The microfilmed volume is in two distinct parts. The first is a journal (1833-1835) of the lead smelting operation owned by John R. Coons, an early pioneer and entrepreneur in the present day Grant County, Wisconsin area. While the journal is mainly dated 1834-1835, there are some 1833 entries and references to a previous journal are made. Interspersed throughout are receipts for the Corporation of Potosi. Henry B. Coons (perhaps a brother of John) and James W. Seaton (later clerk of Potosi) are listed in these receipts and were either employed by John Coons or by the Corporation of Potosi. Durning this time Potosi and LaFayette were both located in Iowa County, Michigan Territory. The second part of the volume was kept by John's son Henry B. Coons in 1853 and appears to be a daybook for a general store probably located in Potosi, as Henry lived most of his life in Potosi.
