Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - RR0041
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
| I. CHILD-AMUSEMENTS | ||
| Books | ||
| Games | ||
| Toys | ||
| Costumes (for playtimes) | ||
| II. CHILD-TRAINING (In Arts) | ||
| Dancing | ||
| Drawing & painting | ||
| Manners | ||
| Music | ||
| Needlework | ||
| III. CHILD-TRAINING (Education) Abroad | ||
| Private | ||
| Public | ||
| School Houses | ||
| School Masters | ||
| School Materials | ||
| School Schedules | ||
| Religious | ||
| Travel | ||
| IV. CHILD-TRAINING (Out-door Sports) | ||
| Fencing | ||
| Hunting | ||
| Riding | ||
| Boxing | ||
| Swimming | ||
| V. CHILD PETS | ||
| VI. CHILD PORTRAITS | ||
| VII. CHILD HEALTH | ||
| APPENDIX | ||
| Illustration #1 (Some notes re children's books) |
In the report on "Child-Life in Virginia", to follow, it has been the aim to collect primary source materials mainly, adding a few secondary sources to complete the picture. Hence diaries, letters, journals and newspapers furnish, in large measure, the materials in the report, all of which are drawn from Virginia life. In several instances items have been included from Maryland, South Carolina and Pennsylvania newspapers.
Types of amusements enjoyed, sports engaged in, educational advantages offered, pets loved, and training in the fine arts, each had a definite place in the normal life of the colonial child. Typical examples from the vast source of material have been selected and given chronologically.
| 1743-52 | Memoirs of Governor John Page (The Virginia Historical Register, III, p.144) "… I was early taught to read and write, by the care and attention of my grandmother, one of the most sensible, and best informed women I ever knew… My Grandmother excited in my mind an inquisitiveness, which, whenever it was proper, she gratified, and very soon I became so fond of reading, that I read not only all the little amusing and instructing books which she put into my hands, but many which I took out of my father's and grandfather's collection, which was no contemptible library…" | |
| 1743 | The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia, No. 1243, Oct. 27-Nov. 3,) "Play-Books for Children to allure them to read as soon as they can speak" [advertised for sale at the Bible, in Front-Street, Philadelphia] | |
| 1745 | Ibid., (No. 1355, Dec. 17 -24,) [Cornelia Bradford at the Sign of the Bible advertised] "…Robin Hoods 24 Songs, Tales of the Faries, Aesops" | |
| 1750 | Virginia Historical Magazine, XXXIII, p.40 Inventory of Samuel Peachy [died 1750], Farnham Parish, Virginia: "…Gulliver's Travels, The Childns Geography, Three Youths Companions…" | |
| 1757 | Virginia Gazette (April 22, Hunter, ed.) "…to be Sold at the Printing-Office, in Williamsburg… various sorts of small Books for Children…" | |
| 2 | ||
| 1760 | Colonial Virginia, Its People and Customs, by Mary Newton Stanard (Philadelphia, 1917) "…Among a occasional inventories of libraries owned by women was that of Mailana Drayton, of Middlesex, who in 1760 had, among other volumes…, six picture books." | |
| 1762 | Virginia Almanac (Royle, ed.) "To be SOLD at Williamsburg Post Office …a great VARIETY of Play-Books for Children…" | |
| 1762 | Ibid. "JAMES CRAIG Jeweller at the GOLDEN-BALL in Williamsburg MAKES all Sorts of Jewellers Work, Plate, Watches, and Toys…" | |
| 1765 | Gentleman's Magazine (1765, p.485) [advertise books] "J. Nichols, Time Well Spent or Instructive Amusements for Children" (8d bound) | |
| 1768 | Virginia Gazette (Feb. 25, 1768, Purdie & Dixon, eds.) [books advertised] | |
| "CHRISTMAS Box. | ||
| Exposition of the Book of Common Prayer | ||
| Easter Gift | ||
| Fables | ||
| Fairing | ||
| Giles Gingerbread | ||
| History of England | ||
| Horn Books | ||
| Infant Tutor | ||
| Important Pocketbook | ||
| Life of Christ | ||
| of Alexander Pope | ||
| of Maurice Count Saxe | ||
| Lives of the Apostles | ||
| of the Fathers | ||
| Lilliputian Magazine | ||
| Lottery Book | ||
| New Year's Gift | ||
| Pleasant Art of Money Catching | ||
| Pretty Playthings | ||
| Pretty Pocketbook | ||
| Poems for Children, 6 Feet high | ||
| Poems for do. 3 Feet high | ||
| Primmers | ||
| Robinson Crusoe | ||
| Riddles | ||
| Royal Battledores | ||
| Sixpennyworth of Wit | ||
| Short Histories | ||
| Tom Trip | ||
| Tom Thumb's Folio | ||
| Telescope's Philosophy | ||
| Trapwit's Jests | ||
| Two Shoes | ||
| Twelfth Day | ||
| Valentine's Gift | ||
| Whitsuntide Gift." | ||
| 3 | ||
| 1787 | A Little Pretty Pocket-Book Intended for the instruction and Amusement of Little Master Tommy, and Pretty Miss Polly, with two Letters from Jack the Giant-Killer, as also a Ball and Pincusion… to which is added A Little Song-Book being A New Attempt to teach Children the Use of the English Alphabet, by Way of Diversion. (The First Worcester, Edition, printed at Worchester, Mass. by Isaiah Thomas, 1787.) A facsimile from a copy in the New York Public Library is issued by F. G. Melcher on the tenth of June 1944, on the 200th Anniversary of the Book's first appearance. [many illustrations] | |
| 1807 | Skipwith Papers, MSS, (William and Mary College Archives) "Messrs Dawes, Stephenson & Co London Apr 21-1807 S.P.S. To H H Richardson 1 Wilkies Fables, fine plates @5.-.-" | |
| 1821 | American Beacon, Norfolk (printed by Shields, Ashburn & Co.) Dec. 20, 1821: "CHILDREN's BOOKS, &C. I HAVE JUST RECEIVED, A beautiful assortment of PLEASING STORY BOOKS, lately imported from London, and entirely new, suitable for Children…" | |
| 1822 | Ibid., July 29, 1822 "JUVENILE BOOKS …The Book of Games; or, a History of the Juvenile Sports practised at the Kingston academy, illustrated with Plates… C.Hall." | |
| 1829 | Stories About Captain John Smith of Virginia for the instruction and amusement of Children (Hartford, 1829, P. Canfield Printer; H. & F. J. Huntington) Illustrations [Written in the language of children 8-10 of age]. | |
| 1831 | The Story of the American Revolution, Lilly, Lambert, Schoolmaster, illustrated by Tales, Sketches and Anecdotes with numerous engravings (Phila. 1831, Key & Meilke, publishers). "The story of our glorious Revolution, interesting and instructive to children." [Included are anecdotes and stories of Molly Pitcher, Sergeant Jasper, General Washington, Sergt. Champe, Putnam, Dunmore's flight &c.] | |
| 1832 | A SERIES OF AMERICAN SCHOOL BIOGRAPHIES FOR YOUTH (Pub. by Collins & Hannay, N. Y., no date) Life of George Washington - Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, Anecdotes, adapted to the use of schools, with engravings: "NOTICE: This work is one of a Series of American Biographies for youth, designed to take the place of tales of fiction, and while they amuse, to instruct the reader. The Life of Columbus is already published; and The Life of Franklin will soon appear. The lives of celebrated Indian Chiefs, celebrated American Statesmen, celebrated Adventurers, &c. will follow." | |
| 1732 | The Complete Gamester, by Richard Seymour, in three parts written for the use of the young princesses (London: 1734). |
| 1739 | Another Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover 1739-1741 (Richmond, 1942) Aug. 25 "…After dinner my wife had an indisposition. My son and I played piquet…" |
| 1739 | Aug. 21 "…After dinner put several things in order, read English, and then played bowls with my son…"1 |
| 1747 | The Maryland Gazette, Wednesday, December 9, 1747. [Thomas Cooper of Queen's-Town, in Queen Anne's County, advertised:] "A GOOD new House and Lot, and all sorts of Household Goods…a good Shuffleboard Table; a good Nine Pin Alley, with good Nine-Pins and Bowls…" |
| "Shovel-board; shuffleboard: a game in which a coin or other disk is driven by a blow with the hand along a highly polished board, floor, or table (sometimes ten yards or more long) marked with transverse lines." Played in the 17th and 18th centuries. (The Oxford English Dictionary.) | |
| 1787 [1744 1st ed.] | A Little Pretty Pocket-Book intended for the Instruction and Amusement of Little Master Tommy, and Pretty Miss Polly… Amer. edition 1787; facsimile 1944, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the book's first appearance in London by John Newberry.) |
| [Games & Amusements of Children --Illustrated] p.24-Chuck-farthing- illustration, verse as below: " As you value your Pence, Moral. | |
| [Note: The Oxford English Dictionary gives "Chuck-farthing; a game of combined skill and chance in which coins were pitched at a mark, and then chucked or tossed at a hole by the player who came nearest the mark, and who won all that alighted in the hole…"] | |
| Other examples noted in the book are: Flying the Kite, Dancing the Maypole, Marbles, Hoop and Hide, Thread the Needle, Fishing, Blindman's Buff, Shuttle-cock, King I Am, Peg-Farthing, Knock Out and Span, Hop, Step and Jump, Boys and Girls Come Out to Play, I Sent a Letter to 5 my Love, Pitch and Hussell, Cricket, Stool-Ball, Swimming, Base-Ball, Trap-Ball, Tip-Cat, Fives, Leap-Frog, Hop-Hay, Hop-Scotch and Squares. [Each game is illustrated with moral, as above description of Chuck-Farthing.]1 | |
| 1773 | Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian — 1773-1774. (ed. by Hunter Dickinson Farish, Williamsburg, 1943.) p. 45-46 [Games] "…we played Button…in the play called Break the Pope's Neck…" |
| 1799 | Skipwith Papers, MSS (William and Mary College Archives) "Lady Skipwith Bout of Wm Moore Apothecary Novr 1799 … [£ S D] 1 Suple Jack -.1.6 1 Fox & Geese Board -.6.- 2 Cups & Balls -.3.-" |
| 1821 | American Beacon, Norfolk (printed by Shields, Ashburn & Co.) Dec. 20, 1821: "VERNANULAR CARDS; being a new and interesting Game; in performing which, a knowledge of the prominent parts of the History, Government and Commerce of the United States, is necessarily acquired--Designed for the amusement and instruction of young persons. C.Hall." |
| 1746 | Virginia Gazette (March 27, 1746, Parks, ed.) "Just Imported A Choice Parcel of Lace…Also a curious Collection of Toys…in Palace Street, Williamsburg. Frances Webb." |
| 1750 | York County Records (Wills, Inventories, Book 20, p.200; November 22, 1750) Inventory of Thomas Bennet "… £ S D 9 copper toys, pewter furniture, tin trumpets, 2 dogs 0:19:0 9 men horses and children 0:13:0 … a parcel tennis balls … " |
| 1751 | Virginia Gazette (June 27, 1751) [Williamsburg] "Just IMPORTED from LONDON, A LARGE Assortment of curious Toys for Children… Pictures… at my House, opposite to the Church Trees°.George Wells." |
| 6 | |
| 1756 | South Carolina Gazette, Supplement No. 1143 (May 22,) [Bremar & Neyle at their Store on the Bay, near the Council Chamber list for sale] "…children's drums…" |
| 1756 | Ibid. (May 22) [John Paul Grimke advertises that he] "Has Just imported from London,…also some pieces of spare coral, and silver chains to hang childrens whistles on…" |
| 1757 | Ibid. (Jan. 13, 1757, No. 1178) [Robertson & Baillie] "HAVE just imported… from London… drest babies and children's drums…" |
| 1759 | CHRISTMAS WITH THE WASHINGTONS, Olive Bailey, (Richmond, 1948) pp. 18-19, copies from Invoices at the Library of Congress. March [playthings ordered from Unwin and Wrigglesworth and charged to Daniel Parke Custis]: "A child's fiddle A coach and six in a box A stable with six horses A corner cupboard A neat walnut bureau A filigree watch A neat enameled watch box A toy whip A child's huzzit." |
| September [Washington ordered articles for the children, Patsy and Jackie Custis, from Robert Cary, merchant of London, and from Mount and Page, booksellers of London]: "A bird on Bellows A Cuckoo A turnabout Parrot A Grocers Shop °6 Small Books for Children [For] Miss Custis 4y old 1 Fash. drest Baby…& other toys… " 6 Pocket handkerchiefs" "An Aviary A Prussian Dragoon A Man smockg | |
