The Education of the Negro
Captain A. B. Spingarn has supplied the following valuable information given in these extracts from the laws of the State of New York:
May 10th, 1923.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson,
Journal of Negro History,
1216 You Street, N. W.,
Washington, D. C.My dear Dr. Woodson:
The following extracts from the Session Laws of the State of New York for 1826 and 1832 may be of interest. I did not see mention of the latter one in your invaluable, The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861.
"Chap. 145 of Laws of 1826.
An Act to provide for the colored Persons who are occupants of Lots in New Stockbridge.
Passed April 11, 1826.
1. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That it shall and may be lawful for the commissioners of the land-office to cause letters patent to be issued to the persons respectively, who have been reported by the appraisers of lands in New Stockbridge, as colored persons, for the lots set to their names as occupants, in the same manner as grants of land are authorized to be made to those who have been so reported, as white persons persons settled on said land: Provided ..."
"Chap. 136 of Laws of 1832.
An Act to constitute the coloured children of Rochester a separate school.
Passes April 14, 1832.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
1. The commissioners of common schools of the towns of Gates and Brighton, in the county of Monroe, or a majority of them, may in their discretion cause the children of colour of the village of Rochester to be taught in one or more separate schools.
2. The commissioners of common schools of the towns of Gates and Brighton, shall discharge the duties of trustees of such school, and shall apportion thereto a distributive share of the moneys for the support of common schools."
Very sincerely yours,
Arthur B. Spingarn.
"Chap. 145 of Laws of 1826.
An Act to provide for the colored Persons who are occupants of Lots in New Stockbridge.
Passed April 11, 1826.
1. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That it shall and may be lawful for the commissioners of the land-office to cause letters patent to be issued to the persons respectively, who have been reported by the appraisers of lands in New Stockbridge, as colored persons, for the lots set to their names as occupants, in the same manner as grants of land are authorized to be made to those who have been so reported, as white persons persons settled on said land: Provided ..."
"Chap. 136 of Laws of 1832.
An Act to constitute the coloured children of Rochester a separate school.
Passes April 14, 1832.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
1. The commissioners of common schools of the towns of Gates and Brighton, in the county of Monroe, or a majority of them, may in their discretion cause the children of colour of the village of Rochester to be taught in one or more separate schools.
2. The commissioners of common schools of the towns of Gates and Brighton, shall discharge the duties of trustees of such school, and shall apportion thereto a distributive share of the moneys for the support of common schools."
Very sincerely yours,
Arthur B. Spingarn.