Business Documents, 1814-1897

The series includes invoices, promissory notes, receipts, legal documents and other ephemera relating to the business pursuits of John Purdue and his associates. Of special note is a written agreement between Purdue and possibly James Fowler, and a Haningez & Creal, arranging for Purdue and Fowler to purchase their store in Adelphi, Ohio, the precursor to the Purdue, Fowler & Company [this time the Fowler is James’ brother, Moses] soon to be located in Lafayette, Indiana. Materials in the series are arranged chronologically, with undated items grouped together. Also included at the end of the series are account books of Purdue and his associates, documents regarding a property dispute between Purdue and Charles and Elizabeth High over Walnut Grove Farm, and a few scant items left from Purdue’s brief, early teaching career. Items from the 1840s are not included in the collection, either because they were not retained or because Purdue was in transition between Indiana and Ohio and had not yet established himself as a Lafayette businessman. [1.6 cubic feet]