Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Bushong Family ledger, 1843-1902. MS 0329. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Biographical / Historical

Throughout the 19th century, members of the Bushong Family resided on a farm near New Market, Virginia. The Battle of New Market was fought on their land on May 15, 1864, and the house served briefly as a field hospital. This ledger was first used by Jacob Bushong and subsequently by his grandson, William. Some entries are by Emma Bushong.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of the Bushong Family ledger (daybook) that contains entries by Shenandoah Valley (Virginia) farmers Jacob and William Bushong. The entries made by Jacob d(dated 1843-1853) include lists of accounts with debits and credits for staples, sundries, crops, services, and other purchases.

The account book was subsequently used by Jacob's grandson, William, whose similar account entries date from 1879-1902. The volume also contains directions for home remedies and a few recipes, primarily for cakes, used by Emma Bushong.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Farm life -- Virginia -- History
• Ledgers (account books)
• New Market (Va.) -- History -- 19th century
• New Market Battlefield Historical Park (Va.)
• Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- Social life and customs
• Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.)—History