Huguenot Historical Society
Ciphering Book Collection (ca. 1730-1849)
Finding Aid completed by Eric Roth 8/28/1999
Last revised 7/8/2005
Volume: 1.5 cu. ft., 25 items. Acquisition: The ciphering books were donated separately and
aggregated together at the repository. Acquisition information for
each book is provided in the Item Descriptions.
.
Access:
Unrestricted.
Copyright: Request for permission to publish materials from these
records should be discussed with the Archivist and Director of the
Huguenot Historical Society.
Special thanks to Vicki Garrison for processing this
collection.
Collection Description
The collection, housed
in three boxes, consists of 24 handwritten ciphering books used
by students learning mathematics, handwriting, spelling and
other disciplines. In many instances, the problems in the ciphering
books may have been copied from published contemporary textbooks.
Most of the books date from the early 19 th century and are
bound in cloth, leather, or board. As a whole, the books are
in very good condition and quite legible. The majority of the
books contain entries in English, although occasional examples
of French (#23) and Dutch (#11) are also found.
The collection is an
excellent source for documenting the early history of education
and children in New Paltz and Ulster County , NY , particularly
of descendants of the French and Dutch families who settled
New Paltz in the 17 th and 18 th centuries. Families represented
in the books include Chase, Coddington, Deyo, DuBois, Elting,
Freer, Hasbrouck, LeFevre, Schoonmaker, Stillwell, and Vreeland.
Mathematical content in the books typically includes geometric
problems; simple mathematical operations such as addition subtractions,
etc.; measurement, problems involving several different currencies;
application problems, proportion, interest, decimals, fractions
and etc.
Of particular interest
are the application problems, which reveal social issues of
the times. Religious and moral lessons abound throughout all
of the books. Examples include questions and comments such as
“He who cannot be happy without great pains will always find
his pains greater than his happiness,” and “Josiah DuBois is
my name, America is my Nation, New Paltz is my dwelling place
and Christ is my Salvation. When I am dead and in my grave and
all my bones are rotten, when this you see remember me that
I am not forgotten.” Also of interest are records of financial
transactions, genealogical information, names of schoolteachers,
and drawings and other evidence of “doodling.”
Other ciphering books
are located in the Louis Bevier Family Papers: The Elizabeth
Wright Collection (1721-1929).
Item List
Box
1
#1: Josiah LeFevre Ciphering
Book (1822-1824)
#2: Stillwell Family
Ciphering Book (1829-1842)
#3: Andries J. LeFever
Ciphering Book (1799-1811)
#4: Rachel Elting Ciphering
Book (1803-1812)
#23: Abraham Hasbrouck
Ciphering Book (ca. 1730-1739) *
#24: Roelof J. Elting
(1823)
#25 Jeremiah A. Houghtaling
Ciphering Book (1828)
Box
2
#5: Cornelius D. LeFever
(1820-1825)
#6: Philip Deyo Ciphering
Book (1834)
#7: Abraham Deyo Ciphering
Book (1804-1846)
#8: Josiah Hasbrouck/Sarah
DuBois (1821)
#9: Benjamin Hasbrouck,
Jr. Ciphering Book (1764-1766)
#10: Unidentified, “
New Paltz School , June 1818, Gilbert Cuthbert Rice(,) preceptor.”
(1818-1849)
#11: Peter LeFever, Jr.
Ciphering Book (1773-1775)
#12: Peter LeFever, Jr.
Ciphering Book (1779-1781)
Box
3
#13: Elias Freer Ciphering
Book (1802-1803)
#14: Blandina LeFever
Ciphering Book (1833)
#15: Josiah DuBois Ciphering
Book (1792-1794)
#16: Hendricus Schoonmaker
Ciphering Book (1781-1785)
#17: Merril Chase Ciphering
Book (1790-1791, 1836)
#18: Philip Deyo Ciphering
Book (1768)
#19: Philip LeFever Ciphering
Book (1834)
#20: Jacobus Coddington
Ciphering Book (1830)
#21: Jacob Vreeland Ciphering
Book (1839)
#22: Johannis Freer Ciphering
Book (1797, 1829-1833)
Item Descriptions
Box
1
Ciphering Book
#1: Josiah LeFevre Ciphering Book (1822-1824).
Donor unknown, possibly
Sadie Mott.
