Account of John Konklin (probably John Marcus Concklin) in the Tannery Ledger of Jacob Post, Sr.

John Marcus Concklin

Jacob Post, Sr. made a single debit entry in his Tannery Ledger in November 1828 for a person inscribed as John Konklin. Although the identity of "John Konklin" cannot be known with certainty, examination of federal census data for towns with reasonable access to Jacob's tannery in the Town of Fleming, Cayuga Co., New York shows that a John M. Concklin (aka Conklin) was present in the Town of Owasco, Cayuga Co., New York in both 1820 and 1830. Jacob's tannery and John's farm were on the west and east sides of Owasco Lake, respectively, which might seem a considerable impediment to trade. On the other hand, many of the families of Owasco and Fleming had strong ties via intermarriage, frequently a shared Dutch ancestry and membership in the Reformed Dutch churches of Owasco and of the Owasco Outlet (Sand Beach Church), and a common trading center at Auburn, Cayuga Co., New York.

It would not be too difficult for John M. Concklin to make a side trip of about 3.25 miles (each way) from the Owasco Outlet to Jacob's tannery during one of John's occasional trips to Auburn. Another alternative was to cross Owasco Lake in a boat, but perhaps that would have been a cold and rough prospect in November.

John Marcus Concklin Family

John was the son of Matheus Concklin and Sarah Valentine. He was born in Dutchess Co., New York on 15 January 1772 and baptized there on 8 March of the same year. The existing Reformed Dutch Church records appear to group two churches, Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck Flats; therefore, it is not clear in which of the two churches John's baptism occurred. John married Diantie (aka Deanty, Blandina, and Blondean) Ostrum (aka Oostrum), on 10 February 1793 in Dutchess Co.

Owasco census data from 1855 show John as a resident of the town for 45 years; therefore, he presumably came in with his family ca. 1810. In 1820 his household contained 5 younger males and 4 younger females in addition to John and Diantie. By 1830 this number was down to 2 younger males and 3 younger females, the older children presumably having established their own households by then. A second generation appeared to be present in the household in 1840, probably John and Diantie's son Henry's family, with whom John was censused in 1850 and 1855. Diantie died in 1849 and John in 1856. They are buried in Concklin Farm Cemetery #147 in the Town of Niles, Cayuga Co., New York.

Image of John Marcus Concklin's Account in Jacob Post, Sr.'s Tannery Ledger

Debit Page (3A) for John Marcus Concklin's Account at the Tannery of Jacob Post, Sr. - Fleming, Cayuga Co., New York

Note that Jacob Post, Sr. did not make a credit page for John Concklin's account.

Transcription of John Marcus Concklin's Account

John Konklin (probably John Marcus Concklin)		Debit
Date	Description	₤	S	d
November 1828	To one Side of harnis [harness] Leather wt 9 3/4 lb	1	12	9
NOTE: Amount in pounds, shillings, and pence: 12 pence (d) = 1 shilling (s), 20 shillings (s) = 1 pound (₤)

John Marcus Concklin's Purchases and Credits

John purchased one side of harness leather weighing 9 3/4 pounds in November 1828 for a price of  1 pound, 12 shillings, and 9 pence. The lack of a credit page for this account presumably indicates a one-time purchase that was paid by cash or other means at the time of the transaction. Jacob Post, Sr. X'd out John's debit indicating that the account was settled or written off.

Harness leather doesn't appear as often as sole leather and upper leather in the Tannery Ledger. It's purpose is self-evident from the name. The following quotation shows its characteristics.

Harness Leather is a steer hide vegetable tanned leather that is dyed in drums and stuffed with oils and tallows. Harness is produced with strength being the #1 priority, which means it is subjected to fewer waxes and oils than other leathers to preserve the strength of the fibers.

-- Corter Leather & Cloth  https://corterleather.com/pages/materials