The Passmore Archive

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The Thomas Passmore papers, held at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, consist of a substantial body of manuscript material relating to his business and commercial activities. In addition, Passmore’s 1803 bankruptcy file survives in full at the National Archives in Kansas City.

The surviving records include seven bound volumes and four folders of loose documents.

Vol. 19 — Bills Payable / Bills Receivable Book (1795–1803) 

Records of credit extended to and by Passmore, including loans, repayment terms, and commercial relationships.

Vol. 20 — Daybook (1792–1796)

Daily record of sales and purchases from the opening of Passmore’s business, including customers, goods, and prices.

Vol. 21 — Production / Memorandum Book (1797–1799)

Register of journeymen’s production and payments, documenting the internal operation of the manufactory.

Vol. 22 — Journeymen’s Book (1800–1801)

Detailed record of wages, production, and labor practices.

Vol. 23 — Letterbook (1799–1802)

Copies of outgoing business correspondence.

Vol. 24 — Ledger (1792–1795)

Double-entry accounting records corresponding to the daybook.

Vol. 25 — Memorandum Book (late period)

Notes relating primarily to financial transactions and obligations.

Primarily associated with Passmore’s 1803 bankruptcy, including:  

• promissory notes  
• receipts and invoices  
• correspondence  
• inventories 
• lists of creditors and assets  

These materials provide additional insight into Passmore’s business, property, and financial collapse. 

Federal bankruptcy file, 1803 (housed at the National Archives, Kansas City) 

Passmore advertised his tinsmithing business in a variety of Philadelphia newspapers. These advertisements provide valuable insights into his tinsmithing business. Philadelphia's newspapers also provide background material on life in the city.

Published at the time, these annual directories provide names, addresses, and other details about many of Thomas Passmore's customers.