Topics in this book range
from simple mathematical operations to more complex problems
such as percents and interest and roots of numbers. Other subjects
include cloth measure, vulgar fractions, time and weight. In
addition to mathematical questions, there are also spelling
problems, and application problems involving American History
and business and commerce. The handwriting becomes difficult
to decipher towards the end of the book.
Ciphering Book
#2: Stillwell Family Ciphering Book (1829-1842)
Donated by Mrs. Richard
Ordway, 1978-1998. Forms part of the Stillwell/Johnson Family
Papers (1789-1943).
Major topics of study
include “reduction,” measurement, and direct and indirect proportion.
Of interest are numerous “practical questions,” or application
problems concerning business and commerce. Several of these
questions require the student to differentiate the value of
the U.S. dollar according to each state's currency. Also found
in the book are several “philosophical” quotes such as: “Commendation
commonly animates the mind,” “He who cannot be happy without
great pains will always find his pains greater than his happiness,”
and “The possession of enjoyment is better than the enjoyment
of possession.” The book also includes lists of books read and
purchased, and their prices. The handwriting in this book is
particularly neat and clearly legible.
Ciphering Book
#3: Andries J. LeFever Ciphering Book (1799-1811)
Donor unknown.
Includes simple addition,
plane geometry, and logarithms. An inserted note reads “Nothing
is certain in this world.” Other non-mathematical comments include
“Be wise and beware,” “Command your passions,” “Improve your
learning,” “Beauty commands esteem,” and “The children of Mary
were twins both boys born June 20, 1811.” Other names (or signatures)
in the book are Cornelius D. LeFever, Alexander Day, Lewis DuBois,
Littyann, Sarah Jane, and Jane.
In the book, Andries
LeFever notes that he is 18 years old on November 27, 1809.
Ciphering Book
#4: Rachel Elting Ciphering Book (1803-1812)
Donor unknown.
Topics range from addition
of money to the rule of three. Some pages appear to be missing.
Some notes on the bottom of later pages appear to be a record
of money saved and spent until 1812. Some application problems
were designed to be unique to Rachel. For example, one question
is phrased “Suppose Rachel you was born in year of our lord
1792 I desire to know your age to present year 1803 in years,
days, hours, and minutes.” There are also non-mathematical comments
such as “Rachel Elting is my name and so I hope it may remain.”
A largely illegible note on the inside back cover appears to
be addressed to “Mr. Solomon Elting my father.”
Ciphering Book
#23: Abraham Hasbrouck Ciphering Book (ca. 1730-1739) *
Loaned by Kenneth E.
Hasbrouck. Date unknown, probably originally donated by Annette
Innis Young, 1963. [1]
Written almost completely
in French, this book contains multiplication problems, application
problems involving currency (francs, florins, pounds, shillings,
etc.), geometric problems, “proeve” applications, and narratives
about various mathematical principles and methods. Of particular
interest is what appears to be a rough draft of a will. Also
included in the book are accounts dating from the 1730s probably
kept by Isaac Hasbrouck concerning the purchase and sale of
books, shirts, pipes, tobacco and other domestic supplies. The
names of two schoolteachers, Jean Tebanin and Jean Meschine,
are also supplied. The book is wrapped in leather and contains
a strap. The front cover contains and inscription and signature
by Abraham Hasbrouck.
Ciphering Book
#24: Roelof J. Elting (1823)
Donor unknown. Possibly
Lanetta Elting DuBois. Date unknown.
Contains lessons and
word problems chiefly concerning business mathematics. Subjects
include on the double rule of three, interest, equation and
barter, loss and gain, fellowship, alligation, exchange, and
fractions and decimals. There are also some problems relating
to geometry. In addition to the mathematical work, there is
one essay entitled “Humanity”, which argues that “Humanity is
not properly a single virtue; but a disposition residing in
the heart, which does not spurn the needy & afflicted, but
sends them away relieved from their wants….”
Ciphering Book
#25: Jeremiah A. Houghtaling (1828-1833)
Donated by Ellen Frazer,
2004. Archives Accession Number #2004.008.
Contains mathematical
lessons and word problems, including the Rule of Three, Commission,
Brokerage, Insurance, Interest, Tare and Trett, etc. Of interest
are poems and phrases found on the final pages of the book,
and numerous dated signatures of Jeremiah A. Houghtaling.
Box
2
Ciphering Book
#5: Cornelius D. LeFever (1820-1825)
Donor unknown.
This leather-bound book
contains problems involving units of measure (including motion)
and “compound fellowship.” The work of Cornelius LeFever is
dated from 1820-1825. Also included in the book are: a note
for a loan dating from 1859; request for signatures; comments
of Catherine Bevier and Jacob Hardenbergh; several stories;
a note to a parent from John Clarke. There is also a note from
Gertrude Elsie Van Orden DuBois giving Cornelius' age as twelve
when he started the book, although his birth year is listed
as 1804.
Ciphering Book
#6: Philip Deyo Ciphering Book (1834)
Probably donated by Sarah
E. Deyo in 1960. Forms part of the Deyo Family Papers (1675-1870).
Newspaper used as binding.
Includes sections on simple addition, compound addition, and
subtraction, as well as a practice alphabet. Inscription: “Philip
Deyo Book and his writing and it is well done and don't steel
(sic) this Book. “ Also includes a philosophical quote about
death.
Ciphering Book
#7: Abraham Deyo Ciphering Book (1804-1846)
Probably donated by Sarah
E. Deyo in 1960. Forms part of the Deyo Family Papers (1675-1870).
Cloth-covered book begins
with simple addition and ends with simple interest. Also includes
a recipe for “Moris Pills,” a list of fifteen scripture verses,
an 1846 map of “Apel (sic)Trees,” and two pages of cures. There
is also an 1830 record of transaction between Abraham Deyo and
Elisha Beardsley, and records of birth for sons Jonathan in
1815 and Sallamon (sic) in 1829.
Ciphering Book
#8: Josiah Hasbrouck/Sarah DuBois (1821)
Donor uncertain, possibly
Annette Young. Forms part of the Locust Lawn Collection
(1672-1969) .
Cloth covered book includes
work of both Josiah Hasbrouck and Sarah DuBois. One set of problems
is titled “The Elements of Arithmetic, Commenced by Sarah DuBois,
Gilbert Cuthbert Ricey, Recepter.” Topics include reduction,
“promiscuous questions” (applications), vulgar fractions, and
domestic exchange. When the book is opened from the back cover,
the work of Josiah Hasbrouck is shown. It begins with compound
multiplication and ends with inverse proportion. The date January
11, 1821 is included.
Ciphering Book
#9: Benjamin Hasbrouck, Jr. Ciphering Book (1764-1766)
Donor unknown.
Cloth-covered book. Questions
chiefly involve subtraction, fractions, and interest. Of interest
are steps in several problems entitled “Proeve,” which appear
to involve checking over previous work. Some entries are in
Dutch. Miscellaneous items and comments in the book are the
signature of Benjamin Hasbrouck, Sr., dated February 22, 1819;
an undated newspaper clipping obituary for Mrs. Solomon Kelder;
and an 1865 Huguenot Bank check with the signatures of JM and
JJ Hasbrouck.
Ciphering Book
#10: Unidentified, “ New Paltz School , June 1818, Gilbert Cuthbert
Rice(,) preceptor.” (1818-1849)
Donor unknown.
Book includes simple
addition, inverse proportion, interest, and commission. Contains
practice exercise such as “How many Barley corns will reach
round the globe…?” Inside front cover contains payment records
from 1836, 1844, and 1849.
Ciphering Book
#11: Peter LeFever, Jr. Ciphering Book (1773-1775)
Donor unknown.
Leather-bound book begins
with subtraction of vulgar fractions and also includes topics
such as decimals, interest, arithmetical and geometrical progressions,
and square and cube roots. A newspaper clipping affixed to front
cover dates from 1770. A note dating from January 1775 reads
“Behold this year begins like human life with cold and nakedness.”
Also, one comment reads “Don't steal this Book for fear of shame
for look above there stands the owner's name.” There is also
a note pertaining to lots (property) of Daniel LeFever and Josiah
Elting.
Ciphering Book
#12: Peter LeFever, Jr. Ciphering Book (1779-1781)
Donor unknown.
This cloth-covered book
begins with addition of money and also includes inverse proportion
and addition of fractions. Most dates are given as 1781, but
there are a few references to 1779. Comments similar to those
mentioned in other books are found in the inside froth cover.
Box 3
Ciphering Book
#13: Elias Freer Ciphering Book (1802-1803)
Donated by Marylin Andersen
on August 1, 1996.
This cloth-covered book
begins with numerical tables and also includes simple multiplication.
There are also several comments and examples of doodling.
Ciphering Book
#14: Blandina LeFever Ciphering Book (1833)
Donor unknown.
Decorative title page
reads “Miss Blandina LeFever Under the tuition of Miss Sarah
Coverly, New Paltz, March 27, 1833.” Book is covered in leather.
Mathematical content chiefly includes multiplication. Other
information includes copies of “A Ballad by Mary Hewitt, and
“The Doctor's Song, which includes the name “Abm. D.B. Elting,
New Paltz, Ulster County , N.Y. ”
Ciphering Book
#15: Josiah DuBois Ciphering Book (1792-1794)
Donor unknown.
This cloth-covered book
includes numeration, measurement, proportion, interest, fractions,
decimals, roots, and the Mariner's Compass. The last page identifies
Isaiah Plyter, Philomathematician, Dec. 31, 1794. Also in the
book is the comment “Josiah DuBois is my name, America is my
Nation, New Paltz is my dwelling place and Christ is my Salvation.
When I am dead and in my grave and all my bones are rotten,
when this you see remember me that I am not forgotten.”
Ciphering Book
#16: Hendricus Schoonmaker Ciphering Book (1781-1785)
Donor unknown.
Cloth-covered. The front
inside cover contains a newspaper clipping from March 1776.
Mathematical content begins with subtraction of measurement
and also includes proportion, interest, money exchange, and
equation of payments. Smaller pages have been inserted into
the book. These pages concern decimals, geometry, trigonometry,
and area. A note reads “Henry Schoonmaker has begun a quarter
schooling by Mr. Agnew, May 3, 1785.” There is also a record
of a bond to John Smith, Essex County , N.J. , March 20, 1785.
Ciphering Book
#17: Merril Chase Ciphering Book (1790-1791, 1836)
Donor unknown.
Title reads “Merril Chase
Book 1790, Begun at M. Bartlet's School, Dec. 3, 1790.” Content
includes a numeration table, measurement, and application problems.
One sample problem reads “How many days hath elapsed since the
birth of Christ to Christmas 1756?” One additional note states
“Enoch French began taking papers March 8, 1836.”
Ciphering Book
#18: Philip Deyo Ciphering Book (1768)
Possibly donated by Sarah
E. Deyo in 1960. Forms part of the Deyo Family Papers (1675-1870).
This book contains no
cover. Mathematical topics include subtraction of money, interest,
measurement, and proportion. The signatures of Jacob and Dinah
Elting are present.
Ciphering Book
#19: Philip LeFever Ciphering Book (1834)
Donor unknown.
This paper-covered book
contains “Geometrical Problems Preparatory to Surveying.” Topics
include constructions, right triangles, trigonometry, and area.
There are also a significant number of application problems,
several of which have elaborate accompanying sketches. There
is also some more recent calculations done in pencil.
Ciphering Book
#20: Jacobus Coddington Ciphering Book (1830)
Donor Unknown.
This cover-less book
is identified as that of Jacob Coddington of the town of Rochester
, NY. Content includes basic operations and measurement, application
problems, and a record of accounts.
Ciphering Book
#21: Jacob Vreeland Ciphering Book (1839)
Donor unknown. Forms
part of the Vreeland Family Papers (1822-1904).
Cloth-covered. Topics
include measurement, fractions, decimals, and interest. Additional
material concerns an account of a trip from Puerto Rico to Ireland
to New York on a ship entitled the “ Phoenix .”
Ciphering Book
#22: Johannis Freer Ciphering Book (1797, 1829-1833)
Donor unknown.
This book may actually
be three separate books in one. Topics of Tare and Trett, rule
of mixture, partnership, bankruptcy, exchange, interest fractions,
proportions, and decimals. There are also several notes of loans
to members of the Freer and DuBois families. The first section
dates from 1797 and includes the name of Johannes Freer. The
third identifies Johannes J. Freer and dates from 1829-1833.
*
Books #23 and #24 are housed in Box 1 for space reasons.
[1]
Huguenot Historical Societyof New Paltz, NY, Yearbook,
#8, 1963, p. 15.
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