Chapter VII: Schools of Chester County

[Sidenote: The meetings considered]

The several monthly meetings, which are discussed in this chapter, were, for the period of this study (before 1800) members of Chester (or Concord Quarterly) Meeting, until the establishment of Western Quarterly Meeting in 1758,[520] when a number of them were included in that quarter. In 1800 a new Quarterly Meeting (Caln) was established from those formerly constituting Western Quarterly.[521] The monthly meetings with which we are to deal, the dates of their establishment, and the order of their presentation here, are as follows: (1) Kennett, known as Newark till 1760, 1686, or before; (2) New Garden, set off from Kennett in 1718; (3) Goshen, set off from Chester, 1722; (4) Bradford, 1737; (5) Uwchlan, set off from Goshen, 1763; (6) London Grove, set off from New Garden, 1792.[522] Those just named were situated within the limits of present Chester County.[523] The last meeting to be considered in this chapter, (7) Sadsbury, established in 1737, was situated in Lancaster County.[524]

[Sidenote: Kennett]

[Sidenote: Early care for children]

In the records of Kennett (Newark) Meeting, the writer has been unable to find any early explicit reference to education. Among the early references to children, are the minutes of 1715 in regard to those of the widow Howard at the time of her remarriage.[525] The meeting appointed a committee to look after the affairs of her children to see that the will of the deceased father was entirely complied with. Again in 1727 the meeting appointed a committee to see that the provision for the orphan children be fulfilled before allowing the widow to remarry.[526] These two cases serve to point out that an early care and interest in the affairs of children was manifested on the part of the meeting.

[Sidenote: Local history credits Quakers with furnishing the foundation of schools]

Local historians have very little to offer in the way of clews to the education of the Quakers in the last part of the seventeenth and early eighteenth century, though they all agree that the Quakers furnished the foundations of education, and it was begun very early, even from the first establishment in the various counties.[527] Some of the early schools have already been discussed, in cases where it was possible to state the earliest beginnings.[528]

[Sidenote: Yearly recommendations received]

[Sidenote: School committee appointed]

In 1777 those who had attended the Western Quarterly Meeting reported they had received the recommendations of the yearly meeting requiring the monthly meetings to have particular charge of the education of the children, with especial reference to the employment of schoolmasters who were Friends.[529] The same concern being mentioned a month later, with emphasis on the _school education_, a committee of six Friends was appointed to join with a committee of the quarterly meeting to confer on the matter.[530] In 1779, their action appears to be just a little more definite, but from the records it is difficult to say whether it meant very much or not; the minutes at that time stated:

John Way, John Marshall, James Bennett, Caleb Pierce, David
Greame, Samuel Nichols, and Thomas Carlton, Jr., are appointed
to unit together and endeavor to promote such schools as (are)
recommended.[531]

[Sidenote: Union school of Kennett, Bradford, and New Garden]

From that date (1779) to 1781, there appears no comment on the subject, save the usual periodic announcements that the Advices of the Yearly Meeting “have been regularly received.” In 1781, however,

Caleb Pierce on behalf of the committee on schools, reports
there is a school made up by some of the members of this,
Bradford, and New Garden monthly meetings; John Parker and
Caleb Pierce are appointed to join with the Friends of those
meetings in the oversight thereof, and report to this meeting
when necessary.[532]

[Sidenote: The school discontinued]

[Sidenote: New committee has more specific duties]

In the seventh month thereafter, in the same year, John Parker reported that the school which he and Caleb Pierce had been appointed to oversee was discontinued.[533] They were released from their service in the care of schools. The former committee on that subject, appointed in 1779, seems, however, from the minute of the tenth month, 1781, to have been continued as a standing committee on the subject.[534] The following extract implies that the committee of 1779 was replaced by another which, by the way, had more specifically named duties. The implication of the minute is that there were at least two schools, perhaps more.

The concern for the promotion of schools, under the
directions of Friends revived, Samuel Harlan, John Way, Aaron
Hollingsworth,—John Swain, Amos Harvey, Samuel Pennock, and
James Jackson are appointed to have the care and oversight of
schools, also promote the establishment of schools where there
is yet want of assistance, and report to this meeting when
necessary.[535]

In the same year it was also recommended to the preparative meetings that each appoint a committee of their own to represent them and act with the committee of the monthly meeting in the concern of schools.[536] The intervening years, from 1783 to 1785, offer nothing beyond the usual general reports concerning the appointment of committees and the like. In 1785, the committee on schools produced this report:

[Sidenote: Several schools reported; some according to demand of yearly meeting]

We have lately had a conference on the subject, and do
find that there are several schools in the compass of our
monthly meeting, kept by Friends and under the care of this
committee, and may inform that they are kept to a good degree
of satisfaction, yet there are some that employ teachers, not
members of our society, without the advice of the committee
or the monthly meeting. We, likewise, agree to lay before the
monthly meeting the reappointment of a committee for this
service in future as the members of this committee have been
long on the appointment and desire to be released, which we
submit to the meeting. Signed—John Way (and five others).[537]

The answer to the fifth query of the same year likewise informs us that care has been taken in the education of the poor children, and Friends’ children “are generally placed among Friends.”[538]

[Sidenote: New school committee appointed]

The request for the appointment of a new committee on schools, made by the old committee, does not seem to have received consideration till 1788. In the meantime we must assume that the old committee continued to serve, since occasional reports were sent in. The men appointed on the new committee were: Jacob Greave, Samuel Nichols, Amos Harvey, Samuel Harlan, Moses Pennock, Robert Lambourn, Jr., Christopher Hollingsworth, John Way, and William Phillips, Jr.[539] In 1790 the monthly meeting ordered a special committee to recommend a deeper educational concern to the particular meetings.[540]

