts Harbor, where the westerly line of land formerly owned by Wm. M. Lord intersects said Road and running thence along the centre of said Road S 60 degrees West 14 ch. 57 lks to a point in the centre of said Road bearing S 10 degrees W 50 liks from a stake and stones. Thence North 10 degrees $. 25 chs. 50 lks. to a stake. Thence S 80 degrees, 11 chs. 53 lks, to a stake in the East line of Great Lot No. 32. Thence along said line of Great Lot No. 32 S 10 degrees W 16 chs. 95 lks. to the place of beginning containing Twenty four and forty six one hundredths acres of land as surveyed by W. Little be the same more or less. Always excepting and reserving a free and full right of way of one rod wide across the westerly side of the above described premises from the Brownville Road to F. D. Livermore’s lot, anything hereinafter contained to the contrary in any ? (not legible) notwithstanding. Subject however to a certain indenture of mortgage to the Town of Hounsfield given to secure the payment of the sum of three hundred dollars & which said mortgage said Daniel Connklin assumes and is to pay.

(the same format as seen in previous Indentures followed).................

Signatures here (see remarks below)

(

The signature of Anson D. Benjamin preceded a red seal which was pasted on. The signature of Mr. Benjamin was witnessed by Justice of the Peace William Lord, Jr. This deed, according to the front panel of the document, was recorded on the 21st day of March, 1864, in Liber 157, p 26, by D. Wilder, Clerk. Price for such posting was 80 cents. The revenue stamp appeared on the front of the Deed, “ALB March 18, 1864,” the denomination of which was $4.

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The next two documents were drawn up on the same day, September 18, 1866. I’m not certain of what they represent, but it appears that John Conklin purchased property in the Village of Dexter in Jefferson County (NY) from Frederick Bennett, his wife and Sophia H. Whitier. Then, Conklin turned around and leased a farm to the same parties. More comments about this lease later. The Warranty Deed which follows is in the same format as those shown earlier and the forms were printed in Watertown by Little & Hanford, Booksellers, &c.

THIS INDENTURE, Made this Eighteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six BETWEEN Frederick Bennett & Marth M. his Wife and Sophia H. Whitier of the Town of Brownville County of Jefferson and State of New York of the first part, and John T. Conklin of the same place WITNESSETH That the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Seven hundred dollars to them duly paid, have sold, and By these Presents do grant and convey to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, All that Tract or Parcel of Land situate in the Village of Dexter in the County of Jefferson and State of N. Y. contained in lot numbers Fourteen (14) on Silu and River Street, also all of lot number Twelve (12) on Silu Street as laid down on the original Map of the Village of Dexter in said county drawn by William Stocton. Which said Map is recorded in the Clerks Office of Jefferson County in Book M 3rd of Deeds page 190 &c. Said Lot No. 14 was conveyed by Henry Crawford and wife to Josiah A. McWayne by Deed dated April 2nd, 1858 and recorded in the Clerks Office of Jeferson (sic) County the 21st day of August 1858 in Book Mc 136 of deeds page 154 &c. And also said lot No. 12 was conveyed by Thomas H. McGhe (?) to the said Josiah A. McWayne by Deed dated June 1858 and recorded in the clerks Office of Jefferson County the 24th day of August 1858 in Libre 156 of deeds at page 174 &c.

(the same format as seen in previous Indentures followed).................

Signatures here (see remarks below)

The revenue stamp on the previous document was red, dated same as the document, and was of $1 denomination. The signature section reflects the spelling, Frederick, with the middle initial. There are three deep yellow paper diamonds pasted beside the names. The notary was again a Justice of the Peace, John B. Kimball.

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The land which John Conklin purchased above, apparently was sold by the Bennetts, who then leased a farm from John Conklin -- a farm whose only description, being land purchased by John Conklin from his father, Daniel Conklin, in 1860. The Lease was executed the same day (18 Sept 1866) as the deed transfer above. A copy of the Lease found in the tin box contained a small statement in parenthesis that it was a “copy - Fifty cent Revenue Stamped on the original canceled.” The copy was handwritten on lined paper which had a tiny embossment in the left hand, upper corner which read, “E. H. Owen.” It is a tough contract. Enlightening, to say the least. Can you believe the tenant was responsible for paying the taxes? The terminology for the taxes paid was “Highway & School Taxes.” In 2004, a landowner in Jefferson County, N. Y. pays “School and County Taxes.” I wonder when the system changed to “School and County” taxes?

