USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume II > Part 3
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"Notice, That the Subscriber late from Old England, in- tends (as soon as the Weather is warmer and proper Enconr- agement be given) To teach Writing in all its hands, Arith- metick and Latin (as also to teach the Grammar Scholars twice a day Writing gratis) Whoever is willing to encourage him in so considerable a Work, and so requisite in this flourishing City, may at Mr. Wood Furmans in Wall Street, agree with me on that subject. CHARLES JOHNSON."
The following is the first advertisement of Music Lessons, September 9. 1745:
"This is to inform all young Gentlemen, who are will- ing to divert or improve a tedious Hour, that they may be taught by a very easy method. the Violin and Flute, by a Gentleman lately arrived here and will undertake to teach the meanest
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capacity. He intends to tarry here till the Spring, if sufficiently encouraged, and if not will depart this Fall."
Schoolmasters were also needed in other places, as may be seen :
"March 16, 1747. Notice is hereby given, that a good School Master is very much wanted at the Landing near New Bruns- wick, where a full School may be had as soon as a Master will settle there, as there is not one in all the Place."
On May 25, 1747, we find the first advertisement in which Spelling is mentioned :
"In Dock street, corner of Broad street, over against Mr. De Peyster's, will be carefully and dilligently taught Spelling, Reading, Writing, Arithmetick, Vulgar and Decimal, Geometry, Navigation, in its three kinds, viz., Plain, Mercator, and Great Circle sailing, Astronomy and Dialing, By Henry Moore. He intends, God willing, to open School, on Monday, the Eighth of June next, at which time all Gentlemen, Tradesmen, and others may see a Copy of the Methods, he proposes to take in teaching of Children, which are more faithful than are commonly fol- lowed."
This school was kept in a house on the northwest corner of Pearl and Broad streets. The first Ladies' School is thus men- tioned :
"June 22, 1747. In the House at the back part of Mr. Ben- son's Brew House, a School is opened to teach Young Ladies Reading and Writing, all Sorts of Needle Work and making of Artificial Flowers."
"September 28, 1747. A School is opened in New street, near the corner of Beaver street where English, Latin, French, Spanish and Italian are correctly and expeditiously taught by Augustus Vaughan."
"July 4, 1748. Cornelius Linch, School Master, is returned from Sea, and lives in Stone street, who carefully teaches Writ- ing, Arithmetick, both Vulgar and Decimal, Navigation, Geom- etry. Surveying, Dialing, Mensuration, Merchants Accompts, etc."
The following is the first advertisement of a school book:
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"Just published, and to be sold by the Printer hereof, THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTOR, OR YOUNG MAN'S BEST COMPANION. By George Fisher, Accomptant."
"May 7, 1749. In the House where Mr. Moore lately kept School, at the lower end of Broad Street, near the Long Bridge, is carefully taught Reading, Writing, Arithmetick, and Mer- chants Accompts, or the true Italian Method of Book keeping, by Double Entry, in a Method new and concise, by Benjamin Leigh, from London."
After this the "Italian style of keeping Accompts" is very frequently mentioned, and seems to have been in favor.
The first notice of a school in Brooklyn is thus given :
"July 3, 1749. Notice is hereby given, THAT at New York Ferry, upon Nassau Island is carefully taught Reading, Writing, Vulgar and Decimal Arithmetick, the Extraction of the Square and Cube Root, Navigation, Surveying, French and Spannish translated and taught, and sufficient Security given to keep all Writings secret. By John Clark, Philomath, where there is likewise boarding for Youths."
This reminds us that to this day the legal name of Long Island is the "Island of Nassau," or "Nassau Island," though in common use the name has long been obsolete.
The first mention of a Night School is on December 18, 1749:
"Reading, Writing and Arithmetick taught by Thomas Evans, at the House of Mr. Bingham, shoemaker near the New Dock, where he will give due attendance for Night School, com- mencing the first Day of January next."
The "New Dock" is now Front street, between Coenties Slip and Old Slip.
Among the most prominent citizens of early New York was Jacobus Goelet, who is styled "school master," in 1699. In later years he was a noted merchant, and his place of business was where the stairs of the elevated railroad now stand, on the south side of Pearl street or Hanover Square. For many years he held the office of official translator of the Dutch language, Vol. II-3
1146110
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and a fac-simile of his commission may be found in another portion of this work. The first school book ever printed in New York was executed for him. It was in the Dutch language, and printed by the famous John Peter Zenger. The following is the title :
"Arithmetica, of Cyffer Konst, Volgen de Munten, Maten en, Gewigten te Niew York, Gebrukelyek, Als mede, Een Ont- werp, Van de, Algebra, Opgestelt door, Pieter Venema, Mr. in de Mathesis en Schryf Konst. Gedruckt voor Jacob Goelet, by de Oude Slip, by J. Peter Zenger. MDCCXXX.