The desired results, in the shape of a more perfected organization and permanent foundation to be provided for schools, did not come until about 1792 and thereafter. In that year, the committee reported its past activity in respect to schools established, and made certain valuable suggestions to guide future action, as the following extract witnesses:

[Sidenote: Ground purchased]

[Sidenote: Rules adopted for the school]

The committee, appointed at last meeting, report: We, the
committee appointed by the monthly meeting at the request of
Kennett Preparative Meeting, respecting the establishment of
schools within the verge thereof, agree to report, we have
attended thereto, and find they have purchased a piece of
ground, with the approbation of the committee of this meeting,
of Abraham Taylor, about two miles and a half westernly from
Kennett Meeting House, adjoining the public road, leading to
Nottingham, and obtained his conveyance to Jacob Pierce, Samuel
Pennock, Townsend Lambourn, Thomas Pierce, William Parker,
and David Pierce, trustees for the same, meted and bounded as
mentioned in the said conveyance and recorded ... and as it
appears to us necessary in order for a fixed object whereon
to lay a foundation for establishing a fund agreeable to the
Yearly Meeting, that the monthly meeting should appoint some
Friends as trustees to have the care of the said school, and
that it should have a name to be distinguished by; we therefore
propose it to be called by the name “Number One,” within the
verge of Kennett Preparative Meeting. We have likewise agreed
on some general rules to be observed by the scholars of the
said school. Signed by Caleb Pierce, Wm. Lambourn, Caleb Kirk,
and Jonathan Greave. 12-24-1790.

The above report, being read, is agreed to be further considered at our next meeting.[541] Unfortunately for the satisfaction of our curiosity about the internal organization of the schools, the rules which they state were drawn up were not incorporated in the minutes of the monthly meeting. They were probably similar, however, to those adopted by the Horsham School Committee at a slightly earlier date.[542]

In consideration of the recommendations made in the above report, the meeting assembled in the seventh month, appointed nine of their members as trustees, to receive all donations for the purpose of schools.[543] About a year thereafter, a report signed by Joshua Pusey and John Jones was submitted by the monthly meeting to the quarterly meeting, which was in substantial accord with all that had already been done.[544] It may be well to summarize briefly their recommendations.

[Sidenote: Summary of committee’s report]

1. We have considered the relative situation of the members in our compass.

2. The affairs of education have not yet received the attention they deserve.

3. We find several school houses have been erected, but

4. The demands made by the yearly meeting are not met, therefore,

5. Friends must subscribe funds, either in monthly or preparative meetings.

6. The funds must be available for application for meetings. Friends are so scattered and few that they cannot support a school alone and have been forced to patronize “mixed schools.”

7. Those laboring under difficulties should be taught gratis, or at least, at low rates.

In 1795 the committee on schools produced a plan for subscriptions to a permanent school fund,[545] which was referred to the next meeting. A report was then made, but it was thought that since all of the committee had not collaborated it should be, and accordingly was, postponed for the time being.[546] In the fifth month a report was made, but still some changes were thought to be necessary.[547]

[Sidenote: Question of a plan for school funds prior to 1795]

Not until the twelfth month (1785) was the report finally produced, which is given below. There has been some reference made by local historians of Chester County, stating that Kennett Monthly Meeting had as early as 1787 provided a plan for subscription for the provision of permanent funds.[548] The rule “number 5,” which is quoted by them, is exactly the same rule as the fifth one which is mentioned below. The writer has found no such reference to a plan for funds at the earlier date (1787). It seems quite probable that the statement made in Mr. Cope’s work is an oversight, perhaps an error in setting up an eight in place of a nine. The entire list of nine rules is given.

[Sidenote: Scheme for funds reported in 1795]

1. A plan for raising fund for the benefit of schools within
the bounds of Kennett Monthly Meeting, whereby Friends may have
an opportunity of manifesting their benevolent intentions by
subscribing thereto.

1st. That each subscriber to this plan pay at the time of
subscription, or give his or her note to the treasurer or clerk
of the trustees, or their successors appointed by Kennett
Monthly Meeting, to have the care of this fund, for a sum of
money payable at any time, not exceeding three years after
date, with the interest of five per cent. per annum paid
annually for the same.

2d. The treasurer shall have a book for that purpose, and keep
fair entries of all money due and received; likewise of all
money expended and his receipts shall be a sufficient discharge
for any money paid to him for the use of schools.

3rd. Whenever the treasurer may receive any new subscription or
any money for the benefit of schools, he shall report the same
at the next meeting of the trustees of the said schools.

4th. When the trustees receive any money for the use of
schools, they shall as soon as they can conveniently put the
same to interest upon good security; or they may purchase land
or ground rent therewith as shall appear best for the time
being.

5th. The trustees shall, as soon as they see occasion, apply
the interest arising from this fund to securing the schooling
of the children of such poor people, whether Friends or
others, as live within the verge of the aforesaid monthly
meeting, provided such children comply with their rules.

6th. We recommend it to each other as often as we find an
increase of property and openness of heart to add something to
our subscription whereby it is hoped the monthly meeting may
in time be enabled more fully to comply with the advice of the
Yearly Meeting in 1778, respecting schools.

7th. As a variety of circumstances may in future occur which
the human eye can not foresee, nor understanding conceive,
therefore the trustees shall from time to time manage this
fund as shall appear to them best, to promote the welfare of
the said schools and the poor thereunto belonging; also if
the interest may be to spare, they may assist therewith in
keeping the schoolhouse in repair and in paying the salaries of
schoolmasters or mistresses within the verge of said meeting,
provided the principal be not thereby lessened.