It’s hard for me to imagine a “highway” tax on the dirt roads that I remember passing through the Conklin property when I was a child in the 1940’s. Read for yourself the demands placed on a tenant in the 1860’s:

A Lease made an executed Between John T. Conklin of Brownville Jefferson County, N. Y. of the first part. And Friederick (sic) Bennett of same place of the second part this 18th day of Sept 1866 In consideration of the rent and covenant hereinafter expressed the said party of the first part has demised and leased and does hereby demise & lease to the said party of the second part the following described premises Viz Being about sixty four acres of land situate and ajoining (sic) on the E. Side of the land this day deeded by said party of the first part to the party of the second part the same purchased of Daniel Conklin in 1860. Together with ten cows one bay horse, one Plow one Drag and one Roller one milk can one turning mill to be used on the farm, can to be used to draw the milk only, with the appurtenances. For and during the term of four years from the first day of March 1867 which term will end the first day of March 1869 and to give said Bennett the first privilege to re lease said place along said term. And the said party of the second part covenant that he will pay to the party of the first part for the use of said premises cows horse & Tools the annual amount of three hundred dollars to be paid on the first day of Nov of each year and the said Conklin agrees to receive of the said Bennett any sum not less than one hundred dollars on said rent previous to the time above mentioned during said term and shall not pasture the orchard during said term and shall cut no standing timber during said term and shall put rotten manure around each apple tree in the orchard in the Fall of each year during said term in a good workmanlike manner And all the manure made from the ten cows & a span of horses when kept on the place shall be drawn out and spread upon the land of the said 64 acres under the direction of the party of the first part and shall not pasture the meadows in the Spring or in the Fall when soft & wet and at no time later than the first day of Nov during said term. And to pay the Highway & School Taxes aforesaid upon said premises during said term. And it is hereby agreed that the said party of the first part shall have a lien as security for the payment of said rent aforesaid upon all the goods wares chattles (sic) implements fixtures tools and other personal property which are or may be put on said place and such lien may be enforce (sic) upon the nonpayment of the rent as aforesaid by selling such property in the same manner as in case of chattel mortgages on default thereof. the said sale to be made upon six days notice posted upon the said premises and served upon the party of the second part. And provided said party of the second part shall fail to pay said rent or any part thereof when it becomes due it is agreed that said party of the first part may sue for the sum or re nter (sic) said premises or resort to any legal remedy. And it (is) further agreed and understood between the parties that the said Conklin is to winter through said cows in the Spring of 1867 and the said Bennett is to winter the said cows through in the Spring of 1869. And at the end of said term shall deliver up the said premises together with the ten cows horse and tools in as good condition as reasonable use thereof will permit damages by the Elements excepted.

In Witness Whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year first above writen (sic)

John T. Conklin
Frederick . Bennett

The dates in the above lease, March 1st and November 1st, brought to mind my schooldays at Sackets Harbor. Along about these days, our class acquired several new students. These new students were generally the children of tenant farmers who worked the many farms in our district. Sometimes these children would stay with us a year, sometimes only six months. Apparently, these dates for new lease arrangements reached back early in time. It all makes sense that after a tough winter in the north country, March was a time for renewal and at the same time a release from bad lease arrangements. By November, after a summer of hardwork, both landlord and tenant made another assessment. The landlords could take advantage when "the work's all done this Fall" (a sad, folk song)... and sometimes make ruthless decisions. And, I suppose, tenant farmers, especially, didn't look forward to the rugged, "little income" winters facing them. These weren't good situations and the tenants were constantly looking for "greener pastures!" At any rate, it was nice to know the new students who came to us and I enjoy moments of remembering them after 55-60 years. Sometimes my memory is jogged when I notice their names in the class lists presented on this website.

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One of the Conklin brothers, Theodore (and his wife, Laura) added more land to the Conklin farm on November 1, 1873.

THIS INDENTURE, Made this first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three BETWEEN Franklin L. Conklin and Eva J. Conklin his wife of the Town of Hounsfield Jefferson County and State of New York of the first part and Theodore C. Conklin of the same place of the second part, WITNESSETH, That the said parties of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Two thousand and five hundred and fifty-two an 50/100 Dollars to them duly paid, have sold, and BY These Presents do grant and convey to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns, All that tract or parcel of land situation in the Town of Hounsfield Jefferson County and State of New York to wit Being part of Lot No. 31 of Great Lot No. 4 of Macombs purchase and is bounded as follows Viz Beginning at a point in the centre of the old road leading from Brownville to Sacketss Harbor where the line divides Not. No. 27 from Lot No. 31 and runs Thence in the center of the said road South 61 degrees West 34 chains 60 links to a point in the centre of said road. Thence North 11-1/2 degrees E 30 chains and 4 links to a basswood tree cornered Thence South 80 degrees East 26 chains 34 links to the westerly line of Lot No. 27. Thence on said line south 10 degrees West 8 chains 76 links to the place of Beginning containing fifty-one acres and 5/100 acres of land as surveyed by Joel Woodworth, August 29, 1856.

