Holstein family account and commonplace book, 1753-1831 (majority within 1753-1759)

Summary

Creator:

Holstein family

Abstract:

This volume contains financial records, copied poetry and prayers, and colored illustrations compiled by various members of the Holstein family of Pennsylvania in the mid- to late 18th century. Most of the text is written in German.

Extent:

1 volume

Language:

German
English

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Rob S. Cox, October 1996, and Meg Hixon, July 2013

Background

Scope and Content:

This volume (about 100 pages) contains financial records, copied poetry and prayers, and colored illustrations compiled by various members of the Holstein family of Pennsylvania in the mid- to late 18th century. Most of the text is written in German.

Much of the volume is comprised of financial accounts recorded between 1753 and 1757, with 3 English-language promissory notes and receipts dated as late as January 1826; the later items pertain to John Holstein. Poems, devotions, and brief notes are written alongside the accounts. Numerous colored drawings in black, red, and yellow ink are located throughout the volume. These illustrations, which are crude examples of the Fraktur style, include floral patterns, pictures of people (sometimes represented by stick figures), and drawings of birds. Page 91 contains rubbings taken from 14 coins minted as late as 1831, including coins with the "draped bust" design, a "large cent," and a piece of Spanish currency.

Biographical / Historical:

The contributors to this book included Michael Holstein, Leonard Holstein (or Holstine), Sophia Holstein, and John Holstein.

Acquisition Information:

1993. M-2945.1 .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

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Subjects:

Finance, Personal.
German Americans.
Religious poetry, German.
Coinage--United States.
Fraktur art.

Formats:

Accounts.
Commonplace books.
Drawings (visual works)
Notes.
Poems.
Rubbings (visual works)

Names:

Holstein, John.
Holstein, Leonard.
Holstein, Michael.
Holstein, Sophia.