We the committee appointed to take into consideration the state of schools within the limits of this meeting, after having several times met and attended to our appointment, find the main cause why our schools are so unsettled and so frequently occupied by unqualified teachers is the want of sufficient salaries to make tuition an object of employment worthy the attention of those who are or may be best qualified to discharge that trust; having duly investigated that subject it plainly appears very few amongst us who are interested in schools are of ability to advance money towards raising a fund on any other consideration than that of immediately receiving the benefit thereof; we are, therefore, of opinion nothing affords a fairer prospect of promoting the work than for separate neighborhoods to enter subscriptions for raising funds for the support and establishment of their own particular schools, which was read and referred to the consideration of next meeting.[428]
In 1793 the extracts from the yearly meeting being read and especially those concerned with the establishment of schools, it was decided to appoint a committee “to endeavor to promote that service as recommended,” and make a report that might be sent to the yearly assembly.[429]
Committee on school legacies, etc., reports £248/13/10
In 1790 a committee was appointed to look after the state of various legacies which had been left from time to time for the “support of a free school.”[430] This committee made report shortly thereafter that the amount of the principals and interest at the time was £248/13/10.[431] A question arose as to the proper application of the interest on a legacy left by Jonathan Abbitt and others, and was referred to the school committee. They decided it might be expended for the schooling of Friends’ children in straightened circumstances, provided they be taught in a school kept in Wrightstown.[432]
A number of other legacies were granted from time to time for the encouragement of a free school, among them being one by Adam Harker (£40),[433] who had also benefitted Middletown and Buckingham, and that of David Buckman, the text of which is given below.
Buckman’s will
I give and bequeath to Isaac Wiggins of the township of Northampton, David Buckman and James Briggs of the township of Newtown, and Joseph Hampton and Isaac Chapman of the township of Wrightstown, all in the County of Bucks, and the survivors of them, the sum of £50 in gold or silver currency in trust ... place the same at interest on real security or therewith purchase an annuity or groundrent or such other method as they may think proper for securing the same and apply the interest thereof as the same shall thereafter be received, towards the establishing and maintaining a free school in Wrightstown aforesaid near the meeting house for the instruction of Friends children belonging to the monthly meeting of Friends in Wrightstown, in useful learning, and the said school to be under the care and direction of the monthly meeting aforesaid.[434]
Digest of report on legacies at Wrightstown
In 1791 a committee presented a report on the status of legacies, which is given herewith in shortened form.