Guide to the Bradley Family Account Books, 1802-1836

Collection number: MC 265
Size: (3 items) (0.33 cu.ft.)

About the Bradley Family

Joseph Bradley (1762-c1840) was born in Plaistow, New Hampshire, the son of William and Sarah Smith Bradlery. He became a merchant, money lender, and inn keeper in Hawke (new Danville), Rockingham County, New Hampshire. He and his wife, Mehetibel, had several children, including Nathaniel Bradley (1794-1853), who followed his father into the family business. Nathaniel was largely responsible for entries and journal/literary entries in the third volume.

About Bradley Family Account Books

The first two volumes served as account books for the family enterprises. They recorded the names of patrons, who purchased a wide-range of items flour and sugar, to rum, brandy and gin. They also recorded room rentals and the lending of money at interest. In addition, they made arrangements with local cobblers and milliners, who provided them with leather goods and hats for sale. They were often paid in store credits. The first account book roughly covers 1802-1810; the second goes from 1815 to 1825. The third volume includes some accounts, but it primarily served as Nathaniel Bradley’s diary and literary notebooks. He also include a local birth and death register (1815-1820). This volume primarily covers 1815 to 1825, but there is a page dated 1836 signed by a John Bradley.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

This collection is open.

Copyright Notice

Contents of this collection are governed by U.S. copyright law. For questions about publication or reproduction rights, contact Special Collections staff.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Bradley Family Account Books, 1802-1836, MC 265, Milne Special Collections and Archives, University of New Hampshire Library, Durham, NH, USA.