SCHOOLS OF DELAWARE COUNTY
[Sidenote: The meetings]
The activity of the several monthly meetings in Delaware County in the
establishment of schools will be considered under the heads of the
respective meetings in the following order, Chester, Darby, Radnor, and
Concord. These are four of the earliest monthly meetings established in
Pennsylvania, the dates of their establishment being: Chester, 1681; and
Darby, Radnor, and Concord in 1684.[648] The aim of this chapter, as
of the others dealing with the several counties, is to present, first
the source material which has been found to have any bearing on the
establishment of schools and the attitude of the monthly meetings toward
them.
[Sidenote: Naming of Chester]
Penn having come to New Castle on October 27, 1682, and performed the
ceremonies of taking possession of the province,[649] appears to have
gone thence to Upland, from whence he sent a letter to Ephriam Harman
(dated October 29, 1682) regarding summoning a court to be held at New
Castle (November 2, 1682).[650] But Upland was not destined to remain the
name of the city, as Penn’s biographers tell us. It is stated that Penn,
having arrived and being filled with emotion at having had a successful
journey, turned to a friend and said, “What wilt thou that I should call
this place?” He replied, “Chester.”[651]
[Sidenote: Education before coming of Quakers]
In passing it should be mentioned that an interest in education does not
date entirely from the coming of the Quakers and the establishment of
Penn’s colony. The records of the court of Upland inform us (1679) that,
without a doubt, some children received the advantages of an education.
It may have been very restricted, we cannot determine that. The records
of that date state, however, that: “The Plt demands of this Deft 200
Gilders for teaching this Defts children to read one yeare.”[652] There
is no doubt that Friends were not concerned with education in this
case.[653]
The first meetings of Chester Monthly Meeting were held in the Court
House[654] at Chester, and meetings for worship usually among the members
at their homes, previously designated.[655] In March, 1686, Urin Keen
conveyed in trust to John Simcock, Thomas Brassey, John Brinton, Caleb
Pusey, Randall Vernon, Thomas Vernon, Joshua Hastings, Mordecai Maddock,
Thomas Martin, Richard Few, Walter Faucet and Edward Carter, a piece of
ground in Chester
[Sidenote: Property granted the meeting and house built]
beginning at said Urin’s lot or Garding, and so running, 60
feet along and fronting the street towards the prison house,
thence down the lower edge in Chester Creek—thence along the
Creek 60 feet—thence to the place of beginning ... to the use
and behoof of the said Chester—the people of God called Quakers
and their successors forever.[656]
In the year following, it was urged by the monthly meeting that Friends
agree with workmen to build a meeting house at Chester 24 feet square
by 16 feet in height.[657] The first meeting house, built on the ground
above mentioned, was completed about 1793.[658]
[Sidenote: First land devised for schools in 1769]
[Sidenote: Hoskins wills ground for schools]
[Sidenote: Poor to be schooled]
The earliest record of schools established by Friends dates back to about
1770. Though this is the first record of a device of property for the
purpose, and the minutes of the meeting are also negligent of educational
affairs, it does not seem probable to the writer that the locality was
without schools. There were probably neighborhood schools, not subject to
any organization on the part of the meeting. On December 31, 1769, Joseph
Hoskins, a Friend, willed a lot of ground for the use of schools,[659]
and though his death did not occur till some years later, the meeting
appears to have known of the intended bequest and to have built a school
house in 1770.[660] It was further ordered by the will that the sum of
thirty pounds be paid to John Eyre and James Barton for the schooling and
education of such poor children of the inhabitants of the borough of said
Chester as the preparative meeting shall for the time being think fit to
order and direct.[661] Mr. Jordan in his history of the county, describes
the schoolhouse:
The schoolhouse was built of bricks, laid in Flemish bond, the
ends of the headers being burnt black, a style much in vogue
at that time. In the south gable large numerals, 1770, were
inserted in the wall, the figures being formed by the black
ends of the headers.[662]
[Sidenote: School at Middletown probably in 1740]
[Sidenote: Land donated by Taylor and wife]
The school mentioned in the committee’s report on schools situated at
Middletown,[663] was established by Friends in 1783, but an earlier
school existed (1740), according to Mr. Jordan,[664] the buildings for
the same having been donated by Thomas Yarnall and Thomas Minshall, whose
names are very prominently mentioned in Quaker records. The meeting
minutes make no mention of such a school being established, however, and
it must be understood to have been entirely on individual initiative.
