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Business records are one of the least used resources for genealogists.  Information about business may be found in many ways.  Histories of businesses may be found through newspapers, directories, local histories, [[Biographies|biographical]] collections, and old [[Photographers|photographs]].  In addition, business directories, local vending licenses, estate settlements, annual reports, business history publications, account books and journals, Common Pleas court records, and maps may include useful information pertaining to businesses.  Other genealogical resources such as census records and agricultural and manufacturing schedules, obituaries, and family histories, should not be ignored.

Business records are one of the least used resources for genealogists.  Information about business may be found in many ways.  Histories of businesses may be found through newspapers, directories, local histories, [[Biographies|biographical]] collections, and old [[Photographers|photographs]].  In addition, business directories, local vending licenses, estate settlements, annual reports, business history publications, account books and journals, Common Pleas court records, and maps may include useful information pertaining to businesses.  Other genealogical resources such as census records and agricultural and manufacturing schedules, obituaries, and family histories, should not be ignored.

Many early Americans (17th and 18th centuries) focused on farming and [[Agriculture|agriculture]] as their principal means of survival.  However, between 10 and 20 percent of the population engaged in non-farming activities.  These activities may include but are not limited to grocers and dry goods, blacksmiths, silversmiths, entrepreneurs, salesmen, teachers, tavern owners, mill workers, canal men, [[Railroad|railroad]] men, coachmen, clerks, clergymen, doctors, lawyers, judges, etc.  It was common for many individuals to serve as an apprentice or indentured servant.  Individuals would be bound to one person for a given period of time in payment for some services.  There were two basic types of indentures: (1) to learn a trade and (2) pay for passage to America.  Those who were apprenticed to learn a trade may have started as young as 8 years old.  If the family was having a difficult time to make ends meet, young boys would become an apprentice to learn a trade, normally until they turned 21.  Young girls would be indentured to learn “housewifery.”  Former prisoners from England and individuals who could not afford the passage to America would often become indentured for a number of years as to have away across the ocean.

Many early Americans (17th and 18th centuries) focused on farming and [[Agriculture|agriculture]] as their principal means of survival.  However, between 10 and 20 percent of the population engaged in non-farming activities.  These activities may include but are not limited to grocers and dry goods, [[Blacksmiths]], silversmiths, entrepreneurs, salesmen, teachers, tavern owners, mill workers, canal men, [[Railroad|railroad]] men, coachmen, clerks, clergymen, doctors, lawyers, judges, etc.  It was common for many individuals to serve as an apprentice or indentured servant.  Individuals would be bound to one person for a given period of time in payment for some services.  There were two basic types of indentures: (1) to learn a trade and (2) pay for passage to America.  Those who were apprenticed to learn a trade may have started as young as 8 years old.  If the family was having a difficult time to make ends meet, young boys would become an apprentice to learn a trade, normally until they turned 21.  Young girls would be indentured to learn “housewifery.”  Former prisoners from England and individuals who could not afford the passage to America would often become indentured for a number of years as to have away across the ocean.

Often, storekeepers would keep account books.  Many times, these account books note family relationships and individuals involved with the transactions and delivery of goods.  Schoolmasters would often keep records on their students.  Sometimes these are considered school records.  However, early schools were privately run and the teachers were paid by the students’ families.  In this sense, they could be considered business records.

Often, storekeepers would keep account books.  Many times, these account books note family relationships and individuals involved with the transactions and delivery of goods.  Schoolmasters would often keep records on their students.  Sometimes these are considered school records.  However, early schools were privately run and the teachers were paid by the students’ families.  In this sense, they could be considered business records.