Being the same premises described in a deed dated November 17th, 1872, made and executed by Andrew S. Conklin and wife and John T. Conklin and wife, Theodore C. Conklin and Franklin L. Conklin and recorded in Jefferson County Clerks Office in Liber 154 of deeds page 349 Nov. 3rd, 1872 and in the same premises conveyed by the said Theodore C. Conklin and wife to the said Franklin L. Conklin by deed dated April 9th, 1873.

Note: Notarization done by J. A. McWayne, Notary Public. Green seals were pasted to the right of each of the signatures.

************************

The following document was called a BOND. It was dated November 1st 1874, although the text within the Bond indicates it was executed November 1st. 1873. Parties of the contract were Theodore C. Conklin to Farlin Ball. The to right of Theodore C. Conklin’s signature (above) a red paste-on appeared.

John Conklin ended up making the final payment to Mr. Farlin Ball on March 13, 1891, as evidenced by a note on the document:

“Received payment in full this date on the within Bond by John Conklin amount $169.47 March 13th 1891 Farlin Ball”

Know all Men by these Presents, That I Theodore C. Conklin of the town of Hounsfield Jefferson County and State of New York am held and firmly bound unto Farlin Ball of the town of Brownville County and State aforesaid in the sum of Two Thousand and five hundred and fifty two dollars and fifty cents to be paid to the said Farlin Ball or to his certain Attorney, Executors, Administrators or Assigns, for the which payment well and truly to be made I bind myself and my Heirs, Executors and Administrators firmly by these Presents. Sealed with my Seal Dated the First day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy three.

The Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above bounden Theodore C. Conklin his Heirs, Executors and Administrators, or any of them, shall and do well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the above mentioned Farlin Ball or to his certain Attorney, Executors, Administrators or Assigns, the just and full sum of Two Thousand and five hundred and fifty-two dollars and fifty cents to be paid in twelve years from this date with anual (sic) interest with the right and privilege of paying as much as he chooses at any time when a payment of interest is due and in sums of fifty dollars or more at any other time.

(only other full page of this prepared form appeared to be incoherently placed, regarded insurance, and was left unexecuted).......

and shall keep the buildings erected, or to be erected on the premises described in a certain mortgage executed by the said Theodore C. Conklin and bearing even date herewith, and being collateral hereto, insured in some solvent incorporated insurance company of the State of New York, against loss or damage by fire to an amount not less then (blank) dollars; and shall assign the policy to be taken for such insurance to the obligee herein, or (blank) assigns, as collateral security hereto, without any fraud or other delay, then this obligation to be void, or else to remain in full force and virtue.

And it is hereby further provided that in case the insurance above mentioned shall not be effected or continued in the manner above provided, that then the said obligee (blank) executors, administrators or assigns, may effect or continue such insurance in the name of the said obligor or otherwise, and the premiums paid therefor shall e charged as part of the principal sum hereby secured to be paid.

And it is hereby further provided, that in case any installment of principal or any part thereof, or any interest moneys, or any part thereof, hereby secured to be paid, shall remain due and unpaid for the space of Sixty days after the same shall, by the terms hereof, become due and payable, that then and in that case the whole principal sum hereby secured to be paid, together with the interest thereon, shall (at the option of the said obligee his executors, administrators or assigns), become due and payable forthwith, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

