The Old Tin Box
Documents, Receipts, Etc. From 1854-1892

by

Shirley Conklin Farone

(tabulation below represents info from selected receipts)
(computer users: see "clickable" number in comment column for commentary)





Date

City/Village

Names of Parties

Amount

Comments

00-00-0000

.

T. Conklin - Jonas Walrath of Cook, Codwell & Son

$160.00

.

05-08-1854

Brownville

Daniel Conklin - James A. Hunt

$50.89

1

05-09-1854

.

Frank & Theo Conklin - Royal Wilcox

113.98

.

09-05-1854

Brownville

John Conklin - Adriel Ely

400.00

.

09-15-1854

Brownville

John Conklin - A. W. Walrath

88.38

.

01-26-1857

Clairion

Frank & Theo. Conklin - J. Conklin

15.00

.

03-17-1860

Hounsfield

John Conklin - Orlando Edwards

15.00

.

04-15-1860

Hounsfield

John Conklin - Andrew S. Conklin

85.00

.

05-07-1860

Brownville

John Conklin - John Clark

6.50

6 mo.

11-22-1860

.

John T. Conklin and Daniel Conklin - Royal Wilcox

130.00

.

11-30-1860

Brownville

John Conklin - Skinner Bros.

28.25

2

02-19-1861

Sackets Hbr.

John Conklin - Lyman Archer

26.00

.

03-17-1862

.

John Conklin - Lord-Austin

.12

A. E. Lord

03-29-1862

.

John Conklin - Frederick George & Sebastian Lutz

7.50

.

04-16-1862

Watertown

John T. Conklin & Henry Hafford - Lord & Co.

15.00

3

09-06-1862

Watertown

John Conklin - unclear (Tracy?) Lansing

4.53

.

12-09-1862

Brownville

Byron Walrath & Leroy Ostrander - JC

6.00

.

04-13-1863

Brownville

John Conklin - Skinner Bros.

.95

receipt

06-24-1863

Brownville

John Conklin - Allen Edwards

25.00

.

09-12-1863

E. Hounsfield

John/Daniel Conklin - Samuel Roberts

100.00

.

10-30-1863

.

John Conklin - Zera Wakefield

.

4

01-30-1864

Brownville

John Conklin - Chester Low, Collector

3.47

1863 taxes

04-12-1864

Brownville

John Conklin - James Parker

13.92

Cheese acc.

12-26-1864

Watertown

John Conklin - Henry Hafford

87.50

5

04-22-1865

Brownville

John Conklin - Simpson & Sharlein

.65

horseshoes

07-21-1865

.

John Conklin - Daniel Conklin

120.00

.

11-29-1866

.

John Conklin - Robert Potter

150.00

.

11-29-1866

Brownville

John & Sarah Conklin

500.00

.

03-01-1867

Watertown

Daniel Conklin - W. Banister

500.00

8

05-18-1867

Watertown

Lorillard Ins. Co. - E. W. Winslow, Agt.

11.50

7

05-31-1867

Redwood

John Conklin - Henry Hafford

150.00

.

07-09-1867

.

John Conklin - A. & E. F. Cooper

4.75

.

12-19-1867

Watertown

Watertown Union

1.00

6

01-02-1868

.

John Conklin - A. Binninger

95.00

.

03-17-1868

.

? - Henry Bailey

42.00

.

03-21-1868

.

J. T. Conklin - Ethan Allen

20.00

H. Buconeby

06-02-1868

.

John Conklin - L. M. Massey

.

.

06-08-1868

Brownville

Theo. Conklin - W. P. Massey

42.39

.

09-12-1868

.

John Conklin - Babcock & Peck (pd. in full as far as I know)

.

M. W. Peck

09-16-1868

Brownville

Theo Conklin - Bartlett & Patrick

39.79

.

01-20-1869

Chaumont

Mr. Conklin - D. D. Reed

1.00

9

06-18-1869

Watertown

Theo. Conklin - Ingalls & Co.

1.50

11

06-19-1869

Hounsfield

Theodore Conklin - Madalany Conklin

150.00

12

08-01-1869

Evans Mills

Theo. Conklin - Sidney Cooper, Tax Collector

14.27

.