| [From Unwin and Wrigglesworth]: "A Tunbridge Tea Sett 3 Neat Tunbridge Toys A Neat Book fash Tea Chest A Box best Household Stuff A Straw patch box w. a Glass A neat dress'd Wax Baby." | |
| 1761 | October [Washington ordered from his London agents]: "For Master Custis 8 yr old A Small Bible neatly bound in Turkey and John Parke Custis wrote in gilt Letters on the Inside of the cover. A Neat small Prayer Book as above with & cw. Miss Custis 6 yr old 1 Fash dressd Doll to cost a Guinea 7 1 Do a 5 [shillings] A box Ginger brd Toys & Sugr Imags & Comfits A Neat Small Bible bd in Turkey and Martha Parke Custis wrote on the Inside in gilt Letters A Small Prayer Book neat and in the same manner." [These purchases arrived at Mount Vernon in April, 1762] |
| 1769 | Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon eds., December 14, 1769: "Just Imported… a great variety of Queen's china for children, sets complete… SARAH PITT." |
| 1767 | Blair, Banister, Braxton, Horner Families, [Letter Agan [Ann] Blair of Williamsburg, Virginia, to her sister, Mrs. Braxton:] "Betsey [Braxton] is at work for you… I have had Hair put on Miss Dolly but find it is not in my power of complying with my promise in giving her silk for a Sacque and coat. Some of our pretty gang broke open a Trunk in our Basence and stole several Things of which the Silk makes a part. So, imagine Betsey will petition you for some…" |
| 1773 | Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., April 29, 1773: "Just IMPORTED, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber in Williamsburg,… dressed and undressed Babies, &c… Toys of all Sorts… MARGARET HUNTER." |
| 1774 | John Norton & Sons, Merchants of London and Virginia (Richmond, 1937) p. 374. Letter to J. H. Norton, Merchant, York Town, Virginia From: F. Norton, London Sept. 6th 1774 "My Dr. Brother. I am now to thank you for your kind letter to Mr. Jones. Am glad to hear my niece grows so finely. Have sent her a sett of small China for her amusement…" |
| 1785 | Virginia Historical Magazine, XVII, p.103. "Extracts from Account Book of Thomas Davis, Spotsylvania County, Va.---1785 Dec'br 20. 1 English Doll with red silk dress for Betty...£-.15.0" |
| 1788 | Mss Papers Richard Blow (Jeffcott Collection, W&M College, Box #5) Invoice Messrs Donald & Burton, London, July 11, 1788 "… 1 Doz Childrens Toy watches 0.6.6" |
| 1790 | The Virginia Independent Chronicle and General Advertiser, IV, No.197, (Richmond) Wednesday, May 12, 1790, advertisement of Warington & Keene, Merchants, Richmond "…Toys for children [just imported from London]." |
| 1795 | MSS Papers of Richard Blow - Box 2 Invoice Messrs. Lamb & Younger Bot Hodgeson Nicholson Rotten & Thompson, Birmingham, 3d June 1795: "…½ dz Toy Watches 2269-2273 £0.6.8 …1 M Marbles -.4.0" |
| 8 | |
| 1797 | Mss Papers of Richard Blow Box #21 Invoice Mss Lamb & Younger London Feby 8th 1797 Bot of Hodgson Nicholson Rottener, & Thompson consigned to R. B. Birmingham 9th February 1796 "… 1000 Marbles £4.6" |
| 1799 | Mss Skipwith Papers (William & Mary College Archives) Lady Skipwith Bout of Wm Moore Apothecary Novr 1799 "… 3 Small Toys £ -.3.- 1 Doll -.6.- 1 Windmill -.1.6" |
| 1816 | The American Beacon, Norfolk, Virginia Thursday, May 23, 1816 "DOLLS and MARBLES 4 Cases London Dolls, assorted (40 doz. in a case) 50,000 Toy Marbles JOHN C NEMEYER" |
| Ibid., June 22, 1816 TOYS "10 case well assorted Toys D'Anfossy & Co. Market Square [Norfolk]" | |
"Sr
According to your desire, I have herewith Sent you an Indian Habitt for your Boy, the best I could procure amongst our Neighbour Indians, there is a flap or Belly Clout 1 pr Stockings & 1 pr Mocosins or Indian shoes allso Some shells to put about his necke & a Cap of Wampum I could not gett any dyed Hair, wh would have been better & cheaper these thing are put up in an Indian Baskett, directed as you desired, there are a Bow & arrows tyed to itt, I hope they will come Safe, & find you at yor desired porte in health…"
| 1739 | Virginia Gazette (Parks, ed., April 6, 1739). "…[Jones, Irwin advertises] that Stephen Tenoe, Dancing Master, is my Servant…And I do inform all Gentlemen and Ladies, that want to learn to dance, or that have Children to be taught, that he shall constantly attend his Schools at the several Places following, viz. at Hampton, at Mr. Francis Hayward's, at York Town and at Williamsburg…" |
| 1752 | Ibid. (Hunter, ed., March 20). "The Subscriber, who lodges at Mr. Finnie's, in Williamsburg, teaches the Art of Fencing, Dancing, and the French Tongue; and is ready to begin as soon as he can get a reasonable Number of Scholars. Le Chevalier de Peyronny." |
| 1762 | Letter Book Augustine Smith Miscellaneous items: including letter from Mary Calthorpe Smith, daughter of Gen. Thomas Nelson and Lucy Grymes, his wife, dated "Rug Swamp, Hanover city Virginia, April 10, 1835." " She Lucy Grymes had quite a liberal education, for the times. She was a most uncommon Arithmetician, very fond of reading, and learned to play on the Harpsichard; (that being the fashionable key'd Instrument of those days) of Mr Pelham, who since my recollection was the organist and I was once told by her eldest Brother, (that she was the most Elegant Dancer and the greatest Belle of the age in which she lived)…" |
| 1762 | Virginia Magazine History, XXXI; Will of Charles Carter of Cleve, pp. 62-63. "…It is my will and meaning that they [John and Landon, his sons then in England] shall be continued at school to learn the languages, Mathematicks, Phylosophy, dancing and Fencing till they are well accomplished… …It is my positive will and desire that my daughters may be maintained with great frugality and taught to dance…" |
| 1767 | Blair, Banister, Braxton…Families, Letter of Agan [ann] Blair to her sister, Mrs. Braxton, relative to Betsy Braxton, daughter of Mrs. Braxton. "…Betsy is at work for you. I suppose she will tell you to-morrow is Dancing Day, for it is in her Thoughts by Day & her dreams by night, Mr. FEARSON was so surprised to find she knew so much of their minuet step, and could not help asking if Miss had never been taught. So you will find she is likely to make some progress that way. Mr. WRAY by reason of business has but lately taken her in hand tho' he assures me a little practice is all she wants; her Reading I hear twice a day. And when I go out she is consigned over to my sister Blair; we have had some quarrels and one Battle. Betsy and her cousin Jenny had been fighting for several days successively & was threatened to be whipt for it as often but they did not regard us. Her Mamma & self thought it necessary to let them see we were in earnest— if they have fought since we have never heard of it. She has finish'd her work'd Tucker, but ye weather is so warm that with all ye pains I can take with clean hands and so forth she cannot help dirtying it a little…" |
| 10 | |
| 1769 | Blair. Banister, Braxton & Horner Families (Mss William & Mary College). Letter of Jean Blair to her sister Mrs. Braxton at Newington, King & Queen County. "Wmsburg Octbr 14. 1769. "… I am extreamly obliged to You for the trouble you have taken about my Virginia cloth…I shou'd be glad to know how [much] Mrs Lumpkin Spun of it. You say [she would] be glad of an old Bonnet, and an [apron for] each of her Daughters: as to the Bonnet, I have got two Muzlin aprons that i believe would do, but as it is Association times I am affraid to part with them; for if I do, I shall have nothing to make up for the Children to go to dancing in…" |
| 1772 | Diary of Landon Carter (William and Mary Quarterly, Series 1, XIII, p. 163). "August 26. Mr. Christeen, the dancing master, came here on a letter I sent to take his son and bring him up to the business of a steward over gentlemen's estates." |
| 1773 | Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian 1773-1774 (ed. by Hunter Dickinson Farish, 1943) p. 44-5. "December 18, 1773. …After Breakfast, we all retired into the Dancing Room, & after the Scholars had their Lesson singly round Mr. Christian, very politely, requested me to step a Minuet;…There were several Minuets danced with great ease and propriety; after which the whole company Joined in country-dances, and it was indeed beautiful to admiration, to see such a number of young persons, set off by dress to the best Advantage, moving easily, to the sound of well performed Music, and with perfect regularity, tho' apparently in the utmost Disorder-- The Dance continued till two,…soon after Dinner we repaired to the Dancing-Room again; I observe in the course of the lessons, that Mr. Christian is punctual, and rigid in his discipline, so strict indeed that he struck two of the young Misses for a fault in the course of their performance, even in the presence of the Mother of one of them! And he rebuked one of the young Fellows so highly as to tell him he must alter his manner, which he had observed through the Course of the Dance, to be insolent, and wanton, or absent himself from the School--- I thought this a sharp reproof, to a young Gentleman of seventeen, before a large number of Ladies!--… When the candles were lighted we all repaired, for the last time, into the dancing Room; first each couple danced a Minuet; then all joined as before in the country Dances…" |
| 1775 | Virginia Gazette (Purdie, ed.). Williamsburg, August 18, 1775. "The subscriber begs leave to acquaint the ladies and gentlemen, that on friday next, at Mr. Blovet Pasteur's, in this city, she intends opening a DANCING SCHOOL, and hopes to be favoured with the instruction of their daughters in that genteel accomplishment. As she is resolved to spare no pains with her scholars, she does not doubt of being able to give entire satisfaction. Her days for teaching are fridays and saturdays, every week; and her price is 20s. at entrance, and 4. a year. Sarah Hallam." |
| 11 | |
| 1780 | Writings of Thomas Jefferson, III, p.345, by Paul Leicester Ford. [Jefferson's advice to his daughter as to her daily schedules;] "...From 10 to 1, dance one day and draw another…" |
| 1785 | Virginia Gazette or Weekly Advertiser (Hayes, ed.). (Dec. 31, 1785 number.) "Richmond, Dec. 22, 1785 …Mr. Quesnay begs leave to inform the Public, that he intends to remain in this City as long as the encouragement he meets with at present, shall continue… …As the DANCING SCHOOL property understood, is recommended in the education of children for the only intention to give them a genteel carriage, and ease of manners, in company; it is improper to employ the precious time of their infancy, to this trifling part; but they should have some time to study other accomplishments more useful, but unhappily very much neglected at present; there-fore the Dancing School of the Academy, will for the future be attended only three days in a week, and the other three days, shall be employed for those who shall wish to be instructed in DRAWING and PAINTING in general; MUSIC and the FOREIGN LANGUAGES.- The Dancing Scholars for the future, shall pay 4s. for thirty six days besides the entrance." |
| 1803 | Letter Mr. Peter Bowdoin, Hungars, Aug. 27th., 1803 to Mr. Joseph Prentis Junr, Williamsburg (Typed copy in Research Department, Colonial Williamsburg.) "Hungars Augt 27th 1803 …Inclosed you have a 10$ note to pay my Sister for her advanc for James going to Dancing School at which I am much pleased as it will be of service to his carriage & manners…" [endorsed Peter Bowdoin Hungars Aug: 26-1803] "Letter Peter Bowdoin, Hungars to Mr [Josep]h Prentis Junr Augt 31st 1803. When does James's quarter end with Dennis [school master?], & Ducoin the Dancing Master! …" |
Training in drawing and painting was offered by private instruction generally, though there were cases indicating that such courses were given in public schools.