8th. If at any time the trustees may not all judge alike how
they ought to proceed in such cases, they are to apply to the
aforesaid monthly meeting for assistance.

9th. The trustees shall from time to time be accountable to the
monthly meeting of Kennett for their management of this fund,
as directed in the minute of their appointment. Signed by order
of Kennett Monthly Meeting, held the 15th of the 12th month,
1796.[549]

[Sidenote: State of schools in 1798]

The condition of the schools in Kennett Monthly Meeting was made known in 1798 in the report presented by Robert Lambourn for the committee. A digest of that report is as follows:

1. They have had the subject “under care.”

2. There are two schools “within their compass.”

3. The town’s schools are taught by Friends’ members.[550]

4. They are under the charge of the meeting’s committee.

[Sidenote: New Garden]

[Sidenote: Care for the indigent]

The New Garden Meeting in 1773 made record of having placed £4/11/9 in the hands of Jacob Wright, to be applied at the further directions of the meeting to the placing out of poor Friends’ children or the relief of indigent Friends.[551] Between that time and 1778, we learn no more of this educational philanthropic interest. In that year the usual reminder sent out by the yearly meeting came to them, calling attention to educational needs.[552] A committee was appointed which stated in a report, 1779, “some care is taken therein, and more appearing necessary, they are continued.”[553] An extract of a few months later is as follows:

[Sidenote: Two schools; another proposed]

The committee respecting schools, having the matter under care,
two schools being under their notice, and another proposed to
be established, they are continued and desired to report when
necessary, and the clerk to enter the substance of the case in
their report.[554]

Following the report of 1779, which showed there were two schools in charge of the meeting, there is furnished no further information until 1785. In the third month, 1785, a large committee of thirteen members was appointed to take charge of the “weighty affairs” recommended.[555] This committee produced a report in the eighth month of the same year, which is gratifying in that it is more substantial than many others brought in. It is given herewith.

[Sidenote: Report of 1785]

The committee in the care of schools report that they have had
several conferences together since last meeting, and are of the
mind that concern for the right education of our youth rather
increases among Friends, and that a new school house has been
lately built near Jeremiah Barnard’s on a small piece of land
conveyed by him for that purpose, which account is satisfying
to this meeting. The committee is continued for further service
and desired to report as they may see occasion.[556]

In 1786, George Gawthrop and Thomas Richards were added to the committee.[557] From the first to the fourth month of that year, the committee reported they had visited one school,[558] but their report indicates nothing performed, more than the visit. Four months later it is reported they had attended to the subject of schools somewhat, but that it still required much greater attention; and they were advised to meet with the monthly meeting’s clerk that he might prepare his report on schools for the quarterly meeting.[559]

Though that report and the one of the quarterly meeting really tell us nothing, we are better rewarded in one produced just a year later, which points plainly to some of the difficulties the early school trustees had to face.

[Sidenote: Report of 1787]

The committee in the care of schools reported as follows: the
substance whereof the clerk is directed to insert in our report
of the quarterly meeting.

[Sidenote: Mistresses employed in summer; some schools not according to advice]

The care of schools has been under our care and attention and
on conferring together, we agree to report—under the present
circumstances of things amongst us, it is found most convenient
to employ mistresses, as the teachers in our schools most
generally in the summer season, several of which are now under
the care of Friends to pretty good satisfaction, and we hope
the concern is in a reviving way amongst us, though there
are discouragements by some Friends encouraging or promoting
schools taught by persons not agreeable to the advice of the
society.[560]

In 1794 William Jackson deeded to Joseph Preston and others a piece of ground for a schoolhouse,[561] which was to be in trust for the Friends’ meeting. This is the first transfer of ground for school purposes found among the New Garden Friends. Among the stipulations of the deed are the following:

[Sidenote: Requirements for the school at New Garden]

1. The master is to be a member of Friends.

2. The master must teach according to the rules laid down (presumably by the school trustees) as before mentioned in the case of the Horsham School Rules.[562]

3. The purpose stated is for the “promotion of piety and good order” and to “propagate useful learning.”

[Sidenote: Goshen]

On 12-2-1701, some Friends at Goshen applied to their quarterly meeting for the privilege of establishing a meeting for worship,[563] but this request was not approved until the meeting of the quarter in 1703.[564] In 1707 they proposed building a house for worship which was granted by the quarterly meeting in the twelfth month.[565] Their monthly meeting, as stated before, was not established until 1722.[566] The preparative meetings in its compass were Goshen, Newtown, and Uwchlan.[567]

[Sidenote: A school in East Bradford for Goshen, Bradford and Birmingham]

Though starting at a much later date as a monthly meeting the records of Goshen are in some ways far superior to many other meetings. In the first place, they devoted considerable attention to the yearly meetings’ proposals of 1746 and 1750,[568] which by many meetings received very scant attention. The concrete results of this attention, however, do not stand forth, as reports on the subjects are not plentiful till the “1778 era.” In that year of all years, they received the urgent accounts from the yearly meeting.[569] They appear to have gone to work at once, or perhaps had already begun, as a committee in the care of schools reported in the sixth month, 1779, that “a piece of ground is agreed for and a schoolhouse is now building in East Bradford.”[570] This school was to be made up from the Friends of Goshen, Bradford, and Birmingham,[571] and to be established in accord with the stipulations of the yearly meeting aforesaid.[572] Goshen Monthly Meeting was requested to name some Friend to receive the land in trust, and Thomas Hoopes, Jr., was accordingly appointed for the purpose.[573]

[Sidenote: Increased committee reported 1782]

In 1782, the present school committee, deciding that something should be done concerning the regulation of schools, desired an addition to their number, those added being Abraham Pratt, William Lewis, John Mailin, and Josiah Hibberd.[574] Two months later this committee brought forth the following proposals, which are self-explanatory.