09-14-1869

Brownville

Franklin Conklin - Franklin Conklin on his acct. at Union Bank

30.24

10

12-04-1869

.

Theo. Conklin - John T. Conklin

100.00

.

12-06-1869

Hounsfield

T. & J. Conklin - Amos Wilcox

200.00

.

01-06-1870

E. Hounsfield

Theodore Conklin - Riley Clark, bearer, Martin Farrell

4.00

.

03-09-1870

Brownville

Theodore Conklin - W. R. Witt ? , Jr.

1.54

.

04-08-1870

Brownville

Conklin Bros. - George Hatch

16.50

David Randles

04-11-1870

Brownville

Theodore Conklin - Geo. C. Plumb

225.00

.

04-27-1870

Watertown

John Conklin - Watertown Re-Union

1.75

A. H. Hale

05-20-1870

Watertown

T. Conklin - P Primeau, formery P. Bergeven - 2 Arcade

30.85

Stabling

08-13-1870

Watertown

T. Conklin - Johnson Wiggins & Co.

50.00

.

09-24-1870

Watertown

Conklin Bros. - Ten Eyck, Utley

4.20

glass

10-29-1870

Brownville

Conklin Bros. (jointly and severally) - John C. Knapp

500.00

.

11-06-1870

.

John T. Conklin - E. M. Winslow

12.00

14

11-12-1870

Watertown

J & T Conklin - Kellogg Harger

70.72

for father

11-24-1870

Brownville

Conklin Bros. - Bartlett & Smith

47.58

.

00-00-1871

.

Conklins - J. W. Ayres, Cole & Spencer (at Geo F. Paddock & Co’s Bank)

.

.

00-00-1871

.

Wm. C. Gould, T. O. Peck

varied

.

02-16-1871

.

John Conklin - Andrew Patrick

$9.20

flour

03-01-1871

.

Conklin & Bros. - John C. Knapp

221.00

.

03-04-1871

Brownville

John Conklin - Bartlett & Smith

7.40

mill acc.

04-01-1871 Br

Brownville

Conklin Bros. - Francis Hamburgh

200.00

13

09-12-1871

Watertown

John Conklin - NY Weekly Reformer

3.00

52 issues

10-24-1871

Watertown

J. C. & T Conklin - Harger & Sons

15.00

.

03-15-1872

.

? to Francis Hamberg (sic)

100.00

.

03-28-1872

Watertown

J Conklin - Herrick Ayers

9.00

.

05-11-1872

Watertown

? - Sylvester Benjamin

42.00

.

05-25-1872

Brownville

T. & F. Conklin - J. N. Griswold

15.52

.

05-29-1872

Watertown

A. Conklin - First Ntl. Bank

100.00

.

07-10-1872

Watertown

T. Conklin - H. W. Congdon

100.00

14-a

07-17-1872

Brownville

Theo. Conklin - Adam W. Walrath

27.78

60-day note

08-13-1872

Watertown

T. & F. Conklin - Agric. Ins. Co.

21.00

E. B. Fowler

09-02-1872

Watertown

? - Gibbs Steele/Geo. Paddock & Co.

62.59

thru bank

09-04-1872

Brownville

J. T. Conklin - Horace Skinner

4.85

.

10-04-1872

Watertown

J. Conklin - Moss-Boon-Buell, Agts.

2.75

15

12-05-1872

Watertown

Conklin Bros. - Primeau & Moulton

18.48

.

12-26-1872

Hounsfield

T Conklin - J. L. Spicer, Collector, County & Town Taxes

93.81

.

03-17-1873

.

J. Conklin - J. L. & H. F. Wood

5.58

.

10-20-1873

Dexter

J. Conklin - Binninger & Strainge

8.10

.

11-03-1873

Watertown

T. Conklin - Gibbs & Welch

48.54

.

01-05-1874

Adams

T. Conklin - Hatch & Allen

.50

J C Journal

03-25-1874

Brownville

T. Conklin - Wm. T. Skinner

31.31

.

04-25-1874

Brownville

T. Conklin - George Stebbins

50.50

.

07-15-1874

Watertown

T. Conklin - Asa Clark

90.00

.

10-05-1874

Watertown

T. Conklin - Geo. Haas, Jr.

5.00

.

11-17-1874

.

