The records in question are in the New York State Archives:  Series A0352 Register of Peddlers' Licenses, 1840-1956 (4 vols., 1 folder).  Issuance and registration of peddlers' licenses was first required by an amendment to the Revised Statutes, Part I, Chap. 17, Title 4, passed March 23, 1840.  The license was required only of peddlers who wanted to sell goods manufactured in foreign countries (evidently there was a protectionist intent behind the legislation).  The statutory provisions relating to peddlers' licenses (General Business Law Sects. 30-31) were repealed by Laws of 1956, Chap. 318.

The registers contain the following data:

--name of peddler (no residence stated)
--fee paid for license
--date of license
--term of license (6 months or 1 year)
--method of conveyance (foot, one horse, etc.)

Some of the peddlers' last names indicate their probable ethnic origin (e.g. Irish, Jewish).  Very few licenses were issued after the 1870s.  There are no indexes to the names in the registers.  The registers may be used at the New York State Archives; for further information telephone 518-474-8955.

Jim Folts
Head, Reference Services
New York State Archives