By: Xenia E. Cord
Based on an unpublished, handwritten account book maintained by William McCormick from 1751 through 1782, this research reconstructs the life of a Virginian in southwestern Pennsylvania who prospered by cooperative commerce. Trained as a weaver of linen goods, McCormick practiced this craft when necessary, also establishing himself as a frontiersman, ranger, and teamster hauling commodities between Winchester, Virginia, and Fort Pitt. He was responsible for considerable textile production during the Revolution,