Primary Source / Item: account book and journal
(Images Courtesy of Historic New England)
Captain John Parker of Lexington, commander of the town militia, was known as a temperate, disciplined, and rational man, who won the respect of his townsfolk for his strong will, independent and judicious habits, and introspective mind. A private document, his manuscript tells us that, aside from being a farmer, and a 'Captain,' his trade of woodworking engaged many hours in a week. In an average year, he would produce or repair two items of furniture, six wheels of various sorts, seven presses or mills, twenty coopered pieces, and about twenty house or farm tools.
The images shown here (from the collection of Historic New England) are examples similar to that of Captain Parker's; these pages are from the private account book and journal of Colonel Samuel Pierce (1738-1815) of Dorchester, Massachusetts. Like Parker, Pierce was a farmer, but looked to "improve his income through a variety of pursuits," * including selling his catch of shad and cider produced from his orchard. In addition, he worked with his brother, a carpenter, exchanging his labor for goods and services. (Image above, left)
Also like Parker, Pierce played a very public role within his community supporting the revolutionary cause. "Pierce resigned his commission in the King's militia to join the newly organized Massachusetts militia. On April 19, 1775, he reported 'a terible battle at Lexinton & Concord between our People and the soldiers which marcht out of Boston. The soldiers fird on our people...'" (Image above, right)*
* Text excerpted from "Living with the Pierce Family" by Susan Porter, Historic New England Magazine, Summer, 2004.
Here's how this can be applied in the elementary classroom: Lesson 19e
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