The records consist of cash books, a student sundry account book, and other financial account books of Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio) from 1840 to 1864. Account books reflect double entry accounting practices, showing debits and credits. Researchers will find that the account books cover some expenses and credits for members of the Society of Jesus in addition to student accounts. For example, they show funds provided to individual Jesuits traveling to St. Louis, Missouri as well as donations the college made to Jesuit, Catholic missions and financial support it received from various entities. The account books document expenses relating to the college's construction and maintenance, meals and food, library purchases, laboratory supplies, and other supply purchases. They also document payment of tuition and board and student sundry accounts for items like clothing, healthcare, and additional lessons to the college as well as salaries and wages paid by the college. The account books record interactions with businesses, laborers, and suppliers, including women who provided labor for the college as washerwomen and seamstresses.