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Story
February 17, 1909
Pinedale Roundup
Pinedale, Sublette County, Fremont County, Wyoming
What is this article about?
An anecdote from a New Jersey Historical Society manuscript recounts a humorous incident involving a prospective country schoolmaster in early America who misunderstands 'mathematics' as a person named Matthew Mattox during an examination by neighbors.
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OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
A TYPE THAT HAS PASSED AWAY.
Country Schoolmaster of the Early Days of America.
Apropos of the country schoolmaster of the early days of America, an old manuscript in the New Jersey Historical society contains the following characteristic anecdote:
"A traveling person coming into a country neighborhood where was a vacant schoolhouse offered himself as a teacher. The neighbors convened to examine into his abilities. He was asked what branches he could teach.
'Almost any,' was the answer. He could instruct children how to read without first learning to spell, to write without first making marks, and it was indifferent to him in what rule they first commenced arithmetic.
'Are you acquainted with mathematics, sir?' was the next question. Supposing some great literary character was meant, the fellow assumed an air of great importance and quickly replied:
'Matthew Mattox, sir? No, sir, I am not acquainted with Matthew, but I know his brother, Tom, very well!'"
Country Schoolmaster of the Early Days of America.
Apropos of the country schoolmaster of the early days of America, an old manuscript in the New Jersey Historical society contains the following characteristic anecdote:
"A traveling person coming into a country neighborhood where was a vacant schoolhouse offered himself as a teacher. The neighbors convened to examine into his abilities. He was asked what branches he could teach.
'Almost any,' was the answer. He could instruct children how to read without first learning to spell, to write without first making marks, and it was indifferent to him in what rule they first commenced arithmetic.
'Are you acquainted with mathematics, sir?' was the next question. Supposing some great literary character was meant, the fellow assumed an air of great importance and quickly replied:
'Matthew Mattox, sir? No, sir, I am not acquainted with Matthew, but I know his brother, Tom, very well!'"
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Country Schoolmaster
Early America
Teaching Examination
Mathematics Misunderstanding
Humorous Anecdote
What entities or persons were involved?
Traveling Person
Where did it happen?
Country Neighborhood
Story Details
Key Persons
Traveling Person
Location
Country Neighborhood
Event Date
Early Days Of America
Story Details
A traveling person offers to teach in a vacant schoolhouse, claims he can teach reading without spelling, writing without marks, and arithmetic in any order; he misunderstands 'mathematics' as 'Matthew Mattox' and says he knows his brother Tom.