eBay treasure: Harriet Luzetta Day’s Arithmetic Book

Harriet Luzetta Day was the sister of my third great grandmother, Cynthia Sears Day. She was born about 1812 in Industry, Somerset County, Maine, and became a teacher, probably giving up her occupation when she married Rowland Freeman in 1834. Shown below is an arithmetic book owned by Harriet L. Day which I recently purchased off of eBay – another stroke of genealogical serendipity!

Cover of the Arithmetic Book owned by Harriet L. Day, born 1812 in Industry, Maine
Cover of the Arithmetic Book owned by Harriet L. Day, born 1812 in Industry, Maine.

We know that Harriet was raised by her aunt and uncle, Nathaniel Day and Sarah Day, who were both unmarried and lived at home their parents. Therefore, she would have known both her grandparents, but especially grandmother Sarah (Day) Day, who lived until 1845. (Harriet would have been about 33 when her grandmother passed away.)

Inside the cover of Harriet's arithmetic book is written Brownville, Milo, Kilmarnock, [-?-], and Kirkland
Inside the cover of Harriet’s arithmetic book is written Brownville, Milo, Kilmarnock, [-?-], and Kirkland

Harriet clearly loved her grandfather, and we know she painted a memorial for him when she was about sixteen years of age. The arithmetic book gives us another glimpse into Harriet’s life – she dated it 1825, when she was about thirteen years old.

In the upper right corner Harriet wrote her name and the year, 1825.
In the upper right corner Harriet wrote her name, town (“Hallowell x Road”) and the year, 1825.
Exercises fill the arithmetic book.
Exercises fill the arithmetic book.

It appears this family treasure was likely passed down to Harriet’s grandson, Rowland Pease. Rowland married Mary Martha Wilson, who was the daughter Harriet L. Maynard. Included in the book is the teacher’s certificate for Miss Harriet L. Maynard, and three Rewards of Merit for Harriet Maynard, Henry Maynard and Cyrus Maynard.

Miss Harriet L. Maynard teacher's certificate.
Miss Harriet L. Maynard teacher’s certificate.
Rewards of Merit for Harriet L. Maynard and her brothers, Henry and Cyrus.
Rewards of Merit for Harriet L. Maynard and her brothers, Henry and Cyrus.

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Comment: Hello Lauren,
I’m not a genealogy addict but my husband is. Anyway, my maternal grandfather was a Wasgatt. My husband and I are headed to Maine in the latter part of August. We plan to visit the Wasgatt, Richardson and Gott cemeteries. I spoke with someone from the Genealogical Society that is familiar with the Wasgatts and will meet him when we are there. Do you have any suggestions, as well?
Phyllis Dunstan

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