Parchment-covered paper book containing accounts of Robert Shann, flax dresser of Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England, from 1836 to 1838. The volume also contains the will of Robert Shann, in which he leaves his estate to be divided equally between his borther and sister, Christopher and Jane Shann. The executor was George Elwood, shoemaker and the will was dated 2 June 1827. The will was witnessed by William Jennings, John Turnbull and Rob Butterfield. There are also some botanical and biological notes, a poem, and sketches of buildings and boats.
Later additions relate to activities in the Belleville area by George Simpson, for customers such as Robert Sharp, Jonas A. Canniff, Robert Pitts and William Naylor between 1863 and 1864.