This collection consists of a manuscript schoolbook and 4 daybooks. The Schoolbook (145 pages) contains 118 pages of notes and example problems concerning mathematics, business finance, and surveying, dated at East Hampton, New York, from March 1815-March 1818. Many of the geometrical and surveying problems are illustrated, and financial problems pertain to subjects such as European currencies and calculation of interest. The schoolbook also includes a copied poem. The final 27 pages provide examples of a daybook (January 1, 1819-January 31, 1819, 11 pages) and double-entry ledger (January 1, 1819-May 29, 1819, 16 pages). The same accounts are represented in each of these sections, and most pertain to sales of foodstuffs and fabrics. The 4 Daybooks (June 22, 1837-May 29, 1850, 765 pages) record Sherril's accounts with customers in Pike, New York. He sold foodstuffs such as butter, spices, and tea; household goods such as brooms and nails; clothing and fabrics such as calico; and other items, such as tobacco and soap.
Abraham (or Abram) Parsons Sherril (alternately spelled Sherrill) was born in East Hampton, New York, on September 3, 1803, the son of Abraham Sherril (ca. 1754-1844) and Anna Huntting (or Hunting) (1763-1847). He had two siblings, Stephen (1801-1892) and Nathaniel H. (1806-1884). After studying at the Clinton Academy in East Hampton, he spent 3 years as its assistant principal. He then taught in Quogue, New York, and Middletown, New Jersey, until moving to Smithtown, New York, in October 1828. On October 15, 1832, he married Elizabeth Saxton (b. 1811), and in 1835 they moved to Pike, New York, where he opened a general store and served as postmaster and town supervisor. Abraham Parsons and Elizabeth Saxton Sherril had six children: Anna (1833-1839), Mary Elizabeth (b. 1841), John Saxton (b. 1844), Eleanor W. (b. 1847), Abraham Parsons (b. 1850), and Edwin Stanton (b. 1854). Abraham Parsons Sherril died on January 4, 1888.
