Thomas H. Briggs and Sons Inc. Hardware Company Account Books, 1865-1932, PC.AB.546

Abstract

The Briggs and Dodd Hardware Store [later Thomas H. Briggs and Sons Hardware Company, Inc.] was located in Raleigh in Wake County from 1865 to 2015. The original proprietors were Thomas H. Briggs, Sr. (1821-1886) and James Dodd (1815-1896). At least six generations of the Briggs family worked in the store during its 150 years in operation. The collection consists of thirty-eight bound account books and one box of papers. In addition to selling hardware and building supplies, the store sold food staples, housewares and sewing necessities. Most of the account books date from 1865 to 1901.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Thomas H. Briggs and Sons Inc. Hardware Company Account Books, 1865-1932
Call Number: PC.AB.546
Creator: Briggs family
Date: 1865 - 1932 1865-1901
Extent: 1.00 manuscript boxes, 38.00 volumes
Repository: State Archives of North Carolina

Series Quick Links

Collection Contents

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Private Collections: Account Books, PC.AB.546, Thomas H. Briggs and Sons Inc. Hardware Company Account Books, 1865-1920, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC, USA.

Collection Overview

This collection consists of one box and thirty-eight bound account books, including various ledgers, journals, payroll books, building books, and invoice books. These volumes record transactions of a hardware store located in Wake County. The business, first known as Briggs and Dodd and later as Thomas H. Briggs and Sons, was active from 1865 to 1995 at a single site on Fayetteville Street, one of Raleigh?s main thoroughfares. The business continued on Atlantic Avenue for an additional twenty years before closing in 2015. The bulk of the collection dates from 1865 to 1901.Although most of the business was in hardware and building materials, the store sold a variety of houseware items, such as goblets, tin pans, lamp chimneys, soap and sewing necessities. Food staples included tea, sugar and butter. The customer base was large and extended to Morganton, N.C. and Rock Hill, S.C. Many Raleigh families and institutions are recorded in these pages, as the city and its citizens worked to rebuild after the Civil War. Several of the books mention specific residential building projects such as grape arbors and fences, as well as major improvements to churches and large institutions.

Arrangement Note

The volumes are arranged in chronological order. Miscellaneous inserts have been removed from the volumes and boxed separately. These appear at the end of the container list.

Biographical/Historical

Thomas Henry Briggs, Sr. was born on 23 October 1821. He was the son of John Joyner Briggs (1770-1856) and Elizabeth Utley Briggs (1778-1853). John was a carpenter who worked on the North Carolina State Capitol building from 1833 to 1840. In the spring of 1836, young Thomas joined him there as a part-time carpenter.In the same year, James Dodd was hired as a Capitol carpenter also. Dodd was a newlywed and new father at the time. In 1835, he had married Lillian [Lily] Ann [Anna] Andrews (1807-1876). They had one son, William H. Dodd (1836-1904).On 12 September 1846, Thomas Sr. married Evelina Norwood (1819-1902). Eventually, they would have six children. According to the 1850 Census, the young couple lived next door to John and Elizabeth Briggs while Thomas continued in the carpentry trade. A decade later, Thomas Briggs and his growing family were neighbors of James Dodd.Both Briggs and Dodd described themselves as builders in the 1860 Census. The men constructed some plans designed by the architect William Percival (active 1850s) and later had a partnership with the contractor/architect William J. Hicks (1827-1911). Several of Raleigh's notable antebellum villas are attributed to the Briggs-Dodd partnership, including Montfort Hall, which still stands. In the 1850s and 1860s, the two builders were also manufacturers of doors, slashes, blinds and other building components. They were part owners of a water-powered sawmill at Yates Mill in Wake County. In addition, they were real estate investors.In August 1865, the two men opened a hardware store on Fayetteville Street. The business outgrew its 1865 store rapidly. In 1872, construction on a new store at the same location began. The parapet inscription reveals that the second store was completed in 1874. This four-story building is three bays wide and extends a full city block from Fayetteville Street in the front to Salisbury Street in the back. This structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. In 1995, the owners decided to move the business to Atlantic Avenue, where it operated for another twenty years. In July 2015, the partnership was dissolved and the business was closed. In August 2015, a new store using the Briggs Hardware name was opened in downtown Raleigh by one of the Briggs descendants.Dodd's involvement with this business ended approximately 1868, at about the time Briggs' two eldest sons were achieving their majority. The 1870 Census reveals that Thomas Henry Briggs, Jr. (1847-1928) and James Augustine Briggs (1850-1926) were clerks in the store.In 1874, Thomas Henry Briggs, Jr. [Henry] married Sarah Grandy (1856-1938) and the couple had two children. The 1880 and subsequent Censuses listed him as a hardware merchant. James A. Briggs followed a similar path. Although he was still a clerk in 1880, later Censuses listed him as a hardware dealer. In 1875, he married Louisa [Lula] Hall (1856-1936). The couple had three children. Their son, James A. Briggs, Jr. (1878-1930) joined the hardware business as a salesman and became president of the company later. At least six generations of the Briggs family worked in the hardware store.After leaving the hardware business, Dodd continued to be active as a farmer and builder. His later family included his second wife, Sylvia Catherine Howell (1850-1934) by whom he had two daughters: Cecye [Cecia] Dodd [later Eastman] (1878-1963) and Lillian Elizabeth Dodd (1884-1956).