SEALED AND DELIVERED IN
THE PRESENCE OF

Signed: Theodore C. Conklin

THIS INDENTURE, Made this First day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy three, BETWEEN Theodore C. Conklin and LAURA CONKLIN his wife of the town of Hounsfield Jefferson County and State of New York of the first part, and Farlin Ball of the town of Brownville County and State aforesaid of the second part Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Two thousand five Hundred and fifty two Dollars, and fifty cents being for the purchase money of the first described piece of land they have sold, and By these Presents do grant and convey to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, All that Tract or Parcel of Land situate in the town of Hounsfield Jefferson County and State of New York to wit Being part of Lot No. 31 of Great Lot No. 4 of McCombs purchase and is bounded as follows VIZ Beginning at a point in the center of the old road leading from Brownville to Sacketts Harbor where the line divides Lot No. 27 from Lot No. 31 and from Thence in the Centre of the said road South 61 degrees West 34 chains 60 links to a point in the center of said road Thence North 11-1/2 degrees East 30 chains and 4 links to a basswood tree cornered Thence South 80 degrees East 26 chains 34 links to the westerly line of Lot No. 27. Thence on a said line south 10 degrees West 8 chains 76 links to the place of beginning containing fifty one & 5/100 acres of land as surveyed by Joel Woodworth August 29th 1856 Being the same premises described in a deed dated November 19th 1872 made and executed by Andrew S. Conklin and his wife and John T. Conklin and his wife to Theodore C. Conklin and Franklin L. Conklin and recorded in Jefferson County Clks Office in Liber 194 (or 174?) of Deeds page 349 Nov. 23rd 1872. Also all that other piece or parcel of land situate in said town of Hounsfield described as follows VIZ Being part of Great Lot No. 32 Beginning at a post in the centre of the road leading from Brownville to Sacketts Harbor where the westerly line of land formerly owned (by) Wm. H. Lord intersects said Road and coming thence along the centre of said Road S 60 degrees West 14 chains 51 links to a post in the centre of said Road bearing S 10 degrees W 50 links from a stake and stones Thence North 10 degrees E 25 chains 50 links to a stake Thence S 80 degrees 11 chains 53 links to a stake in the east line of Great Lot No. 32 Thence along said line of Great Lot No. 32 South 10 degrees W 16 chains 95 links to the place of Beginning containing Seventy four 46/100 acres of land as surveyed by W. Lyttle.

The first described piece of land being the same conveyed to the said Theodore C. Conklin by Deed made and executed this day by Franklin L. Conklin and Eva, his wife, the same being paid for by Farlin Ball and this mortgage is given to secure said Farlin Ball for paying said Franklin L. Conklin & wife for the same.

This Grant is intended as a security for the payment of the sum of Two Thousand and five Hundred and fifty two Dollars and fifty cents to be paid in twelve years from this date with anual (sic) interest with the right and privilege of paying as much as they choose at any time when a payment of interest is due and in sums of fifty Dollars or more at any other time according to the condition of a Bond this day executed and delivered by the said Theodore C. Conklin to the said party of the second part; and this conveyance shall be void if such payment be made as herein specified. And in case default shall be made in the payment of the principal sum hereby intended to be secured, or in the payment of the interest thereof, or any part of such principal or interest, as above provided, it shall e lawful for the party of the second part his Executors, Administrators or Assigns, at any time thereafter, to sell the premises hereby granted, or any part thereof, in the manner prescribed by law, and out of all the moneys arising from such sale to retain the amount then due for principal and interest, together with the costs and charges of making such sale, and the overplus if any there be, shall be paid by the party making such sale, on demand, to the said party of the first part their heirs or assigns.

And it is hereby expressly agreed, That should any default be made in the payment of the said interest, or of any part thereof, on any day whereon the same is made payable as above expressed, and should the same remain unpaid and in arrears for the space of Sixty days, then and from thenceforth, that is to say, after the lapse of the said Sixty days, the aforesaid principal sum of Two thousand five hundred & fifty two & 50/100 dollars with all arrearage of interest thereon, shall, at the option of said party of the second part, his executors, administrators or assigns, become and be due and payable immediately thereafter, although the period above limited for the payment thereof may not then have expired, anything hereinbefore continued to the contrary thereof in anywise notwithstanding.

In Witness Whereof, The partite of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

Sealed and Delivered in Presence of

Signed: Theodore C. Conklin
Laura Conklin

The above “Mortgage-Interest Clause” for mortgage held by Farlin Ball had the following information on the folded document:

Theodore C. Conklin & wife
To Farlin Ball

“Jefferson County, ss. Recorded on the 18th day of March 1874 at 11 o’clock A.M., in Liber 103 of Mortgages at page 547 and examined. Geo. Cole, Dep. Clerk $1.25

A Schedule of Payments recorded by Mr. Ball on the back of this document read:

April 25, 1881 Recieved (sic) of John Conklin** on this Mortgage $775.13 which leaves but Three Thousand unpaid with interest from April 1, 1882 and receipt given for the same. Signed: Farlin Ball.

Oct 21/82 Recieved (sic) Seven hundred dollars $700.00.

