Chapter IV: Education in Philadelphia124 (1)

On ye 27th day of October, 1682, arrived before ye Towne of New
Castle from England, William Penn, Esqe., whoo produced twoo
deeds of feofment for this Towne and twelve myles about itt,
and also for ye twoo lower counties, ye Whoorekills and St.
Jones’s—wherefore ye said William Penn received possession of
ye Towne ye 28th of October, 1682.[125]

[Sidenote: The date of Penn’s coming disputed]

It is probable that Penn reached Philadelphia in the latter days of October or the early part of November,[126] though no student of Philadelphia history has yet been able to settle the question of the day absolutely. Tradition says he came up the river in an open boat and landed at the landing on Dock Street near the new tavern, the Blue Anchor, which had just been erected by George Guest, a Quaker.[127] The formal ceremony of transferring the territory which had been arranged between Penn and the Duke of York before leaving England,[128] was accomplished with the Duke’s commissioners, Moll and Herman,[129] and the official debut of Pennsylvania in colonial society was no longer a hope but a reality.

[Sidenote: Education provided for in first Frame of Government]

The foundation of the colony’s educational institutions had, however, not been delayed till the formalities of “making” a colony were over. Education received early consideration in the Frame of Government which was drawn up from England by Penn and agreed to on April 25, 1682, before he prepared to depart for Pennsylvania.[130] In that document it is clearly set forth that education was the function of the civil authority, though the intentions of the author were not realized fully for more than a hundred and fifty years.[131] The same idea is present in each of the three Frames of Government which were drawn up; the first, April 25, 1682;[132] the second, April 2, 1683;[133] and the third, November 7, 1696,[134] under Governor Markham. The instrument drawn on April 2, 1683, contained in part the following stipulations, which bear the impression of the Quaker ideal of education.

[Sidenote: The provisions]

Tenth. That the Governor and the Provincial Council shall erect
and order all public schools and encourage and reward the
authors of useful sciences and laudable inventions in the said
provinces and territories thereof.

Eleventh. That one-third of the Provincial Council residing
with the Governor from time to time shall, with the Governor,
have the care and management of public affairs relating to
peace, justice, treasury and improvement of the province
and territories, and to the good education of the youth,
and sobriety of the manner of the inhabitants therein
aforesaid.[135]

[Sidenote: Quaker Council provides a school]

The plan for education as above set forth was not destined to be the one followed consistently for more than a century and a half of development, though throughout the first decades the relations between the schools of Friends and the governing Council were very close.[136] It is significant that the first school was actually ordered by the Council, in keeping with Penn’s provisions. About one year after Penn’s arrival in Philadelphia the educational problem came to the attention of the Council and received decided recognition, as the following witnesses:

The Governor and Provincial Council having taken into their
serious consideration the great necessity there is of a
schoolmaster for the instruction and sober education of the
youth in the town of Philadelphia, sent for Enock Flower,
an inhabitant of said town, who for twenty years past has
been exercised in that care and employment in England, to
whom having communicated their minds, he embraced it upon the
following terms: to learn to read English 4s by the quarter, to
learn to read and write 6s by the quarter, to learn to read,
write and cast accounts 8s by the quarter; for boarding a
scholar, that is to say, diet, washing, lodging, and schooling,
ten pounds for one whole year.[137]

[Sidenote: Additional provisions or books]

[Sidenote: Charter of 1701 does not refer to education as did the former ones]

Thus the first impetus to education in Pennsylvania came through properly constituted governmental authority. The Council records show that the interest in educational affairs was maintained for some time. In the month following a law was proposed for making several sorts of books for the use of persons in the province, and also recommended that care be taken about “Learning and Instruction of youth, to witt: a school in the arts and sciences.”[138] This interest in, and the close relation of the Council to, education were not long continued however; for this there is no satisfactory explanation, though it is very clear that the attitude on the part of the government did change.[139] This change is evidenced in the policy as outlined by the Charter of 1701, in which there is no reference made to education or the responsibility of the Governor or Council therefor.[140] To the writer it seems that the withdrawal of the Council from any very active participation in the affairs of education may have been due to two reasons: _first_, the willingness evinced by private interests to establish schools and thus take over to themselves the duties of educators (evidenced by the establishment of Keith’s school by Friends in 1689 without the assistance or advice of the Council);[141] and _second_, the urgent details of establishing a new government, which occupied their first attention.

If further proof of the withdrawal of the colonial government from the active establishment of schools, and of the fact that they did accept and recognize the assistance of private agencies is desired, it is to be found in various acts of legislation of the first half century. Specific instances of such permissive legislation were the acts of May 28, 1715,[142] and also of February 6, 1730-1.[143] This legislation is chiefly concerned with granting privileges to purchase and hold land and erect buildings for the use of institutions stated therein, among which schools are mentioned. In this connection the statute of 1715, which evidences the facts stated above, is quoted.