T. Conklin - O. G. Wood

10.25

Isaac Lamon

11-29-1874

Watertown

T. Conklin - C. C. Steele

50.00

.

01-08-1875

Hounsfield

?   - Sarah Slater

50.00

18

01-11-1875

Brownville

Theo. Conklin - O. V. Tefft, Samuel Nickles, Agent

10.10

.

04-01-1875

.

J. T. Conklin - Duanne L. Pierce

243.75

17

06-05-1875

.

T. Conklin - M. Andrus

30.85

16

08-14-1875

Brownville

J. Conklin - Henry Buchanan

34.08

.

09-06-1875

Watertown

T. Conklin - Samuel Roberts

160.00

Ntl. Bank

10-21-1875

Hounsfield

T. Conklin - H. M. Krake

35.00

19

11-15-1875

Watertown

T. Conklin - Gibbs & Osborn

61.76

.

01-15-1876

Hounsfield

? Conklin - E. Delano

27.00

.

03-06-1876

Brownville

T. Conklin - Martin Lynch

70.00

.

04-01-1876

Granby

J. Conklin - Mary Jane Phippin

229.75

20

04-29-1876

Brownville

Mr. Conklin - Jno. Johnson

1.00

W. W. Goodwin

06-12-1876

Watertown

j. Conklin - O. F. Edwards

35.00

21

07-29-1876

Watertown

J. Conklin - W. W. Goodwin (Ntl. Bank)

60.00

.

10-29-1876

Watertown

? - Math? Zengiale? (Ntl. Union)

100.00

.

12-19-1876

.

T. Conklin - R. Younger & Son

3.63

22

01-13-1877

Watertown

T. Conklin - S. W. Norton

30.00

.

05-01-1877

Watertown

T. Conklin - John Prouty

8.50

.

09-04-1877

Watertown

T. Conklin - Alonzo Satchwell, Adm.

100.00

23

11-05-1877

Brownville

T. Conklin - W. W. Goodwin

3.00

24

12-15-1877

Watertown

T. Conklin - F. Livermore

40.00

.

01-03-1878

.

J. Conklin - S. H. Everts Co.

10.00

an history

01-09-1878

Dexter

T. Conklin - Henry M. Dodd

300.00

25

01-12-1878

Watertown

T. Conklin - M Andrus

101.95

.

01-16-1878

Brownville

T. Conklin - Jno. Wilder

46.72

.

03-30-1878

Watertown

T. Conklin - Marcus Taylor

61.49

.

03-30-1878

Watertown

T. Conklin - James Hunt

58.05

.

04-11-1878

Watertown

Andrew Conklin - L. A. Newell

76.00

Ntl. Union

04-28-1878

.

T. Conklin - Wm. Graves

3.98

M. Peck

05-23-1878

.

T. Conklin - Alvin Gibbs

40.03

R. H. Murlbun

09-12-1878

Watertown

J. Conklin - Chas. Baldwin

1.50

Re-Union

01-07-1879

.

T. Conklin - County Clerk Arnold Call

3.34

taxes

02-15-1879

Brownville

? - O. M. House

.

acc.

03-01-1879

Watertown

T. Conklin - Jas. Osborn

53.72

.

03-01-1879

Watertown

T. Conklin - Maria Wilcox

260.00

.

03-11-1879

Brownville

T. Conklin - Morgan & Lee

.70

.

03-22-1879

Watertown

F. & T. Conklin - Sylvester Benjamin

97.61

.

04-02-1879

Brownville

T. Conklin - A. E. Lord

67.00

26

04-26-1879

Watertown

? - N. C. Rounds or A. C. Rounds

100.00

.

07-14-1879

Watertown

? - Wiggins & Goodale

25.71

.

11-11-1879

Brownville

T. Conklin - M. R. Diefendorf

14.00

.

11-17-1879

Brownville

T. Conklin - Geo. Britt

4.95

Blacksmith

12-13-1879

Brownville

J. Conklin - W. F. Skinner

8.70

27

01-07-1880

Brownville

T. Conklin - Robert Younger & Son

3.72

.

04-18-1880

Dexter

J. Conklin - Leonard Gilmore & Co.

1.68

28

10-11-1880

Brownville

T. Conklin - Joseph Certwell

20.00

L. Miller

10-27-1880

.

