Research


Scope and Content Note

This series consists of business account books and other documents submitted as evidence in Court of Chancery cases, mostly involving book accounts. Most of the records concern businesses in New York City.

JN309-17: Detailed information about specialized businesses is found in the minute book of the New York Laboratory Association, paint manufacturer; and account books of the firm of Smith & Lowe (Samuel Smith and John Lowe), jewelers and watchmakers. Other exhibits include the inventory of the estate of Nicholas Cruger (died 1800), merchant on the island of St. Croix (1799-1808); minute books and stock certificate book of the New Jersey Stage and Steam Boat Association, operator of the Delaware River Steamboat "William Penn" (destroyed by fire 1834); and minute book of the New York Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church (1822-1825). One volume is a case register of John M. Mason, lawyer of New York City (1839-1849), with personal accounts of Mason and of James Mason, probably the executor of his estate. It may have been an exhibit in an appeal to the Supreme Court in Equity (New York County) from the New York County Surrogate's Court. Other exhibits include account books of a produce dealer, dry goods store, hardware store, grocery store, liquor store, insurance agent, and other businesses that cannot be identified from the information in the volume.

JN309-18: This accretion contains accounts of the estate of Joseph Hallett (died 1775), a merchant on St. Croix (1773-1775) and bonds to the Clerk of Supreme Court of Judicature in New York City (1836).