Contents of the Collection

Collection Contents

Memorandum of Orders, 1865 - 1875

PC.AB.546.1

This volume is a memorandum of orders. The covers consist of marbleized paperboards with leather corners. The earliest date entered is 18 August 1865 and the latest date entered is 4 October 1875. There are a total of 359 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. An additional four pages are pasted down to the front and back covers. Through page 277, the pages are hand numbered at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). Thereafter, the pages are not numbered. A handwritten page provides an index to customer names at the front of the volume. The firm name Briggs & Dodd is handwritten repeatedly in the front and end pages, although Thomas H. Briggs & Sons appears on a later label adhering to the front cover. Measurement of volume in inches: 12 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 1

Ledger A, 1868 - 1869

PC.AB.546.2

This volume is a ledger (or journal) with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 16 April 1868 and the latest date entered is 27 September 1869. There are 416 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand-stamped tabs appears at the front. This account book may have T. H. Briggs? autograph on the front cover and the front page. Measurement of volume in inches: 13 1/4 x 8 1/2 x 1 3/8

Ledger B, 1869 - 1870

PC.AB.546.3

Ledger B
This volume is a ledger (or journal) with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 8 July 1869 and the latest date entered is 31 December 1870. There are 564 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand-stamped tabs appears at the front of the volume. This account book may have T. H. Briggs' autograph on the front page. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 x 9 x 1 3/4

Ledger C, 1870 - 1874

PC.AB.546.4

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 1 December 1870 and the latest date entered is 5 October 1874. There are 722 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand-glued tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/2 x 8 3/4 x 2

Ledger for Shop Hands, 1871 - 1886

PC.AB.546.5

This volume is a separate ledger for shop hands. Under each shop hand?s name, building supplies and costs are listed. In some cases, these listings refer to specific jobs by type or customers? names. The earliest date entered is 2 January 1871 and the latest date entered is 5 June 1886. There are 436 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). There is no index. Measurement of volume in inches: 13 x 8 1/2 x 1 3/8

Building Book, 1871 - 1872

PC.AB.546.6

This volume is a building book with marbleized paperboard covers. The earliest date entered is 13 March 1871 and the latest date entered is 2 September 1872. There are 248 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand-stamped tabs appears at the front of the volume. Store repairs for the existing store are noted on pages 202-205. Measurement of volumes in inches: 13 x 7 15/16 x 1/2

Ledger A, 1872 - 1875

PC.AB.546.7

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 1 May 1872 and the latest date entered is 4 June 1875. There are 736 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH); a few pages are hand numbered. A partial alphabetical index with hand-glued tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/4 x 8 3/4 x 2 5/8

Ledger, 1872 - 1879

PC.AB.546.8

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 31 May 1872 and the latest date entered is 31 January 1879. There are 932 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). Many pages are blank. An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 1/4 x 11 1/4 x 3 3/8

Building Book, 1873 - 1874

PC.AB.546.9

This volume is a building book with marbleized paperboard covers. The earliest date entered is 3 February 1873 and the latest date entered is 5 December 1874. There are 190 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are hand numbered at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An index with hand lettered tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volumes in inches: 13 x 8 1/2 x 1 3/8

Ledger D, 1873 - 1879

PC.AB.546.10

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 25 October 1873 and the latest date entered is 11 October 1879. Pages 483-512 have been used to reconcile accounts from 1868 to 1879. There are 548 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/4 x 8 15/16 x 1 15/16