(Translation.) Arithmetica, or Arithmetic, according to the coins, measures and weights used in New York. Also a short plan of Algebra, written by Pieter Venema, master in mathematics and art of writing. Printed for Jacob Goelet by the Old Slip. By J. Peter Zenger, 1730.
Only a few copies of this work are in existence.
"December 18, 1749. Reading, writing in several hands. Arithmetic in its several parts, merchants' accounts after a plain and easy method, and navigation, are carefully taught and due attendance given by Richard Smith, at the house of Mr. Kil- master joining the New English church in Beekman street. Also Accounts, Bills, Bonds, Deeds and Leases &c., drawn engrossed and performed by the said Richard Smith. N. B. The said School is to be opened the 8th day of January."
One of the earliest ministers of the Lutheran church in New York was Rev. Michael Christian Knoll, who became the pastor in 1731. The church was divided between Dutch and Germans. This caused much trouble and the minister was eventually forced to resign. He preached his last sermon September 23, 1750. In the newspaper of Angust 6, 1750, he enters the following adver- tisement :
"Michael Christian Knoll, by dangerous circumstances, obliged to be not longer minister of the Lutheran Church here, has resolved to give instruction in Latin, French, Greek, and Hebrew and Philosophy, and to teach Merchants Accompts, and the manner of keeping Books after the Italian Fashion. Who- ever should be inclined to make use of this Information are
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prayed to let him know it in four weeks. By wanting of Oppor- tunity he is of the mind to search his Fortune elsewhere."
"Sept. 17th 1750. Gabriel Wayne teaches Reading, Writ- ing, Arithmetic, Navigation and Latin, near the Watch House in the Broad street. He will keep Evening School during the Win- ter Season."
The place where Mr. Wayne taught his humble school is where the Drexel building now stands-the most valuable piece of land on the American continent-far too valuable for a school house.
"December 31, 1750. To all Lovers of Learning, and to Parents who have the Education of their Children at heart.
"This is to give Notice that on the 7th of January next, will be opened a School at the House of Mrs. Eastham, the lower end of Broad street near the Long Bridge, where there will be carefully taught, Reading, Writing, Arithmetick and Accompts, or the true Italian method of Bookkeeping, on a new and concise manner, likewise a new invented Short Hand, with Navigation, Geometry and the use of Globes, with the Latin, Greek, Portu- guese and Spannish Languages, by Benjamin Leigh and Garrit Noel."
Garrit Noel seems to have been thoroughly acquainted with the Spanish language, and the same year he published the fol- lowing :
"N. B. There is now published and sold, (price 8d) at the House of Benjamin Leigh, School Master, near the long Bridge, and at the House of Captain George Edmonds the Sign of the Bunch of Grapes, near the widow Rutgers, a true Translation of the Spannish Bulls, or a Form of the Pope's Absolutions, trans- lated by Garrit Noel."
The "Sign of the Bunch of Grapes," was on Maiden Lane, near Cliff street. On February 18, 1751, this curious notice ap- pears :
"There is lately come to Town, a man who keeps at Scotch Johnnys upon the Dock, who would teach a Latin School, and desires not above Fifteen or Twenty Scholars at most. If any Gentlemen incline to encourage such a school, they are desired to
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concert the affair with the man himself who is to be spoken with at the Place above mentioned."
This advertisement appears for several weeks. "Scotch Johnnys" was a tavern, probably on the north side of Pearl street, next east of Coenties lane.
"April 1, 1751, Reading and Writing, in Dutch French and Latin, with Arithmetick and Geography are carefully taught, and due attendance given by Reinhold Jan Klokhoff at the House of Mr. Brott, wherein the widow of Mr. John Peter Zenger now lives upon Golden Hill. Also sewing and darning or other Needle work completely taught by the wife of said Klokhoff."
"Golden Hill" is now John street, next west of Pearl street. It is said that the widow of John Peter Zenger, the famous print- er, lived there and made a living by selling pamphlets, etc.
"June 17, 1751. At the Request of several Gentlemen and others. Robert Leith, School master from London, is removed from Stone street to the House of Mrs. Anderson in Wall street, opposite to Mr. Axtell's new House, where he teaches Latin and Greek as at the Academies in England, as well as Reading Writ- ing and Arithmetick, Vulgar and Decimal, and Merchants Ac- compts after the Italian method etc.