| 1769 | Letter-Book of William Nelson, Ms, September 4, 1769 Virginia To: Mr. John Norton [in England] "…I am also in want of some Books to be sent to Me, as follows, viz…The Art of Drawing without a Master, printed for Corrington Bowles No. 69 & Wm. Harris No. 70 side of St. Paul's Churchyard." |
| 1772 | Virginia Gazette (Purdie & Dixon, eds., Feb. 20, 1772) "E. ARMSTON,(or perhaps better known by the Name of GARDNER) continues the School at Point Pleasant, Norfolk Borough, where is a large and convenient House proper to accommodate young Ladies as Boarders… Painting in Water Colours and Mezzotinto…" |
| 12 | |
| 1780 | Ford's Writing of Thomas Jefferson, (III, p. 345) "… From 10 to 1, dance one day and draw another From 1 to 2, draw on the day you dance, and write a letter next day. …informe me what books you read, what tunes you learn, and inclose me your best copy of every lesson in drawing…" |
| 1785 | Virginia Gazette or Weekly Advertiser (Hayes, ed., Richmond, Dec. 31) "Mr. Quesnay begs leave to inform the Public, that he intends to remain in this City as long as the encouragement he meets with at present, shall continue… [has dancing school] and three days, shall be employed for those who shall wish to be instructed in DRAWING and PAINTING in general…" |
| 1802 | Skipwith Papers Ms, William and Mary College Archives
"Mrs [Skipwith] Bot of Thomas & Caldelengh Baltimore,0ctbr.16.1802. A Compleat Box Colours … $35.- 3 Sheets Large Drawing S per 14/4… 56 $35.56 |
| Lady Skipwith Red Payment For Fol Jno Creery" | |
| 1827 | Richmond Enquirer, February 15, 1827 "…Mr. and Mrs. James will continue their School in the city of Williamsburg the present scholastic year of ten months; the vacation being during the months of August and September. They propose to teach young ladies and small girls to spell, read and write the English language also grammar and arithmetic, the elements of history and geography; the French and Italian languages, music on the Piano and Guitar, and painting on velvet…" |
| 1686/7 | Letter of William Fitzhugh to Nicholos Hayward, January 30, 1686/7 Virginia Magazine History, II, 25 "…Society that is good & ingenious is very scarce and seldom to be come at except in Books. Good education of children is almost impossible and better be never born than ill-bred." |
| 1705 | Letter Colonel Daniel Parke to his daughter, Fanny, in Virginia. Virginia Magazine History, XX, pp.375-6. "St. James, October ye 20.[1705] My Dear Fanny-- I Rec'vd y'r first letter, and be shure you be as good as y'r word and mind y'r writing and everything else you have learnt; and do not learn to Romp, but behave y'rselfe soberly and like a Gentle-woman. Mind Reading; and carry y'rself so yt Everyboddy may Respect you. Be Calm and Obligeing to all the servants, and when you speak doe it mildly, Even to the poorest slave; if any of the Servants committ small faults yt are of no consequence, doe you hide them… Love y'r sister and y'r friends, be dutiful to y'r mother. This, with my blessing, is from y'r lo: father Daniel Parke." |
| 13 | |
| 1732 | The First Gentleman of Virginia, by Louis B. Wright, p.147. [Inventory of the library of Richard Hickman, clerk of the Council of Virginia, who died at his home in Williamsburg in 1732.] "…Francis Osborne's ADVICE TO A SON." |
| [1750?] | Virginia Historical Magazine, XX, p.437. [The father of Harry Beverley of "Hazelwood", Caroline County, directed in his will] "that the guardians of his son (his mother and his cousin William Beverly of "Blandfield") should send Harry, to England to school at the age of ten, and that he should be sent to college there, and if necessary kept there until he was twenty, and that while there he should be taught everything "necessary for a gentleman to learn." |
| 1780 ca | George Washington Bicentennial Celebration, I, pp. 222-224 (Washington, 1932). Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. |
| 1783 | The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson (ed. by Adrienne Koch & William Peden, N. Y., 1944) Letter of Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson [his daughter] "Annapolis, Dec. 22, 1783-[re: cleanliness and delicacy in dress] p.366. "Aix-en Provence, March 28, 1787-Letter of Jefferson to Martha [re: her habits, training in courtesy, health, attitude toward people &c] pp. 416-18. "Toulon, April 7, 1787 - Letter of Jefferson to Martha [re: the training by Martha of her sister, Polly] pp.419-20. |
| 1781 | Papers Jeremiah Wadsworth, 1776-1802 (New York Historical Society) "Williamsburg, Nov. 1781. Dear Mable … I hope you are before this home accompined by Harriot & Daniel…I beg Harriot to perfect herselfe in the French Language, let Daniel & Kitty begin it…Harriot is at an age when her Manners and principles must be formed…" |
| 1795 | Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington by his Adopted Son, George Washington Parke Custis with a Memoir of the Author by his Daughter and Illus. and Explan. Notes by Benson J. Lossing (New York 1860) pp. 41-45. [Washington's advice on manners and conduct-to Nellie Custis.] |
| 1751 | William and Mary Quarterly, VII, p.151 Diary of John Blair (copied from an Almanac for 1751, Virginia Historical Society). "… July 13. Mr Nicks gave Jamie a Book wth Gamut. …" |
| 1752 | Virginia Gazette, (Hunter, ed., June 12, 1752) Williamsburg, June 12, 1752. "Mr. SINGLETON takes this Opportunity of informing Gentlemen and Others, That he proposes to Teach the VIOLIN in this City, and Places adjacent, 14 at a Pistole each per Month, and a Pistole Entrance, provided a sufficient Number of Scholars can be engaged, (not less than Six in any one Place;). He will give Attendance at York, Hampton, and Norfolk, on the aforesaid Terms." |
| 1752 | Colonial Virginia, Its People and Customs, by Mary Newton Stanard. (Philadelphia & London, 1917) William Downman, of Richmond County wrote his brother in 1752: " My little Rawleigh is a very brisk boy and sings mightily. He can sing almost any of the common tunes our fiddlers play." |
| 1761 | The Writings of George Washington, 1745-1799 by John C. Fitzpatrick (ed.) "Mount Vernon, October 12, 1761. Invoice of Sundry's to be Shipd by Robert Cary, Esq. & Co. for the uses of Master John and Miss Patsy Custis, each to be charged to their own accounts, but both consigned to George Washington, Potomack River & ca. …1 very good Spirit, to be made by Mr. Plinius, Harpsicord maker in South Audley Street, Grosvenor Square…" |
| 1770 | Virginia Gazette (Purdie & Dixon, eds., November 29) "A CATALOGUE of BOOKS, 7c. to be SOLD at the POST OFFICE in Williamsburg… Instructions for the violin and flute,… a great variety of other musick by the best masters and blank music books." "Musick ruling pens. Cremona and Steiner VIOLINS, with best screw bows. Silver Basses and best Roman Strings. German and Common flutes, of different sizes." |
| 1771 | Stratford Hall by Ethel Armes (Richmond, Garrett & Massie, 1936) Letter from Philip Ludwell to William Lee in London: p 219) "July 23, 1771 Mr. Lomax says he will make Matilda play and sing finely. He is fond of her ear and voice he says if you will send me Santine's work Abels's and Campioni's; and Scarleti's for the harpsichord he will always think on you when he is playing them; if to dear to send all at once by degrees he has a great regard for you yet; and Corelli's music he wants…" |
| 1772 | Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian (Princeton Press, 1943) [Numerous items showing appreciation and early training of children in music.] |
| 1775 | MS Account Books (2) Feb.-Dec., 1775 of Robert Carter (Library of Congress). "March 18th, 1775 12 Guineas Cash, paid to Mr. Stodler, musician on acct of my daughter Nancy, for her first year, it ending this day." Nomony Hall Augst 22d 1772. |
| 1772 | Mss Letter Book, I, p. 48, of Robert Carter of Nomony Hall (Chauvenet Collection) Letter R: Carter to Mr Charles Leonard Musician Sir, My Eldest Daughter Priscilla, desires to learn Music, and to practice upon the Keyed instruments- The child and my-self Beg the 15 favour of you to attend att this place, for the purposes mention'd above, and that Miss may become your Scholar Immediately- If you will appoint a time & signify to me, where you will then be, I will send a chair to wait on you accordingly…" |
| 1777 | Virginia Gazette (Dixon & Hunter, July 4) "PALACE Street, July 2, 1777 MRS. NEILL is now in Williamsburg, where she purposes teaching the GUITAR at one Guinea Entrance, and one Guinea for eight Lessons. She will also instruct young Ladies in Reading, and Needle Work, in the Mornings, at 30s. per Quarter." |
| 1780 | The Writing of Thomas Jefferson by Ford, III, p.345 Thomas Jefferson to his daughter: "Dear Patsy: With respect to the distribution of your time, the following is what I should approve: From 8 to 10, practise music. … … … … From 4 to 5, exercise yourself in music. … " |
| 1785 | Virginia Gazette or Weekly Advertiser (James Hayes, ed., Dec. 31) "Richmond, Dec. 22, 1785 [Mr. Quesnay informs the public that he will teach dancing, drawing, painting, foreign languages, and MUSIC…" |
| 1791 | William & Mary Quarterly, second series, IX, pp.267-8. Letter of P. Davenport to Elizabeth Pelham, St. Peters Glebe, New Kent: "…I have nothing worth relating to you, but as you promised to accept of trifles from me, I can find you a few of them. The most material one is, that I have commenced Singer, and attend a singing Master with great pleasure every other afternoon- he has already a large school, and will I hope continue here some time… this Morning Miss Cary sent me a bunch of quills for my Spinnet, and I was charm'd with the little present…" |
| 1792 | Letter of Eleanor Parke Custis, Mount Vernon, Virginia, to Mrs. Oliver Walcott, Philadelphia. (Emmet Collection #14237, New York Public Library.) "…I am not very industrious, but I work a little, read, play on the Harpiscord, write, & walk, and find my time fully taken up with these several employments…" |
| 1732 | Virginia Magazine History, XXVI, p. 288 Jones Papers (Library of Congress) [Letter of ten year old Betty Pratt, daughter of Mrs. Jones, to her brother, Keith William Pratt in England: Accompanying this letter was one from Betty's grandmother declaring the little girl had made a pocket handkerchief very "prettily" and was then hemming a neck handkerchief.] [Reference to this last letter is copied from Spruill's Women in the Southern Colonies, p. 195.] |
| 16 | |
| 1752 | Virginia Gazette, November 17, 1752 "John Walker and wife just arrived from London, have opened a school in Williamsburg. Mrs. Walker gives lessons in needlework to the young girls." |
| 1766 | Ibid., (Alex. Purdie & Co., March 21, 1766) "The subscriber begs leave to inform the publick that she has taken a house in Norfolk borough, for the accommodating young Ladies as boarders; where are taught the following things, viz. Embroidery, tent work, nuns do., queenstitch, Irish do. and all kinds of shading; also point, Dresden lace work catgut & c. Shell work, van work, and artificial flowers. No endeavours will be wanting to complete them in any or all of the above perticulars, to the satisfaction of those Gentlemen and Ladies that may please to commit their children to the care of Their humble servant, … E.GARDNER." |