[Sidenote: Land to be purchased for school and master’s accommodations]

[Sidenote: The building and cost]

We have met sundry times since the last meeting on the subject
and are unanimous in judgment that it will be convenient for
Friends to have a school house built near Jesse Garrett’s smith
shop on the east side of the road leading from the valley
where about five acres may be purchased of William Garrett and
William Garrett, Jr., in order to erect a school house on, and
also a house for a school master, which we request the monthly
meeting to take under consideration; and if they approve
thereof, that it may be encouraged by a subscription amongst
Friends only, and to be established on the plan proposed by
the Yearly Meeting and subject to the direction of the monthly
meeting from time to time, to remove or alter as they may see
cause, or time may show to be necessary. We propose the house
to be twenty-seven feet square from out to out, and compute
the expense of building to be £150 exclusive of the land which
will be £25, which we submit to the monthly meeting. Signed in
behalf of the committee—Thomas Hoopes, Jr.[575]

Their report was left for further consideration.

[Sidenote: Attempt to bestir the preparatives]

In 1784 a drive was organized on the preparative meetings. The monthly meeting received a visit from the committee of the quarterly meeting, which suggested the appointment of a large committee and the distribution of the printed advices of the yearly meeting of 1778, to be read before each of the preparative meetings.[576] In conformity with this suggestion, the former school committee was released and a new one of ten members appointed as a standing committee, directed to follow out the previously made suggestions.[577] In their report issued shortly thereafter, there is an account of the beginning of a school in Willistown, which is as the following:

[Sidenote: School at Willistown; master’s house, etc., proposed]

The committee in the care of schools report that a school is
kept in the new house built in Willistown by a Friend, and
endeavors are used to have it conducted as near as may be to
the directions of the Yearly Meeting, and the building of a
house for the master is proposed and a considerable sum of
money is subscribed towards the same, provided a sufficiency
can in like manner be raised.[578]

Another report for 1785 gives the state of schools for that date.

[Sidenote: One school the property of the monthly meeting]

There are several schools in the verge of our monthly meeting,
kept by members of our society, one of which belongs to the
monthly meeting, with several acres of land, whereon Friends
are now building a house for a master, which when completed
there will be a small fund towards schooling poor children.[579]

The chief concern to which the committee now addressed itself was the problem as to how they might establish a permanent fund for the schooling of poor children in their limits. For this problem they seem to have found a satisfactory solution for the time being, in 1786, which they reported to the monthly meeting for its approval. It appears to have been satisfactory to the meeting in the following form, the essential features being the same as those incorporated in the plans of meetings already mentioned.

[Sidenote: Goshen plan for establishing funds similar to others]

We, the subscribers, do hereby promise to pay unto ...
treasurer for Friends’ schools, within the compass of Goshen
Monthly Meeting, or to other Friends as may be from time to
time appointed by said committee to that service, the sum of
money severally written against our names, which sums are so
subscribed to be and remain a permanent fund under the care of
and direction of the monthly meeting’s committee of the people
called Quakers, held at Goshen for the time being, appointed
for this and other such purposes relative to schools, to be by
them laid out in such manner as they shall from time to time
judge most conducive to securing an income to the said schools,
which income or annuity so arising therefrom to be applied
to the education of such children as live within the compass
of Goshen Monthly Meeting, whose parents, whether Friends or
others, are not of ability to pay for the same and other such
purposes as a majority of said committee shall from time to
time direct, consistent with the object of the institution.
Witness our hands—etc.[580]

For the next six years there are but two reports worthy of attention, which may be briefly summarized in this manner:

[Sidenote: The state of schools in 1787]

1787

1. One school, under the monthly meeting,

_a._ has a large school house, and

_b._ a dwelling house and garden for a master, who

_c._ is a member of Friends

_d._ The school is in charge of a standing committee

2. Another school house, whose

_a._ master is a member of Friends, but

_b._ the house is not Friends’ property.[581]

[Sidenote: 1792]

1792

1. There is a school in Williston

_a._ kept by a member of Friends,

_b._ cared for by a standing committee of the monthly meeting,

_c._ much in accord with yearly meeting’s demands.

_d._ There has been no increase in the permanent fund since
last year.[582]

The report of the standing monthly meeting’s committee in 1795 notes these further advances. The reference to the purchase of ground in Willistown would lead to the belief that the school of Willistown mentioned in the report of 1792 was not located on the meeting’s property; but the tenor of the report of 1784 leaves the impression that the “new house” might have been the meeting’s property.[583] The report of 1795 is as follows:

[Sidenote: 1795]

The meeting’s committee in the care of schools report that they
have for some time had in contemplation the establishment of
another school within the verge of the monthly meeting to be
conducted agreeable to the advice of the Yearly Meeting, and
have so far proceeded as to have purchased 4⅓ acres of land of
Samuel Thomas in Willistown, which is deeded to some Friends
in trust for the use and benefit of Goshen Monthly Meeting, to
improve, alter, sell, or otherwise as the meeting may think
proper, or time show to be necessary; therefore, if the monthly
meeting unites with our proceedings, we desire they may take
the same under their patronage.[584]

[Sidenote: One school closed temporarily]

In 1796 the school at Goshen was apparently closed for several months, though the reference made to this fact may have been to one at Willistown;[585] exactly which one can not be deciphered from the minutes. In 1797 the committee reported a house had been built on the ground lately purchased (presumably that mentioned in the report of 1795)[586] and a school was being kept therein, according to the advices in all respects, save the membership of the master being outside of Friends.[587] “The other school” was taught by a member, and was very much as might be desired in all respects.[588] One of the schools (not clear which one) became vacant again for a short time in 1798.[589]

