John Wheeler Instructor (1 results)

Manuscript. Condition: Fair. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. On offer is a rare piece of surviving ephemera from the early 19th century school district system of Amenia, Dutchess County, New York. The document is a school accounting document recording the households in school district No. 19, Amenia, the days of school attended, cost and payment. It was kept and signed by school instructor, John M. Wheeler. The first three households on the record are sons of Revolutionary War Captain Noah Wheeler, including Anthony Wheeler (1771-1840) , Thomas Newcomb Wheeler (1773-1844) , and David Wheeler (1782-1823). These are followed by other Dutchess County Wheelers and neighbouring families, such as the Barretts and Colmans. Condition: Measures approximately 7.75 inches x 7.5 inches. It is intact and fully legible, save from the number of days attended and amount paid by the Lownberry household, which has been carefully cut out. It contains ++ age toning and and fold lines, consistent with its age. History of the New York Common School System: New York's common school system began in earnest with the Common School Act of 1812, which created a statewide framework for publicly supported elementary education. The law established the office of State Superintendent of Common Schools, divided towns into school districts, and provided state aid that local communities were expected to match. Its goal was to make basic education more regular, organized, and widely available, rather than leaving schooling entirely to private academies, churches, or scattered local efforts. The system was strengthened by the 1814 law, which made the common school fund permanent and helped secure public schooling as a lasting part of New York civic life. Notes on the Dutchess County Wheelers: Among the Dutchess County Wheelers was the lineage directly descended from Captain Noah Wheeler (1743-1823). Captain Noah Wheeler born in Connecticut to Captain Thomas Wheeler (1715-1754) and Eunice Gates (1718-1787). Thomas Wheeler fought in the French and Indian War, and died in Fite Miller tavern on his way home, on September 1, 1757. Noah Wheeler fought in the Revolutionary War under Colonel David Southerland. He was a member of the 6th Regiment (Charlotte Precinct) Dutchess County Militia. He was noted as being ranked First Lt. On March 30, 1778, and made Captain June 25, 1778. Noah Wheeler married Eunice Newcombe (1748-1812) , also of Dutchess County. Together they had at least 12 children. His sons, including Anthony and Thomas Newcomb, were all farmers who built strong estates in New York State. Anthony went on to be a well-respected soldier who commanded the 29th regiment of militia in the War of 1812. ; 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Autograph.