Nathaniel IV and Nathaniel V coupled hand skills with knowledge of timber-frame construction, applying mathematics and engineering principles to design, construct, and repair mills and build houses and barns. They also developed business skills that guided their efforts to gain efficiencies in their working methods and maintain records of cash and barter transactions. In many cases, customer accounts remained open for years. Effective communication skills helped them navigate a local barter economy built on mutual trust and clear articulation of needs and expectations. An account book kept by Nathaniel Dominy V in 1798 demonstrates the range of jobs his skills called for.

Right: Images courtesy of The Dominy Craftsmen Collection at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries