From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 28<br />
"How would you like <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> Mr. Williams' school at Bridge's Creek, George?" his mo<strong>the</strong>r inquired. "Mr.<br />
Williams is an excellent teacher, I suppose, <strong>the</strong> very best <strong>the</strong>re is in Virginia."<br />
"I should like it," George answered. "Can I go?"<br />
"I have been thinking of it," his mo<strong>the</strong>r responded. "You can live with your bro<strong>the</strong>r Augustine; <strong>the</strong> school is<br />
not far from his house."<br />
"Shall I go soon?" asked George.<br />
"Yes, as soon as you can get ready. You are at an age now when you must attend <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> higher branches of<br />
knowledge, if ever."<br />
"What shall I study?" inquired George.<br />
"Arithmetic, of course, and I have been thinking of book-keeping and surveying, very important studies for<br />
planters and everybody else in <strong>the</strong>se parts."<br />
"Then you mean I shall be a planter?" George inquired.<br />
"Yes, <strong>the</strong>re is not much but a planter that you can be in this State; and a good planter may be as useful and<br />
honored as a good merchant or lawyer."<br />
"I would as soon be a planter as anything else," continued George "and I will try <strong>to</strong> make a good one."<br />
"That is <strong>the</strong> main thing," responded his mo<strong>the</strong>r. "Planter, merchant or lawyer, become <strong>the</strong> best <strong>the</strong>re is, and<br />
you will be both prospered and honored. You have learned about all you can at Mr. Hobby's school; it is time<br />
<strong>to</strong> go up higher."<br />
"That will suit me as well as it will you," replied George. "I do not object <strong>to</strong> going up higher."<br />
"Some boys act as if <strong>the</strong>y do," rejoined Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n; "but I hope you will never belong <strong>to</strong> that class. Do<br />
<strong>the</strong> best you can in every place, and you will never be ashamed of your conduct."<br />
Within a few weeks George found himself a member of Mr. Williams' school, and a resident of his bro<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Augustine's family. Arithmetic and book-keeping engaged his attention at once, and, after a few months,<br />
surveying was added <strong>to</strong> his regular studies.<br />
Mr. Williams was a thorough instruc<strong>to</strong>r, and believed that scholars should master one branch of study before<br />
<strong>the</strong>y <strong>to</strong>ok up ano<strong>the</strong>r. He paid much attention <strong>to</strong> reading, spelling and penmanship, encouraging his pupils <strong>to</strong><br />
place a high value upon <strong>the</strong>se common, but fundamental, studies.<br />
"You are a good ma<strong>the</strong>matician, George, and surveying will come easy <strong>to</strong> you," remarked Mr. Williams.<br />
"Surveyors will be in great demand in this country before it is many years older."<br />
"I should like <strong>to</strong> understand it," replied George, "and I mean <strong>to</strong> understand it before I have done going <strong>to</strong><br />
school."<br />
"And <strong>the</strong> sooner you commence <strong>the</strong> study of it <strong>the</strong> better it will be for you," added Mr. Williams. "You are old<br />
enough, and sufficiently advanced <strong>to</strong> pursue it successfully. By and by you can survey <strong>the</strong> fields about here,<br />
by way of practising <strong>the</strong> art; and you will enjoy it hugely. It will be better than play."