In 1791, Enock Taylor and wife, Quakers, conveyed a quarter acre of
land to the use of Chester Monthly Meeting of Friends for the use of a
school.[665] Judging, however, from the later reports of the monthly
meeting we would be led to believe that no school was established at that
time.[666] On December 20, 1791, David Hall conveyed adjoining property
for the same use.[667]
[Sidenote: Committees appointed on education]
[Sidenote: Subscriptions to be started for funds]
About 1778 the monthly meeting became more active in regard to its
interest in schools, appointing committees to investigate conditions and
report the state to its sessions.[668] In 1779 and 1781, there appeared
two reports on the condition of the Negroes and their education which
are presented in another chapter.[669] In 1782 there likewise appeared
a report of the committee on schools in general.[670] This committee,
appointed in accord with the suggestions of the yearly meeting, agreed
substantially that the best way to the establishment of schools
systematically, was to arrange for a subscription which might be applied
to that use at the discretion of the monthly meeting. This was to be used
for paying the master’s salary, and to educate poor Friends’ children,
where it might appear to be of advantage to do so.[671] These suggestions
were directed to be copied and put into the hands of the members in each
of the preparative meetings.[672] Three months thereafter, the meeting
appointed a treasurer for funds and a committee for the oversight of
schools, who were to act in general accord with the suggestions made in
the first report.[673] The minute of the meeting of that date runs as
follows:
A form of subscription was proposed which might be entered into
by those who desired, and was approved by the meeting and all
urged to forward the signing of it.[674]
[Sidenote: Qualified teachers scarce]
The work thus started was not entirely satisfactory to the committee,
however. They report that “the work goes very slowly” and name, as one
cause, the great difficulty of getting suitable teachers.[675] Provision
seems to have been made for the schooling of poor children, “such as can
conveniently be sent.”[676] This reference may mean that all such were
schooled who were within reach of a school, or that they sent all for
whom they had a sufficient fund. In 1783 they acknowledged the receipt of
the most recent advices of the yearly meeting which again recommended the
serious subject of schools to their attention. Again in 1792 we find this
minute:
The subject of schools being now resumed and the several
paragraphs contained in the extracts of 1778, 1779 and
1789 being read relative thereto, Friends, of the several
preparative meetings are desired to pay close attention to
the several repeated advises of the yearly meeting on this
important subject.[677]
In 1796 the concern of a boarding school, which we have found was also
interesting all of the other monthly meetings, in the Philadelphia Yearly
Meeting, came also to the attention of Chester. They indicated their
willingness to coöperate in the scheme by the appointment of a committee,
which appears from a minute made in the meeting in 1793.
[Sidenote: Subscriptions promoted for boarding school]
William Worrall, Daniel Sharpless, Josiah Rhoads, Edward
Fell, Mahlon Parsons, Roger Dirks, Thomas Sharpless and Jacob
Minshall are appointed to prepare a subscription paper and
promote Friends’ subscriptions towards the establishment and
support of the boarding school agreeable to the recommendations
of our last Yearly Meeting, and report of their care to next or
a future meeting.[678]
The general state of schools under the meeting’s jurisdiction is made
known by the following report sent in by the school committee to the
monthly meeting held on 1-27-1800.
[Sidenote: Three schools under Chester Meeting]
The committee appointed to the care of schools report there are
three kept within the verge of this meeting under Friends care,
viz.:
1. One at Springfield taught by a Friend.
2. One at Middletown, taught by a person not in membership.
3. One at Blue Hill under similar circumstances, all of which
we trust are conducted in a good degree orderly, but that there
has been little or no addition to our fund since last year,
except what it has increased by use. The school committee also
informs that the Friends who were by the last will of our
Friend George Miller and James Turner, left trustees to the
lots at Blue Hill have conveyed the same by instruments of
writing duly executed as follows, to wit: the dwelling house
and lot to Jacob Minshall, Edward Fell, Ambrose Smedley, Isaac
Sharpless, John Hill, Jr., and Joseph Pennell, Jr., and the
schoolhouse and lot to George Miller, Edward Fell, Ambrose
Smedley, James Smedley, Isaac Sharpless, John Hill, Jr., and
Joseph Jonnell, Jr., which said conveyances have since been
recorded and are lodged with the other writings relating
thereto, in the hands of the treasurer of the school fund which
is satisfactory to the meeting.[679]
The Blue Hill School, mentioned in the above report of the committee, no
doubt dated back to a few years following 1791, in which James Turner
bequeathed his “Blue Hill Estate” to George Miller for the use of schools
established at the direction of Chester Monthly Meeting.[680]
[Sidenote: “Blue Hill” estate bequeathed by James Turner]
I give, devise and bequeath to George Miller, the son of my
cousin George Miller, my house and lot of Ground situated in
the Province aforesaid (commonly called Blue Hill) with the
appurtenances to hold by him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Upon special trust and confidence, nevertheless and to and for
the use, intent and purpose hereinafter expressed, mentioned
and declared, and moreover for the use of the society of
Protestants, commonly called Quakers, of and belonging to
the Monthly Meeting of Chester for the erecting one or more
houses for the teaching and instructing youth therein, and all
necessary conveniences thereto belonging under and subject to
the rules and regulations and orders of the said meeting for
the time being forever.
Item, I give and bequeath to my Friend Jacob Minshall, all the
rest and residue of my estate in trust for the use of a school
which may at times be kept at or near my lot of ground above
mentioned, subject to the direction of the Chester Monthly
Meeting.[681]
[Sidenote: Legacy from Thomas Evans]
The meeting’s schools also received a considerable assistance through a
legacy of £50 left by Thomas Evans for the establishment and support of
a school within the verge of Chester Monthly.[682] He makes it clear in
his bequest that he has been influenced to do this by the recommendations
of the yearly meeting, the influence of which has been instanced in many
cases before this one.
Not only to the advancement of education and enlightenment by means
of schools alone did Friends of the Chester Meeting lend their
encouragement. In a minute of 1689 we find an interesting reference to
assistance proposed for the encouragement of printing in Philadelphia.
[Sidenote: Printing encouraged by the meeting]
The business proposed to the Friends of Philadelphia concerning
allowing William Bradford, the printer, £40 by the year to
encourage him to continue in the art and practise of Printing.
This meeting approving the said proposal, orders for Darby
Monthly Meeting John Blunston and Joshua Fearne and for Chester
Monthly Meeting Caleb Pusey, Randall Vernon and for Chichester
Monthly Jacob Chandler and John Mendenhall to take subscription
according to proposal.[683]
[Sidenote: An early attention to education reported by the quarterly
meeting]
We have noticed that there appeared to be very little in the records
of the monthly meeting until about 1770 and that they contained
little of educational interest before that time. The records of the
Quarterly Meeting of Chester (later known as Concord) are, however,
full of suggestions which indicate that educational interests had their
attention much before that date, though they were not under a perfected
organization. As early as 1732 advances were made for the care and
instruction of poor children which would fit them to earn a living. We
may mention the financial assistance promised by Joseph Mead in that year.
Our ancient Friend Joseph Mead having by letter communicated
to this meeting his mind, signifying his willingness to do
something that might be conducive towards a public good, and
in order thereto offers to give £50 toward a stock to be kept
in this meeting for the putting of poor Friends’ children to
trades or for relieving of poor or indigent Friends which
this meeting very kindly accepts of at the hand of said
Friend.[684]... and this meeting being informed that our Friend
Joseph Mead continues steadfast in his mind respecting his
donation towards pious uses, and desires he may know to whom
he may deliver the said gift. After some consideration thereon
this meeting do nominate ... Jacob Howell and John Davis to
be receivers and are by this meeting empowered to receive the
above and all such bequests ..., in behalf of and for the use
of this meeting, and to put out upon interest as soon as they
conveniently can all such money into good and responsible hands
and to render to this meeting when required thereto or to whom
the said meeting shall appoint a true and just account of what
may be delivered hereafter by any person or persons into their
hands for the uses aforesaid.[685]
In 1739 the interest arising from this gift was withdrawn at his request
and paid to the Springfield Friends to help them build their meeting
house.[686]
In response to the yearly meeting’s urgent request of 1746 and 1750,[687]
we have their action recorded in this minute of the year 1754.
[Sidenote: Report required on state of legacies]
According to a minute of the advice of the Last Yearly Meeting
concerning the settling of schools in the country, it is agreed
for the encouragement thereof that the several and respective
clerks of the monthly meetings belonging to this quarterly
meeting do inquire and bring in a true report of all legacies,
donations or estates which have been heretofore given to their
respective meetings and of the uses to which the moneys arising
therefrom are applied, and bring the account thereof to our
next meeting.[688]
[Sidenote: Darby]
[Sidenote: Land deeded for meeting]
The meetings at Darby were at first usually held at the home of John
Blunston, who in 1687 deeded one acre of ground in Darby aforesaid for
the use of building a meeting house,[689] on which the meeting house was
begun in the following year,[690] and finished in 1689.[691] Happily,
in the case of Darby Meeting we can point out a definite statement
concerning a school established by the meeting, and which, quite
probably, was the first school at that place. In 1692 the minutes note
that,
[Sidenote: B. Clift’s school]
Agreed at this meeting that Benjamin Clift teach school,
beginning the twelfth day of the 7th month, and to continue one
whole year except two weeks.[692]
His salary for the first year is not known, but the minutes a year later
give some clue as to the amount paid.
Agreed at this meeting that Benjamin Clift teach school a
year, beginning this 20th day of this 9th month; and to have
£12/00/00.[693]
[Sidenote: Slight activity before 1778]
As has occurred in all other monthly meetings thus far considered,
there was always little done in the way of organization and supervision
of school affairs till after 1770.[694] There were however various
committees appointed from time to time, especially in the case of
legacies and donations which were quite common even at early dates.[695]
The movement towards better organization, however, began more earnestly
in 1778, with the receipt of a number of letters from the yearly meeting,
in regard to which the following minute was made:
[Sidenote: Coöperation of monthly and quarterly committees]
This meeting received a number of the general epistles from the
last Yearly Meeting held in London and also the same number of
copies of an epistle from the same meeting to our last Yearly
Meeting, one of each were read at the close of the meeting for
worship, to satisfaction, and the clerk is directed to read one
of each the forepart of a first day meeting. The remainder were
distributed amongst Friends.[696]
[Sidenote: Building for a school proposed]
In the twelfth month Darby Friends received a committee appointed by
the quarterly meeting (Concord) to investigate conditions and promote
schools among the monthly meetings.[697] John Howe, Aaron Oakford, Isaac
Lloyd, Benjamin Lobb, and Josiah Bunting were appointed by Darby to join
with the quarterly meeting’s committee in its work.[698] The next year
the question of building a schoolhouse occupied their attention.[699] It
was proposed to deal with persons holding some land adjoining that of the
meeting, that it might be purchased as school property and a suitable
building erected thereon. Finding, however, that those holding the
adjacent property were not at the time disposed to sell, it was decided
to begin a subscription for erecting a schoolhouse on the meeting’s land,
which has been mentioned as having been left to the meeting’s use by John
Blunston.[700] The work on this building was evidently begun between 1779
and 1781, as we may infer from the minute of the latter year.
This meeting resuming the consideration of building a house
to accommodate a school were informed by one of the committee
that it appeared to be necessary the subscriptions should be
enlarged before the work could be completed; therefore Abraham
Bonsall, John Humphreys, and Phillip Price are appointed with
the former committee in order to forward the work and to report
what progress they have made therein to next meeting; Benjamin
Lobb requesting to be released from the above service, Morris
Truman is appointed in his room.[701]
The tenor of a minute of the meeting next following was to the effect
that enough money had been secured for the completion of the work.[702]
[Sidenote: State of school satisfactory 1784]
[Sidenote: A digest of report of 1790]
In 1784 another visit was received from the committee of the quarterly
meeting, whose purpose was “the establishing and keeping up suitable
schools,” as recommended in the several years past.[703] The reports
of the committee of the school at this date indicate that the status
was nearly what was expected by the yearly meeting, respecting
(1) foundation, (2) masters, (3) supervision by committees, (4)
accommodations for the master, etc.[704] In 1787, Nathaniel Newlin one
of the meeting’s representatives to the quarterly meeting brought back
a request from that body for “a circumstantial account” of the state
of schools, to be transmitted to the quarterly meeting the next eighth
month.[705] The said Nathaniel was placed on the school committee in the
eleventh month following,[706] and later, John Bull and Benjamin Bartram
were appointed in the places of Aaron Oakford and Phillip Price who
requested to be released.[707] In the first month of the year following
there was produced a report by the committee, which in fact became the
governing document for the schools established and to be established
in Darby. There is presented here a digest of the report; a complete
statement of it may be found in Chapter II.
1. Recalling the advices of the yearly meeting, they recognize:
_a._ the advantages arising from established schools, and
_b._ the losses sustained from a want thereof.
2. Therefore it is agreed that in the future five Friends should be
appointed and called the Overseers of Darby School, three of them to be
sufficient number to transact business.
3. Their duties:
_a._ Visit the school.
_b._ Examine the progress of the scholars.
_c._ Inspect the teacher’s conduct.
_d._ Employ teachers, with the approbation of the meeting.
_e._ Discharge them in similar manner, if cause therefor arise.
_f._ Discharge unruly pupils, who will not submit to the rules
of the school.
_g._ Settle all differences arising between the master and any
employers.
_h._ Devise some plan for raising permanent funds for the
school; also to receive interest from the trustees of donations
given for education of the poor, and apply the same as
intended.
_i._ Aid the trustees in getting better securities for the same.
_j._ Minutes of their proceedings are to be kept and reports
made to the monthly meeting once a year, and at other times if
called for.[708]
[Sidenote: New overseers added temporarily]
[Sidenote: Schoolhouse to be built on Lobb lot by subscription]
[Sidenote: Not begun until 1797 or 1798]
In 1792 the new overseers reported they had continued to visit the
school and inspect the learning of the children, which they did with
satisfaction, implying that all conditions were as desired.[709] In
the eleventh month four new members were appointed to the school
overseers;[710] as it is not stated that any had been released, we are
uncertain as to whether the number required had been increased or not;
quite likely they were appointed only for temporary assistance. In 1793
it was reported from the school overseers that Benjamin Lobb had agreed
to grant a lot of ground on the upper part of his plantation, to build a
schoolhouse upon; the overseers proposed that the expenses be defrayed by
subscription.[711] A subscription was started for the same, and Friends
desired to forward it, that the school might be begun.[712] The cost
of this school was estimated at £110.[713] It is not known just when
this school under Friends’ care was begun in Upper Darby but at various
stages these things are known about it. (1) On the 28th of the third
month, 1793, it was reported that Lobb had offered the ground, (2) the
cost of the building was estimated, fifth month, second, 1793, at £110,
(3) eighth month, twelfth, 1793, the Chester Quarterly Meeting received
the report that Darby was going to establish a school for Friends, (4)
in 1796 the committee of overseers reported, “our school has been kept
in good degree accordingly as desired by the yearly meeting,”[714] (5)
the committee of overseers still mention but one school under their care
and (6) eighth month, second, 1798, the school overseers report that the
schools are kept as recommended by the yearly meeting. It would appear
then that the school did not actually begin until some time between 1797
and 1798,[715] since all prior reports had recognized but one _school_.
Mr. Jordan states that in 1779 a deed set aside 24 perches of ground in
upper Darby on the Darby-Haverford Road for the use of schools.[716] This
seems to have no connection with the schools established by the meeting;
it was the first official deed for ground for schools, but many bequests
of great value had been made previously.[717] The text of the minutes
recording these bequests follows on a later page.
[Sidenote: The state of education in 1797 and]
The state of schools as reported by the committee in 1797 was as follows:
Our school has been kept since last accounts ... as recommended
by the Yearly Meeting; visited by the overseers and the
scholars learning inspected to a good degree of satisfaction.
There has been expended for schooling children of Friends and
others the sum of £12/10 and on settlement there appears a
balance in the treasurer’s hands of £6/15/5; the stock remains
the same as at last year. Signed ... Morris Truman, Isaac
Oakford, and John Hunt.[718]
[Sidenote: 1798]
As mentioned above, the second school in Upper Darby seems to have been
put into operation by 1798. The committee’s report, summarized, is as the
following.[719]
1. Schools kept as recommended by the yearly meeting since last
year.
2. Scholars’ learning has been inspected.
3. Schools have been visited.
4. Children of the poor and of others have been schooled.
5. Stock remains at £14/00/00 as last year.
Signed Truman Morris, John Hunt and Isaac Oakford.
[Sidenote: Support of schools by legacies]
As has been previously suggested the financial assistance to Darby
schools came in a very considerable measure from legacies, left from time
to time, but it was also necessary to use subscription and rate plans for
school support. The text of one of these bequests, as recorded in the
Darby records, is given below.
Likewise I give and bequeath to my friend John Griffith, Thomas
Pearson, and Samuel Bunting, all of Darby aforesaid, the sum
of £50, nevertheless my aforesaid gift and bequest to them is
only in trust, that they the said John Griffith, Thomas Pearson
and Samuel Bunting shall reconvey and receive from the hands
of my executors aforesaid the sum of £50 and when so received,
put out the said monies to interest on good securities with the
approbation of the monthly meeting of the people called Quakers
in Darby aforesaid, and at the risk of those benefitted thereby
and so from time to time forever, with the approbation of the
said meeting for the time being. To the intent and purpose
that by and out of the interests and profits thereof, they the
said John Griffiths ... pay for the learning to read and write
of such and so many poor Friends children in unity and church
fellowship with the said people and belonging to the said
meeting, as the said meeting shall order and appoint from time
to time forever, and when any of my said trustees shall die, it
is my will and mind that the said meeting shall appoint another
to succeed and so from time to time forever.[720]
[Sidenote: Radnor]
[Sidenote: A school mentioned in 1731]
Smith’s _History of Delaware County_ states that as early as 1788 there
was a school established at Radnor.[721] The first reference to a school
found in the Radnor Monthly Meeting’s records was in 1731.[722] At that
date Richard Harrison and some Friends
signified to this meeting in writing that the meeting appointed
last 7th month to be kept at the said Richard’s schoolhouse was
duly and religiously kept and further requested to be permitted
to keep an afternoon meeting ... which is allowed of and to be
at four o’clock.
