Guide to the Benjamin Weld spelling book, 1770-1772


Redwood Library and Athenaeum
50 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Tel: (401) 847-0292
Fax: (401) 841-5680
email: redwood@redwoodlibrary.org

Published in 2015

Collection Overview

Title: Benjamin Weld spelling book
Date range: 1770-1772
Creator: Weld, Benjamin, fl. 1770-1772
Extent: 0.01 linear feet (1 folder)
Abstract: This book belonged to Benjamin Weld (fl. 1770-1772) and was used for spelling and other small lessons.
Language of materials: English
Repository: Redwood Library and Athenaeum
Collection number: RLC.Ms.577

Scope & content

This collection is comprised of a spelling book, created by Benjamin Weld and dated 1770, holding about ten pages of spelling words written in sounded-out syllables. This book also contains a list of men’s and women’s names to assist smaller children in learning to write. The last few pages of the book are prayers for use in school and by children, to be said morning and evening. On the cover of this book is written, “Benjamin Weld his Spelling Book, April 18 Anno Domini 1770, for Words.” The back cover appears as if it has been used as scrap paper to solve math equations.

Also included is one page of what appears to be an assignment. The title of the assignment is “an epitaph found in a country church yard.” The bottom of this letter is signed and dated by Benjamin Weld, June 29, 1772.

Access Points

Subject Topics Document Types Subject Topics

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in chronological order.

Biographical note

It is unknown where Benjamin Weld (fl. 1770-1772) resided, but it is possible that this Benjamin Weld is the proprietor of Weld, Maine, purchased in 1816. If this is the correct Benjamin Weld then he is related to a long and well established line of Welds from Boston and Ireland.

Access & Use

Access to the collection: Access is open to members and researchers at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum.
Use of the materials: This collection is owned by the Redwood Library and Athenaeum. Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the Special Collections Librarian of the Redwood Library and Athenaeum.
Preferred citation: Benjamin Weld spelling book, RLC.Ms.577, Redwood Library and Athenaeum.
Contact information: Redwood Library and Athenaeum
50 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Tel: (401) 847-0292
Fax: (401) 841-5680
email: redwood@redwoodlibrary.org

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION  
Acquisition: Acquisition information is unknown.
Processing information: Processed by Chelsea Ordner in 2014 according to current archival standards.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID  
Author: Finding aid prepared by Chelsea Ordner
Encoding: This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2015-01-30
Descriptive rules: Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory


Manuscripts Box 2 Spelling book
1770-1772