Ledger B, 1873 - 1875

PC.AB.546.11

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 6 August 1873 and the latest date entered is 12 February 1875. There are 744 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH); a few pages are hand numbered. An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/8 x 9 x 2 1/2

Ledger C, 1874 - 1877

PC.AB.546.12

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 2 November 1874 and the latest date entered is 23 January 1877. There are 893 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 7/8 x 9 1/4 x 3 1/4

Building Book, 1875 - 1876

PC.AB.546.13

This volume is a building book. The front and back covers are missing. The earliest date entered is 8 March 1875 and the latest date entered is 28 September 1876.There are 210 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are hand numbered at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 12 x 7 1/2 x 5/8

Ledger, 1876 - 1879

PC.AB.546.14

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 1 May 1876 and the latest date entered is 23 April 1879. There are 894 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/8 x 8 3/4 x 2 1/2

Ledger, 1878 - 1880

PC.AB.546.15

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 1 January 1878 and the latest date entered is 21 January 1880. Pages 794-816 have been used to reconcile errors and losses from 1873 to 1879. There are 880 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 x 10 3/4 x 2 3/4

Ledger E, 1879 - 1883

PC.AB.546.16

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 1 January 1879 and the latest date entered is 23 July 1883. There are 630 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/2 x 9 x 2

Ledger F, 1880 - 1881

PC.AB.546.17

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 1 January 1880 and the latest date entered is 12 January 1881. There are 878 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/4 x 9 x 2 1/2

Ledger, 1880 - 1881

PC.AB.546.18

This volume is a ledger with marbleized paperboard covers. The earliest date entered is 6 January 1880 and the latest date entered is 15 December1881. There are 312 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand numbered at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand lettered tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 12 1/2 x 7 5/16 x 3/4

Ledger G, 1881 - 1882

PC.AB.546.19

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 1 January 1881 and the latest date entered is 1 June 1882. Pages 812-816 have been used to reconcile losses from 1875 to 1882. There are 876 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 1/8 x 11 1/8 x 3

Ledger, 1882 - 1884

PC.AB.546.20

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 3 July 1882 and the latest date entered is 8 March 1884. There are 852 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 x 10 5/8 x 3

Ledger (Partial), 1885

PC.AB.546.21

This volume is part of a ledger. The covers are missing. The earliest date entered is 12 January 1882 and the latest date entered is 11 December 1885. There are 279 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are hand numbered at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). A partial alphabetical index with handwritten tabs (G-Z only) appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 12 1/4 x 7 1/2 x 3/4

Factory Book, 1882 - 1887

PC.AB.546.22

This volume is a factory book or day book. It has tan cloth covers decorated with a geometric design. The earliest date entered is 10 July 1882 and the latest date entered is 18 February 1887. There are 728 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). There is no index. Measurement of volume in inches: 17 1/4 x 7 3/8 x 1 7/8

Ledger F, 1883 - 1886

PC.AB.546.23

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered is 1 July 1883 and the latest date entered is 20 August 1886. There are 654 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/4 x 8 3/4 x 2 3/16

Payroll Book, 1884 - 1885

PC.AB.546.24

This volume is a payroll book with red marbleized paperboard covers. The earliest date entered is 12 January 1884 and the latest date entered is 31 January 1885. There are 116 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). There is no index. Measurement of volume in inches: 15 x 6 1/4 x 1/4

Index Book, 1884 - 1885

PC.AB.546.25

This volume is an index book with brown paperboard covers. Although the entries are undated, the volume was created in approximately 1884-1885 based on individuals and companies listed. There are 140 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. The pages are not numbered. Measurement of volume in inches: 9 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 1/4

Building Book, 1885 - 1891

PC.AB.546.26

This volume is a building book. It has tan cloth covers decorated with a geometric design. The earliest date entered is 28 December 1885 and the latest date entered is 26 January 1891. There are 288 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). Many pages are blank. An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Measurement of volume in inches: 12 5/8 x 7 1/2 x 1

Payroll Book, 1885 - 1886

PC.AB.546.27

This volume is a payroll book with red marbleized paperboard covers. The earliest date entered is 7 February 1885 and the latest date entered is 27 February 1886. There are 116 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). There is no index. Measurement of volume in inches: 15 1/16 x 6 1/2 x 3/8

Ledger K (Old Firm), 1885 - 1889

PC.AB.546.28

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages, debossed leather covers, and a protective tan cloth book cover. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 1 January 1885 and the latest date entered is approximately 11 January 1889. There are 844 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Under each letter, the index is further subdivided by the first vowel in each surname or company name. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 3 3/4