T. Conklin - L. Maynard

1.56

.

12-01-1880

Watertown

T. Conklin - W. H. Hotchkin by E. C. Emerson

8.50

29

01-24-1881

Watertown

J Conklin - F. E. Wilson

.60

Dues

02-26-1881

Watertown

T. Conklin - Wm. A. Knox

26.64

Neighbor?

03-08-1881

Brownville

T. Conklin - Geo. Frasier

72.85

Empire Mill

04-25-1881

.

J. Conklin - Farlin Ball

775.13

31

01-08-1881

Brownville

T. Conklin - H. E. Freeman

1.88

a miller

08-12-1881

.

T. Conklin - Geo. S. Hooker

25.00

.

00-20-1882

.

J. Conklin - A. B. Stevens

2.72

33

01-02-1882

Watertown

T. Conklin - Charles P. Fowler, Justus Chase, agent

34.13

32

02-22-1882

Brownville

J. Conklin - F. P. Ashbocker

.

.

04-15-1882

Watertown

J. Conklin - F. Waddington

28.00

for search

10-09-1882

Watertown

T. Conklin - Brockway & Sons

4.50

30

01-06-1883

.

T. Conklin - Chas. Hall

5.95

.

04-02-1883

Brownville

J. Conklin - Levi Rockwood

1.00

.

10-00-1883

Brownville

Mr. Conklin - L. Rockwood

12.72

44

02-06-1884

.

T. Conklin - H. I. Harris

.60

34

07-01-1884

Black River

T. Conklin - C. P. Clark

60.00

35

10-30-1884

Watertown

J. Conklin - Agric. Insurance

20.25

E. A. Seely

11-08-1884

Watertown

J. Conklin - L. M. Babcock

16.80

threshing

11-08-1884

Long Pond

Fred Conklin - ?

67.00

43

11-11-1884

Dexter

T. Conklin - O. M. & G. W. Wood

5.00

.

02-20-1885

Watertown

J. Conklin - Grand Central Clothing (D. C. Roberts)

3.50

36

02-21-1885

.

J. Conklin - Wm. Ross

24.15

38

02-28-1885

Watertown

? - A. & L. A. Howard

8.61

48 Court

03-11-1885

.

T. Conklin - J Johnston

1.40

39

04-19-1885

Brownville

J. Conklin - C. Baldwin, Agt.

50.00

“Re-Union”

04-25-1885

Watertown

J. Conklin - Ballard & Northam

60.00

37

06-04-1885

.

T. Conklin - J. W. Lott ?

.

.

08-22-1885

Sackets Hbr.

T. Conklin - Lyman Archer

60.00

Saddlery

04-09-1886

Brownville

T. Conklin - John A. Devendorf

9.25

wagon repairs

01-01-1887

Brownville

? - A. E. Lord (Post Office)

.25

Box rent

03-07-1887

Brownville

J. T. Conklin - F. M. Livermore (Union Bank)

$125.00

.

05-14-1887

Watertown

J. Conklin - Sargent & Andrews

38.00

.

09-26-1887

Watertown

J. Conklin - M. C. Lasher

10.00

Cement

12-01-1887

Watertown

J. Conklin - Ardilla Edwards

300.00

.

12-03-1887

Watertown

J. Conklin - A. Bushnell & Son ?

44.97

.

01-21-1888

Watertown

J. Conklin - Campwell Farwell & Co.

38.50

40

03-08-1888

.

J. Conklin - Gay S. Casler

5.00

.

12-11-1888

Watertown

J. Conklin - Austin & Hathway

.

.

06-00-1889

E. Hounsfield

J. Conklin - C. G. Hart & Co.

1.37

41

08-16-1889

Watertown

J. Conklin - W. W. Conde

2.25

42

08-09-1890

Watertown

J. Conklin - Winslow & Knapp Lumber

21.50

45

10-10-1890

Brownville

J. Conklin - Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad

13.76

46

10-31-1890

Watertown

J,. Conklin - James R. Smith Furniture

20.00

.

