The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 67, July 1963 - April, 1964 Page: 320
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Southwestern Historical Quarterly
Always mindful of the fact that his health was frail, Wooldridge
made plans to be followed in the event of his early death. His
diaries were written with the idea of leaving his children a
heritage of their father and from the diary pages initialed in
Penn's adult handwriting, it is evident that at least one of the
children profited by his father's wisdom. Early in Penn's life, the
following instructions were set down by Absalom:
I would that my son Alexander P. Wooldridge should be educated
and managed as follows:
I should not desire him to commence his book education till the
beginning of his seventh year. Let the time up to that age be spent
in acquiring a good constitution and becoming acquainted with
external nature.
From seven to the beginning of his eleventh year be spent in
learning the usual English branches-reading, writing, arithmetic
and English grammar and geography.
From his eleventh to the end of his 14 year let him be required
to attend to some active business & connect with it reading of
valuable books, such as history, travels, biographies, some literary
works such as Irving, Scott, etc.
At the beginning of his 15 year let him commence his preparation
for college, studying Latin, Greek etc. & if possible not entering
college till he can enter the junior class. That he may be as long
as possible under domestic influence.
He should graduate at 2o. For two years, let him study a pro-
fession, if he is adapted for one, & desires to do so. If he does not,
let it be spent in general reading such as natural science, politics
& general literature. From twenty two to 25 let him establish himself
in business & not marry before that age. On this point I would be
anxious to have my wish complied with more especially if he study
a profession-otherwise it is not so material though 25 is young
enough.
I should be glad if all along high moral & honorable principles
could be instilled into him so that he may make an honorable, active,
useful man. A. D. Wooldridge"
To escape the frequent cholera and yellow fever epidemics,
the family spent brief sojourns in several Louisiana towns before
moving to Baton Rouge in 1850. After being ousted from his
politically appointed job when Zachary Taylor replaced James
K. Polk as president of the United States, Wooldridge was ap-
5A. D. Wooldridge, signed statement (original in possession of Mabel Wooldridge
Benson, Austin).32o
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 67, July 1963 - April, 1964, periodical, 1964; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101197/m1/378/?q=%221777%22&rotate=0: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.