Nat Gould

Inventory Of John Grindon Died 1746

"A True and perfect Inventory of the Goods Cattle & Chattles of John Grindon late of Asholme in the parish of Alstonefield and County of Stafford As appraised by us this Twenty fourth day of October, Anno Domini 1746.

Imprimis For his purse and Apparal £3 - 0 0
Seven Cows 14 - 10 - 0
Four Twinters 6 - 10 - 0
Five Stirks 5 - 0 - 0
Six Calves 3 - 0 - 0
Three Mares 10 - 10 - 0
Twenty Four sheep 4 - 0 - 0
Two Swine 1 - 5 - 0
Hay and Corn 20 - 10 - 0
Cart and all husbandry Ware thereto belonging 2 - 3 - 0
Three Tables and two Forms 0 - 11 - 0
One Dresser of Drawers 0 - 8 - 0
Pewter and Brass 1 - 5 - 0
Beds and Beding 4 - 0 - 0
Two Coffers and one Chest 0 - 15 - 0
One Squab 0 - 5 - 0
Six Chairs 0 - 6 - 0
Five Cheese boards 0 - 3 - 0
For Cheese 1 - 0 - 0
One Iron pot and one Kettle 0 - 2 - 6
Two Arks 0 - 2 - 6
All Wooden Ware belonging to the House 0 - 15 - 6
One Cupboard 0 - 4 - 6
For Things, omitted, left out or forgotten 0 - 5 - 0

Total £81 - 0 - 6

Appraised by us

William Gould
William Gould"

(1) "Imprimis" means firstly. In the past it would have been followed by "Item" for the other possessions, meaning thing, article or object. By 1746 this convention was becoming old-fashioned, and this Inventory is written in an educated hand.
"Twinters" are cattle that have lived through two winters.
"Stirks" are cattle aged only one year.
A "Squab" usually means a nestling pigeon but here signifies a thick cushion covering a seat.
"Arks" were what are now called cupboards, but in 1746 a "cupboard" was not yet closed and still meant a board or shelf for storing cups.

1757 signature

(2)The signatures of the two appraisers appear to be those of William Gould 1704-1757 and his eldest son William Gould 1738-1787.

The signature of the senior William Gould on this Inventory is very similar to that on his Will signed in 1757 allowing for his illness at that later date. He was the husband of Elizabeth Gould nee Grindon, the niece of the deceased John Grindon.
The equally careful signature of the younger William Gould, only eight years old, mimicks that of his father. Still inexperienced, his quill pen has splashed a little ink.
Such documents truly bring our ancestors alive !]