Jan 6/82 Recieved (sic) four hundred and fifty dollars $400.00* (sic)

April 21, 1883 Recieved (sic) one hundred and twenty three Dollars $123.00

Dec 6/83 Recieved three hundred and seventy dollars $370.00

Mar 22/84 Recieved (sic) Five Hundred and twenty Dollars ($520.00

April 3/84 Recieved (sic) one Hundred Dollars $100.

Sep 19, 1884 Recieved (sic) Three Hundred Dollars $300.

Feb 12/86 Recieved (sic) Four Hundred Dollars $400.00

*Error between text amounts and numerical amounts - interesting.

**Notice John Conklin’s name as the payor here. Was he acting on behalf of the Conklin Brothers?

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As mentioned earlier a few of the documents found in this tin box seemed irrelevant to the Conklin financial landscape. Below I will reproduce a pair of documents, 1) an Assignment of Mortgage-Power of Attorney which dated back to the 2nd of January of 1856 and, 2) a Discharge of Mortgage which was dated 22 April 1882. These transactions involved Hiram Slater and his wife, Lucy, Wm. E. Tyler, and Farlin Ball, whose held the mortgage on property purchased by Theodore Conklin and his wife, Laura. I don’t understand what went on here, but I feel certain these negotiations formulated the ultimate ownership of land that yours truly and her husband now own -- a portion of land formerly the Conklin farm in the Town of Hounsfield.

Let me interject the only knowledge I have of the names involved here:

Hiram Slater was undoubtedly the son of Joseph Slater who lived immediately east of the Conklin farm -- I believe Hiram’s mother to have been Sarah Slater, who lived to be very old and was a good neighbor to the Conklins. I don’t understand Hiram’s connection to this land, as early as 1856, because in the 1860 Census he was living in the Town of Rodman; in 1870, he was again in the Town of Hounsfield. The Slater home must have included land on each side of the road and it appears the land purchased by Franklin Conklin under mortgage held by his father-in-law, Farlin Ball, was on only one side -- opposite the Slater home. Curiously, the cellar to the Slater home can still be found. As a child, I enjoyed going there to pick lilacs and wild pink roses.

Franklin Conklin who borrowed money from his father-in-law, Farlin Ball, was married to Mr. Ball’s daughter, Eva, about 1874. According to my records, Franklin Conklin, died in 1889 at the age of 42. My grandmother wrote that Franklin hadn’t remained in the Conklin Brothers partnership long before he sold out and went to Pillar Point in Jefferson County, N. Y.

With the Slater transaction, can we assume that Farlin Ball became the owner of part of the Slater property, perhaps via default of mortgage, or otherwise.

Following are the two documents about which I’m perplexed. The first is an Assignment of Mortgage, dated January 2, 1856, signed by W. Waddingham, Clerk, on June 24, 1882. The second is a Discharge of Mortgage issued to Hiram Slater, dated June 24, 1882, signed by H. Hareford, Clerk, also on June 24, 1882. Farlin Ball is listed as a party on both contracts. It is not clear to me why these documents were in this box.

ASSIGNMENT OF MORTGAGE

Know all Men by these Presents, That I, William E. Tyler, Supervisor of the Town of Hounsfield in the County of Jefferson and State of New York of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Three hundred & Seventy Seven & 52/100 dollars to him in hand paid by Farlin Ball of the town of Brownville County & State aforesaid, of the second part, at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold, assigned, transferred and set over, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, assign, transfer and set over, unto the said party of the second part, a certain Indenture of Mortgage, bearing date the 2d day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six made by Hiram Slater and Lucy his wife of the town of Brownville County & State aforesaid and ensuing to the Superintendent of Common Schools of the town of Hounsfield or to his successor in office and recorded in the Clerk’s Office of Jefferson County, on the 4th day of February in the year 1856, in Book of Mortgages No. 58 at page 415 & c

Together with the bond or obligation therein described, and the money due and to grow due therein, with the interet, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto the said party of the second part his heirs, or assigns for their use and benefit subject only to the priviso in the said Indenture of Mortgage mentioned: And I do hereby make, constitute and appoint the said party of the second part my true and lawful attorney, irrevocable, in my name or otherwise, but at his own proper costs and charges, to have, use and take all lawful ways and means for the recovery of the said money and interest, and in case of payment, to discharge the same as fully as I might or could do if these presents were not made.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy six

