Bristol Mercantile Ledger
This ledger lists transactions for a business in Bristol, Tennessee, for 1879 and 1880. While the entries tend toward pharmacy supplies, it is likely that this business was a combination of general store and pharmacy. Each page in the ledger is headed by a name, and several prominent community members are listed: J.R. Anderson, founder of the city of Bristol; Dr. J. Bunting of the popular Bunting pharmacy; and Dr. C.T. Pepper, who was the purported inspiration for the naming of the popular soft drink. Also included are two pieces of ephemera removed from inside the book.
Dates
- 1879-1880
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested 5 days in advance. See www.lib.utk.edu/special for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants. Please see www.lib.utk.edu/special for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Abstract
This ledger lists transactions for a business in Bristol, Tennessee, for 1879 and 1880.
Biographical / Historical
Bristol, Tennessee was formed after 1852 when Joseph R. Anderson bought 100 acres of land from his father-in-law Reverend James King’s plantation. The land was split almost equally between Tennessee and Virginia. In 1853 Anderson had the first building constructed, a combined business and residence, and soon a post office and general mercantile store were opened, followed by a bank in 1854.
At the time this ledger was in use, there were a number of mercantile firms operating in Bristol, including grocers, druggists, dry goods, and more specialized businesses such as glassware, books and stationery, and clothing. Many of the proprietors of these businesses would merge or break apart into separate businesses over the years. The Bunting name carried on as a pharmacy in several buildings and partnerships until it was finally discontinued in 2023.
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single folder.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was purchased by Special Collections in 1987.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository