Teaching in 1841: a Waterford Waldron's school book

This book in the museum’s collection is titled, “The American Preceptor; Being A New Selection Of Lessons For Reading And Speaking Designed For The Use Of Schools”. This edition was printed in 1813 and used by an early Waterfordian, Cornelius Waldron. 

This book, besides being an educational tool, was also clearly used as an art canvass for Cornelius. The words in the caption bubble of this doodle haven’t been deciphered yet, but this little dude doodle shows up on another page too.

View looking north on 3rd St. from Waldron Store on corner
of 3rd & Broad St. Photo taken prior to 1913 flood that destroyed 
the old Presbyterian Church. Local newspapers note the law 
business of A.C. Waldron and that of  Wm. Waldron,
as well as a market by R.C Waldron listed sometimes
as "Union Market"

There was a C. A. Waldron who lived at 22 Third Street. He had a noteworthy legal career, working with Congressman David L. Seymour in 1851, elected Justice of the Peace in 1853, elected Justice of Sessions of the country in 1853, and elected Surrogate of Saratoga County from 1855 until 1877.

In his obituary, a section was dedicated to highlighting that only one of his many thousands of orders was ever reversed. He was heavily involved in the community, being a member of: Waterford Chapter, Apollo Commandery of Troy, Clinton Masonic Lodge, “the Shrine”, the Masonic Veterans’ Association of Troy, Saratoga Lodge of Elks, the Holland Society, the Waterford Country Club, Post Sheriden (associate member), Saratoga County Bar Association (Vice President), and was a Trustee of the Presbyterian Church of Waterford.

But there appears to also be a Cornelius L. Waldron, according to the obituary of Robert C. Waldron. He’s listed as Robert’s brother and the ex-Surrogate, which was also attributed to Cornelius A. Waldron. So….without being able to trace a family tree for Waterford Waldrons, this may be a typo or maybe Cornelius was a common name for the Waldron family and practicing law was part of family tradition???

This photograph is recorded as that of "C.A. Waldron" in the museum's collection.

What is known about Cornelius Waldron is that he was born July 23, 1829 in Lansingburgh and lived in Waterford on Broad Street until his death in 1912. He studied at the “old Waterford Academy”, which is where he most likely used this book. Included with his name in this book is the date 1841.  Cornelius would have been 12 years old at this time, making use of this book as well as any other 12 year-old student. 

The American Preceptor was widely used for teaching, with 600,000 copies sold. First printed in 1794, it went through fifty-five editions by 1818. It is thought that it remained a staple teaching tool until at least 1837 – longer for some places, like Waterford. This book is a collection of speeches, excerpts from plays, poetry and other short texts. These excerpts were selected not just for teaching purposes, but also to convey a sense of religious or moral piety and patriotism. In its preface, the author, Caleb Bingham writes, “In making selections for the following work, a preference has been given to the productions of American genius.”

He continues with how he envisioned students like Cornelius Waldron to be taught with this book by explaining, “For the conveniency of large classes, the several pieces are divided into paragraphs of a moderate length; the utility of which, those conversant in the instruction of youth will readily discover. Instructors are assured that the inconveniency arising from the frequent alterations in the different editions of schoolbooks will never be experienced in this.” 

Notably not included? The author made sure to include in his remarks the necessity of not “instilling false notions in the minds of children” and so “Tales of love have not gained admission”.