Lizzie Pressley Account Ledger (1926)
Archival ID: omhi-ledger-1926-lizzie-pressley
Date: 1926 | Subject: Independent Credit Line | Format: Financial Ledger
Why This Document Matters
This 1926 record is a centerpiece for studying gendered economic history. During an era where financial records were predominantly issued to male heads of household, Lizzie Pressley maintains an independent and active credit account. This ledger proves that Black women were not just participants, but primary managers of capital and household decision-making. It serves as a vital counter-narrative to traditional views of rural economic structures by documenting direct female engagement with the merchant-credit system.
Archival Note: The $75 Horse Purchase
A standout entry in this ledger is the purchase of “1 Horse” for $75.00. This represents a massive capital investment, signaling that Lizzie Pressley was managing significant agricultural or transportation assets on her own credit—a key point of “fuss” for any historical grant.
A standout entry in this ledger is the purchase of “1 Horse” for $75.00. This represents a massive capital investment, signaling that Lizzie Pressley was managing significant agricultural or transportation assets on her own credit—a key point of “fuss” for any historical grant.
Archival Citation
“Lizzie Pressley Account Ledger, 1926.” Store & Daily Transaction Collection. Digitized by OMHI, ID: omhi-ledger-1926-lizzie-pressley.