| 1772 | Virginia Gazette (Purdie & Dixon, February 20, 1772) "E. ARMSTON (or perhaps better known by the Name of GARDNER) continues the School at Point Pleasant, Norfolk Borough,…at which School is taught Petit Point in Flowers, Fruits, Landscapes, and Sculpture, Nuns Work, Embroidery in Silk, Gold, Silver; Pearls or embossed, Shading of all Kinds, in the various Works in Vogue, Dresden Point Work, Lace Ditto, Cat gut in different Modes, flourishing Muslin, after the newest Taste, and most elegant Pattern, wan work in Figure, Fruit, or Flowers, Shell Ditto, or grotesque, Painting in Water Colours and Mezzotinto; also the Art of taking off Foilage with Several other Embellishments necessary for the Amusement of Persons of Fortune Who have Taste…" |
| 1788 | Virginia Historical Magazine,(Vol. 56, p. 149) Letter of Colonel Levin Joynes, Richmond, to his wife in Accomack "Richmond Nov. 4th 1788 "…Remember me to the little children and tell Sukey she must be a good girl and mind her book at home when she is not at school, and her work and I will bring her a Book and a thimble.-" |
| 1793 | Virginia Historical Magazine, IV, p. 467. Sampler now owned by the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. made by Martha Carter Fitzhugh - born Feb. 28, 1786, died Sept. 29, 1793, leaving this sampler the last word; hence, it was the last she marked, being prophetic of her lamented Death at 7 yrs. old. "Sampler wrought by Martha Carter Fitzhugh, Virginia 1793." |
| 1793 [or earlier] | American Samplers by Ethel Stanwood Bolton & Eva Johnston Coe (Mass. Society of the Colonial Dames of America, Boston, 1921) p. 53 Sampler made c. 1793 by Sarah Hornsby: "Williamsburg [Va.] Born October 17, 1780. 11 ¼ x 15 ½." 1 alphabet. Cross-stitch, very fine. Ornamental vine border. Tree of life, Adam and Eve, serpent holding apple, and detached figures such as birds, trees, castles, baskets of flowers, etc. Verse 610. Names on sampler: "Hannah Hornsby born March the 21st 1771, Mildred Hornsby born February the 20th 1774, Joseph Hornsby born March the 28th 1777, Thomas Hornsby born January the 12th 1779, Sarah Hornsby born October the 17th 1780." |
| 17 | |
| p.220 Sampler, no date, made by Saunders, Sarah Donna Leonora. 16 ½ x 16 inches. Vine leaves framing a circle, in which is a representation of William and Mary College, Virginia. There are two boats in the stream in the fore-ground. The names "John S. Mary Saunders." and the initials "S.B.M. L.A.M. M.L.S. L.A.P. E.J.N. C.N.P. P.A.R. A.C. F.A.B. M.C.H. E.L.B. C.A.M."(Photostat Research Dept.) | |
| 1800 [and after] | Ibid. p.162 [Sampler] made by Elizabeth Gibson. 1800,Farmville [Va.] 10 yrs. 12" x 15". 3 alphabets. Weaving, eyelet, satin, and cross-stitch. Vine border. Wide floral design at bottom. Verse 66. Mrs. Wallace Delafield [owner] |
| p.128 [Sampler] made by Martha E. Binns, 1829. [Silver Hall, New Kent County, Va.] 18" x 17". 4 alphabets. Cross-stitch and eyelet. Strawberry border. At bottom, Greek key, vine and cross. Mrs. F. B. T. Hollenberg [owner] | |
| p.136 [Sampler] made by Ann Carson, July, 1818, Alexandria [Va.] age 10 yrs. Cross and one other stitch. Strawberry border. Colonial house, and two cornucopias filled with flowers. Miss Ursual Carson Greene [owner] | |
| p.175 [Sampler] made by Sarah May Horwell, 1807, Alexandria [Va.] age 8 yrs. 9 ½"x 15". 5 alphabets. Tapestry, four-sided line-stitch, rope star, queen, and cross-stitch. Cross-stitch border. Strawberry cross-border. Verse 702. Miss Frances H. Massoletti [owner] | |
| p.219 [Sampler] made by Frances Repass Saunders, 1803, Leesburg [Va.] age 12 yrs. 18" x 24". 5 alphabets. Eyelet and cross-stitch. Tulip and vine border. House with trees on each side. Jeannette R. White [owner] | |
| p.220 [4 Samplers]made by Mary Ann Scott, Winchester [Va.] one when 8 years old. | |
| 1723-24 Jany. 28th | Robert Carter Letterbook - B 1723-1724 Mss. Virginia Historical Society "Mr Wm Dawkins [London] Rappa Jane 28th 1723/4 … Charles* I am in no doubt of seeing within this Month or two, You tell me Landon is a hopefull boy. I could wish Mr Low had kept in ye old way of teaching the Lattin Tongue & had made my Boys perfect in their understanding of Lillie's Grammer and of the Old School books that We and Our forefathers learned, There is one Book which did me ye most Service of any that I was Accquainted with, to Witt, ye Jannua Linquarum Tridenquis[?] in Latin English & Greek Writ by John Comenius, ye best stock of Latin Words and in ye best sense to Suit ye Genius of Boys Even to their Manhood, of anye Book that Ever I met with In my life, it is So very much in my Esteem that I would desire You to give positive directions to Mr Low that my son Landon be made a perfect Master of this Book in all ye three Languages…I re-solve to be pleased in this matter, & am So much fixd in it that if Mr Low will not Answer my desire, I will have my Boy removd to another School & I think if he is, the next place Shall be to Eaton whither Lewis Burwell is gone. Mr Low's School is valuable upon ye good & orderly Government of it, the care he takes of the Boys Moral's but if they do not meet with a thorough Improvement in their Learning such as will Stick by them & be usefull to them in their riper Years all our Cost is thrown away… " |
| 1724 | The Present State of Virginia, Jones, Hugh, London. 1724, pp. 45-46. "As for Education several are sent to England for it; though the Virginians being naturally of good Parts, (as I have already hinted) neither require nor admire as much Learning, as we do in Britain; yet more would be sent over, were they not afraid of the Small-Pox, which most commonly proves fatal to them. But indeed when they come to England they are generally put to learn to Persons that know little of their Temper, who keep them drudging on in what is of least Use to them, in pedantick Methods, too tedious for their volatile Genius. For Grammar Learning taught after the common round-about Way is not much beneficial nor delightful to them; so that they are noted to be more apt to spoil their School-Fellows than improve themselves; because they are imprisoned and enslaved to what they hate, and think useless, and have not peculiar Management proper for their Humour and Occasion." |
| 18a | |
| [1740] Nov.18 | Virginia Magazine History, XXXVII, p. 107. [William Byrd, Virginia, to Mrs. Otway in England.] concerning training and punishment of Mrs. Otway's child and his own child. |
| 1744 | Letters of Governor William Gooch, p. 119 - typescript, Research Dept., June 31st. "…I shall say no more of my Youngest Nephew, than wish him a good Voyage hither, with your Lordship's Leave, after he has been a Year at Cambridge, and another at the Academy to learn a Gentleman's Exercises, Riding, Fencing, and Dancing." |
| 1759 | Virginia Magazine History, XXXVIII, October 23rd. Belvidere Letter from Mrs. Maria Byrd to William Byrd, III. "…I want extremely to hear from our Sweet Babes in England." |
| 1761 | Ibid., February 17th. "I do heartily pray for an English Letter to inform us of the welfare of those Blessed & ever Blessed Little dear Souls in hat Island. I thank God I can give you a good account of those sweet Creatures under my care, who are in perfect Health at this time & present their duty to their dear Papa & Mama." |
| 1762 | Virginia Magazine History, XXXI, p. 62, 63, September, 1762. "… It is my will and meaning that they [John and Landon, his Sons then in England] shall be continued at school to learn the languages, Mathematicks, Phylosophy, dancing and fencing till they are well accomplished… …It is my positive will and desire that my daughters may be maintained with great frugality and taught to dance…" |
| [1753?] | Virginia Historical Register, III, p. 145. Memoirs of John Page "…Mr. Nelson and Col. Tucker, took their sons and sent them to England, to finish their education…[they had been at the Grammar School at William & Mary] " |
| 1751 | David Meade, from P. Hamilton Baskervill, A. M., from materials furnished by Mrs. Elise Mead (Skelton Baskervill) (Old Dominion Press, Richmond, 1921) pp. 32-37. "…David (b. July 29, 1744), a delicate child, was sent to England to be educated,…Soon after he was seven, he embarked in Hampton Roads, under the protection of Mr. John Watson, a particular friend of his father,…He was sent first to a country boarding school and later to Harrow." |
| 1759 | Virginia Magazine History, XXXVII, p. 251. William Byrd,IV, to his Mother, River Hill, May 29, 1759. "…I know it will give my Dear Mamma great pleasure to tell her we enjoy our Health perfectly Well. I will not repeat how much we are grown, as I have already told my Grand Mamma Byrd in her Letter. I am very glad to hear my Brother Frank is comeing over." |
| 1720-1727 | Letters of Robert Carter, ed., by Louis Wright (1940) p. 33. 1720 July 19, Rappahannock (Letter Book of Robert Carter, 1720-1727) John Carter to his son, John Carter: "…I greatly want a schoolmistress for them [his younger children]— a grave woman of about forty years of age, that hath been well educated and is of a towardly disposition to make it her business to be their tutoress. I would willingly give reasonable yearly wages to such a person for four or five years. I know there are a great many such to be met with in London that are hardly able to maintain themselves. I have written to Mr. Perry to send me in such a person…" |
| 1741 | January 4, (The Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover, 1739-1741.) 1942. p. 125. "…At night talked with my people and heard the children read…" |
| January 30, 1741 "…I wrote English examined my children's writing till one…" | |
| 1741 | Letter of William Beverly to Macajah Perry Esqr., Mercht in London. "Virga. July ye 8th 1741. If possible I desire you will send me by Wilcox a School Master to teach my children to read & write & cypher, I would willingly have such a person as Mr. Lock describes, but can't expect such, on such wages as I can afford, but I desire he may be a modest, sober, discreet person, his wages I leave to your discretion, the usual wages here for a Latin Master from Scotland is £20 a year, but they commonly teach the children the Scotch dialect which they never can wear off, your favour in this affair will very much oblige him, who is…" |