Sealed and Delivered in Present of

W. E. Tyler
WSupervisor of the Town of Hounsfield

STATE OF NEW YORK,
Jefferson County,

On the 18th day of January one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six before me came William E. Tyler to me well known to be the person described in and who executed the within assignment, and acknowledge that he executed the same

James I. Phelps
Justice of the Peace

On front panel of the folded document: Assignment of Mortgage. Power of Attorney

William E. Tyler, Supervisor TO Farlin Ball Jefferson County, ss. Recorded on the 24th day of June 1882 at 5 o’clock P. M. in Liber 125 of Mortgages, at page 196 and entered in Liber ....... of Mortgages, at page ....... and examined. (signed) F. Waddingham, Clerk

DISCHARGE OF MORTGAGE

I, Farlin Ball, of the Town of Brownville, Jefferson County, N. Y.

DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That a certain Indenture of Mortgage, bearing date the Second

day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six made and executed by Hiram Slater and Lucy Slater his wife to the town Superintendent of Common Schools of the town of Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., N. Y.

and recorded in the office of the Clerk of the County of Jefferson in Liber 58 of Mortgages, page 415, &c on the 4th day of February 1856 at 2 o’clock P. M., is redeemed, paid off, satisfied and discharged.

Dated the 25th day of April 1882

(signed) Farlin Ball

STATE OF NEW YORK
County of Jefferson

On this 22 day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty- two before me, the subscriber, personally appeared Farlin Ball

to me known to be the same person described in and who executed the above Certificate, and acknowledged that he executed the same.

(Signed) Oscar M. Wood
Notary Public

On front panel of the folded document: Discharge of Mortgage TO Hiram Slater Jefferson County, ss. Recorded on the 24th day of June 1882 at (blank) o’clock (blank) M. in Liber 58 of Mortgages, at page 416. (signed) H. Hareford, ? Clerk

Index -- "Old Tin Box"

Introduction -- "Old Tin Box"

Return to Shirley Farone's Homepage--

August 15	225 ft.	Planed Boards	$ .30	$ 6.75
-	628 ft.	Planed Boards	.30	18.84
-	362 ft.	Planed Boards	.35	12.67
-	60 ft.	Boards	.40	2.40
-	147 ft.	1114 Rek ?	.30	4.41
-	78 ft.	2 inch Rek ?	.25	1.95
August 24	1069 ft.	flooring	.25	26.70
-	500 ft.	Clap Boards	.25	12.50
Sept. 2	844 ft.	Ceiling	.28	23.63
-	-	-	-	109.35
August 15	-	By Cash	20.00	-
Sept. 2	-	“ “	25.00	- 45.00
-	-	-	-	$64.35
-	-	Rec’d Payment	-	-
-	-	Sept. 12th, 1867		A. Frost

July	15	Pair Boys Shoes l.56 1 oz. Nutmegs .15	1.71	.
Aug	3	Sash Ribbon	2.00	.
Nov	3	Molasses	.45	.
1872	.	.	.	.
Jany	21	1# Saleratus	.12	.
.	24	1/2 Gal K Oil	.18	.
Feb	16	1/2 Gal K. Oil .18, Pt .35	35	.
Mch	8	Yarn .35 Thread .08 Ball Cotton 12	.55	.
.	19	1/2 Gal K. Oil .18 Chimney .10	.28	.
.	23	2 Yds. Ticking .56 Knitting Cott. .12	.68	.
.	23	2-3/4 Yds. Lonsdale Cambric	.77	.
.	23	2 Yds. Calico .25 Pins .10	.35	.
Apr	26	Broom	.38	.
.	.	1/2# Sulphur	.08	.
June	11	4 dpz/ screws	.32	.
.	14	4 Pair Hinges .72 4 doz. screws	1.04	.
.	14	5-1/3 Screws .32 10 doz. Nails .70	1.02	.
	20	5-1/3 Doz. Screws .36 1 doz. Nails	1.06	.
.	20	1/4 Tobacco	.25	.
July	4	1 Gal. P. Oil	1.13	.
Aug	2	25 Gal. Lead	3.13	.
Sept	5	Dye Stuffs	.30	.
.	5	Liniment	.40	.
.	5	2 S. S. Jars	.36	.
.	.	.	17.09	17.09
1872	.	.	.	.
Jany	20	By Eggs	.75
Mch	19	By Eggs	1.13	.
.	23	By Chimney returned	.10	1.98
.	.	.	.	15.11
.	.	Rec’d Payment Nov. 7th, 1872 A. E. Lord	.	.
.	.	.	.	.