[Sidenote: Union school of 1779]

What became of the school established about 1779 by Bradford, Goshen, and Birmingham[590] is not made clear by Goshen records. It is probable that when the two schools at Willistown and Goshen came under their direction, they ceased to have any further connection with the earlier one in East Bradford. Further mention will be made of the East Bradford school in the material presented for that monthly meeting, in the pages just following. It may be only briefly mentioned in this connection that in 1797 the Goshen meeting appointed a committee to secure subscriptions for the yearly meeting’s boarding school which had been proposed in 1794,[591] and was opened for students in 1799.[592]

[Sidenote: Bradford meeting established]

Some meetings for worship by the Friends in the district, later to be known as Bradford Meeting, were held as early as 1719,[593] and regular meetings for worship were established in 1725.[594] Not until 1737, however, had they become of sufficient importance to warrant the establishment of a monthly meeting.[595]

In 1762 Bradford’s minutes refer to settling the affairs and providing for the support and the education of the children.[596] It was proposed that application be made to the next court that those under indenture to ⸺ might be bound out so as to have a Christian education, and to enable them “to acquire a livelihood with reputation.”[597] It is implied that the Mr. ⸺ had not provided for them properly in those respects. In 1765 fourteen epistles were received and directed to be read in each of the preparative meetings (Bradford and Caln).[598] Though no school is mentioned at these early dates, there seems to be no doubt that schools were in operation, perhaps a sort of family school. This brief extract would indicate that the above assumption is not without foundation:

Two of the Friends appointed report they had an opportunity
with Benjamin Faris respecting schooling of Isaac Few, and that
he informed them that he would undertake to school him for
the term of one year, for the sum of £25, which proposal the
meeting complies with and agrees to pay the half.[599]

The cost of this schooling was paid by the two preparative meetings which produced their quotas four months later.[600] Thenceforward, till 1778, nothing of note is recorded, save occasional notices of the education of the youth.

The year 1778 produced the following minute:

The extracts of last Yearly Meeting were produced here and
read, containing much seasonable advice and instruction which
is recommended to the solid consideration and observation of
individuals; in particular, that of encouragement of proper
schools for the instruction of youth in useful learning.[601]

Like an electric current suddenly shunted into the circuit, these extracts of 1777 and 1778 seemed to increase the voltage in the wires of the organization, producing a general hum of activity. A committee, immediately appointed, reported in 1779 they had considered the situation,[602] and in 1780 produced the report which is given below. As will be noted, their report mentions the “Union School” of Goshen, East Bradford and Birmingham, which has already received some consideration in the case of Goshen.[603]

[Sidenote: Three schools established; a committee to assist in establishing others]

We, the committee appointed in the care of schools, report
that most of us attended to the appointment and have several
times met and conferred together and have given our assistance
toward the settling of a school between Goshen, Bradford, and
Birmingham Preparative Meeting in a new schoolhouse built by
Friends; one at East Bradford in the old schoolhouse near the
meeting house; one at East Caln kept at the meeting house at
present, agreed to be under the direction of Friends nearly
agreeable to the Advices of the Yearly Meeting; and we think it
expedient to appoint Friends to take the necessary care of said
schools; but there appear to be many Friends that are not yet
accommodated with suitable schools, and we think a committee
of a few Friends to be continued to assist therein will be
necessary, all of which we submit to the meeting. (Signed by
the committee)....

Which being read and considered, the meeting appoints William
England, William Cooper, Humphrey Marshall, and Thomas Baldwin
to have the care of the school near Bradford Meeting House, and
Thomas Fisher, Griffith Mendenhall, Isaac Coates and Isaac Pim
to have the care of the school now kept in the meeting house at
East Caln, who are desired to take the necessary care therein
and the former committee is still continued.[604]

A subsequent report of 1781 points out that an additional school has been established, presumably through the coöperation of the meetings of Bradford, Kennett, and New Garden.[605] The records of Kennett and New Garden do not seem to recognize this coöperative school, however. To the writer, it seems that the probable state of affairs was that the one school was so located that it was patronized by the three communities though its direction lay in the hands of Bradford Meeting. The contiguous situation of the townships makes this a plausible and a probable solution. The school was soon to be discontinued for a time.[606] The report of 1781 is herewith submitted.

[Sidenote: A school between Bradford, Kennett and New Garden]

The Friends in the care of schools report that they attended
the school set between this meeting, New Garden, and Kennett
Monthly Meetings, and purpose taking further care therein; and
those to have the care of the school at Bradford report that a
school is held there in pretty regular order, considering the
situation of the master in regard to his sight, and they that
had the care of the school at East Caln informed that they had
divers opportunities with the master and scholars, and are of
the mind that further care in that respect is necessary; which
being considered, this meeting continues the said Friends and
desires that they may attend to the service for which they are
appointed.[607]

[Sidenote: Four schools reported by committee]

The conditions presented in the report of the second month remained the same, save that the school between Kennett, New Garden, and Bradford was reported “discontinued” in the sixth month, 1781.[608] Later in that year, the old committee was released and a new list of men, Thomas Baldwin, Joel Harlan, Thomas Sugar, Nathan Cooper, Benjamin Hanley, John Hoopes, Thomas Fisher, Griffith Mendenhall, Samuel Fisher, and George Harrison constituted a “standing committee.”[609] In 1782 four schools were reported;[610] in 1783, several schools not entirely agreeable to the desires expressed in the Yearly Meeting’s Advices;[611] in 1784, three are reported in the verge of Bradford Particular Meeting, mostly under the direction of Friends, but “none at either of the Calns” (East or West).[612] Subsequent reports show that the cessation of the schools at Caln was only temporary. The presentation of this very brief span of their history may be closed with an abbreviated statement of a committee report made in 1792.[613]

[Sidenote: Report of 1792]

1. We visited four schools in our verge, one more left, making
five.

2. The fifth is likely to be discontinued soon.

3. Number
one near Bradford Meeting House (in care of Friends).
one in East Bradford (part Friends and part not).
one in East Caln (the masters not members of Friends,
but willing to be under their direction).

4. The committee was released on request.

[Sidenote: Uwchlan]

[Sidenote: Education of Negroes mentioned in 1765]

In the same year that Uwchlan became a monthly meeting, the Friends entered a protest, saying that the making of wills was too much neglected, but that such as were made were not misapplied.[614] It is quite probable that the first statement is an indication of a philanthropic spirit in the meeting, between which and educational activity there has been noted a high correlation. Moreover, their explicit statement in 1765 concerning the education of the negroes would indicate the education of their own children was already taken care of.[615] The usual transformation in the kind of reports, noted in other meetings about 1778 and following, is likewise apparent in the meeting at present under discussion.

Though a school committee was appointed much earlier (1779) there was a very definite report made before 1782. Two reports made then in successive months are worthy of our attention.

[Sidenote: Three schools mentioned in 1779]

The committee respecting schools report that they have attended
to the service, having visited one school, the master whereof
is a member of this meeting, to a good degree of satisfaction,
some of the employers and scholars being present. They are
continued to proceed in that service as way may open and report
to next meeting[616]....

And a month later

The Friends appointed report that they have visited two other
schools, the masters whereof and many of the employers are
members of this meeting, and ... being enabled to communicate
some advice, which appeared to be well received, they are
continued.[617]

[Sidenote: New committee appointed]

[Sidenote: The state of funds]

In 1783 a new committee was commissioned to procure a particular statement of the schools wherein Friends were concerned either as masters or as employers, viz.: Thomas Richards, Jesse Jones, Joshua Baldwin, Reuben John, William Millhouse, Griffith John, Simon Meredith, William Cooper, Elihu Evans, Aaron Duncan, and Joseph Starr.[618] This committee is not to be confused with the trustees of the school funds, who were entirely distinct, and whose sole function was to receive and apply the funds for the education of the indigent children. The trustees’ report stated in 1784 that the amount of the legacies and donations up to that date amounted to £120/10/00.[619]

[Sidenote: School set up at Nantmeal]

Near this time, very probably in 1784, a new school was established by Friends at Nantmeal, for which Uwchlan Meeting appointed a special committee which was to make a report; the report made in 1785 stated that they had visited the school and found it well conducted.[620] In 1787, the school committee produced a report on all schools, which was to be sent to the quarterly meeting. It embodied some statement of the results achieved, difficulties to be faced, and further gave an insight into the coöperation of Friends in the “mixed schools” of their communities. As sent to the quarterly meeting, the report was as follows:

[Sidenote: Report of 1787]

[Sidenote: Nantmeal school discontinued]

We of the committee appointed to essay a report to the
quarterly meeting of the situation of our members in regard
to schools and the progress of our monthly meeting in that
important concern, having had several conferences and
opportunities of enquiring into that subject, report as
follows: that some have been appointed and continued from time
to time by our monthly meeting for several years past, who have
used many endeavors to promote the establishment of schools
agreeable to the advices of the Yearly Meeting; but our number
generally living so remote from each other, has prevented much
progress being made therein, save one house being built by
Friends at Nantmeal nearly on the plan proposed, in which a
school has been kept some time, but now dropped for want of a
salary for the master, there not being a sufficient number of
Friends settled contiguous thereto nor to each other, in any
other part of our meeting to support a school; and the boarding
out of our children appears an expense too heavy for many of
us, so that we are generally in the practice of schooling our
children in a mixed manner, though mostly under the tutorage
of Friends, or persons friendly disposed, to whom some care
has been extended and their schools frequently visited by
our committee some time back. Signed by order of the school
committee by William Millhouse, clerk.[621]

[Sidenote: London Grove]

[Sidenote: Committee of men and women appointed for schools]

In 1794, the London Grove Monthly Meeting, just created, began its educational work by appointing a committee to take subscriptions for a fund to support a “regular school.”[622] In 1795, the preparative meeting proposing that a standing committee be appointed to inspect the necessities of the poor and the school education of their children, the following were named to unite with a committee of women on that concern, viz.: Samuel Swayne, Josiah Hoopes, John Man, and Jonathan Buslow.[623] Four months later the committee appointed to raise the funds by subscription (see above) reported that a sum of “more than fifty pounds” was already subscribed.[624] No statement of the number of schools established in the limits of the London Grove Meeting is given between the time of its establishment and the end of the century; nor are any other details vouchsafed. It will suffice for a voucher of their intentions and the work actually begun in that period, to insert the following statement of their plan for founding their schools.

[Sidenote: Plan produced for settling schools]

Pursuant to the advice and recommendations of the Yearly
Meeting of Friends for many years, and excited by consideration
in our own minds for an improvement of the school education
of the youth, especially those in low circumstances, we, the
subscribers hereto, have agreed to promote the raising of a
fund or stock, the increase whereof to be for the benefit of
the several schools which are or may be under the care of
London Grove Monthly Meeting, and to be distributed amongst
them at the direction of a committee of the said meeting,
appointed from time to time in the care of schools. The sum
annexed to each of our names we hereby engage each for himself
or heirs, executors and administrators respectively, to pay
or to cause to be paid to such Friend or Friends as the
abovesaid monthly meeting shall appoint as treasurer for the
same, and that at any time, when demanded, after the whole
subscription amounts to the sum of fifty pounds. The treasurer,
so appointed, we enjoin to be subject to the inspection and
control of the said monthly meeting and to render a fair and
true account thereto of his proceedings therein once a year,
and if the said meeting shall at any time see cause to release
the treasurer, then he shall give up his accounts and pay the
money or transfer such other property as may be under his
care, appertaining to the said fund unto such other Friends
as the monthly meeting may appoint to succeed him in the said
trust. Our subscriptions, until they amount to fifty pounds or
upwards, we direct to be kept in stock and be deposited in some
safe way so as to produce increase either by a loan upon land
at the discretion and direction of the said monthly meeting or
committee thereof. The interest, rent, or increase whereof we
direct to be applied for the benefit of the aforesaid schools
in such a manner and at such times as the school committee of
the said monthly meeting for the time being, or a majority
of them shall direct. And although our present endeavor may
appear feeble and small, yet we trust and hope it may gradually
increase so as to become more useful in time.[625]

[Sidenote: Sadsbury]

[Sidenote: Youths’ meetings established 1739]

There remains to be presented in this chapter the activities of Sadsbury Meeting, which, though outside the limits of Chester County, was made up very largely of members residing in Chester County.[626] The most distinctly educational work of any sort was the youths’ meeting, which was very frequently mentioned as early as 1739, only two years after they became a monthly meeting.[627] Numerous statements of these meetings occur throughout the first thirty years and more. Attention was also directed to a care for the children of the poor.

One of the Friends appointed in the case of John Marsh’s
child report they attended the service and met with some
encouragement concerning the education of the child, the
person with whom it resides being its grandmother; the meeting
concludes to leave it under the care and notice of Henry Marsh,
the child’s uncle.[628]

[Sidenote: Committee appointed on schools]

In 1779 the first committee to carry out the instruction of 1777 and 1778 was appointed, consisting of the following members: James Miller, Andrew Moore, and Samuel Simons.[629] They were to afford assistance to each of the preparative meetings (Sadsbury and Leacock). This they reported in the second month they had done; James Moore, Isaac Taylor, John Moore, James Smith, Abraham Gibbons, and James Webb were then appointed to do the work.[630] In 1782 a visit was made to Sadsbury Meeting by the committee appointed by the quarterly meeting.[631] They reported further at that time:

[Sidenote: School at Sadsbury mentioned]

The Monthly Meeting committee has it under care and there is
a school set up at Sadsbury, and it is closely recommended to
Friends for a further progress and to the committee of this
meeting in particular, to which George Cooper, Andrew Moore,
and Joseph Dickinson are added.[632]

[Sidenote: Discontinued, but not long]

The conditions remain substantially the same for the five subsequent years, with frequently interspersed reports, made to the monthly meetings and to be sent to the quarterly meeting. In that year, as the following report shows, the school at Sadsbury was discontinued, and the old committee removed to make place for a new one.

Several Friends of the committee respecting schools report they
have conferred together since the last meeting, and it doth
not appear that there is any school at this time within the
verge of this meeting under the care and direction of Friends,
and the said committee expressing their desire to be released,
the meeting consents thereto, yet in order to keep alive the
concern and promote a matter so interesting, concludes to
appoint a fresh committee, and James Miller, John Moore, son of
James, Isaac Taylor, and Joseph Williams, Joseph Brinton, Moses
Brinton, William Downing, and Gaius Dickinson are appointed for
the service.[633]

[Sidenote: Barclay’s _Catechism_ for use in schools]

It is not ascertainable from the minutes just how long this school remained closed, but a minute of 1789, directing that Barclay’s _Catechism_ be distributed for the use of the schools, indicates that it was not discontinued for a long time.[634] Isaac Taylor, R. Moore, William Gibbons, and William Webb were appointed to distribute the said books.[635]

[Sidenote: Lampeter requests to build schoolhouse, 1792]

In 1792, Lampeter Preparative Meeting (called Leacock in 1732, but changed to Lampeter in 1749)[636] laid before the monthly meeting a request to be permitted to build a school house on or near their meeting house land for the purpose of a boarding school to be under the care of the monthly meeting.[637] Their request was not acted upon until the next meeting when it was referred to a committee of eleven men, who were to consider the proposals and report their judgment to the monthly meeting when convenient.[638] It appears from the following extract of the monthly meeting that they were somewhat critical.

[Sidenote: Committee’s suggestions for Lampeter school not accepted]

The committee appointed to consider the proposals of Lampeter
Preparative Meeting for building a school house made a report
in writing, which not meeting the approbation of this meeting,
is returned and Joseph Brinton, Abraham Gibbons, William
Brinton, James Smith, John Ferris, James Cooper, and Levi
Powell are added to the former committee and William Webb
is requested to consider the matter and report to the next
meeting.[639]

At the session of the monthly meeting held two months later, the newly appointed committee was successful in getting a satisfactory hearing for their decision in regard to the Lampeter Boarding School.

The proposal of Lampeter Preparative Meeting comes again under
consideration and the following report being produced and
divers times read, is concurred with.