10-31-1890

Watertown

J. Conklin - Agricultural Ins.

22.50

Munson Seaver

11-26-1890

Brownville

J. Conklin - Brownville Ironworks

2.75

D. B. Gotham

02-04-1891

Syracuse

J. Conklin - Hamilton Child

7.50

48

03-00-1891

Watertown

J. Conklin - Pomona Grange

.25

47

06-18-1891

Watertown

J. Conklin - Great Wardrobe

1.32

49

01-04-1892

Brownville

J. Conklin - A. T. Knox

7.88

Taxes

Reference/Commentary

“The Old Tin Box” - Conklin Receipts

Ref. 1: In the presence of A. W. Walrath, Daniel Conklin became the assignee of a judgment that Mr. James Hunt held against Christopher Conklin. Christopher, according to Conklin genealogist, Alice Gershman, was Daniel Conklin‘s brother. Daniel was born in Warren, Herkimer County, N. Y. in 1804 and Christopher was born 26 Apr 1806, probably in the same locale. The parents of Daniel and Christopher Conklin were Ezekiel and Hannah Eckler (var. Ackler). Attached to this assignment of judgment was a smaller note which said: “Good to James Hunt for One Dollar balance on Christopher Conklin judgment value received with use (date torn off) and signed, Daniel (his mark) Conklin.” This, the oldest paper in the box, was the first of many which revealed what probably was a custom where receipts were concerned: The date was torn off, most likely as indication the debt had been fulfilled. Also, I learned that Daniel Conklin, then age 50, like so many in the early to mid-1800’s was unable to write his name.

Ref. 2: This debt was paid in cash and softwood: 8-3/4 cords softwood on 5 Feb 1861 and cash in the amount of $13 on 22 July 1862.

Ref. 3: This $15 bill initiated in April 1862 was not paid until November 1863 -- perhaps an indication of difficult times, financially, during the Civil War.

Ref. 4: The receipt stated: “I this day settled up with John Conklin and recieved (sic) my pay in full.” Did Zera Wakefield work for John Conklin, or was this just another person from whom Conklin borrowed money?

Ref. 5: John Conklin paid $1,500 (balance) on a mortgage held by Henry Hafford. There is some indication that Mr. Hafford moved to Redwood - perhaps from the Perch River area of Jefferson County, N. Y. Research and the discovery of deeds in this box indicates that the Haffords were neighbors of Ezekiel Conklin when he first settled in the Perch River area of Jefferson County. The Haffords were indeed in the Town of Alexandria in later years.

Ref. 6: The Watertown Union was a newspaper formerly called the Jefferson Democrat. This payment was for a weekly issued from 2 Aug to 26 Jan - subscription year not identified. The proprietor was an A. H. Hall and N. A. Perkins was the clerk who executed the receipt.

Ref. 7: Lorillard must have provided fire insurance. Mr. Conklin’s application was for coverage in the amount of $2,000 taken out for a 3-year period. The premium was $11.50.

Ref. 8: Payments for this debt were made both in cash and hay.

Ref. 9: The wordage was unusual on this note: “Please find enclosed one dollar in place of one returned to me.”

Ref. 10: Frank Conklin must have drawn a promissory note on his own account at the National Union Bank of Watertown, with use. It wasn’t a case of father, Frank, and son, Frank. Frank Conklin was Daniel Conklin’s son.

Ref. 11: This was a receipt for monies conveyed to the New York Weekly Reformer for 19 weekly issues. The New York Weekly Reformer was a newspaper. I found interesting the usage of newspapers in this mid-19th century household.

Ref. 12: Magdalany (sic) Conklin, was apparently the widow (2nd marriage) of Daniel Conklin. This is the first evidence that Daniel re-married after the death on 17 April 1851 of his first wife, Lucy Benjamin. We know Daniel Conklin died 19 May 1869, but payments of the nature of this receipt continue for the next 8 years. One similar document involving Magdalany refers to a payment as an “annunity.” Perhaps the sons purchased the Conklin farm property from Magdalany. She appears to have died before 4 September 1877, as one receipt in this box show payments made to an “administrator of her estate.” The Conklin farm was in the Town of Hounsfield in Jefferson County, near Brownville, N. Y. We are not sure if Ezekiel Conklin, Daniel's father, was involved in the purchase of the what became the Conklin farm in 1836. Daniel added to the property which with the exception of two pieces is still owned by Conklin descendants.

