The Ruffner Papers

October 21, 1771 statement from Heslop & Blair. This is one of the oldest documents in my possession.

There are numerous receipts dated 20 years later which are signed by David and James Blair. The Blair of Heslop & Blair was named David Blair and was probably the same David or the father of the later David (the Heslop was Isaac Heslop). The elder David Blair reportedly arrived in Fredricksburg from Britian and established his business in 1762. He reportedly had 2 sons (David, Jr. and James) and 2 daughters (Margaret and Elizabeth). (In 1777 there was also a partnership of a James Blair of Fredricksburg, VA and James Heslop of Whaitehaven, Great Britian). Fredricksberg, VA, was a major trade center in the 1700's.

This particular statement shows purchases of hemp, butter, and sundies. Like most other statements, Joseph also took cash.

Ruffner Papers Index

Bill Myers at billmyers1@aol.com

Revised July 2000

Copyright Bill Myers July 2000