Be it enacted by Charles Gookin, Esq., by the royal approbation
Lieutenant-Governor, under William Penn, Esq., Proprietary
and Governor-in-Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania, by
and with the advice and consent of the freemen of the said
provinces in General Assembly met, and by the authority of the
same, that it shall and may be lawful to and for all religious
societies or assemblies and congregations of Protestants,
within this province, to purchase any lands or tenements for
burying grounds, and for erecting houses of religious worship,
_schools_ and hospitals; and by trustees, or otherwise, as they
shall think fit, to receive and take grants or conveyances
for the same, for any estate whatsoever, to and for the use
or uses aforesaid, to be holden of the lord of the fee by the
accustomed rents and services. And be it further enacted by
the authority aforesaid, that all sales, gifts or grants made
to any of the said societies, or to any person or persons in
trust for them, or any of them, for or concerning any lands,
tenements or hereditaments within this province, for and in
any estate whatsoever, to and for the use and uses aforesaid,
shall be and are by this Act ratified and confirmed according
to the tenor and true meaning thereof, and of the parties
concerned therein. And where any gifts, legacies or bequests
have been or shall be made by any person or persons to the poor
of any of the said respective religious societies, or to or
for the use or service of any meeting or congregation of the
said respective societies, the same gifts and bequests shall
be employed only to those charitable uses, or to the use of
those respective societies or meetings, or to the poor people
to whom the same are or shall be given or intended to be given
or granted, according to what may be collected to be the true
intent and meaning of the respective donors or grantors.

[Sidenote: The first meeting of record]

[Sidenote: The probable length of Flower’s tenure as teacher]

On “11th month, 9th, 1682,” the Friends met and enacted business relating chiefly to the sick, a meeting house, purchase of books and such other details of importance, but made no reference to schools or the education of youth.[144] This remained true for all meetings till 1689,[145] the chief part of business in the meantime having to do with either (1) strictly religious affairs or (2) raising money for the poor and the orphans. The absence of any remarks or any plans for schools from 1682 to 1689 is more easily understood when it is recalled that the school under Enock Flower was set up in 1683.[146] There is no evidence to prove definitely that Flower continued as schoolmaster during the whole of this time, but (1) the absence of any record of change, (2) no record of schools kept by the Friends Meeting, (3) the fact that he was a teacher of long experience (twenty years) and probably as satisfactory as any to be found, and (4) the absence of keen competition on the part of neighboring places to draw him away, would lead one to believe it probable that he remained there for the greater part of the period at least.

In 1689 Friends determined to establish a school, designed to meet the demands of rich and of poor,[147] which does not seem at all strange since they were known to have been supporting their poor and the orphans by subscriptions since their first establishment.[148] The transaction of the business relating thereto was performed in the monthly meeting and referred to the quarterly meeting (higher) for its approval. The following extract from the records of the meeting gives the result of their decision:

[Sidenote: Friends school set up under Geo. Keith]

Friends being to encourage a school in this town, and in order
hereunto they have agreed with George Keith to assure him a
certain salary of 50 pounds per year to be paid quarterly,
with house rent, convenient for his family and school, with
the profit of his school for one year, and for two years more
to make his school worth to him 120 pounds per year, if he
shall think fit to stay in this place, the said George also
promiseth to teach the poor (which are not of ability to pay)
for nothing. The abovesaid Keith having heard the proposals
of Friends, readily assented and agreed thereto, his salary
beginning from the time school begins. It is agreed that it
be also mentioned to the next Quarterly Meeting for their
concurrence with the same, as also agreed that Anthony Morris
give notice to the several monthly meetings in this county.[149]

[Sidenote: A larger school needed]

[Sidenote: Makin hired as usher]

The number of children who attended this school is not known, but it is clear that it grew rapidly. In January, succeeding the first establishment, the new master complained of the “inconvenience and straitness” of his school and Anthony Morris and Samuel Carpenter were appointed to consult with Robert Turner for a more convenient situation.[150] The first interpretation of “straitness” would undoubtedly be that it was crowded, and that might well have been true without there having been an increase in the size of the school; more conclusive proof of the rapid increase in numbers is to be found in the fact that Thomas Makin was hired as usher to assist Keith,[151] probably about February, 1690.[152] A more convenient room for the school was arranged for with John Fuller at thirteen pounds per year, three pounds more than was paid for the first.[153]

[Sidenote: Thomas Makin recommended by Keith to be master]

[Sidenote: Makin chosen]

In the 3rd month, 1691, Keith made known his intention of leaving the school,[154] whether because of dissatisfaction with the school itself or the beginning of the feeling against the Quakers which resulted in his rupture with them,[155] it is not known, and recommended to the meeting the appointment of his usher, Thomas Makin, to take his place.[156] It was Keith’s desire to leave on 4th month, 10th and he may have discontinued teaching at that time, but it appears that his account against the meeting was not settled until the eleventh or the twelfth month, 1691.[157] According to his suggestion concerning Makin, the meeting appointed a committee to consult with him,[158] the outcome of which was a satisfactory agreement. It would appear from numerous references to the subject, that the matter of getting the subscriptions and keeping them paid was a chief source of trouble, which required their constant energies and attention.[159] In 1693 Thomas Makin brought in a bill against the meeting for £12/15/7, which was still owing for his services as usher in 1690.[160]

[Sidenote: Penn said to have written letter to Lloyd about the school]

The last four years of the century saw greater strides made in the better establishment of education as a system. In 1696 it was agreed that there should be established four meetings a year, the chief function of which was the religious education of the youth in the principles of Friends.[161] Steps were shortly taken for the establishment of the so-called “free school.” Penn had written to Thomas Lloyd, President of the Council, in 1689, advising that a grammar school be set up (that of George Keith)[162] and it was this same school which in 1697 the meeting desired to make a “free school.” On 10th month, 31st, 1697:

A paper for the encouragement of a free school was this day
read, whereupon Samuel Carpenter and James Fox are desired to
treat with Daniel Pastorius and Thomas Makin concerning the
same, and—they desire the Friends of the town to meet together
this day week, about the 1st hour at this meeting house to
consider further of it, and that Daniel Pastorius and Thomas
Makin be present.[163]

[Sidenote: Pastorius and Makin in the school]

In the month following (11th month) Samuel Carpenter reported to the assembly that the committee had met with Daniel Pastorius and Thomas Makin and agreed to pay each of them forty pounds per year for keeping school.[164] The means of support was the familiar subscription blank, Samuel Carpenter and James Fox being the first appointed to take them. School was to begin the first of the following month, in the room over the meeting house, which had been prepared for that purpose.[165] In the 12th month a petition was sent to the Governor and Council, requesting the ordaining and establishment of the “Public School.” The text of the petition is as follows:

[Sidenote: Petition to Council to incorporate the school]

The humble petition of Samuel Carpenter ... in behalf of
themselves and the rest of the people called Quakers, who are
members of the Monthly Meeting, ... showeth that it has been
and is much desired by many that a school be set up and upheld
in this town of Philadelphia, where poor children may be freely
maintained, taught and educated in good literature, until they
are fit to be put out as apprentices, or capable to be masters
or ushers in the same schools. And forasmuch as in the laws and
constitution of this government it is provided and enacted that
the Governor and Council shall erect ... public schools ...
reward the authors of useful sciences and laudable inventions
... therefore, may it please the Governor and Council to ordain
and establish that in the said town of Philadelphia a public
school may be founded, where all children and servants, male
and female, whose parents, guardians and masters be willing to
subject them to the rules and orders of the said schools, shall
from time to time with the approbation of the overseers thereof
for the time being, be received and admitted, taught and
instructed; the rich at reasonable rates, and the poor to be
maintained and schooled for nothing. And to that end a meet and
convenient house or houses, buildings and rooms may be erected
for the keeping of the said school, and for the entertainment
and abode of such and so many masters, ushers, mistresses and
poor children, as by orders of said meeting shall be limited
and appointed from time to time. And also that the members
of the aforesaid Meetings ... make choice and admit such and
so many persons as they think fit, to be masters, overseers,
ushers, mistresses and poor children of the said school, and
the same persons ... to remove or displace as often ... as they
shall see fit. And that the overseers and the school aforesaid,
may ... be ... in name and deed, a body politic and corporate,
to have continuance forever by the name of the Overseers of
the Public School founded in Philadelphia at the request of
the people of God called Quakers. And that they, the said
overseers, may have perfect succession, and by that name they
and their successors may hold and enjoy, all lands, tenements
and chattels, and receive and take all gifts and legacies as
shall be given, granted or devised for the use and maintenance
of the said school and poor scholars, without any further or
other license or authority from this Government in that behalf;
saving unto the chief Proprietary his quitrents of the said
lands. And that the said overseers by the same name shall and
may, with consent of said meeting, have power and capacity to
devise and grant by writing, under their hand and seal and of
said lands and tenements and to take and purchase any other
lands ... for ... advantage of said school. And to prescribe
such rules and ordinance for the good order and government
of the same school ... successively, and for their and every
of their stipends and allowances, as to members of the said
Meeting for the time being ... shall seem meet; with power also
to sue and to be sued, and to do and perform and execute all
and every other lawful act and thing, good and profitable for
the said school, in as full and ample manner, as any other body
politic or corporate more perfectly founded or incorporated,
may do.[166]

[Sidenote: The petition granted and charter issued by Penn in 1701]

This request was immediately granted by the Council,[167] and the school thus incorporated in 1697.[168] In 1701 Penn confirmed its incorporation by the following charter:

WILLIAM PENN True and absolute Proprietary and Governor in
Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania and territories thereunto
belonging. To all to whom these presents shall come sendeth
greeting. _Whereas_ Charles the Second, late King of England
by his letters patents bearing date the fourth day of March in
the three and thirtieth year of his reign did grant unto me my
heirs and assigns the said Province And Absolute Proprietary
thereof with full power to me by the assent of the freemen
there to make laws for the good and happy government of the
same with divers other powers preheminsures jurisdictions,
privileges and immunities therein specified. _And Whereas_ I
with a great colony of the People of God called Quakers for
the free enjoyment of liberty of our consciences in matters
of religion as of other privileges and advantages in the
said patent granted as well to me the said Proprietary and
Governor as also to the said people did transport ourselves
unto the said Province and at our own risk costs pains and
charges settled and planted the same the soil also of the said
Province being first by me purchased of the Indian Natives.
And forasmuch as by the laws of the said Province since
enacted the Governor and Council have power to erect and order
all public schools of literature and science. _And Whereas_
Samuel Carpenter—Edward Shippen—Anthony Morris—James Fox—David
Lloyd—William Southby and John Jones in behalf of themselves
and the rest of the said people called Quakers Members of their
Monthly Meeting at Philadelphia in the said Province by their
petition to the Governor and Council of the said Province and
territories at Philadelphia the tenth day of the twelfth month
Anno Domini one thousand six hundred ninety seven (eight) set
forth that it was the desire of many that a school should be
set up and upheld in the said town of Philadelphia where poor
children might be freely maintained taught and educated in good
literature until they should be fit to be put apprentices or
capable to be masters or Ushers in the said school requesting
the Governor and Council in the said petition to ordain that
at the said town of Philadelphia a Public School might be
founded where all children male and female whose parents
guardians or masters might be willing to subject them to the
rules and orders of the school should from time to time with
the approbation of the overseers thereof for the time being
be received or admitted taught and instructed the rich at
reasonable rates and the poor to be maintained and schooled for
nothing. _And_ that to that end a meet and convenient house or
houses buildings or rooms might be erected for the keeping of
the said school and for the entertainment and abode of such
and so many Masters Ushers Mistresses and poor children as by
the order and direction of the said Monthly Meeting should
be free from time to time limited and appointed and also that
the members of the aforesaid meeting for the time being might
at their respective monthly meeting from time to time make
choice of and admit such and so many persons as they should
think fit to be Overseers Masters Ushers Mistresses and poor
children of the said school and the same person or any of them
to remove and displace as often as the said meeting shall see
occasion, and that the overseers and school aforesaid might
forever thereafter stand and be established and founded in name
and in deed a body politic and corporate to have continuance
forever by the name of the Overseers of the Public School
grounded in Philadelphia at the request cost and charges of
the people of God called Quakers. And that the said Overseers
might have perpetual succession, and by that name they and
their successors forever, have hold and enjoy all the lands
tenements and chattels and receive and take all gifts and
legacies that should be given granted or devised for the use
and maintenance of said schools and poor scholars without
further or other license or authority from the government on
that behalf. _Saving_ unto the Chief Proprietary his quit rents
out of the said lands and that the said Overseers by the same
name might with consent of the said Meeting have power and
capacity to demise and grant by writing under their hand and
common seal any of the said lands and tenements and to take
and purchase any other lands and tenements and hereditaments
for the best advantage of the said schools and to prescribe
such rules and ordinances for the good order and government of
the said school and of the masters ushers mistresses and poor
children successively and for their and every of their stipends
and allowances as to them members of the said monthly meeting
for the time or the major part of them should seem meet, with
power also to sue and be used and to do perform and execute all
and every other lawful act and thing good and profitable for
the said school in as full and ample manner as any other body
politic and corporate more perfectly founded and incorporated
might do and by the said petition which I have seen may more
fully appear whereupon my then lieutenant Governor and Council
did grant and order that the said schools should be founded
and erected with the incorporation privileges and powers as
desired. _Now_ forasmuch as those of the said petitioners that
are living have made fresh application to me in Council for
confirming the said lieutenant Governor and Councils order
and grant upon the said petition which being well weighed and
considered by me I greatly favor the good inclinations and
just and laudable desires and conscientious regards of the
said petitioners and people for the education instruction and
literature of their children and posterity and more especially
their care and concerns for the poor on that behalf....

_Therefore Know Ye_ that pursuant to the powers to me granted
as aforesaid and to the laws of the said Province already
enacted I have (by and with the consent of my Provincial
Council) granted and confirmed all and every request matter
and thing ... contained in the said petition and do by
these presents for me my heirs and assigns grant ordain and
establish that the said Public School shall be erected and
founded, and I do grant, ordain and found the same to be kept
forever hereafter in the said town of Philadelphia or in some
convenient place adjacent as the overseers of the said school
for the time being shall see meet and I do likewise grant and
ordain that in the said school all children and servants as in
the school petition requested shall from time to time (with
approbation of the said Overseers) be received admitted taught
and instructed as in the same petition is mentioned and desired
and to the end that all meet and convenient houses, rooms,
chambers and buildings may be erected for keeping of the said
schools and entertainment of the masters ushers mistresses and
poor children to be therein admitted as hereinafter mentioned.
I do by these presents for me my heirs and successors grant and
ordain that from the day of the date of these presents forever
hereafter the members of the Monthly Meeting of the said People
called Quakers in the town of Philadelphia for the time being
shall have full and absolute power and authority and the same
power is hereby given unto them in their respective monthly
meetings from time to time to make choice of and admit such and
so many persons as they shall think fit to be Overseers Masters
Ushers Mistresses and poor children of the said school and the
same persons or any of them to remove and displace as often
as the said Meeting shall see occasion and likewise that the
said Overseers shall have like powers and authority (with the
direction and consent of the said Meeting) from time to time to
frame and erect or cause or procure to be framed and erected
such and so many houses and buildings as they shall see meet
for the use and service of the said schools. _And_ moreover I
do by these presents for me my heirs and successors grant and
ordain that the overseers and schools aforesaid shall forever
hereafter stand and be established and founded and are hereby
founded erected and established in name and in deed a body
politic and corporate to continue forever by the name of _The
Overseers_ of the Public School founded in Philadelphia at the
request cost and charges of the People of God called _Quakers_.
And also that they the said overseers shall have perpetual
succession and by the said name they and their successors shall
forever have hold and enjoy (to the use of the said school) all
the messuages lands tenements hereditaments goods and chattels
and receive and take all gifts and legacies already given
granted and devised or that shall be hereafter given granted
or devised to the use and maintenance of the said school and
masters ushers mistresses and poor scholars thereof without
further or other leave license authority or power whatsoever
from me my heirs or successors or from this government or any
therein on that behalf saving unto me my heirs and successors
the respective quit rents and other duties and payments out
of the said messuages lands tenements and hereditaments and
every of them reserved and payable in and by their several
original grants and patents and furthermore I do by these
presents for me my heirs and successors give and grant unto the
said Overseers by the name aforesaid full power license and
authority to give grant bargain sell alien enfeoff or demise
with the consent of the said meeting by writing under their
hands and common seal (or the hands and said seal of so many of
them as shall make a quorum) to such person or persons his or
her heirs or their heirs executors administrators and assigns
as shall be willing to purchase or rent the same all or any of
the aforesaid messuages lands tenements and hereditaments goods
and chattels and likewise to purchase receive and enjoy all or
any other messuages houses lands tenements and hereditaments
for the best advantage of the said school. _And also_ to frame
make and prescribe such rules orders and ordinances for the
good order and government of the said school and of the masters
ushers mistresses and poor children thereof successively and
for their and every of their stipends salaries and allowances
as to the members of the said Monthly Meeting for the time
being or the major part of them (in their respective meetings)
shall seem meet with power also to the said overseers by
the name aforesaid to sue and be sued and to do perform and
execute and suffer to be done all and every other lawful act
and thing good and profitable for the said school in as full
and ample manner as any other body politic or corporate more
perfectly founded and incorporated may and can do. And I do for
me my heirs and assigns ordain and grant that the said school
and the masters ushers members officers and scholars and all
other persons placed or to be placed in the said school shall
forever hereafter be accepted and freed from all visitation
punishment and connection to be had used or exercised by any
person or persons whatsoever other than the said Overseers for
the time being and their successors. _In Witness_ whereof I
have hereunto set my hand cause the Great Seal to be affixed
dated at Philadelphia the five and twentieth day of the eighth
month in the thirteenth year of the reign of William the third
over England etc. King etc. and the one and twentieth of my
government Anno Domino one thousand seven hundred and one 1701.
Recorded the 5th 10th 1701.[169]

WM. PENN.

For Aaron K. DUNKEL, Sec’y of Internal Affairs, W. B. HUSTON.

[Sidenote: Rechartered in 1708, and 1711, extended privileges]

[Sidenote: Made a self-perpetuating corporation]

The charter of 1701 was confirmed and enlarged by another of 1708,[170] according to which the corporation was to consist of fifteen persons (Quakers) by the name of “The Overseers of the Public School, founded in Philadelphia, at the request of, cost and charges of the people called Quakers.” The charter of 1711[171] contained extended privileges[172] and also provided that the election of new members of the board of overseers should be the right of the overseers themselves, thus constituting them a self-perpetuating corporation.[173] From this the reader might expect that the school at once became independent of the Friends’ meeting, but this did not occur, since the original members or overseers were Friends and continued to appoint Friends as their successors. Reports on the various details of the business of the school continued to come into the monthly meeting, but it is not to be considered that we find there a complete story of its existence.[174] In 1699 it was found that the affairs of the school took too much time in meeting and therefore it was decided that Friends in the care of schools and press should meet on sixth day before monthly meeting, transact their business and keep a record thereof in books provided for the purpose.[175]

[Sidenote: 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]

[Sidenote: 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

[Sidenote: Makin plans to leave school]

[Sidenote: Cadwalader becomes headmaster]

[Sidenote: 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]

[Sidenote: John Every, usher]

[Sidenote: Makin returns]

[Sidenote: Jacob Naylor suggested for teacher]

John Every’s connection with the school as usher is first announced in April, 1702, when he made demands for an increase of salary to thirty pounds, which was agreed to.[186] He remained there nearly two years and then departed, making a place for Thomas Makin, who returned at his request, agreeing to accept the salary previously paid to Every. These two masters, Makin and Cadwalader, appear to have been employed continuously until 1706, when they decided the school could not furnish a competent living for both of them and Cadwalader accordingly left.[187] There were further suggestions considered at that time and Friends appointed to endeavor to secure a qualified master from England. So far as the meeting’s minutes record, it seems that Thomas Makin was the only master employed from 1706 to 1708, when it was suggested that Jacob Naylor be employed as a teacher.[188]

[Sidenote: Extra school room duties]

The duties of the schoolmasters were by no means limited to the routine of the schoolroom. They were required to be careful of their several scholars and often had to do police duty among them during the meetings on first day.[189] The master’s only hope for any respite from the imposition of such duties was to stand firmly for his rights, else he might have been given charge of all the children in the meeting. John Walby, a master, when asked to perform a similar service, made answer that “he would take care of his own scholars, but did not care to undertake any further.”[190] His objection was sustained and another Friend endeavored to perform the task.

[Sidenote: William Robbins]

[Sidenote: Richard Warden]

[Sidenote: Thomas Makin]

[Sidenote: Richard Brockden]

In 1711 William Robbins[191] came to wield the rod in Friends School, having requested permission to keep school in a part of the Friends’ schoolhouse, which was “granted for the present.”[192] It cannot be determined how long he remained in that capacity, but the following year it was proposed that Richard Warden be allowed to teach school in one end of the schoolhouse, and it is quite probable that he filled the place of Robbins.[193] On the other hand, if Robbins did leave at that time he had returned again to the school in 1715.[194] Thomas Makin had in the meantime severed his connection with the school, but not permanently. Seven years after the employment of Richard Warden (1719) a vacancy occurred and a committee was appointed to visit the overseers requesting them to take action regarding the vacancy.[195] From this it may be judged that the overseers were at times remiss in their attention to their trust. The overseers were set in action, and Thomas Makin was secured to fill the place, provided he would agree to teach six children of the poor and give up the house when Friends ordered him to do so.[196] He doubtless filled a minor position at this time, though he was offered a better one, later in 1722, provided Richard Brockden were willing to leave it, which does not appear to have met with the said Brockden’s approval.[197] Of Richard Brockden little is known, save that he had been schoolmaster at Byberry about 1710 or 1711.[198] In 1724 William Robbins[199] mentioned above as a teacher some years earlier, applied for a place as master. It was agreed that he be allowed to teach on the condition that he would agree to teach at least four children for the use of the house, if ordered to do so.[200]

[Sidenote: J. Walby]

[Sidenote: Death of T. Makin]

It is quite probable that for most of the ten years preceding 1730 the school was under the charge of three or four masters just mentioned, Robbins, Brockden, Makin and Warden. They shifted quite often, that is certain. In 1730 mention is made of a John Walby as master; but no further account of him is given.[201] Thomas Makin’s career as teacher very likely came to an end in that period, as he was getting aged, though he may have taught up to the time of his death. An account of his death is given in the _Weekly Mercury_ of 1733.[202]

[Sidenote: Anthony Benezet employed 1742]

[Sidenote: Robert Willian master in 1748]

From 1730 there is only an occasional mention made of the masters employed at the public school, until we come to the period about 1770 when the names were occasionally given in committee reports on the condition of the schools. However, with the fourth decade came a period of real greatness, for in 1742[203] began the services of Anthony Benezet, of whom considerable mention is made elsewhere, who continued in the public school till 1782.[204] He had throughout his life been interested in the Negroes and for several years previous had cherished a desire to work in their schools. His request, in that regard, was accordingly granted in 1782, after John Houghton relinquished that position.[205] He continued to teach the Negro school, until the time of his death two years later.[206] In 1748 Robert Willian came from England for the purpose of keeping Friends school, and was accordingly accepted into their meeting, having produced the customary certificate from his home meeting at Scarborough in Yorkshire.[207] The next mention of a new master in the ranks is concerned with Josai, who married in 1763.[208] Encouragement was at all times given to women as teachers, mention having already been made to their employment as early as 1699.[209] In 1764:

[Sidenote: Ann Brientnall establishes small school]

The meeting being informed that Ann Brientnall is desirous
of keeping a small school for the instruction of Friends
children only in reading and sewing and not being at present
able to hire a place suitable for the purpose, requests the
use of a vacant lower room in one of the alms-houses, and
Friends approving her proposal, it is agreed that she may
make use of one of these rooms for that purpose until she can
accommodate herself elsewhere, or it may be wanted (for other
purposes).[210]

The recommendations of the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia in 1778,[211] produced a very beneficial effect upon the school affairs in all of its monthly meetings. Thereafter, reports were sent in, bad, good and indifferent, which were much superior to anything that had been done previously, though they were still too infrequent and abbreviated in regard to information contained. A digest of the report of 1779 follows, which shows the number of teachers in the several schools at that time:[212]

[Sidenote: Schools reported in 1779]

1. The Grammar School was presided over by John Thompson who
also taught writing and arithmetic.

2. John Todd taught reading, English, writing, arithmetic and
some branches of mathematics.

3. Another master was Joseph Yerkes, who taught the same
branches as Todd.

4. George Smith taught reading, writing and arithmetic to the
children of Friends and others.

5. Anthony Benezet at this time was employed in teaching the
Girls’ School in which were received also the children of other
denominations besides Friends.

6. Sarah Lancaster taught the younger children of both sexes
the rudiments of learning, and other branches suitable to girls.

7. Rebecca Jones and Hannah Cathrall taught together in the
same school, which was for girls, a large number of them poor.

8. A school for younger boys and girls of various societies was
taught in Pine Street by Essex Flower.

9. Spelling and reading were taught the younger children by Ann
Rakestraw.

It appears from the meeting’s records that these masters and mistresses were all Friends, and that the schools which they taught were under the direction of the overseers of the public school.[213] Five years later another report was prepared and presented on the state of schools. At the later date several new names are found among the teachers.[214]

[Sidenote: Schools and teachers reported in 1784]

1. The Latin and Greek Grammar School is under the direction of
Robert Proud, the historian.[215]

2. John Todd still continues in his old place.

3. Isaac Weaver teaches boys reading, writing, and arithmetic.

4. Sarah Lancaster continues in her old position as teacher of
young children.

5. William Brown, engaged in teaching a girls’ school.

The five schools above mentioned were under the direction of the school corporation of overseers, and poor children were taught there free of expense. The committee also reported on five other schools, whose masters and mistresses were either Friends or made the professions of that religious society.[216]

[Sidenote: Other schools reported]

1. Mary Harry, teaching in Charters Alley.

2. Joseph Clarke, teaching in the girls school.

3. Mrs. Clarke (wife of Joseph).

4. Ann Marsh, teaching about fifty girls.

5. Mary McDonnell, teaching fifteen children.

[Sidenote: Richard Hartshorne superintendent of the new school established at Westtown]

This report of 1784 is the best during the century which gives a clew to the members in the teachers’ ranks. The growth from a school employing one teacher to a system employing ten does not seem great when measured by our present standards of increase, but for that century it is significant of rapid growth. Many of the teachers were people of no great importance, whose names were probably never known outside of Quaker circles; others were distinctly well known. In 1799 we find one other Quaker schoolmaster mentioned, Richard Hartshorne. The idea of a boarding school for Friends’ children had received quite an impetus about 1791, due largely to the interest and influence of Owen Biddle,[217] and by 1799 the school was ready to begin operations.[218] Richard Hartshorne was chosen to serve as its first superintendent and with the permission of the Monthly Meeting of Philadelphia moved to Westtown in 1799.[219]

SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOLS

[Sidenote: Three chief means of support]

From the very beginning of the schools in Philadelphia their primary means of support lay in _voluntary subscriptions_. We have already seen that this was the accepted means of raising money to maintain the poor and orphans,[220] and also to build their meeting houses; it was quite the natural way, really about the only way then familiar to them for maintaining their school system. As the meeting grew and the schools also increased many members were led to believe that it was advisable to endow them with _legacies_. This being in accordance with the recommendations of the Yearly Meetings of London and Philadelphia,[221] it became quite a common procedure in Philadelphia, as also in the other monthly meetings. Their third means of support was the _rate_ which was paid by all children whose parents were able to bear the expense of their education.

[Sidenote: Subscriptions urged, but not compulsory]

[Sidenote: Subscription method not entirely satisfactory]

As has been stated, subscriptions were made voluntarily, though they might be rigorously solicited, enough at least to make some feel uncomfortable who did not contribute when they were able. There are instances which might be considered as mandatory though such cases are very rare. One such occurred in 1701 when, Tobias Dinnock desiring a certificate, the meeting reported there was nothing to hinder it save that he had not paid anything toward the school.[222] This does not mean that he had to subscribe but it was doubtless unpleasant pressure to have brought to bear on one. Subscriptions were usually made and paid at the subscriber’s convenience, or on a date which he designated when making the subscription. Though this was ideally satisfactory it often failed to work out just at the right time, so it was necessary to appoint a committee to go out after the subscriber and get that which he had promised to pay. The first record of a committee appointed on a service of this kind was in 1691. The work of such committees was continued throughout the century, and the following extract will indicate very well their function, without further explanation or reference.

