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Copy Book Views |
Jeremiah's copybook measures about 8 1/2" by 13" and is bound in deerskin, with some deer hair still attached. Its 130 + pages are hand-stitched together in folios and then to the binding. The seams in the front and back cover were stitched at the time the book was constructed, and do not represent tears or damage. The first entry in the book on the inside cover is dated 1837, so we can assume this is when it was first used. The book was filled, first with the lessons of the young student, and later with journal type entries of commerce, and later with drawings, songs and poetry. The book is filled with the practice of writing, mathematics and practical knowledge. On any particular page, previous work has been added to, working backwards after the book was filled, so that the book became literally crammed with details. The latest date that we have found in the book is 1849, however, it is known by family tradition that entries were made after this time. One song is dedicated to his future wife dated 1841, and he would have been 17 years old when this song was written. In addition to Jeremiah's entries there are several entries by other individuals, and credit given to these signed entries. Several such are from the hand of Moses Meals, who is also credited as a co-writer of one or two of the songs. Jeremiah's mother had a small parlour organ that was brought westward with the family when they moved to Illinois in 1856 and was in the family homeplace when it burned down in the 1970s. This copybook was removed from the house less than one week before the house burned down, triggered by a most vivid bad dream that warned this author of its impending destruction. ( L.W.) |
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The Copybook
Volunteer American
Ditties
Addresses of Kin
Head Bumper, EyeW
Coin Rubbings
Issac Neverpay
Little Vanny Elk Syr
Mose Meals 1841
More Coin Rubbings