Ciphering Books Extracts

Kristin Raab
Development Officer

The extracts displayed come from ciphering books in the HHS Archives collection. Because students learning disciplines as varied as mathematics, handwriting, spelling and surveying used them, ciphering books are an excellent source for documenting the early history of education.

Louis Bevier 1734-1739 | Maria Elting 1799 | Louis Bevier 1800 | Rachel Elting 1803-1812 

Louis Bevier Ciphering Book, 1800

Largely, this ciphering book concentrates on mathematical problems and processes related to surveying.

Louis Bevier (D-302) was born on February 13, 1779 to David Bevier (C-41) and Maria Hasbrouck and baptized ten days later at Marbletown, New York.

He was educated at the Kingston Academy, where he studied Greek, mathematics, surveying, and geography, in addition to other subjects. He remained at the family home at Marbletown and married Maria Elting, daughter of Cornelius Elting, on January 6, 1807. Together they had nine children. Louis served as a captain during the War of 1812, and was stationed at the "Quarantine Ground" on Staten Island. In 1820, Louis was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 130th Regiment of Infantry in New York State. He died on October 25, 1826.

Back | Next