Whereas several of the subscriptions towards the school are
unpaid, the Meeting being engaged for the same, they have
requested Alexander Beardsley, Anthony Morris, Francis Rawles,
John Delavall and Samuel Richardson to use their endeavors to
get what is unpaid of the said subscriptions, and they are
desired to pay what money they receive unto Robert Turner and
give account thereof to the next Monthly Meeting.[223]

[Sidenote: Rates charged]

The rates paid by parents in the earlier years of their colony are seen in the establishment of Flower’s school in 1683.[224] The next references made to the amounts paid for instruction, under the rate system, are in the report of the school committee of the Overseers in 1784.[225] Flower received four shillings per quarter for teaching reading, six shillings for reading and writing, and eight for reading, writing and casting accounts; if by the year, then everything was furnished for ten pounds. In 1784 Isaac Weaver received thirty shillings per quarter for teaching the same subjects which Flower had taught for eight.[226] William Brown also received the same amount for the same subjects which he taught the whole day.[227] Joseph Clarke was teaching for thirty shillings. For instruction in the three R’s it appears that the general tendency for the cost in 1784 was about twenty-two shillings higher than it was in 1683.[228] Small children were taught generally at about fifteen shillings per quarter, or half the customary price for older pupils whatever that might be. The general custom was that in cases where the school corporation sent poor children to a teacher they were admitted for a lesser rate than the others; if fifteen shillings were paid by others, then ten shillings might be paid for the poor children, schooled at the trustees’ expense. These prices for teaching among the Quaker masters are quite comparable with those demanded by other private masters in the city at about the same dates.[229]

[Sidenote: Special bequests and legacies recommended and their probable effect]

As was cited previously in this work,[230] the practice of making special donations, bequests and legacies was urged by the yearly meeting as a proper means of support for the schools or other institutions. These recommendations of the yearly meeting which were written in the form of letters, were transmitted to the quarterly meetings and through them reached all members of the monthly and preparative meetings in the compass of the general assembly. It cannot be doubted that they were a very important means to instill a desire to give to a worthy cause, and the very similar procedure in all monthly meetings seems to indicate that they constituted the most effectual means for getting anything definite done towards establishing any permanent foundation.

[Sidenote: Will of John Lineham]

[Sidenote: Legacies of Wade and Richards]

Nothing in the way of a complete survey of various legacies and donations given to the schools in Philadelphia will be attempted here, even granting that it might be interesting enough, but a few of them will be treated briefly. The first example of this individual philanthropy came before the monthly meeting in 1699, when the will of John Lineham was read, by which he proposed to leave “twenty pounds for the use of the public school.”[231] This sum was not to be expended at once for present needs but was to be kept as a “stock forever for that use.” Two members, John Kinsey and Ralph Jackson, were ordered to pay in the said amount that it might be turned over to Edward Shippen the treasurer. Other legacies were left by Robert Wade[232] and Mary Richards.[233] In regard to the former there was trouble about getting it settled, which lasted for many years.[234] The above names are only a few of the many who are mentioned by the minutes up to 1700 as having left donations for the school. There were indeed many others. In that year (1702) it was considered advisable that an account be kept of all legacies which had been granted to the use of the public school, as also those granted for the poor. Isaac Norris was appointed to prepare this account. Its purpose was probably to straighten out the tangle into which some of them had fallen (especially that of Robert Wade) and that one man might be held responsible for the expenditure of funds. No funds were to be paid out for the use of schools by Norris, except on the order of the overseers. Funds for the poor might be expended at the order of the monthly meeting.[235]

[Sidenote: Trouble over the R. Wade legacy]

The appointment of some one to see that an account of legacies be kept, resulted in some investigation of those already granted. It appears that that of Robert Wade, who probably died before 1686,[236] had not been paid at all according to the stipulation of the donor, which stated that £5 should be paid yearly for the use of the school. The first record of a payment of the £5 was in 1699.[237] David Lloyd and John Jones were accordingly appointed to attend to it.[238] Their success does not seem to have been very marked as in 1704 the minute again urges them to treat with John Wade (brother) concerning the legacy.[239] This was done, but their efforts met with a refusal to pay the money,[240] so a committee of three Friends was appointed with others to advise whether it should be sued for or not. Such activity continued without any significant variant features until 1707, when it was proposed by those “concerned,” presumably his brother, to buy off the legacy. Having been unpaid for several years past, it was considered best that something be gotten out of it, so a committee of three of the overseers was appointed to treat with the buyers and make as satisfactory terms as they could.[241] The minutes point to the fact that it was not settled to any one’s satisfaction. In 1712 it was still before the meeting and again in 1727 the overseers are directed to use “their care to get the legacy left by Robert Wade secured.”[242] Among other legacies, obtained more easily, was one devised by Jonas Langford, which was brought to the attention of the meeting in 1711. The amount of it was £50 in Antigua money.

[Sidenote: Negro school likewise received gifts]