| 1752 | The Virginia Historical Register, III, pp. 144-145. Memoirs of Governor John Page: "…In the year 1752, when I was nine years old, my father put me into a grammar school, at the glebe house of our parish, where the Revd Mr. Wm. Yates, had undertaken the tuition of twelve scholars… I had been totally interrupted in my delightful reading of Histories and Novels, for twelve months tied down to get by heart an insipid and unintelligible book, called Lilly's Grammar, one sentence in which my master never explained. But happily, my new tutor Mr. Wm. Price, at Mr. Willis's, soon enabled me to see that it was a complete Grammar, and an excellent Key to the Latin Language… After 3 years close application to my studies under Mr. Price, some circumstances occurred which induced him to accept of the office of Secretary to the Hon. Philip Ludwell… that he resolved to abandon the humble employment he was and fly to the Royal standard… It is highly probable that Mr. Price's Whiggish principles, and his inducing me to admire Roman and Grecian Heroes, and to delight in reading of wars and battles, and to enquire on what the success of those interesting events turned, 'gave the colour and complexion' to my prospects and conduct through life…. After I had lost my tutor Mr. Price, my father entered me in the Grammar School at William and Mary College, when I was 13 years of age, instead of sending me to England, as he had promised my mother he would, before I should arrive at that age…" |
| 20 | |
| ca. 1756 | Letter of William Cathcard to Hon. Jus Rutherford, Esq. at Mt. Galland Private Library of Mr. J. G. Wood at his home, "Hayes" in Edenton, N. C. "Wants Rutherford to take Miss Penelope Johnston under your care and 'if possible place her at Mr. Dunwiddie's in Williamsburg and if you cannot place her at the Governor's I desire that you'll place her in some family of good reputation where she may have the advantages of receiving an education suitable to her Birth and Fortune. I should not chuse to have her at any other place than Williamsburg as I apprehend she will have the advantages of the best company and education there, you are like-wise desired to supply her with all necessities Suitable to her rank in a plain but neat and fashionable manner." |
| 1758 | Lower Norfolk County Virginia Antiquary, II, 24-25 "My Mother. Myself" by William Maxwell — words as written from his mother's lips. (1833)[The story of Nelly Calvert, mother of William Maxwell:] "I was born in Norfolk on the 20th of June A. D. 1750… When I grew a little older, I was put to school to a poor old dame by the name of Mrs Drudge… to teach me my letters — spelling and reading after a fashion… She taught me, good soul, to read the Bible and the stories in it pleased me greatly….After I had learned out here, I was sent to a Mrs Johnson… She taught me needle-work, and marking on the sampler. After this as I was shooting up, my father, who thought me a very fine smart girl (for, I was always his favorite,) wished to send me to a fashionable boarding school that there was then in Williamsburg, but my mother would not consent…Shortly afterwards, Donald Campbell, imported a school master from Scotland, by the name of Buchan, who opened a select school, and I was sent to him to learn the higher branches of English, French or Spanish or any outlandish language, for in that day it was thought that one tongue was enough for a girl." |
| 1767 | Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., September 24th: WANTED "AN elderly woman, that will undertake the management of a nursery of three or four children. It is expected she will be capable of teaching them to read and sew. Such a one, that can be well recommended, will meet with encouragement by applying to the Printer hereof." |
| 1773 | Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian 1773-1774, ( ed by H. D. Farish, 1943) p 8 [Fithian] "…To teach his [Robert Carter's] Children, five Daughters, & three Sons, who are from five to seventeen years Old--The young Ladies are to be taught the English Language. And the Boys are to study the English Language carefully; & to be instructed in the Latin, & Greek--And he proposes to give thirty five Pounds Sterling, which is about Sixty Pounds currency; Provide all Accommodations; Allow him the undisturbed Use of a Room; And the Use of his own Library; find Provender for a Horse; & a Servant to Wait--" |
| 1777 | Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, eds. October 10th. "WANTED, a single Woman, able to teach about 12 or 15 Children, most of them Girls, in Reading, Writing, and Needle Work. Such One, of good Character, qualified as above, may have SIXTY POUNDS per Year, by applying to the Subscribers in York and Warwick Counties. EDWARD HARWOOD WILLIAM HEWETT" |
| 21 | |
| 1785 | Virginia Historical Magazine XXXVIII p 49 Letter-Book of William Lee Letter from William Lee to Mr. Samuel Thorp, London: Green Spring, Dec. 3, 1785. "On the 29th Unto. Miss Haines and my two sweet innocents arrived here in perfect health…[from England]" |
| Ibid. p. 48 | Green Spring May 6, 1786. "I have not seen our sweet little girls since early in January… Miss Haynes is employed as a governess at very extra-vagrant wages for this Country in a respectable and agreeable family…" |
| 1773 | Diary of John Harrower, published in the American Historical Review, (1900) VI, pp 65-107. "…[came over from England as an indentured servant] On shore, Harrower bought a penknife, a paper Book, and some paper and pens. … [at Fredericksburg he met Colonel Dangerfield who agreed to take him in indenture for four years]" Harrower bought his diary book, his Divinity book called the "Christian Monitor, a spelling book, and an Arithmetick book." "The Colonel delivered his 3 sons to be taught reading, writing & figuring — Edwin, 10 years, entered into two syllables in the spelling book, Bathurst his second son, 6 years of age in the Alphabets and William his third son, 4 years of age…school hours 6-8, 9-12-3-6…" |
| "Tues Morn — Harrower has 2 new pupils enter--the son of a Wright and the daughter of a planter." | |
| 1774 | June 2-th — Harrower gets 2 new pupils--Philip & Dorothea Edge children of Benj. Edge, planter. Deaf & dumb boy taken to school, about 14. … Nov. 27, 1774. The Colonel's children were doing well, the eldest could read in the Angelican Psalter, and the other two are ready to enter it. The colonel and the lady were "extremely well satisfied" with his conduct in every way..." |
| 1780 ca. | "…Mrs. Dandridge [Martha Washington's sister-in-law] came over [in New Kent County] also to see me…for her object was to invite me to come and spend a day with Lady Washington, who had come down to pass some days at her house, in the hopes of seeing her husband, the General, who was expected to pass by on his way to Yorktown. 'So, you must all come over,', said she, 'and spend the day with us, and you must be sure and bring your little daughter Nelly with you, for my sister you must know, has a grand-daughter with her (Miss Custis) whom she thinks a nonsuch, and I want to let her see that there is one in our county that is more than a match for her, (for Nelly had just returned from boarding school at Williamsburg, with all Miss Hallams airs and graces and was, though I say it, a charming child indeed.)…" |
| 22 | |
| 1793 | The Virginia Herald, & Fredericksburg Advertiser, April 18th., Volume VI, No. 307 "Stenography or Short-Hand Writing taught by George Holland. Short-Hand Writing should be made a part of the early education of youth in general…" |
| 1798-1802 | Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States of America; During 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, and 1802. (London, 1803) by John Davis. Chapters I, 17, 18, and 19. "[Arriving in New York, Davis meets a Mr. Caritat, a bookseller. Davis tells Caritat that he intends to be a private tutor. Caritat assures him that the "labour of Sisyphus in hell is not equal to that of a private Tutor in America! Caritat tells him that it is not a tutor's Latin and Greek, but his handwriting and ciphering that will determine his character and success as a tutor. Could Davis submit to being called a schoolmaster by the children, and a Cool Mossa by the negroes. Could Davis give only one rap to let the family know he was the tutor, and stand on the doorstep a half hour before the maid or footman would admit him? Could he maintain profound silence in company to denote his inferiority? Would he submit to being helped last, even after the clerk of the counting-house?] "Can you hold your eyes with your hands, and cry Amen: when grace is said; and can you carry the childrens' bibles and prayer-books to church twice every Sunday? No. Then you will not do for a private Tutor. Can you rise with the sun, and teach till breakfast; swallow your break-fast, and teach till dinner; devour your dinner, and teach till tea-time; and from tea-time to bed time sink into insignificance in the parlour. No? Then you will not do for a private Tutor. Do you expect good wages? Yes. Then you will never do for a private Tutor.…… a man of letters, when he undertakes the tuition of a family in America, may exclaim he has lost his independence.--"(p. 19) |
| 1805-1818 | Private Diary of John Jaquelin Ambler (written in 1828) (This Diary is the property of Mr. Jaquelin Ambler of Jaquelin Lodge, Amherst County, Virginia, and was written in 1828) typescript Research Dept. " I was born on the 9th day of March 1801 in the house of the Hon. Burwell Bassett in the City of Williamsburg, County of James City and State of Virginia He [my father] removed [from Jamestown] to the city of Williamsburg where he continued to reside until I was five years old…Whist we remained in Williamsburg I was sent to school for the first time to Miss Charlott Abel (who afterwards married a hatter by the name of Morris). The second School I was sent to was kept by Mr. Dennis in a room in the College and the only schoolmates I recollect are Robert Greenhow (now Dr. Greenhow of New York) Dick and Patrick Galt, now Major in the U. S. Army, John Blair Peachy — now of Gloucester — Washington Charlton, Preacher now of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, Isaac Raphael merchant at Charlottesville, Virginia…" |
| 23 | |
| 1819 | The American Beacon, Norfolk, Thursday Morning, May 20, 1819. "Mr. BENJAMIN SNEED, a native of Virginia, died on the 28th ult, near Danville…in his 98th year. He lived in the county of Albemarle a teacher of the English language 71 years, and was the first instructor of Thomas Jefferson…" |
Virginia's Mother Church, by G. McClaren Bryden (1947) p. 388 Difference noted between public and private schools:
"…Our present day conception of the public school as an institution established and supported by the state, to which all children resident in the community are admitted free of charge, had not as yet been born. The distinction made at that time between public and private schools was that a public school was established to admit the child of any citizen who was able to pay the charges for tuition, whereas a private school was organized to teach the children of a certain restricted group and the master could select the families from which he would admit pupils. The purpose of endowment of a public school, if and when large enough in amount to accomplish that purpose, would be to reduce, or even to abolish altogether, the charges for tuition, either of all the pupils, or of pupils of a certain group."[Symmes School and the Eaton School are cited as public schools. Also the Peasley School in Gloucester County with its endowment of five hundred acres of land, three slaves and household goods. Another public school was in Accomac County endowed by Rev. Samuel Sandford in 1710.]