"N. B. There are two handsome rooms. with Fire Places, the one for Boys, the other for Girls"
This school was on the south side of Wall street, a little east of William street. "Mr. Axtel's new house" is now No. 50 Wall street.
The first course of Philosophical Lectures ever given in New York was in 1751, in accordance with the following notice :
"July 22. To be Exhibited at the House of Rev. Mr. Pem- berton in the Broadway in New York. A course of Natural Phil- osophy and Mathematics, illustrated by experiments by Lewis Evans. The Course consists of 13 Lectures, treating of the Na- . ture of this World and its Parts. The Solar System is explained by a most curious Orrery, which represents the annual and di- urnal motions of all the Planets etc. The Laws of the Electrical Fluid shall be expressly handled. Conditions. Each Subscriber to pay Two Dollars. One at the first Lecture, the other at the
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end of the Course, and to receive a Ticket gratis for one Lady to attend the whole Course. To begin as soon as 20 Persons shall have subscribed."
The house of Rev. Ebenezer Pemberton, where these lec- tures were held, was on the west side of Broadway, a little south of Exchange alley.
On May 20, 1751, John Nathan Hutchins opened a school "at the house of Mrs. Margaret Peers, near to Alderman Schuy- ler's, in Broad street." That was on the west side of Broad street, between Stone street and Marketfield street. The teacher was the originator of Hutchin's Almanac, which has been con- tinued till the present time.
On May 7, 1759, Samuel Bruce, who had been school master in Newtown, Long Island, came to New York and opened a school "'in Wall street, next door to Mr. Thurmans, in the house where Mr. Metcalf formerly kept school."
Among the noted school masters was William Elphinstone, who kept a school "at his House in the Sloat Lane, behind Han- over Square," where he taught writing, etc., "and also in the fu- ture proposes to teach Latin." "Also the short way of teaching People to write a neat genteel Hand in six weeks. He also has a large cellar to Let."
Jacob Goelet is mentioned as schoolmaster in 1709. He was afterward sworn translator of the Dutch language.
Form Translator of the Dutch Language 1 17571
CHAPTER III. THE FIRST PRINTERS.
For long years after the English conquest the province re- mained without a printer or printing and the first man who es- tablished this business in New York was William Bradford, who was born in the parish of Barwell, Leicestershire, England, May 20, 1663. He served the usual term of apprenticeship with An- drew Sowne, who was the principal Quaker publisher in Lon- don. He married Elizabeth Sowne, his master's daughter, and came to Philadelphia in 1685. On account of his religious views he had at first some trouble, and was imprisoned in 1692, but soon released. In 1693 he came to New York, and established the first printing press in the colony and was made "Printer to the King." The first issue from his press is believed to be a broadside "Proclamation," printed June 8, 1693, very shortly followed by a pamphlet, "New England's Spirit of Persecution, Transmitted to Pennsylvania." Although originally a Quaker, he seems to have been separated from the sect in later years.
Besides the work done for the government in the shape of Proclamations, etc., he printed many pamphlets. The first book printed in New York was Keith's "Truth Advanced," early in 1694, and in the same year he printed the famous volume with which his name is ever identified :
THE LAWS AND ACTS of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THEIR MAJESTIES' PROVINCE OF NEW YORK. As they were ENACTED in divers SESSIONS, the First of which began April the 9th Annoque Domini 1691.
"At New York. Printed and Sold by William Bradford, Printer to Their Majesties King William and Queen Mary 1694.
THE
LAWS & ACTS
OF THE General Allembly FOR Their Majefties Province
OF
NEW-YORK,
As they were Enacted in divers Seffions, the firft of which began April, the 9th, Annog; Domini, 1 691.
RO
OP' THE
ORE
At New-York, . Printed and Sold by William Bradford, Printer to their Majefties, King William & Queen Mary, 1 6 9 4.
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
This book is extremely rare, and when sold brings a price proportionate to its rarity. In 1695-6, he did much official work, and also printed a book, "Le Tresor des Consolations Divines, et Humaines." He printed books in English, Dutch and French, and all of them at the present time are extremely rare and sel- dom to be found outside of the great libraries. In 1697 appeared a tract, "New England Persecutors Mauled with their own Weapons." He also published a new Almanac, made by a New York innkeeper namel Clapp. This was the first Almanac print- ed in the colony. He afterward printed "A New Primmer, or Methodical Direction, to attain the True Reading and Writing of English. By Francis Daniel Pastorius of Germantown." The only known copy of this work that is in existence is in Manches- ter, England.
