Inventor Name
Failing Family
Repository
Winterthur Library
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Winterthur, DE 19735
302-888-4853
http://www.winterthur.org/about/library.asp?sub=downs_collection
Physical Description
2 folders (ca. 65 items)
Summary
Henry, Josiah, Mary, Polly, and Simeon Failing lived in Fort Plains and Conajoharie, NY during the 19th century. Simeon served as the "admeasurer" of firewood, timber, and lumber, as well as the pound keeper and tax collector for these towns. This collection contains various papers relating to the Failing family between 1808-1877, including bills, receipts, promissory notes, bonds, articles of agreement, deeds, and letters. Items of note include bills for stores, lumber, and hollowware, a promissory note for lumber, an account book documenting casual labor, and articles of agreement concerning the subcontracting of work for the Erie Canal. A patent assignment for a water elevator, granted to Simeon Failing in 1867, is also included.