Ref. 13: We believe that Francis Hamburgh was an uncle of the four Conklin brothers. Francis Hamburgh was married to Bianca Conklin, the sister of Daniel Conklin, and the daughter of Ezekiel Conklin. Was Bianca Hamburgh an heir of Ezekiel Conklin, thus acquiring his possible interest in the Conklin farm -- that interest being absolved when she and her husband sold their share to the 4 sons of their brother, Daniel, in 1871? As one can see by the receipt mentioned here, Daniel’s shares of the farm were also acquired by his four sons via payments to Magdalany Conklin, Daniel’s widow (second marriage). It should be noted here that Daniel’s sons’ names were: Andrew, John, Theodore, and Franklin. There were two others, Levi and Charles who died 1857 and 1863, respectively.

Ref. 14: Mr. Winslow, it appears, was an agent for Holland Purchase Insurance Company.

Ref. 15: This was a subscription to a newspaper known as Re-Union -- price per annum was $2.00. Morning Dispatch was 75 cents a month, as determined from information on the receipt. Proprietors were Moss & Boon & Buell. The newspaper was published from Watertown.

Ref. 16: This receipt was written by H. Hareford (?), who was the assignee of the accounts of a bankrupt by the name of M. Andrus. Their connection to the Conklin family is not known.

Ref. 17: There’s evidence here that Theodore Conklin took out a mortgage and bond with a man by the name of McClean. It must have been assigned to Duane L. Pierce, to whom Mr. Conklin has made this $243.75 payment.

Ref. 18: Mrs. Slater was a neighbor who lived a quarter of a mile toward Brownville from the Conklin farm. The cellar of her home can be located even today. As I understand it, Sarah Slater lived to be quite elderly, her husband having died many years before.

Ref. 19: This receipt was a very informal looking receipt. It was payable at Merrit Andrew’s Store, Watertown, N. Y.

Ref. 20: Where was Granby? John Conklin took out a mortgage (bond) from Mary Jane Phippin and it was sold to C. F. McClean. Somehow, D. L. Pierce became the mortgagee.

Ref. 21: O. F. Edwards loaned money to his son-in-law, John Conklin.

Ref. 22: This receipt contained interesting wording -- “After Date all goods bought from R. Younger & Son will be thirty days time, same time as we get -- all accounts must be paid this month or collected.” Mr. Conklin paid the bill four days later.

Ref. 23: Alonzo Satchwell was the administrator of the estate of Magdalin (sic) Conklin, the second wife of Daniel Conklin. Date gives a clue as to when Magdalin (sic) died.

Ref. 24: This receipt was not totally legible as regards the payee: Patrick Mead or Patrick Meats. The note requested payment of $3 to be made in grains and oblign (sic). Transcriber initially read the name as “W. W. Gladwin” but more careful scrutiny revealed it was “Goodwin.”

>Ref. 25: This is the only note up to this point that specified the interest rate, which was 7%. The term was 9 Jan. 1878 to February 1879.

Ref. 26: Payable at “Jefferson County National Bank” -- first mention of this bank.

Ref. 27: This receipt involving W. F. Skinner was written by Mrs. W. F. Skinner in the capacity of “Executrix.”

Ref. 28: The company on this receipt was known as Leonard Gilmore & Co., but James A. Gilmore signed as receiver of the monies.

Ref. 29: The debt was originally owed to Wm. H. Hotchkin and must have been assigned to E. C. Emerson.

Ref. 30: This receipt concerned the newspaper known as The Watertown Reformer. There were many receipts for subscriptions to this newspaper in previous years, but this is the first mention of Brockway & Son as owners. At the left corner is written “Times & Reformer Office, Proprietors.” The typist seems to recall that the Watertown Daily Times, Watertown’s present newspaper, was once owned by the Brockway Corp.

Ref. 31: This was part payment of a $3,000 mortgage; the interest payable was at 6%. Apparently, the mortgage was procured by Theodore Conklin, but brother, John made the payments -- probably because the farm was in the name of Conklin Brothers.

Ref. 32: This receipt was not totally legible, but was for monies received of Theodore Conklin for claim of Charles B. Fowler against him. It was signed Justus (?) Chase for C. B. Fowler.

Ref. 33: This receipt may have been invoiced by a doctor or some type of professional. The back of the invoice read, “If you can pay me this within ? this month you will greatly oblige me as I must raise a sum of money by Jan. 1st.”

