Aids children of French neutrals
Not only was he kindly to the pupils as a teacher,[1042] but he was a father to the poor lads whenever he could help them in any way. In 1754 Samuel Boulds was bound to him, so that he might look after his schooling, and he further requested the Board to care for the same, if he should die or leave the school before the lad was grown up.[1043] His health not being good, he requested leave from his school during the summer of 1754.[1044] Apparently his health did not improve sufficiently and he did not return to the school till 1757, taking the place of Ann Thornton.[1045] Another instance of his philanthropy came to light in his request (1762) that certain of the children of the poor French neutrals be allowed to go to the Public School which was granted only upon his certification of those he felt sure would attend regularly.[1046] Shortly thereafter on account of ill health, he was again forced to leave the Girls School, which he did until 1767, when he returned to resume his work again.[1047] It was no difficulty for him to start a school. The suggestion was made to the Board in one month, and in the following he was teaching the school, and made his regular report at their meeting.
Enters the Negro School in 1782
From the information the writer has assembled, it appears that he continued with the White school, after his return in 1767, until 1782, when at his request he was accepted by the committee to take charge of the Negro School.[1048] He had throughout his life written eloquently in defense of freedom’s cause,[1049] and the origin of the Negro School, in 1770, was perhaps due to him more than to any other man in the Friends’ meeting.
Jonathan Binns
Jonathan Binns was to have taken charge of the Public School in 1734, if his health improved, but no report being made by him it is inferred he did not perform such service.[1050] Alexander Buller was employed in 1738 to teach writing, mathematics, and the Latin tongue. Three years later he ran an advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette, as follows:
Alexander Buller; one of few who advertised for pupils
Writing, Arithmetic, Merchants’ Accounts, Navigation, Algebra, and other parts of the mathematics are taught by Alexander Buller, at the Public School in Strawberry Alley. He proposes to keep a night school for the winter and begins on the 23d instant when constant attendance shall be given. November 5, 1741.[1051]
William Brown, Daniel Britt, Pickering and Mears
William Brown was teaching girls reading, writing, arithmetic and language in 1784.[1052] Daniel Britt interested himself in the instruction of Negroes in whose school he was employed from about 1790[1053] to 1796 or 1797.[1054] He was succeeded by Elisha Pickering who probably taught till 1799, being followed by Benjamin Mears.[1055]