SUMMARY
The meetings
This chapter considers the establishment of schools in Kennett, New Garden, Goshen, Bradford, Uwchlan, London Grove and Sadsbury monthly meetings.
Kennett
A union school reported
Rules drawn for school, property purchased
No early definite reference is made to education, though the careful interest in children’s welfare is at all times evident. Not until the “1777 era” do the reports give any considerable information concerning schools. Committees were thereafter always in attendance upon the problems of the schools. In 1781 a “union school” was reported between Kennett, Bradford and New Garden, which was afterwards discontinued. In 1785 they report “several schools,” in partial accord with demands of the yearly meeting. Land for Kennett school “number one” was purchased in 1792, and rules drawn up for its control. Their scheme for raising permanent funds was not completed until 1795. Two schools, taught by members of the society, were under the care of the meeting’s committee in 1798.
Two schools under Kennett meeting
Two schools, another proposed
Two schools were reported at New Garden in 1779 and another was at that time proposed. Some land was conveyed to the meeting in 1785 for the use of a school, and a house built upon it. Another piece of land was deeded by William Jackson in 1794 for a similar purpose. Certain stipulations were made concerning the school to be established there. It was found more consistent in summer to employ mistresses rather than masters.
Goshen
Two schools
Though established at a late date, Goshen was very active educationally. Land was purchased and a house was being built for a union school between Goshen, Bradford and Birmingham, in 1779. Committees were appointed, which gave reports better than those usually returned. A plan for funds was adopted in 1786. No further mention is found in regard to the union schools after the establishment of the schools at Goshen and Willistown.
Bradford
Three schools 1780
Five schools 1792
Bradford’s first educational activity was in connection with the apprenticing of children. A single case in which a boy was put to school by the meeting occurred in 1767; the expense therefore was defrayed by the preparative meetings. Educational activity increased in 1778; three schools were reported in 1780 and a committee appointed to assist in establishing others. They appear to have been successful; five schools were reported in 1792, though one was about to be discontinued. Not all of the masters were Friends.
Uwchlan
Nantmeal School, 1789
London Grove
The statement that Negroes were being educated in 1765, induces one to believe that Friends’ children were provided for. Three schools were mentioned in 1779, in which the masters and many of the employers were Friends. In 1789 a school was established at Nantmeal under a special committee of Uwchlan Meeting; it was reported discontinued in 1787. The meeting at London Grove, established (1792), reported no schools in its compass before the end of the century; although an elaborate plan was drawn up for the establishment of school funds.
Sadsbury
Lampeter boarding school
Three schools
Youths’ meetings were established by Sadsbury as early as 1739 and instances in which poor children were educated are cited for 1769. The first committee seems to have been appointed for schools in 1779. A school was reported for Sadsbury in 1782, but was later discontinued for a brief time, which cannot be definitely determined. In 1792 it was agreed that Lampeter Preparative might have permission to establish a boarding school. A plan for funds was drawn up, but no success reported in raising them until 1798. Three schools are reported established, and under the care of Quaker masters in 1797.
Total, 18 or 19 schools
The entire number of schools set up by the above named meetings was eighteen or nineteen.
CHAPTER VIII
SCHOOLS OF DELAWARE COUNTY
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.
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]
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
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]
First land devised for schools in 1769
Hoskins wills ground for schools
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]
School at Middletown probably in 1740
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]
Committees appointed on education
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]
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.
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.
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]
“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]
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.
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]
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.
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]
Darby
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,
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]
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:
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]
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]
State of school satisfactory 1784
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]
New overseers added temporarily
Schoolhouse to be built on Lobb lot by subscription
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.
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]
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.
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]
Radnor
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.
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:
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]
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]
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.
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]
Preparatives visited
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]
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:
Report of 1791
Two schools under Friends’ meeting
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]
Concord
Birmingham School at least as early as 1779
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.
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....
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]
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]
Report of 1786 and 1787
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.
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]