Ref. 34: Mr. Harris most likely operated a grocery. The receipted invoice was for 1 qt. oysters ($.40) and 2 lbs. crackers ($.20), totalling $.60, purchased 6 Feb. 1884. The bill was not paid until 8 Dec. 1885!!!

Ref. 35: Intriguing terminology, “interest to be reekoned (sic) from September the first, 1884.”

Ref. 36: This receipt was on bright colored paper: pink with dark pink border. There were several names on this receipt from the Grand Central Clothing House: Streeter, Brimmer, and Olean and D. C. Roberts.

Ref. 37: Ballard & Northam were undertakers doing business at 34 Court Street, Watertown, N. Y. Receipt for expenses as a result of the death of Mr. John Conklin’s son, Fred, whom the county histories state “died as a young man.”

Ref. 38: The debt to Mr. Wm. Ross was paid in trade: Oats, butter, and repair services. The nature of Mr. Ross’s business is not evident on the receipt.

Ref. 39: This receipt was for oysters and crackers totaling $.50; also, tobacco for $.10 and tea, $.50.

Ref. 40: Campbell & Farwell sold carpets -- the words “for Plush Sacque” appeared on the invoice.

Ref. 41: C. G. Hart billed Mr. Conklin for meat. The debt was assigned to a Mr. J. J. Allen, Jr. Perhaps, Hart sold the store to Allen. The invoice which was receipted was not paid until 2 years’ time had lapsed.

Ref. 42: W. W. Conde, according to the billhead, sold Builders’ and Carriage Hardware, Mechanics’ Tools, Manufacturers’ Supplies, and Agricultural Implements. The billhead is an interesting display of the correct usage of the apostrophes forming possessives. This company continued to serve the people of Watertown, N. Y. for many, many years, at least through the 1960’s.

Ref. 43: Fred Connklin, the son of John and Sarah Edwards Conklin, died in young manhood. This receipted invoice denotes board from Aug. thru November and the city from which the billing came looks like “Long Pond.” Was the boarding arrangement one connected to Fred’s education or was Fred a victim of an illness which necessitated his residency away from home? No name appeared on the receipt which would have indicated the name of the boarding house.

Ref. 44: Mr. Rockwood, a farrier, apparently had difficulty getting his money for services rendered to the Conklins. In this billing, he again made a pleas for his money. “Dear Sir: Can you let me have what is comeing (sic) to me on our account. I would like it very much.”

Ref. 45: Winslow & Knapp was a lumber company, a successor to E. W. Knapp. Their billhead reads: “Importers of and Wholesale Dealers in Pine and Hardwood Lumber, manufacturers generally of articles made from wood, Office, Works and Yard, North End Suspension Bridge.” Norris Winslow as President; Geo. N. Brown, V. Pres. What is meant by the suspension bridge at the north end?

Ref. 46: Mr. H. W. Edgett was the Agent in Brownville for the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad Company. Mr. Conklin had wood shipped from Philadelphia, I assume this was Philadelphia, N. Y. The name, W. Roberts, is connected. Another receipt regarding shipping was for a box of apples which was sent via the railroad from Hannibal, N. Y. Hannibal is in central New York state and the area is still known for its apples.

Ref. 47: Mrs. A. F. Sheffer (?) was the secretary for the Pomona Grange at Watertown, N. Y. We know from research that the Conklins were involved for many years in agricultural organizations.

Ref. 48: This receipt was for the Jefferson County Gazetteer, published out of Syracuse, N. Y. Mr. J. W. Rose was the agent. The canvassing agent was M. Stedman. This was compiled by Hamilton Child and is one of the more reliable accounts of Jefferson county. Sarah Conklin, the wife of John Conklin, must have presented the Conklin biographical sketch which appeared on p. 297 (1890 publication) under the Town of Brownville, rather than the Town of Hounsfield where one would think it should have been placed.

Ref. 49: In 1876, the Great Wardrobe was known as Great Wardrobe Clothing House, and used the logo of two lions. The proprietor was Geo. W. Wiggins. In 1881 Edmund S. Goodale joined the firm and in June of 1891, Mr. Goodale became the sole proprietor.


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