| 1724 | Present State of Virginia by Hugh Jones (London, 1724) p 70"In most Parishes are Schools(little Houses being built on Purpose) where are taught English and Writing; but to prevent the sowing the Seeds of Dissention and Faction, it is to be wished that the Masters and Mistresses should be such as are approved or licensed by the Minister, and Vestry of the Parish, or Justices of the County; the Clerks of the Parishes being generally most proper for this Purpose; or (in Case of their Incapacity or Refusal) such others as can best be procured." | |
| 1731 | William & Mary Quarterly, Second Series, V, pp 30-31 Yeates Free School [John Yeates of the parish formerly called the Lower Parish of Nansemond County, bequeathed lands the rents thereof to be used for a free school in the Lower Parish]"…that there may be two school houses continued in the same places already fixed, which I have built,…and with God's blessings, the most or all the children of these parts will be educated from the Glebe down to the extent of that part of the parish lying to the south side of Nansemond River…" | |
| 1741 | [Mrs. Mary Whaley left to the care of the minister and church wardens of Bruton Parish, as representatives of the parish, a charity school known as MATTEY'S School, which she had established some years previously in memory of her son Matthew.] (William and Mary Quarterly IV, pp 3-14) | |
| 24 | ||
| 1766 | William and Mary Quarterly, first series, VII, p. 14 Royle's Free School, Williamsburg William Royle, printer of the Virginia Gazette, Williamsburg, by will proved May 19, 1766., bequeathed to Hunter Royle, son, £1,000 current money. In case of his death, his estate to be vested in the minister and church wardens of Bruton Parish for a Free School, to be called "Royle's Free School," of which he desired the teacher to have a salary of £50, to be of good character, and capable of "teaching the English language with propriety, accent, cadence, and emphasis, civility, arithmetic, and practical mathematics…the schoolhouse to be built on any part of lots 266 and 267…" | |
| 1768 | Nelson Letter Book (typescript, Research Department) W. Nelson to Mr. John Norton Virginia Nover. 14th, 1768 "…Bob, Nat, & Carter go to school to Mr. Washington & I hope make some Progress; My pin basket Billy who says he will be a Parson & a Merchant goes to a Latin School in Town. He has a fine Capacity, if he had but the Opportunity of a good Education…" | |
| 1769 | Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, ed. Williamsburg, Sept. 7, 1769 Joseph McAuslane of Williamsburg, announces that he will teach "READING, WRITING, and ARITHMETICK,….opened School, about six weeks ago, at the Playhouse (the only tolerable place I could procure at that time)…" | |
| 1774 | William and Mary Quarterly, first series, XVI, p 97 Education of the poor children Humphrey Hill of St. Stephens Parish in King & Queen County, by will probated March 1775, bequeathed the sum of five hundred pounds in Trust the Interest becoming due, or arising thereon, to be annually paid to such school-masters as shall teach one or more children whose parents are unable to pay for the Instruction of such child or children themselves,…" | |
| 1775 | Virginia Gazette, Hunter & Dixon, eds Sept. 7, 1775 Littleton School, Cumberland County, advertises that it will have three Masters — to teach Greek, Latin, Mathematicks, and Natural and Moral Philosophy… "There is a sufficient Number of Planters Houses convenient to the School, to board forty Boys. The annual Chrge of each Student is ten pounds for Bed, Board, and Washing, and five Pounds for School Fees…" | |
| 1777 | Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed. October 10, 1777 "THE great want of publick schools for the education of youth, and the important advantages arising to the community from a proper cultivation of the human mind in its early state…have induced the reverend mr. Andrews, and mr. Sevinton, to form a resolution, of opening a school at the glebe in Sussex, at Christmas next…[Latin, Greek, English authors, Writing, Accompts, Geography, and the most useful branches of the Arithmeticks, and French.] The price of board in he neighborhood is at present 121 a year, finding them-selves bedding. Tuition 51 a year, the one half to be paid at ad-mission, the other at the expiration of the year." | |
| 25 | ||
| 1777 | Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, ed. Jan. 3, 1777 Mrs. Neill who formerly lived in Colonel Lewis's family, Gloucester County, "purposes to open a Boarding School in Williamsburg for the Reception of young Ladies, on the same Plan of the English Schools, provided a sufficient Number of Scholars engage,…" Reading, Tambour and other kinds of Needle Work, Dancing, Writing, Guittar," will be taught. | |
| 1784 | Virginia Gazette, and Weekly Advertiser, Nicolson & Prentis, eds. Richmond January 24, 1784 "A Grammar School WILL be opened in the Capitol in the city of Williamsburg, on Monday the fifth day of January, under the direction of Mr. Walker Maury, a Gentleman who, for several years, has conducted an institution of a similar nature in the county of Orange,… A table will be kept in the buildings, and the rooms are repaired for the accommodation of the scholars. Education, board, and washing, are setled at the very moderate price of 35 £ per annum. The scholars who board in the town are to pay 8 £ per annum for instruction in the Latin and Greek languages; or 10£ per annum if they at the same time learn the French language; and twenty shillings per annum in addition, if they attend the writing master. The payments are to be made quarterly and in advance. WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 30, 1783." Feb. 28, 1784 "Boarders received into the Capitol, are to furnish their own bedding…" For further date on Maury, see Vol 18, series 2, W&M Quarterly. | |
| 1786 | Virginia Magazine History, XXXXII, pp 47-48 Letter of John Randolph [of Roanoke] to his mother at Matoax: June 20, 1786 "I have left off Latin and devoted myself entirely to greek & French until the boys have finished virgil & the long expected time will come when I shall begin Horace….We dont like the Englishman at all. He is perpetually making a disturbance tho' he has nothing to do with us only on a working day. He takes our paper to make our copy books and takes half of our paper and quills. We have just had a violent quarrel the subject of which was whether I should burn a candle in my room or not although the candle was my own in which (although I had gained my point after he had gone to Mr. Maury) the candle burned almost out and I have but the snuff to write by." | |
| 1786 | William and Mary Quarterly, second series, I, pp 58-60 Alexandria Academy [Petition] "…That General Washington having for a long time had it in contemplation to donate a contribution of one thousand pounds to the purpose of establishing a school for the education of Orphans, & other poor children, hath so far approved of the institution set on foot by your Petitioners…And accordingly there are twenty poor children now receiving education in the Academy on the said benefaction of the General…" | |
| 26 | ||
| 1788/99 | Tucker-Coleman Collection, Uncatalogued Mss, Colonial Williamsburg Folder 104 [Schooling of the Tucker children in Williamsburg and elsewhere. Charges for tuition, books, board, lodgings &c.] | |
| 1791 | William and Mary & Quarterly, first series, XIV, pp 279-80 Letter Ralph Wormeley to Humphrey Harwood, Rosegill, 8th Novr, 1791 "Sir: Nothing but necessity induced me to keep Ralph [then 14] so long from College. I think you have improved him in his reading; in a short time I hope he may be taught Latin so as to attain at least some grammatical knowledge. I am very anxious to have him taught to write well; & arithmetic: the higher order of education, had he talents, he should aspire to; should these fail him, one must endeavor to turn his mind to such objects as he can compass; & though he never may be brilliant, yet render him a useful man…" [Addressed] Mr. Harwood, assistant master, William and Mary College. | |
| 1795 | The Virginia Herald & Fredericksburg Advertiser, Vol. IX, Dec. 15, 1795 [Article on Fredericksburg Academy, tutors, courses &c.] [Article on Bowling Green Academy, tutors, courses &c.] | |
| Ibid, December 23, Article on Bartholomew Fuller's Public School in Fredericksburg.] | ||
| Ibid, October 3, 1793 advertised that Fuller would "open a Night School on Monday next, for the conveniency of such as cannot attend in the day time: In which will be taught Writing, Figures, Book-keeping and Mathematicks…" | ||
NOTE: In the Virginia Gazette are numerous items on public schools in Virginia during the period from 1736 to 1800. Examples given in this report are typical.
A list of nineteenth century public schools, principally in Williamsburg, are listed below:
| 1800 | Classical and Scientific School — Norfolk, Robert Archibald, Principal. (Epitome of the Times, Norfolk, Virginia, newspaper; microfilm, William and Mary College) |
| 1815 | The American Beacon and Commercial Diary Lancastrian School - Norfolk (December issue) Petersburg Academy - J. Ward, Pres. (December issue) Mr. Pope, Norfolk to open school (December issue) Daniel M'Elroy-Music Teacher, Norfolk (December issue) Alice Pagaud Seminary for children |
| 1816 | Ibid John Lataste Dancing School, Norfolk (January issue) Mrs. Boyles Seminary, Norfolk (January issue) Hampton Academy, Hampton, Rev. Geo. Halson (February issue) Margaret Academy, Accomac Co. Va. (June issue) |
| 27 | |
| 1816 | The American Beacon, September 27, Norfolk. "WILLIAMSBURG SEMINARY For Young Ladies - [Mr. and Mrs. Andrews in charge] Boarding (washing included) $50 Education, including Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar, Composition, History, Geography &c 10 Music 10 Drawing 10 Velvet Painting 10 Pen, Ink and Paper 1" |
| 1816 | Ibid, October 23, "J. Montas — a Dancing School [Norfolk] $12 per quarter of 24 lessons $15 per quarter for private instruction" |
| 1816 | Ibid, October 26, "Mr. [Peter] Duncoin — Dancing School — Norfolk $12 per quarter" |
| 1816 | Richard Blow Papers, Mss Box 38, William and Mary College Archives Letter of George Blow, Portsmouth, to his father, Richard Blow at "Tower Hill" Sussex County, excellent idea on the education of his sons. Also in this Box are letters from other members of the family relating to the college education of the children. |
| 1816 | The American Beacon, Norfolk, December 30th The school of Mrs. Rachel Cunningham at Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, board and room per year at $88. |
| 1821 | Ibid, Norfolk, April 20th "Mr. Morse's Seminary, at Williamsburg." [The President and Professors of William and Mary College take pleasure in giving high recommendation to the Seminary.] |
| Ibid, May; 22, 1821 [Mr. Morse's school advertises as "Williamsburg Academy"] | |
| Ibid, Aug. 14, [ C. Thuillier, instructor in French, "for many years in the Academy of the Rev'd Mr. Murray, at Williamsburg, and in this place" - advertises his rates at $10 per quarter payable monthly.] | |
| Ibid, Nov. 14th. "EDUCATION AT WILLIAMSBURG, VA. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have opened in separate departments, AN ELEMENTARY, and A CLASSICAL SCHOOL, for the liberal instruction of both sexes in the English, Latin, and French Languages. Williamsburg, Nov. 9" | |
| 1822 | Ibid, September 18, "…Mr. ANDERSON'S Williamsburg Seminary, for male pupils, is intended not only to cultivate the languages and other branches of instruction preparatory to College education, but to combine with them systematically, variety of improving and healthful recreations, both within doors and in the open air… 28 For this purpose, Mr. A. has leased the extensive establishment of Mr. Allen, comprehending, near the centre of the City, more than twenty acres of land, watered by a copious brook flowing through the midst of it. This large area affords room for a fine Campus Martius for military manoeuvres, ec. an extensive range for horticultural exercises, and by means of the brook, a spacious basin of clear water for a bathing and swimming school… Terms, at present 200 dollars per annum, payable quarterly in advance. Williamsburg, Sept. 18." |
| Ibid, August 2nd, 1822 "SUMMER SCHOOL, At Williamsburg, By Mr. & Mrs. Anderson." [Opportunity for parents to have their children advance "in Latin, French, English, Music, during the summer months…also, boarding school for young male pupils and young ladies. Williamsburg, August 2."] | |
| 1827 | Richmond Enquirer, Feb. 15th. "School of Mr. & Mrs. James…will continue in Williamsburg the present scholastic year of ten months; the vacation being during the months of August and September. They propose to teach young ladies and small girls to spell, read and write the English language, also grammar and arithmetic, the elements of history and geography; the French and Italian languages, music on the Piano and Guitar, and painting on velvet. The Latin language will be taught if required. ....terms to those who enter for the year as scholars. Those who enter for a quarter will pay an additional price: English, the Elements of History and Geography, $20 Arithmetic and painting on Velvet $30 The above with French $30 do Italian $40 do do Music $75 Music only $60 Col Browne, with whom Mr. & Mrs. James reside in that pleasant and commodious house of Mr. Webb on the courthouse green, between Mrs. Peachy's and Judge Tucker's will take 6 young ladies as boarders at $80 for the ten months and find every thing. To such as board with them Mrs. J. and W. Browne promise every attention to morals and manners. By a long residence in France and Italy Mr. & Mrs. J. are enabled to speak and pronounce the French and Italian languages fluently and correctly. |
| 1839 | Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia (Richmond) Chap. 183 pp 134-5 An ACT to incorporate the trustees of the female academy of Williamsburg, and for other purposes (Passes February 25, 1839) |
| 1849 | Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia - Dec. 4, 1848 - March 19, 1849 (Richmond, 1849) Chap. 246 - An ACT to incorporate the trustees of the Williamsburg academy [Passes March 17, 1849] |
NOTE: Wells, Guy Fred, PARISH EDUCATION IN COLONIAL VIRGINIA (New York 1823) contains excellent material on the endowed parish schools. Also, The Virginia Gazette numbers from 1736 to 1780.
