October 1819 - Hartford

HARTFORD HERALD

100 YEARS AGO (As of October 29, 1919)

[Contributed to newspaper by Morris Barnett, finder of I. P. Morton’s Ledger.]

“A contract was closed with Benjamin and John Field for two years supply of salt which was delivered in 16 wagons loads aggregating 80,000 lbs. and costing 3 cents per pound. In the ledger containing the transaction of the 1840’s, 20 years later, Wm. C. Rowan seems to have taken this job. His deliveries were made weekly and in barrel lots. This salt was mined in the Buford neighborhood. Does anyone know the exact location of these old salt wells or mines? If these men were able to procure so much salt with the crude methods of those days, why cannot a fortune be made with modern methods?

Another business enterprise that has long ago had its books balanced, was that of Jacob Wood, hatter. He made about 6 varieties and prices ranged from $1 to $10. His long suit was the making of beaver and fur hats. It seems that Mr. Morton would sell these hats on a commission basis, for on this date 100 years ago, he bought 9 of these hats  which were quickly sold to the following gentlemen: Leonard Bean, James Fitzhugh, Harrison D. Taylor, William S. Barrett, Christopher Jackson, Elijah Phipps, Stephen Statler, Andrew Rowan, and Samuel O. Peyton.

Charles Henderson paid his bill with check on the bank in Hartford.

Vol W. Peyton drove sows and pigs to town and received $7.50 for them.

John Clark was paid $1.00 for ferrying Peyton's wagon across the creek going to and coming from The Yellow Banks.

John Calhoun paid $6.00 for purchases and received a discount of 25 per cent by paying it in silver.”