[Sidenote: The poor educated]
The school had doubtless been in existence for at least a short time
before that. Their answers to the fifth query in 1757 state that they
are careful of the education of the poor and find themselves clear of
placing children from among Friends.[723] They also, at that date, report
themselves free of holding slaves;[724] likewise in 1759, in regard to
both.[725] In 1768, in regard to a case of apprenticing children, this
minute is recorded by the meeting:
[Sidenote: Children apprenticed]
The meeting taking the request to reimburse them the expense
accruing on account of Jane Atkinson, deceased, into
consideration, came to a result of paying them as soon as we
can, and as there is one of her children not put out yet, it is
desired Samuel Humphreys and William Lawrence would take some
care in putting them out....[726]
[Sidenote: Making wills recommended]
In 1759 we find that Friends are reminded by the monthly meeting of
the “necessary duty” of making their wills in time of health, and that
endeavors are used to apply public gifts to the uses intended.[727] The
only “uses intended” must have been for some of these purposes: The
support of the poor, their education, for negro support and education,
or for purely religious purposes, all of which, the last one excepted,
were, in a way, if we may judge from other meetings’ practices,
educational. The suggestion of leaving bequests for public purposes,
taken in connection with the answers to the fifth and seventh queries,
and the known fact that there was a school in 1731, lead us to believe
that the Radnor Meeting was pretty well awake to educational problems.
However true that may be, it is just as certain that any exact data on
her schools are very rare for the early period before 1778. In that year
the usual declaration of the yearly meeting at Philadelphia was received
concerning the question of schools.[728]
[Sidenote: Report of quarterly meeting]
A committee of the quarterly meeting in 1778 produced a report embodying
certain conclusions arrived at, both as to causes of existing evils
and the proposed solutions. Only a digest of this report can be given
here.[729]
1. We believe it a subject of much importance.
2. Corruptions have been introduced by mingling in outside schools.
3. It is necessary to have schools under masters and mistresses who take
care of religious education.
4. We believe it our duty to spread the work through the yearly meeting.
[Sidenote: Committee appointed on education]
The effect of the yearly and quarterly meetings’ suggestions was the
appointment of Samuel Briggs, William Lawrence, Jacob Jones, John
Robeson, Samuel Richards, and Daniel Maule to attend to the affairs of
education, “as may be opened in the wisdom of truth.”[730] This last may,
to our modern way of thinking, suggest rather a blind guidance, but not
so to the old time Friends. The report to the quarterly meeting in 1779
does not suggest that any progress has been made, as was desired, save in
respect to the masters employed in the schools.
... to attend the ensuing quarterly meeting at Philadelphia,
and report, that the ... answers are to be transmitted as
nearly our state. That some care has been taken to advise
such negroes who have been restored to freedom. That the
proposals respecting schools have been under consideration and
some essays made by employing masters who are Friends. That
small progress has been made as yet in laboring for the pious
education of the youth.[731]
[Sidenote: Preparatives visited]
[Sidenote: The demands of the yearly meeting]
The next step, as reported in 1781, was the appointment of Friends to
attend each of the preparative meetings and to do all possible “to spread
the concern” of schools and excite an attention thereunto. No visits
were as yet made to individual families, and the general feeling of
the meeting appeared to be that not much progress had been made.[732]
When reading these reports of the monthly meetings it is well to keep
in mind the chief things which the yearly meeting had desired, (1) _the
establishment of permanent school funds_, (2) _employment of Friends as
teachers_, (3) _houses and permanent lands, gardens and so forth to be
provided for the accommodation of the masters_, etc. With this in mind it
is easy to see that the report of the meetings might be rather faltering
even though they were in some manner supplied with the benefits of
education. In 1781 the quarterly meeting advised those still unsuccessful
in their attempts to meet the set standards “should be animated and
encouraged to give weighty attention to this important matter.”[733] The
only success achieved by Radnor, according to their own report, was in
the employment of Friends for school masters.[734] In 1786,
The important subjects ... relative to schools engages in
some degree the minds of Friends here but have little further
to mention at present saving that the teachers employed in
several schools appear to be those in religious profession with
Friends.[735]
[Sidenote: Purchase of ground proposed]
In 1790 it was reported that one of the preparative meetings was
considering the purchase of a lot of ground for the purpose of
schools,[736] probably that of Haverford. In July 1791 the committee
on school affairs gave a pretty full report, at any rate the best we
can get, on the condition of Radnor’s schools situated in each of the