| 1773-4 | Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian (ed. by Hunter D. Farish, 1943) pp 107-8
The Schoolhouse at Nomini Hall "…First, at the North East corner, & at 100 yards Distance stands the School-House; At the North-West Corner, & at the same Distance stands the stable; At the South-West Corner, & at the same Distance, stands the Coach-House; And lastly, at the South-East corner, & at an equal distance stands the Work-House. These four Houses are the corner of a Square of which the Great-House is the Center--First the School-House is forty five feet long, from East to West, & twenty-seven from North to South; It has five well-finished, convenient Rooms, three below stairs, & two above; It is built with Brick a Story & a half high with Dormant Windows; In each Room is a fire; In the large Room below-Stairs we keep our School; the other two Rooms below which are smaller are allowed to Mr. Randolph the Clerk; The Room above the School-Room Ben and I live in; & the other Room above Stairs belongs to Harry & Bob. Five of us live in this House with great Neatness, & convenience; each one has a Bed to himself--." |
| 1774 | Diary and Letters of John Harrower, Indentured Servant, 1773-1776 Extracts in Knight's A Documentary History of Education in the South before 1860, Vol. I, p. 642 " …My schoole is a neate little House 20 foot long and 12 foot wide and it stands by itself at the and of an Avenue of planting about as far from the main house as Robt Forbes's is from the burn, and there comes a bonny black bairn' every morning to clean it out and make my bed, for I sleep in it by myself…" |
| 1798 - 1802 | Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States of America by 1802 John Davis, (Morrison edition) - copy from Knight's A Documentary History of Education in the South before 1860, Vol. I, 663. John Davis Takes a Post on Mr. Ball's Plantation in Virginia I now opened what some called an ACADEMY, and others an Old Field School…[f.n.] "It is worth while to describe the Academy I occupied on Mr. Ball's plantation. It had one room and a half. It stood on blocks about two feet and half above the ground, where there was free access to the hogs, the dogs, and the poultry. It had no ceiling, nor was the roof lathed or plastered; but covered with shingles. Hence, when it rained, like the nephew of old Elwes, I moved my bed (for I slept in my Academy) to the most comfortable corner. It had one window, but no glass, nor shutter. In the night to remedy this, the mulatto wench who waited on me, contrived very ingeniously to place a square board against the window with one hand, and fix the rail of a broken down fence against it with the other. In the morning when I returned from breakfasting in the 'great-big-house', (my scholars being collected,) I gave the rail a forcible kick with my foot, and down tumbled the board with an awful roar. 'Is not my window,' said I to Virginia, 'of a very curious construction?''Indeed, Sir,' replied my fair disciple, 'I think it is a mighty noisy one.'" |
| 1802 | Insurance Policy of Armistead Smith residing at Bell View, Matthews County, Virginia in Mutual Assurance Society: " [E] A wooden Schoolhouse 26 by 16 feet One Story high 350" (Records of Colonial Gloucester County, Virginia, Vol. II, p 36, by Polly Cary Mason, Abstracts) |
| 1738 | Virginia Gazette, Parks, ed. July 21-28 edition Charles Peale writing from King George County, July 28, 1738, advertised his book entitled "An Essay towards rendering the Rudiments of the Latin Tongue, more easy and agreeable to the Capacities of Children; also to advance them in the better understanding their Native Tongue…" |
| 1740 | Virginia Magazine History XXXVII, p. 109 Letter of William Byrd to Sir Charles Wager April 12, 1740 "…I have a son that is entering upon Natural Philosophy & I shoud be obliged to you if you wood be so good as to send me one of the Reflecting Telescopes, a very good Barometer, & Thermometer with an air Pump Fountain. And if you will please order them to be carefully packt up for a voyage & carryd to Mr. John Hanbury one of our Merchants…Pray send me your History of Jamaica." |
| 1768 | Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, July 7, 1768 [Books imported from London for the use of schools:] "RUDDIMAN'S Rudiments & Grammar… Tyro's Dictionary (a very useful book for young students)…Boyer's Dictionary and Grammar…Johnson's and Dyche's Dictionaries, Spelling Books, Horn Books, Psalters, Bibles, Testaments,…Ferguson's Astronomy and Lectures, Cunn's Euclid, Cheselden's Anatomy, Dictionarium Rusticum, Farrier's Dictionary" |
| 1769 | Jerdone Papers, Mss, Lot 2 Folder 4, William and Mary College Archives "Memorandum of Sundry Articles that will be wanted for the Store anno 1769 Spelling Books: Primmers: Battledores...Tatt's hymns: 1 doz:" |
| 1771 | Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, Jan. 3, [Long list of school books — grammars, dictionaries, &c ] |
| 1772 | Ibid,September 17th "Paper of all Sorts & Sizes, Blank Books, ruled & unruled of all sizes, Best Dutch and common quills, Fine Japan Ink and Inkpowder, Red Ink and Powder, Slate & Pencils, Black Lead Pencils, Pencil Cases, Pewter Inkstands, Folio Paper Cases, Ass Skin and Ivory Memorandum Books, A Complete set of Elegant Maps, framed in Mahogany, with Spring Rollers, a large and very fine pair of Globes." |
| 1777 | Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, ed, July 4th. [Long list of school books advertised in Williamsburg] |
| 1793 | MSS Tucker-Coleman Collection, uncatalogued, Research Department "St. George Tucker in account with Robert J. Newburn & Co., Richmond 1 Pleasing Instructor… £0:3:-" |
| 1800 | MSS Papers Richard Blow (Jeffcott Collection, box 69:26, William & Mary College) Invoice Richard Blow to Blow & Scammel, [storekeepers at Tower Hill, Sussex County] "1800, April 30, 1 Blank Book for Geo … 6/3 1 Slate … 2.3" 25 dutch quills 3/ … 3/. 1801, Sept 30, 1 Knife for George … 9. 1801, Portsmouth Septr 1, Account George Davis to Darius Shaw Dr To 1 Morses Geography … £ 0.6.9 1 Spelling Book … 0.1.6 31 1 Dictionary … 0.5.3 1 Lady's Accademe … 0.1.½ … £0.14.7 ½2 " |
| 1804-1805 | Same Source, Box 39 "Leroy Anderson's Bills vs George Blow for postage, Williamsburg" Also, a few books bought from Anderson "Elements of the Mind … $2.25 Blair's Rhetoric … 1.25 1 Cavallo on Magnetism … 3.-- 1 Godwin's Enquirer … 1.50 1 Johnston's Lives … 5.50 1 Goguet's Origin … 8.00 1 Lecteur Francois … 1.25" |
| 1805 | Same Source, Box 26 "Messrs Will Barksdale & Robt Rives Dr £ s d Invoice of goods 6 Prayer Books …15/ … 7.6 18 Dyche's Spelling Books ..9/ … 13.6 8 Detworth's Spelling ditto 9/ … 6.-" |
| 1756 | Virginia Magazine History, XV, p. 432. Letter of Maria Carter of Sabine Hall to Miss Carter of Cleve. [March 25, 1756] "… Now I will give you the History of one Day the Repitition of which without variations carries me through the Three hundred and sixty five Days, which you know compleats the year. Well then first begin, I am awakened out of a sound Sleep with some croaking voice either Patty's, Milly's, or some other of our Domestics with Miss Polly, Miss Polly, get up, tis time to rise, Mr Price is down Stairs, & tho' I hear them I lie quite snugg till my Grandmama uses her Voice, then up I get, huddle on my cloaths & down to Book, then to Breakfast, then to School again, & may be I have an Hour to my self before Dinner, then the Same Story over again till twi-light, & then a small portion of time before I go to rest, and so you must expect nothing from me…" |
| 1769 | Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed, Feb. 23rd. Williamsburg: "Somersett Academy, Md., tuition £5, … six Gentlemen who are managers, and have a general direction of the institution. They employ 2 masters of liberal education who spend from 6 or 8 hours every day in teaching the 40 Scholars…" |
| 1773 | Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian, 1773-1774 (Princeton Press, 1943) p. 41 "Wednesday 15. Busy in School… The manner here is different from our way of living in Cohansie--In the morning so soon as it is light a Boy knocks at my Door to make a fire; after the Fire is kindled, I rise which now in the winter is commonly by Seven, or a little after, By the time I am drest the Children commonly enter the School-Room, 32 which is under the Room I sleep in; I hear them round one lesson, when the Bell rings for eight o'Clock (for Mr Carter has a large good Bell of upwards of 60 Lb. which may be heard some miles, & this is always rung at meal Times;) the Children then go out; and at half after eight the Bell rings for Breakfast, we then repair to the Dining-Room; after Breakfast, which is generally about half after nine, we go into School, and sit til twelve, when the Bell rings, & they go out for noon; the dinner-Bell rings commonly about half after two, often at three, but never before two--After dinner is over, which in common, when we have no Company, is about half after three we go into School, & sit til the Bell rings at five, when they separate til the next morning…" |
| 1798-1802 | Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States of America; During 1798 …1802 (London, 1803) by John Davis, p. 19 "…Can you rise with the sun, and teach till breakfast; swallow your breakfast, and teach till dinner; devour your dinner, and teach till tea-time; and from tea-time to bed time sink into insignificance in the parlour. No? Then you will not do for a private Tutor…." |
| 1713-19 | Northumberland County, Virginia, Order Book #5 "Ordered: that Eliza Tignor be taught "to read the Bible perfectly and educated in Christian duties as well as household employments." (copy from Spruill's Women in the Southern Colonies, p. 188) |
| 1720 | Letter Book of Robert Carter 1720-27, (edited by Louis B. Wright, PP. 25-26) Carter to Mr. William Dawkins Rappahannock, July 14, 1720 "Sir: …Let others take what courses they please in the bringing up of their posterity, I resolve the principles of our holy religion shall be instilled into mine betimes; as I am of the Church of England way, so I desire they should be. But the high-flown up top notions and the great stress that is laid upon ceremonies, any farther than decency and conformity, are what I cannot come into the reason of. Practical godliness is the substance--these are but the shell…" |
| 1736-37 | MS Letters and Accounts of William Beverley 1734-1748 (New York Public Library) "An Invoice of Sundry Goods to be sent to Wm Beverley by a Rappa Ship a small common prayer book neatly bound in Morocco Leather & gilt for my Daughter." |
| 1738 | Virginia Gazette, Parks, ed. February 9-16: Lately Published, (being very proper for a New-Year's Gift to Children,) The Church Catechism Explain'd, by Way of Question and Answer…, Collected by John Lewis, Minister of Margate, in Kent. Printed, and Sold by, William Parks, Price stitched 10d. bound 15d. |
| 1746-56 | The Lees of Virginia, Biography of a Family, by Barton J. Hendrick (Boston 1935) pp. 85-6 "… Mr. Craig had general supervision of their [the children of Thomas and Hannah Lee] morals and deportment, and even of their 'correction' …All this was accompanied by Bible reading, the catechism,… 33 … A teacher of learning and of character, in constant friendly companionship with four or five boys, supervising their classroom exercises, directing their reading, filling their minds at the most impressionable age, with thoughts and principles that remain life-long possessions…" |
| 1760 | Account Books Ms, Dr. Bray's Associate, p. 61 (Ms Division, Library of Congress) "Books sent to the Rev. Dr. Dawson At Williamsburgh — for the use of the Negro School founded there in the year 1760 …50 Child's First Books…3 Essays on the Catechism…3 Church Catechism with Texts of Scripture, 25 Catechism Broke into Short Questions,…" |
| 1769 | Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., Feb. 23rd:
[Advertisement of Somerset Academy, Maryland] "…Prayer, evening and morning, as in academies in England." |
| 1777 | Ms Letter-Book III, pp 161-163, Robert Carter of Nomony Hall (Chauvenet Collection) [Religious Library of Robert Carter] |
| 1770 | The Writings of Washington, II, p. 14 (ed. by John C. Fitzpatrick) Washington's views of travel: George Washington to Jonathan Boucher-Mount Vernon May 13, 1770: re. travel of John Custis "…there is nothing, in my opinion, more desirable to form the manners and encrease the knowledge of observant youth than such a plan as you have sketched out…there is no gentleman under whose care Mrs. Washington and myself would so soon entrust Mr. Custis as yourself (after he is sufficiently instructed in classical knowledge here)." |
| Bernard, John, Retrospection of America, 1797-1811 p. 149 "…Their [Virginians] favorite topics were European, and I found men leading secluded lives in the woods of Virginia perfectly au fait as to the literary, dramatic, and personal gossip of London and Paris. But the mystery was soon explained; they had all been educated in France or England (a practice which ceased at the Revolution), had made a tour of the Continent,…" |
