Mistresses employed in schools
The affairs of the school continued much the same as though no charter had been requested or granted. The records lead one to think that the growth was very rapid. Pastorius and Makin had become the masters in 1697 and by 1699 the indications are that “mistresses” were also employed, money being turned over to Anthony Morris to “pay the schoolmasters’ and the mistresses’ salaries.”[176] This is the first mention made of women as teachers. Pastorius having severed his connections with the school in 1701 steps were taken to fill the vacancy, it being decided that the newcomer should show his ability by competing with the one remaining master, Thomas Makin.[177]
Cadwalader to fill vacancy made by Pastorius’ leaving
Griffith Owen ... recommended John Cadwalader as a person very fit for an assistant in the school, and it being proposed a good method for the better improvement of the scholars that they be equally divided between them for trial to see which of them best discharged their duty, there having been great complaint of former neglect. The meeting approves thereof and desires the said Griffith to acquaint John Cadwalader thereof, and that he may have twenty pounds for a half year for a trial, as the former master had, and Anthony Morris is desired to show Thomas Makin this minute for his information in the matter.[178]
MASTERS AND MISTRESSES FROM 1700 TO 1800
Makin plans to leave school
Cadwalader becomes headmaster
Salaries increased
Nothing like a complete or connected story can be given with reference to the masters and mistresses of this period, due to a lack of adequate available records. In August, 1701, Thomas Makin announced his intention of leaving the school and requested that his accounts be settled.[179] John Cadwalader, who had been his assistant since 1700, was interviewed as to his ability to undertake the headship of the school; intimating if he thought himself fit, he would be further considered.[180] There is no direct record of how Mr. Cadwalader rated himself as teacher, but he was continued in the capacity of master. He found the limited salary[181] almost too small for the support of his family and upon his request it was soon raised to fifty pounds per year.[182] At the same time the salary of a mistress, Olive Songhurst, whom we meet for the first time and with scant introduction, was increased five or ten pounds. The prospect of a higher salary does not appear to have attracted him much for we learn of his intended separation from the school in May, 1702. It is not clear that he did actually sever his connection therewith at that time, for in June, 1703, it was desired that John Cadwalader, schoolmaster, be paid ten pounds that was left by Robert Jones for the use of the Public School.[183] This sum may have been for other services such as copying, which he frequently performed,[184] but it is more probable that he was convinced of the advantages of remaining at a salary of fifty pounds per year, with the additional sums paid for the copying work.[185]
John Every, usher