Between 1699-1710 he printed many tracts written in oppo- sition to the Quakers, their titles showing the hostility of the times against that sect. Among them were "A Cage of Unclean Birds," and "The Mystery of Fox Craft." In 1702 was printed the "Tryal of Nicholas Bayard," who was tried for treason and condemned to death, but the sentence was revoked. In 1707 was printed the earliest extant edition of the "Laws, Orders and Or- dinances of the City of New York." In 1708 was published "The Grandlyche, Onderricht, etc. By Justus Falckner, minister of the Lutheran Church, in New York." This was the first book printed in Dutch in America. In 1710 he printed a new edition of the "Laws of the Province." In the same year he printed the "Book of Common Prayer," the first ever published in this country. Trinity church loaned him forty pounds to purchase paper. This book also contained Tate and Brady's edition of the Psalms. This venture was not profitable, and the church re- leased him from the debt.
In 1717 was printed a Prayer Book in the Mohawk language,
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
doubtless performed under the direction of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. There were also Almanacs and pub- lic documents, but the most important work was the "Essay on Scripture Prophecy," by Governor William Burnet. Then fol- lowed Governor Colden's "Papers in relation to the Indian Trade." This contained the first map engraved in New York. In 1725 he made a partner of John Peter Zenger, who afterwards became famous through his misfortunes. On October 16, 1725, appeared the first number of the "New York Gazette," of which a more extended notice will be given. The first historical work printed in New York was Colden's "History of the Five Indian Nations. "
In 1695 Mr. Bradford was made a freeman of the city. He was vestryman of Trinity church in 1707. His first wife died in 1733, and he then married a widow, Cornelia Smith. At the age of eighty he retired from business, and died at the home of his son William, May 23, 1752. His remains were buried in Trinity church yard, his tombstone bearing the following inscription :
"Here lies the Body of Mr. William Bradford, Printer, who departed this Life May 23, 1752, aged 92 years. He was born in Leicestershire, in Old England, in 1660. And came over to America in 1682 before the city of Philadelphia was laid out. He was Printer to this Government for upwards of 50 years, and being quite worn out with old Age and Labour, he left this mor- tal state in the holy Hopes of a blessed Immortality.
"Reader, reflect how soon you'll quit this Stage.
"You'll find but few attain to such an Age.
"Life's full of Pain. Lo there's a Place of Rest.
"Prepare to meet your God, then you are blest"
"Here also lies the Body of Elizabeth, wife to the said Will- iam Bradford, who departed this life July 8, 1733, aged 68 years."
The tombstone inscription contains an error in regard to his age, for in one of the Almanacs, printed by him, he expressly
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
states that he was born May 20, 1663. The notice of his death, which was printed by James Parker, who was the printer of the newspaper at that time, so closely resembles the inscription that it seems as if the latter must have been copied from it.
William Bradford left two sons, Andrew and William. The latter had a son who was also a printer. Nathaniel Bradford, who died in Chicago, November, 1906, was a lineal descendant.
John Peter Zenger, whose name must ever be connected with the great principle of "Freedom of the Press," was born in Ger- many in 1697. His mother with three children came to America about 1710, and in the same year her son became an apprentice to William Bradford, the printer. After the term of his appren- ticeship was ended he went to Maryland, but came to New York in 1722 and was made a freeman the following year. In 1726 he established the second printing office in New York, and pub- lished a few small books in Dutch and English, one of the most important being an Arithmetic, printed in the Dutch language in 1730, for Jacob Goelet, being the first work on the subject printed in this city. In 1733, with the help of William Smith and others, he founded the second newspaper, and gave it the name of "The New York Weekly." Owing to its attacks made on Gov- ernor Cosby, it was ordered, November 2, 1734, to be "burned by the hands of the common hangman," and Zenger was arrest- ed for libel. The trial that ensued was one of the most famous events in the history of the colony. As his counsel, William Smith and James Alexander, had been disbarred, it was neces- sary to obtain the services of Mr. Hamilton, a learned and bril- liant lawyer from Philadelphia. Through his able efforts, Zen- ger was acquitted, and the freedom of the press fully vindicated. The account of the trial was printed by Zenger himself as a folio pamphlet. Five editions were printed in London, where it at- tracted as much attention as in America, and one edition was
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
printed in Boston. The finest specimen of his printed work was the "Charters of New York," in 1735. In 1737 he was made Public Printer, but did not hold that position very long. Among his books was "A vindication of James Alexander and William Smith," who had been his strongest supporters. He has been described as "an indifferent printer, and very ignor- ant of the English language," but we can find nothing to sup- port such a statement. He died July 28, 1746, in his forty-ninth year, and is said to have been buried in Trinity church yard. He left a wife and six children. His newspaper was continued by his widow until December, 1748. It was then printed by his son until 1751, when it ceased entirely. In April, 1751, his widow was living in "the house of Mr. Brott, on Golden Hill," now John street. No descendants of the name are known to exist.
