Special Collections: Israel and William Chew Business Records

Israel Chew (1792-1874) was a farmer and perhaps, grocer and tavern keeper, in Evesham Township (Burlington County) and Waterford Township (Camden County), New Jersey. He married Hannah Wooster in 1817. They had children, including William Wooster Chew (1824-1917). William was a blacksmith in Waterford Township, Camden County, and later, a farmer. He married Elizabeth Clothier Andrews in 1847 and raised a family. Not much is currently known about the businesses beyond what is in the ledgers.

Consisting of 12 account ledgers kept from 1828 to 1882, this collection contains the business records of Israel Chew and William Wooster Chew. The majority are from what appears to be Israel’s grocery or general store. Two of the ledgers are from William’s blacksmith in Berlin, Camden County, New Jersey. There are additional references to other areas of South Jersey, including Batsto and Atsion in Burlington County. Entries showed transactions for those of a grocer or general store, inn keeper, blacksmith and labor contractor. 

Research notes from the previous holder of the ledgers listed some customer names and the dates they visited the establishment. This information was entered into a spreadsheet and can be sorted by last name, ledger, and date. This can be accessed above. 

Collection processed by Donna D'Arrigo, Special Collections Intern, Summer 2024.

While Stockton University’s Bjork Library’s Special Collection and Archives owns the collection, Stockton may not own the copyright for all of the items. Researchers wishing to reproduce materials are responsible for obtaining the proper permissions.