A Daybook From the Office of the Rutland Herald Kept by Samuel Williams, 1798-1802.

This daily record of over-the-counter transactions in the Rutland 'Herald' printing office from 1798 to 1802 was kept by Samuel Williams, minister and, at one time, Hollis Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Harvard. The Reverend Samuel Williams and his partner, Judge Samuel Williams, both of Rutland, Vermont, but not related, began publishing the 'Herald' in 1794. The active partner and editor was the Reverend Williams, while the judge devoted his time mainly to his legal practice and politics, obtaining the office of state printer for the western side of the mountains in 1794. This connection was retained until the judge's death in 1800, although the partnership of "S. Williams & Co." was terminated in 1796 with the judge's retirement. Noting the significance of the daybook as the only known financial account for Vermont printing for its period, the editor lists its shortcomings as a complete financial record. Such items as paper, printing supplies, and repair parts purchased were not entered. What is shown, however, is the extent and variety of the printing shop business.

Publication Date
Volume
76
Part
2
Page Range
293-395
Proceedings Genre