A Nation of Shopkeepers

"To found a great empire for the sole purpose of raising up a people of customers may at first sight appear a project fit only for a nation of shopkeepers. It is, however, a project altogether unfit for a nation of shopkeepers; but extremely fit for a nation whose government is influenced by shopkeepers."

—Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations


I heard this quotation on the radio  today, and I found it quite fitting that the patriarches of the first two generations of my family in America were -- essentially -- shopkeepers, tailors, and inn keepers!

Will's Will

WYOMING COUNTY

REGISTRY OF WIILS

COUNTY 066

YEAR 1873

ESTATE NUMBER 009

William Jennings

Inventory & Appointment of Estate

Some time ago, Cousin Tom Currier surprised me by stoping by the Wyoming County Historical Society and acquiring a copy of William Jennings' will. I'm surprised I hadn't written here about it sooner than now, but I may have wanted to wait until I could transcribe it all. Unfortunately, I haven't lived up to my best intentions, resulting in a less than steller roll-out!

The original paper documents Tom sent me were hardcopies of microfilm. I scanned them and reversed the negative images to the current black text on a white background. They are almost entirely legible; most of the first page contains the wording of the form, but subsequent pages detail William's possessions at the time of his death.

 

All pages are saved online in a Picasa album. I would greatly appreciate someone to collaborate with me on a transcription of his will. Let me know, and we can get started!