[Isaac] Sanderson Family Account Book no.1, Salem Witch Trials descendent (MSS)

Whateley, MA, 1830. Unique. Hardcover. Very Good+. Unique. Hardcover. Upon in-depth research, the Sanderson family ledger is a complex example of a successful business beginning with the migration of families from Essex and Middlesex countries after the late 17th century Salem/Danvers witch trials. Many families migrated West after the trials, due to loss of families, shame and reputation associated with the trials, and new beginnings, marriages. The ancestry of the Sanderson--Foster line is an example of this migration. Additionally, the Revolutionary War complicated family units, as many head of households, left home to fight on the side of the Continental Army around, c. 1774-1776. Isaac Sanderson was one of those enlisted soldiers.
Isaac Sanderson is a direct descendent of Ann Alcock Foster. She emigrated to the United States after marrying in England at a very young age to Andrew Foster who was significantly older. She lived in Andover, Mass, however died in prison in Salem in 1692. Her daughter, Sarah, mostly likely saved due to her Mother's confession, married Samuel Kemp and lived in Billerica, Mass. She is buried in Watertown, Mass. Her daughter, Bethiah married Joseph Sanderson, Sr. who's family lived in Groton and Chelmsford, Mass. Their son, and only child, Joseph Sanderson went on to marry Ruth Parker and have 14 children, one of the sons, Isaac Sanderson in 1757, the youngest child. It is suggested before this time, the Sanderson family moved their business and farm to Franklin County, Whately from Groton. Coming full circle, Isaac Sanderson is the direct descendant of Ann Foster, who is his great, great grandmother, originally from Essex County.
Surmised from his ancestory and Commonwealth military records, Isaac Sanderson served in Continental Army enlisted as: "Private, Capt. Jonathan Davis's co.. Col. Asa Whitcomb's (2.3d) regt. ; muster roll dated Aug. 1, 1775; enlisted June 3, 1775; received company receipts for wages for Aug. and Sept., 1775, dated Camp at Prospect Hill; also, company return endorsed "October ye 6, 1775; also; Private, 1st co., Col. Thomas Marshall's (10th) regt.; Continental Army pay accounts for service from Aug. 5, 1777, to Dec. 31, 1779; also, Capt. Samuel King's (2d) co .. Col. Marshall's regt.; return of men who were in camp on or before Aug. 15, 1777, and who had not been absent subsequently except on furlough, etc.; reported joined July- 1778; also, same co. and regt.; muster rolls for Jan. and March, 1779, dated West Point ; enlisted Aug. 5, 1777 ; enlistment, 3 years; reported on command in the wagon service in Jan., 1779; also, 1st CO ., Col. Marshall's regt. ; Continental Army pay accounts for service from Jan. 1, 1780, to Dec. 31, 1780; also, descriptive list dated West Point, Feb. 23, 1780; 1st CO ., 10th Mass. regt.; age, 23 yrs.; residence. Harvard; enlistment, during the Revolutionary War."--DAR, Ancestor # A099820.
After serving in the Continental Army, it is speculated Isaac Sanderson took up the family business, else started a new venture, the ledger book documents such activities and demonstrates Sanderson as a cooper in Massachusetts. Each leaf is a different client and the services and expenses vary. It seems Sanderson delivered good, repaired wagon, cast hoops for barrels, set horse shoes, and bought and sold cattle. He definitely was an iron worker. Because of this, and line items illustrate, he forged iron hoops, tubs, mended rakes (farming), wagon reel rims, casks, wheels, but also transporting goods and services... At the end of each page, the account is settled up with promissionary notes. He even lists his brother James, his nephews, Luther, as well as worked out of county from many of the entries, "a day and half's work." Purchases and expenses for items as brandy, flax, rye, molasses, tobacco, weaving, books and even wagons to clients in Conway, Hatfield, Williamsburg, and further, etc. Upon further research, more about the business is needed, as far as the legacy, but it appears the Sanderson's were fairly successful and Isaac and sons as metal workers. So much so, there is a citation to Isaac Sanderson from the Dorchester Atheneum blog about his involvement in installing a "wrought iron tub wheel", as the first wheel in this vicinity for the first paper mill in 1817. (Neponset River Mills history)
Also includes a family geneaology and history on page 207 of Isaac Sanderson's children. Ephemera and scattered handwritten notes laid in. Album documents the business in Western Mass for thirty years, displays industry products from a cooper and the materials needed to run such business. As the dates and entries move through the years, the ledger also generates insight into the evolution of products being introduced like "hemlock oil" and "calf skins." Lastly, tell the story abuot the impactful legacy the Salem Witch Trials have left behind on the descendents in their lifestyle and generational decision-making. Moderate rubbing, scuffing, toning, browning to extremities, toning, evidence of dampness, and discoloration throughout. Bound dark brown calf, handwritten in brown ink, remnants of leather ties. 215 [leaves], multitple handwritten notes/ephemera laid in on various bit of paper. Handdrawn alphabetical tab labels laid in. (Inventory #: 12132)