The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
How do you determine whether your ancestor was living in Henderson County in the late 1840's or early 1850's?
Of course, you check the 1850 census but suppose he is not there.
Another source now available at the Henderson County Public Library in Biggsville in their Local and Family History Room is a group of store ledgers.
These books which span an early era for the county tell who bought what.
For example, the May 2, 1854 entry in Elias Benner's general store ledger of Oquawka tells us that Mr. Brimhall purchased three hymn books of one type for $2.26, one costing $1.00, and a third of a different kind with the total being $4.11.
Now this was paid in hard cash, very scarce and dearly spent.
Mr. Brimhall was actually the Reverend Samuel Brimhall and his purchases where, no doubt, for his congregation in the Rozetta area.
Also listed on the page are accounts with A. Forsyth, M. M. Thomas, Andrew McDugle (Mc-Dougal probably), and James Huss.
Hence, placing all these individuals somewhere in the Oquawka region during that year.
Take some time and look at these valuable resources on your next visit at the library.
We really appreciate Mrs. Karen Gray cataloging these volumes.