Payroll Book, 1886 - 1887

PC.AB.546.29

This volume is a payroll book. It has tan cloth covers decorated with a geometric design. The earliest date entered is 6 March 1886 and the latest date entered is 12 November 1887. There are 184 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). There is no index. Measurement of volume in inches: 15 3/8 x 6 1/4 x 1/2

Ledger D New, 1891 - 1893

PC.AB.546.30

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages, debossed leather covers, and a protective tan cloth book cover. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 1 January 1891 and the latest date entered is approximately 13 February 1893. Some pages have been used to reconcile accounts from 1887 to 1890. There are 1,140 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Under each letter, the index is further subdivided by the first vowel in each surname or company name. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 x 10 5/8 x 3

Ledger E New, 1893 - 1895

PC.AB.546.31

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages, debossed leather covers, and a protective tan cloth book cover. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 2 January 1893 and the latest date entered is 23 October 1895. There are 1,132 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Under each letter, the index is further subdivided by the first vowel in each surname or company name. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 3/8 x 11 3/4 x 4

Ledger F New, 1895 - 1897

PC.AB.546.32

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages and debossed leather covers. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 1 January 1895 and the latest date entered is 27 January 1897. There are 1,120 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Under each letter, the index is further subdivided by the first vowel in each surname or company name. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 1/2 x 11 x 3 3/4

Ledger G New, 1895 - 1897

PC.AB.546.33

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages, debossed leather covers and a protective tan cloth book cover. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 30 June 1896 and the latest date entered is 13 November 1897. There are 1,124 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Under each letter, the index is further subdivided by the first vowel in each surname or company name. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 3/8 x 10 3/4 x 4 3/8

Ledger H New, 1895 - 1897

PC.AB.546.34

Ledger, 1899 - 1901

PC.AB.546.35

This volume is a ledger with marbleized end pages, debossed leather covers, and a protective tan cloth book cover. The earliest date entered for new purchases is 1 July 1899 and the latest date entered is 1 July 1901. There are 1,168 legible pages, less pages overwritten or cut. Most of the pages are hand stamped at the top left of each verso (LH) and the top right of each recto (RH). An alphabetical index with hand stamped or printed tabs appears at the front of the volume. Under each letter, the index is further subdivided by the first vowel in each surname or company name. Measurement of volume in inches: 16 3/8 x 11 x 4 1/4

Cash Journal, 1910 - 1912

PC.AB.546.36

This volume is a cash journal with leather and corduroy covers. The front cover has separated from the volume. The earliest date entered is 31 December 1910 and the latest date entered is 31 December 1912. The typewritten pages are not numbered. There is no index. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 3/8 x 11 7/8 x 4

Current Statements Book 2, 1913 - 1914

PC.AB.546.37

This volume is a current statements book with leather and corduroy covers. The back cover is missing. The earliest date entered is 2 January 1913 and the latest date entered is 30 November 1914. The typewritten pages are not numbered. There is no index. Measurement of volume in inches: 14 1/2 x 11 7/8 x 3 7/8

Invoice Book, 1920

PC.AB.546.38

This volume is an invoice book with marbleized end pages and leather and cloth covers. The earliest date entered is 1 March 1920 and the latest date entered is 31 December 1920. Invoices received from various vendors are glued onto the pages. There are usually multiple invoices per page. The pages are not numbered. There is no index. Measurement of volume in inches: 21 3/4 x 12 3/4 x 7 11/16

Box 1, 1870 - 1932

PC.AB.546

Subject Headings

Account books

General stores--North Carolina--Wake County (N.C.)

Grocery trade--North Carolina--Raleigh

Retail trade--North Carolina--Raleigh

Children--North Carolina--Correspondence

Christmas--Correspondence

Raleigh (N.C.)

Wake County (N.C.)

Grocers--North Carolina--Raleigh (N.C.)

Acquisitions Information

Beginning in 1975, Marcus L. Scruggs (1935-2015) of Raleigh, North Carolina donated 35 volumes to the State Archives. These were accessioned on 26 June 2016. On 27 July 2015, Raymond L. Beck of Franklin, Tennessee added three volumes to the collection. This addition was accessioned on 24 February 2016.

Processing Information

Processed by Lea Walker, February 2018
Finding aid prepared by Lea Walker, February 2018