William Kilby Blacksmith Shop Account Books

Collection

Identifier: SpC MS 0277

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Three ledgers containing the accounts of a blacksmith shop in Dennysville, Maine, in the early 19th century.

Dates

Creation: April 20, 1819-1830

Restrictions on Access

Kept at Fogler Library's offsite storage facility. One week's notice required for retrieval.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Information on literary rights available in the repository.

Biographical Note

William Kilby, a blacksmith by trade, was born in Cohasset, Massachusetts, in 1763. He came to Dennysville, Maine, in 1787 and opened a blacksmith shop. He married Mary Wilder, daughter of Capt. Theophilus Wilder. For many years he was clerk, selectman, treasurer, and postmaster for the town of Dennysville. He had nine children: William, Daniel, John, Mary, Theophilus, Sarah (who died at the age of 7), Benjamin, Sarah, and Lydia C. He died in the fall of 1829.

Biographical Note

John Kilby, son of William and Mary Wilder Kilby, was born in 1793. He was engaged in the lumber business and owned a great deal of timberland in Dennysville and the surrounding towns. After his father's death in the late fall of 1829 John Kilby took over and settled William's accounts as administrator of his estate.