The University of Massachusetts Amherst
Robert S. Cox Special Collections & University Archives Research Center
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Lincoln, Abisha, 1800-1863

Abisha Lincoln Daybooks

1861-1867
3 vols. 0.25 linear feet
Call no.: MS 233

Born in February 1800, Abisha Lincoln kept a general store in Raynham, Mass., selling groceries, hardware, dry goods, shoes, and many other items to residents of the north end of town. Successful in business, Lincoln won election to local and state office and was followed into business by each of his three sons.

These daybooks from Abisha Lincoln record customer names, goods sold (such as groceries, hardware, dry goods, and shoes) and the form of payment: principally cash, with some local trade of agricultural commodities.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

Abisha Lincoln was born in 1800 in Massachusetts. By 1850 his general store was the principal supplier for residents in the north end of Raynham, selling groceries, hardware, dry goods, shoes, and many other items. Although much of his business by 1860 was on a cash basis, transactions in these three daybooks also reflect the persistence of local exchange. In 1861, for instance, James Lothrop paid his bill with two dozen eggs; Edward Tisdale with eight pairs of boots; and Thaxter Harvey with over 70 pounds of ham.

Lincoln’s business prospered and his family grew. The 1840s witnessed Lincoln’s election as a town selectman and to the state General Court. By 1850 he was worth about $3,000 and had three sons–Edward H. (23), Charles D. (16), and Elmer (14)–living on his farm, which Edward worked. In 1860 Abisha owned real estate valued at $6,000 and personal property valued at $2,100. Edward, soon to inherit the store with his brothers, still ran the farm at that time, but had married and had a three-year-old daughter. The younger sons also had married, each with a one-year-old child, and lived in their own homes although still probably on Abisha’s property. By 1872, according to the Beer’s atlas, Edward and Charles ran the store in the north end; Elmer had his own store in the center of Raynham.

The three daybooks document the consumption habits of Raynham residents in the 1860s and highlight the general store business in a largely agricultural community. They could also shed some light on the costs of goods during the Civil War. One can also note the declining portion of business conducted through exchange.


Information on Use
Terms of Access and Use
Restrictions on access:

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Cite as: Abisha Lincoln Daybooks (MS 233). Special Collections and University Archives, W.E.B. Du Bois Library, University of Massachusetts Amherst.

History of the Collection

Processing Information

Processed by Ken Fones-Wolf, 1989.


Additional Information

Sponsor
Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Language
English.


Subjects

Barter--Massachusetts--Raynham--History--19th centuryConsumer goods--Prices--Massachusetts--Raynham--History--19th centuryConsumers--Massachusetts--Raynham--History--19th centuryGeneral stores--Massachusetts--RaynhamRaynham (Mass.)--Economic conditions--19th centuryRaynham (Mass.)--History--19th century--BiographyShopping--Massachusetts--Raynham--History--19th century

Contributors

Lincoln, Abisha, 1800-1863

Types of material

Account booksDaybooks