preparative meetings. The statement issued by the committee was the
following:
[Sidenote: Report of 1791]
[Sidenote: Two schools under Friends’ meeting]
[Sidenote: Haverford and Radnor]
The committee on schools also produced their report thereon
in writing as follows—We ... take the interesting subject of
schools into consideration, and to visit those wherein either
our preparatives are concerned, have given unction thereto,
and find that although there are divers schools kept in the
compass of the monthly meeting, two only appear subject to the
rule and direction of Friends, the one being at Haverford, kept
in a house erected in a small lot of ground belonging to that
meeting: This school we visited in company with a committee
of that preparative, which to us seems under its present
circumstances tolerably well conducted; but it does not appear
there are funds established, the salary of the master being
made up by the neighborhood subscription ... some poor children
principally are taught, the expense whereof is defrayed out
of a small annual income arising from a sum left by a friend
for such uses.—The other school is at Radnor, the house being
Friends’ property also; on a visit made to this school in
company of a committee of that preparative meeting, we found
it large at the time and under rules which appeared pretty
well adapted for the government thereof, but the salary there,
as in the aforementioned school, depends on the transient
subscription, and therefore uncertain. At Merion and the Valley
we have not discovered any progress made in laying a foundation
for schools in the way proposed by the Yearly Meeting. After
considering this weighty subject with attention we are of the
mind the several preparatives (notwithstanding difficulties
may occur) should be encouraged to a continuance of care and
exertion herein as strength may be afforded; in order to carry
into effect this desirable object among us.—Signed on behalf
of the said committee by James Jones.[737]
[Sidenote: Concord]
[Sidenote: Birmingham School at least as early as 1779]
[Sidenote: School at Chichester]
The definition of the time when Concord established its first schools
under the meeting’s care, is only possible within rather extended limits.
We can only say that at such a time certain schools were in existence;
earlier than that we have no authentic source of information. Jordan, in
his _History of Delaware County_, places the date of Birmingham’s first
school as 1806,[738] it being built on a lot conveyed for that purpose
by John Burgess. From the report of the Concord Monthly Meeting in 1779,
which will be presented later, it appears that Birmingham had a school at
that date which was established “in some measure agreeable to the demands
of the yearly meeting.”[739] It is spoken of as a regularly established
school, which the writer has found in most meetings to mean that a house,
master, funds, and sometimes a permanent lot were provided. This is
merely suggestive. It certainly does not prove that there was a lot and
building provided, but the indications are in favor of that, rather than
against it. The same author, in reference to Upper Chichester, states,
In 1793 the Society of Friends established a school in Upper
Chichester which was maintained by the Society until the public
school system was introduced.[740]
The source for the statement is not given, but it appears it must be
subject to the like inaccuracy suggested above in reference to Birmingham.
The report of the school committee which seems to contravert the time of
the establishment of schools, given by Jordan, is herewith included.
[Sidenote: Report of 1779]
We of the committee appointed to the care of schools and
education of the youth, report we have in some degree attended
to the importance of the service, have lately visited two
schools, which are now established in some measure agreeable
to the concern of the Yearly Meeting as recommended in the
extracts for that purpose....
[Sidenote: Two schools]
One of which in the verge of Chichester, the other Birmingham
particular meeting; which visits, on observing the economy and
regularity of said schools, have afforded us much satisfaction.
With increasing desires for the establishment of another
in the verge of Concord which unitedly appears to be much
wanting as divers Friends now labor under very considerable
inconvenience for want thereof. Signed by nine of the
committee.[741]
[Sidenote: Committee visits preparatives]
In 1780 the minutes of the meeting state that another full report on
schools was brought in, but such a report is not found in the minutes. In
1781, the question being revived by the receipt of the yearly meeting’s
extracts, a committee of Joshua Sharpe, Richard Strode, Hugh Judge,
Samuel Trimble, George Martin, and Caleb Pierce were appointed to take
the extracts and visit each of the preparative meetings, at which they
were to be read.[742] They further directed the time for Birmingham
to hold their meeting, so that the visit of the committee might be
arranged.[743] It is known that these visits were performed, and others
following that date.[744]
[Sidenote: Report of 1786 and 1787]
[Sidenote: Three schools]
It was noted in the committee’s report presented in 1779, that Concord
did not yet have a school under its care,[745] though one was desired.