The successor of William Bradford as printer of the "New York Gazette" was Henry De Forrest, who was apprenticed to John Peter Zenger, August 23, 1725. He was the first native printer, and was born in New York, and baptized November 2, 1712. His father, Barent, and his grandfather, Hendrick, were both residents of the city. In 1744 he became the owner of the "Gazette," and on October 26th, changed the name to the "New York Evening Post." In 1750 he published an Almanac, pre- pared by the famous Roger Sherman. His newspaper was the first afternoon paper printed in America, and was continned till after March, 1752, when it ended. He died before August, 1766. He is mentioned as "living in Wall street, at the sign of the printing press." His successor was Samuel Brown, who married his daughter. In 1776 he had a printing office "at the foot of Potbaker's Hill, between the New Dutch church and the Fly market." This was probably on the point between
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
Liberty street and Maiden Lane. The paper had long since ceased.
For long years, no man was more prominent or better known in New York than "James Parker, printer." He was born at Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1714. His father, Samuel Parker, was a resident of the same place for many years. On January 1, 1729, he was apprenticed to William Bradford, but ran away, the fact being announced by the following advertise- ment in the "New York Gazette:"
"May 28, 1733. Ran away on the 17th of this Instant May, from William Bradford, an Apprentice Lad named James Parker, by trade a Printer. aged about 19 years. He is of a fresh Complexion, with short yellowish Hair, having on a yel- lowish Bengall Coat. Jacket and Breeches lined with the same, and has taken with him a brown colored coarse Coat, with flat metal Buttons, Two Frocks, Two Shirts, one striped Ticken Jacket and Breeches. He has likewise-or taken away some other goods, as Linnen, of several sorts Silk and Worsted Stockings, Silk Handkerchiefs, Books, Knives, two Composing Sticks, and other Tools belonging to the Printing Trade. Who- ever takes up and secures the said Apprentice so that his said Master may have him again, shall have Fifty Shillings as a Reward and all reasonable Charges Paid by William Bradford."
He returned and finished his term, and in due time com- menced business on his own account. In 1742 he was made Printer to the Province as successor of William Bradford, and retained this position until 1761. His first production was the "Votes of Assembly," for 1742. On January 4, 1743, he started the third newspaper in New York, the "New York Weekly Post Boy." At first it was a small quarto, and enlarged in 1744, and in 1753 it was a folio, and was well printed and edited. In 1745, when the "New York Gazette" ended, he changed the name of his paper to "the New York Gazette, reviewed in the Weekly Post Boy." In 1754 he was postmaster in New Haven. While on a visit to a friend at Burlington he died, June 24, 1770, and
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the next day was buried at Woodbridge, his native place. For many years his business was the most extensive in America. His will, recorded in the New York Surrogate's office, has a very peculiar commencement :
"I James Parker of New York, Printer, reflecting on the uncertainty of Life. * My Soul, an immortal part, not so properly my own as another's, believing it to be purchased by the Lord Jesus Christ, I bequeath to Him, believing that he will fulfill His Promise and Right against all the Malice of the Evil one, who by his continual attacks on my poor intellectuals has caused me to be defiled from the Crown of my Head to the Soles of my Feet."
He left considerable property, and to his son Samuel he gave his printing materials. His printing office in New York was the northwest corner of Broad and Beaver streets.
William Weyman was the son of Rev. Robert Weyman, who was sent by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, and had charge of churches in Pennsylvania, where he died in 1737, leaving a large family in poor circumstances. His son William was born in Philadelphia, and was an apprentice of William Bradford. In 1753 he became a partner of James Parker, and continued until 1759. In February of that year he opened a printing office of his own and started the fourth news- paper, and gave it the old name of "New York Gazette," and during the same year was made Printer to the Province. The commission of Captain Elias Pelletreau, of which a fac-simile is given, was printed by him. He died after a long illness, July 27, 1768. His newspaper was suspended in December, 1767. As public printer he was succeeded by the famous Hugh Goine, whose history belongs to more modern times. William Weyman printed in 1760 "The Evening Service of Rashashanoh, and Kippur." This was the first book of Hebrew prayers printed in America, and perhaps the first printed in the English language.
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