A grouping of 3 early calligraphy school books, all related to math. The two 18th century books written on laid paper in pen and ink and the early 19th century book on parchment paper also in pen and ink. The first book marked on the hand made parchment cover "John Hunt Merriam's Book" and dated on interior 1794 - the written pages are numbered 1 - 229 (numbered and written on each side so only 1/2 that number of pages); the second book also with hand made parchment cover is marked "Joseph Merriam' Book" and dated on interior 1791 - contains 54 pages written on both sides (108 total pages with writing); and the third without covers starts in 1823 and signed on multiple pages "James Ireland 1824". A genealogy search shows the first 2 are brothers from Grafton Massachusetts. Joseph, 1771-1869 - He, like his father and grandfather, was deacon in the Congregational Church in Grafton which office he held many years until his death - He was also familiarly known as major which rank he held in the old time militia service on training day - He had also been a master mason for a number of years; Capt. John Hunt, 1777-1811- He commanded the schooner Elizabeth City and was cast away in a gale of wind bound to Charleston SC from the West Indies about October 1, 1811 when near the Island of Nassau New Providence one of the Bahamas. Still to be evaluated, the relationship between James Ireland and the brothers. The books are all very similar, so likely from the same school and are notes on basic to advanced mathematics including how to use math in various trades, apothecaries, dry measures, compound multiplication, weights, simple and compound interest, surveying, stock brokering, and in bartering. Some losses, stains and wear to covers which are loose - pages with some staining and foxing and several loose pages and 1 page stuck to following page, but overall good condition, especially considering their age. The largest book measures 8 1/4" x 13 1/2".