The report of 1786 indicates that all of the preparatives were at that
time supplied. A digest of the said report is produced here, also that of
1787.
The committee informed this meeting that they have appointed
John Pierce Treasurer for Chichester, Joseph Trimble for
Concord, and William Townsend for Birmingham. We also
agree to report, agreeable to the request of the quarterly
meeting....[746]
Digest of their report.
1. We have a school and house at each preparative
meeting—agreeable to the plan of the yearly meeting.
2. They are under the care of a steady committee of our monthly
meeting.
3. Schools are conducted to the good satisfaction of Friends.
4. One of them at present is vacant.
5. We have also agreed upon a plan to establish a fund for the
education of poor children; also for the support of the said
schools.
6. There is a treasurer for each particular meeting.
7. Not much progress made in securing funds, up to date.
The report of the next year, 1787, was:[747]
1. The three schools visited.
2. Are conducted to a good degree of satisfaction.
3. Chichester is at present vacant.
4. Request a future urging and some advice of the yearly
meeting.
The encouragement given to the school of Concord through individual
philanthropy is to be noted in the will of Nathan Yarnall, an extract
from which appeared in the Concord minutes.
[Sidenote: Schools encouraged by individual philanthropy]
I give and bequeath the sum of £50 to be appropriated for the
use of Friends School at Concord, if established agreeable
to the plan recommended by the Yearly Meeting last year, to
be paid into the hands of the committee appointed for the
establishment of the said school.... It appears that Samuel
Trimble, Morris Jones, William Trimble, and Caleb Pierce are a
committee appointed by the Concord Preparative meeting to take
the immediate care and oversight of that school. They ... and
to make report to next meeting.[748]
Such aid as this doubtless hastened the coming of the first school which
was reported by the committee in 1786.[749]
SUMMARY
[Sidenote: The meetings]
The establishment of schools in Chester, Radnor, Darby and Concord
meetings is discussed in this chapter.
[Sidenote: Chester]
[Sidenote: Land devised for schools]
[Sidenote: Three schools]
There is evidence that education was provided for some children in
Chester before the Quakers came to the colony. The first meetings at
Chester were held in the Court House, but land for a meeting house was
devised in 1688. The first property devised for school purposes was that
of Hoskins in 1769. A schoolhouse was built on the land in 1770. A school
is said to have been at Middletown in 1740, in a building donated by
Thomas Yarnall and Thomas Minshall. Land was also given for schools in
1791 by Enock Taylor and his wife. About 1778 the usual committees were
appointed and subscription plans formulated. At the end of the century
three schools were reported under Friends’ care.
[Sidenote: Darby]
[Sidenote: Committees coöperate]
[Sidenote: Two schools]
The first school at Darby was taught by Benjamin Clift in 1692, 1693 and
perhaps longer, though no further record is found. Not much progress
is noticed until about 1778, when the quarterly and monthly meetings’
committees united on the subject of schools. A schoolhouse was erected
between 1779 and 1781. According to reports of 1784 and 1790 the Darby
School was satisfactorily situated. A new school in Upper Darby on
Benjamin Lobb’s lot was proposed in 1793, but not built before 1798. Two
schools, kept as recommended, are reported in 1798.
[Sidenote: Radnor]
[Sidenote: Two schools under charge of meeting]
Smith says that as early as 1788 there was a school at Radnor. The
meeting records mention one as early as 1731. The meeting was active
in educating and apprenticing the poor. The reports, however, do not
indicate that they were very successful in meeting the standards set by
the yearly meeting for the schools. In 1791 one of the preparatives,
probably Haverford, considered the purchase of grounds for a school. A
full report of the same year shows two schools (Radnor and Haverford)
which are subject to the control of the monthly meeting. Merion and the
Valley had no schools established _according to the plan proposed_.
[Sidenote: Concord]
[Sidenote: Two schools 1779]
The very early state of Concord’s schools has not been determined, though
one was at Birmingham in 1779. Mr. Jordan is inclined to place the date
of Birmingham’s first school about 1806. The date stated by him for
Chichester (1793) also seems to be too late. The minutes recognize the
Birmingham school in 1779 and also one at Chichester at the same date.
In 1787 one school is reported for each preparative meeting, Concord,
Chichester, and Birmingham.