| 1734 | In training in fencing, doubtless, the youth studied the "Compleat System of Fencing" by Edward Blackwell (printed b, William Parks, 1734, Williamsburg) [E. R. Gee in his Early American Sporting Books, (1928, p. 35) believes "Blackwell's book was the first book on sports in America."] |
| 1744 | Letters of Governor William Gooch (typescript, Research Department) p. 119 "My Lord, …I shall say no more of my Youngest Nephew, than wish him a good Voyage hither, with your Lordship's Leave, after he has been a Year at Cambridge, and another at Academy to learn a Gentleman's Exercises, Riding, Fencing, and Dancing… Will: Gooch" |
| 1752 | Virginia Gazette (Hunter, ed. March 20, 1752) "The Subscriber, who lodges at Mr. Finnie's, in Williamsburg, teaches the Art of Fencing…; any; is ready to begin as soon as he can get a reasonable Number of Scholars. Le Chevalier de Peyronny" |
| 1762 | Virginia Magazine of History, XXXI, p. 62 September 1762 "Will of Charles Carter of Cleve …It is my will and meaning that they [John and Landon, his Sons then in England] shall be continued at School to learn the languages, Mathematics, Philosophy, dancing, and Fencing till they are well accomplished…" |
| 1775 | Virginia Gazette (Pinkney, ed., March 30, 1775) DOCTOR DE SABBE Thursday, March 30, 1775 "OFFERS his service to those gentlemen who have an inclination to learn the manly art of FENCING, with the small-sword, and begs leave to inform them that he intends taking a room in Williamsburg and York, in the first of which places he will attend four days in each week, in the latter two…" |
| 1786 | Tucker-Coleman Collection (Uncatalogued Mss) Research Department Archives. Letter of Richard Randolph to Mrs. St. George Tucker near Petersburg — Matoax " …I wrote Papa I was learning to Fence — I come on very well Mr Thuillien says…" |
| 1768 | Diaries of Washington, I, p 273, f.n. From Charles Lawrence, a London tailor, Washington ordered "…a hunting saddle for Master John Parke Custis". for Martha Parke Custis, Washington ordered "…a very handsome & fashl. Woman's Hg. Saddle with Bridle & every thg. compl." |
| 35 | |
| 1770 | Writing of Washington, II, pp 35-36 Washington to Rev. Jonathan Boucher from Mt. Vernon, Dec. 16, 1770 Washington wrote that Custis was about to return to Annapolis to his tutor. During the vacation his mind had been "released from Study, & more than ever turnd to Dogs, Horses and Guns;…" |
| 1771 | Ibid, pp 36-37 (Jan. 2, 1771) "Jacky was delayed in returning because his step-father indulged him in his favorite amusement of hunting." |
| 1783-4 | Schoepf, Johann David, Travels in the Confederation, 1783-1784, II, pp. 94-95 "…A Virginia youth of 15 years is already such a man as he will be at twice that age. At 15, his father gives him a horse and a negro, with which he riots about the country, attends every fox-hunt, horse-race and cock-fight, and does nothing else whatever;…" |
| 1812 | Stratford Hall, p. 312 by Ethel Armes (1936) "…Riding as well as boxing by rule gives grace to the body, are agreable exercises, encrease agility & add manliness to the contour or looks. In the acquirement of these qualifications, let him never forget that they go to aid the body only & therefore must not engross the mind or dissipate time, the most precious part of a youths property…" (words of Harry Lee of Stratford.) |
| Ibid., p 352 gives Lee's ideas about swimming & other sports. | |
| 1735 | Virginia Magazine History, XXXII, 332 Letter of Governor William Gooch, July 8, 1735 "… Mr. Becket is a man of strong Constitution…and living in the Northern Neck where drinking boxing is too much in fashion…" |
| 1752 | Stratford Hall…by Ethel Armes (Richmond 1936) p 94 Quotes by R. H. Lee in his Memoir of Richard Henry Lee "…Accordingly, Richard H. Lee, after having received a grammatical education in his father's house, under the care of a private teacher, was sent to England, and placed at the academy of Wakefield, in Yorkshire. Anecdotes of the juvenile years…are both pleasing and instructive. It is related of Mr. Lee, that when a boy, knowing he was to be sent to England, it was his custom to make a stout negro boy fight with him every day. To his angry father's question, 'what pleasure can you find in such rough sport,' the son replied, 'I shall shortly have to box with the English boys, and I do not wish to be beaten by them.' " |
| ca 1800 | Ibid p 312 "…Their father [Colonel Harry Lee] saw to it that his boys learned to shoot and to ride, and gave a gun and a horse to Henry, Carter and Smith before they were ten years old." [author's word] "… Riding as well as boxing by rule gives grace to the body, are agreable exercises, encrease agility & add manliness to the contour or looks. In the acquirement of these qualifications, let him never forget that they go to aid the body only & therefore must not engross the mind or dissipate time, the most precious part of a youths property…" [words of Harry Lee] |
| 1722 | York County Records, Orders, Wills 16, p. 276 (March 15, 1722.) Inventory Elizabeth and Alice Ives "...1 bird cage and squirrel box --[£] 0/1/3" |
| 1728 | Virginia Magazine History, XXVI, p. 170 Virginia ye 6th 1728 Letter of Thomas Jones, Virginia to Mrs. Jones in England. "…I got a Fawn to send you for your Son Billy but he killed himself in a day or two after I had him. I have laid out for Squirrels and Birds, but cou'd not get any to send you. If I can, and that I have an opportunity will send them, or keep them for you to send yourself when you come in…" |
| 1750 | William and Mary Quarterly, first series, XVII, 116 Narrative of George Fisher…[August 1750] "…my Daughter Molly all the time we were at Sea had the sole care and trouble of feeding and nursing his [Mr. Sweeney's] five Canary Birds, which otherwise must have perished, they being utterly abandoned by every other Person; not did he after his recovering name the least care of them." |
| 1770 | Virginia Magazine History, XXI, p. 90 Letter of "Mrs. Frances Baylor" to her son "John Baylor"] Virginia New-Market 25. May 1770 "… I shall write again by Capt. Robertson. We caught a great many redd and Mock'g Birds but by one accident or other lost them all." |
| 1770 | John Norton & Sons, Merchants of London and Virginia, p. 137 (ed. by Frances Norton Mason — Richmond, 1937) [Martha Goosley, Yorktown to Mr. John Norton, London 13. June 1770] "…Billy Moss sends you two red Birds with wishing you health and every other Blessing…" |
| 1771 | Ibid, p. 181 Virginia, September 6 1771 [Letter of William Reynolds, Virginia, to Miss Fanny Norton, London:] "…I am endeavouring to get a red Bird to send you by him [Brother Hatley]…." |
| 1772 | Virginia January 20, 1772 Letter of Benjamin Harrison to Mr. William Palfrey, Merchant of Boston (copy in microfilm, Research Department) "…My Compliments to your Lady I have got her Red Birds and will send them by the Schooner… Benj Harrison" |
| 1773 | John Norton & Sons…, p. 330 "Invoice of Sundries for the Earl of Dunmore" [ordered by James Minzies of John Norton, London] "…a very Small Organ for teaching Birds…" |
| 37 | |
| 1781 ea. | Lower Norfolk County Virginia Antiquary III, 48-49 My Mother… [referring to the sons of Bartholomew Dandridge then living in New Kent County] "…A few days after this, having recovered from my indisposition I resolved to go over myself to see my kind neighbor [Mrs. Dandridge], and her guest [Mrs. George Washington] and perhaps the hero into the bargain. So we set off, Mr. M. and I, on foot, as the distance was short, and I was a good walker, and we took my brother Savage with us, who had on his coat with silver buttons, and moreover, under his arm, a game cock, which he was very anxious to shew to the Col's boys Julius and Bat, who were about his own age. When we got over to the house, however, we were all greatly mortified to find that the General had gone down to York by another road without calling to see his wife…as we got through the great gate into the high road, what should we see but — not the old General, indeed — but the young Marquis La Fayette at the head of a large troop of horse—…He was delighted to see Mr. M. and stopped to shake hands with him, and ask him a thousand questions…All this time, the cock which Savage had under his arm (though he tried to keep him under his coat) kept crowing out at a merry rate, which, you know, the troop might take as a good omen, and especially the Marquis, as the cock was an emblem of his own country too…" NOTE: Mr. M. was William Maxwell who married Nellie Calvert, |
| 1782 | Jefferson: The Road to Glory by Marie Kimball (New York 1943) p 163 "…the Marquis de Chastellux tells us "Mr. Jefferson amused himself by raising a score of these animals [deer] in his park," he recounts. "They are become very familiar, which happens to all the animals of America; for they are in general much easier to tame than those of Europe. He amuses himself by feeding them Indian corn, of which they are very fond, and which they eat out of his hand…" [Doubtless, the children of Jefferson enjoyed the deer as pets and the pheasants, guinea fowl, squirrels, hares &c. which were at Monticello.] |
| 1772 | Diaries of Washington, I, p 64 May 20, 1772 "… I sat to have my Picture drawn"1 [1. This was the first portrait of Washington painted — Charles Willson Peale, the artist] |
| May 22, 1772 "Set for Mr. Peale to finish my Face." In his accounts Washington had this entry: "May 3 — By Mr. Peale Painter, drawg. my Picte..£18.4.0 Miniature Do for Mrs. Washington …13. Ditto Do for Miss Custis… 13. Ditto Do for Mr. Custis 13.-" | |
| P. 137 f.n. "By 10 Guineas paid Mr. Peale for drawing Mr. Custis's Picture…£13.2.6" (Ledger B) On June 18th there is an entry: "Mr. Peale setting Picture… 1.16.0" | |
| 1789 | Virginia Historical Portraiture, (Richmond 1930) p.1 "The Washington Family" Portraits Painted from Life 1789 and 1796; size 84 inches by 111 inches; Edward Savage (1761-1817), the artist. |
| [1735] | Ibid, p 207 "Children of Philip Grymes," by Charles Bridges, 56 ¼ by 66 3/8 inches, owned by Virginia Historical Society. |
| Ibid, p 332 "John Randolph of Roanoke," by Gilbert Stuart — 29 by 24 inches. Owned by the Coleman family of Williamsburg. | |
| Colonial Virginia, Its Customs and People, p 315 William Byrd I as a little Ro man Soldier-portrait done in England. | |
| Ibid, p 317 King Carter in 1726 left portraits of his children. James Madison, The Virginia Revolutionist, by Irving Brant, I, frontispiece, "Madison as a Young Man" — from the miniature by Charles Willson Peale now in the possession of Albert Errol Leeds, Winthrop M. Leeds and Kingsley B. Leeds. |
| 1739 | Ms Apothecary Book [of Thomas Wharton?] Research Department 1739 July 23 Mastr Washington [treated for measles in Williamsburg] Mastr Wormley [treated for measles in Williamsburg] |
| 1749 | Ms Diary of Rev. Robert Rose 1746-1750, Research Department. August 15, "…this morning…the children have the Scarlet feaver & Sore throat they continue Sleepy the Fever remitt[ent] but dare not venture to give the Bark or any thing else… 16th…The Scarlet Feaver at [word uncertain] to be a trifling Distemper…made Use of the Common Mouth Water for cleansing the Mouth but believe Poplaceous powders lend more to remove the cause, was obliged at Night to blister my son Harry." |
| 1769 | Diaries of Washington, I, p 336 July 31, "Set out with Mrs. Washington and Patsey Custis for the Frederick Springs. f.n. The Warm Springs, now Bath or Berkeley Springs, in Morgan County, West Virginia, to which Patsy Custis was taken in hopes of benefitting her complaint, which seems to have been a form of epilepsy." |
| 1781 | Tucker-Coleman Collection, Research Department Frances Bland Randolph Tucker to Colo St. George Tucker, Camp favd by Colo Holcombe: "…Jack and Hal [John Randolph of Roanoke and Henry St. George Tucker] have fever" |
| 1787 | Ibid, "Theoderick has ague still…" |
| 1809 | Ibid January 9th. [Lelia] T[ucker] Williamsburg to Frances Bland Tucker Coalter: "…Grieved over the suffering of babe [Elizabeth Coalter] has heard of small pox being followed by dreadful imposthumus but frequence of case does not make it less horrible." |
| 1813 | Ibid, Lelia Tucker, Warminster to Frances B. T. Coalter: August 20 "…Measles in Williamsburg — were fatal to children in Norfolk who had whooping cough…" |
| 1820 | Lelia Tucker to Elizabeth Tucker Coalter: January 8 "…John Page and Mrs Page deterred at home by illness of Barbara who has cold." |
| 1834 | Lelia Tucker Wmsbg, to N. B. Tucker, Eagle Point, Gloster Co. Va. "Scarlet fever in town…" |
A letter to Miss Knox, Librarian of Colonial Williamsburg, from Clarence S. Bingham, Director of American Antiquarian Society (September 9, 1949) gave this information about their plans for making a microfilm of all of the children's books in libraries. To quote: "We have perhaps 1000 books printed in this country prior to 1830 and I imagine about 200 before 1800." This microfilm of all of the early children's books in various libraries throughout the country will be done with the idea of publishing a checklist. It may be several years before this project is completed.
American Children's Books:
Rosenbach, A. S. W., Early American Children's Books, with bibliographical descriptions of the Books. Intro. by A. Edward Newton. Prof. Illus. (Portland 1933)