To Sadsbury Monthly Meeting—

[Sidenote: The accepted report]

We, the committee appointed to consider Lampeter’s proposals
for building a school house and having again met and had a
solid conference together unite in judgment that the proposals
are nearly agreeable to the advices of the Yearly Meeting and
under the present circumstances are of the mind the monthly
meeting may be safe in leaving that meeting at liberty to
erect a building proportioned in size to their Friends and the
probabilities of what may be obtained by subscription (which is
submitted to the meeting by James Miller and signed by fourteen
others). 6-25-1792.[640]

In 1793, the school committee recommended in the following report that more definite steps be taken to meet the demand of the yearly meeting in regard to (1) the accommodations for a master and (2) the establishment of a permanent school fund.

[Sidenote: Funds to be raised]

The committee in the care of schools made the following report
in writing which, after being solidly considered, is adopted
and the clerk is directed to furnish each preparative meeting
with a copy of this minute together with the report of the
committee (which follows). Most of the committee appointed
in the care of establishing well regulated schools for the
instruction of our youth report they met twice on the
subject and solidly considering the same, believe it would
be right for the monthly meeting to recommend to Sadsbury
Preparative Meeting the making of such suitable provisions
for the accommodation of a school master as is recommended by
the Yearly Meeting Minute of 1778—That Sadsbury and Lampeter
Preparative Meetings be stirred up to use their endeavors to
raise such funds for their respective meetings by subscription
as is recommended—as well as in a minute of our last quarterly
meeting, by William Webb (and five others).[641]

By a later minute we are informed that an instrument of writing (subscription plan) has been drawn up for the purpose of raising funds,[642] which, however, did not prove wholly satisfactory,[643] and was postponed for further consideration. As presented finally and accepted on twelfth month, 10th, 1793, the plan for raising permanent funds was as follows:

[Sidenote: Plans for raising funds adopted]

Whereas the Yearly Meeting is impressed with a sense of the
advantages that would arise from a religious education of
our youth, has frequently recommended the establishment of
schools under the care of a standing committee of monthly or
particular meetings and especially in 1778, recommended the
promoting a subscription towards a fund, the increase whereof
might be employed in paying the master’s salary, if necessary,
and promoting the education of poor Friends’ children. This
provision may be made to take in poor children of Friends
or others taught gratis or at such moderate rates as their
parents or guardians can afford to pay at the discretion of the
trustees, etc.

And we, the subscribers, writing with the above recommendations
and willing to part with a portion of the substance, we as
stewards are blessed with, in order to carry the same into
effect (provided always, nevertheless, that no part of the
fund shall ever be applied towards paying the master’s salary
so as to reduce the schooling of children who are in affluent
circumstances, lower than 40 shillings per annum, and may be
raised at the discretion of the trustees), do hereby promise
for ourselves, our heirs, and executors, or administrators
to pay, or cause to be paid, the several sums to our names
annexed, to the trustees for ... school. Otherwise, five
per cent. interest from the dates respectively to our names
prefixed until paid or till such other persons as may be
appointed by the monthly meeting to receive the same. In
witness whereof, ...[644]

The situation of schools near the close of the century is shown in a report of 1797 to be as stated below. Though this report states no fund is established, a later report of 1798 states that some progress has been made in that respect.[645]

The report for 1797 is as follows:

[Sidenote: Three schools; no funds]

The committee in the care of schools report that there is no
fund established for this purpose, yet there are three schools
within the compass of our monthly meeting taught by masters who
are Friends and are under the especial care of a committee of
this meeting.[646]

At the very close of the century Sadsbury Friends were interested in raising a fund to help in the establishment of the Yearly Meeting’s boarding school at Westtown, Pennsylvania.[647]

SUMMARY

[Sidenote: The meetings]

This chapter considers the establishment of schools in Kennett, New Garden, Goshen, Bradford, Uwchlan, London Grove and Sadsbury monthly meetings.

[Sidenote: Kennett]

[Sidenote: A union school reported]

[Sidenote: Rules drawn for school, property purchased]

No early definite reference is made to education, though the careful interest in children’s welfare is at all times evident. Not until the “1777 era” do the reports give any considerable information concerning schools. Committees were thereafter always in attendance upon the problems of the schools. In 1781 a “union school” was reported between Kennett, Bradford and New Garden, which was afterwards discontinued. In 1785 they report “several schools,” in partial accord with demands of the yearly meeting. Land for Kennett school “number one” was purchased in 1792, and rules drawn up for its control. Their scheme for raising permanent funds was not completed until 1795. Two schools, taught by members of the society, were under the care of the meeting’s committee in 1798.

[Sidenote: Two schools under Kennett meeting]

[Sidenote: Two schools, another proposed]

Two schools were reported at New Garden in 1779 and another was at that time proposed. Some land was conveyed to the meeting in 1785 for the use of a school, and a house built upon it. Another piece of land was deeded by William Jackson in 1794 for a similar purpose. Certain stipulations were made concerning the school to be established there. It was found more consistent in summer to employ mistresses rather than masters.

[Sidenote: Goshen]

[Sidenote: Two schools]

Though established at a late date, Goshen was very active educationally. Land was purchased and a house was being built for a union school between Goshen, Bradford and Birmingham, in 1779. Committees were appointed, which gave reports better than those usually returned. A plan for funds was adopted in 1786. No further mention is found in regard to the union schools after the establishment of the schools at Goshen and Willistown.

[Sidenote: Bradford]

[Sidenote: Three schools 1780]

[Sidenote: Five schools 1792]

Bradford’s first educational activity was in connection with the apprenticing of children. A single case in which a boy was put to school by the meeting occurred in 1767; the expense therefore was defrayed by the preparative meetings. Educational activity increased in 1778; three schools were reported in 1780 and a committee appointed to assist in establishing others. They appear to have been successful; five schools were reported in 1792, though one was about to be discontinued. Not all of the masters were Friends.

[Sidenote: Uwchlan]

[Sidenote: Nantmeal School, 1789]

[Sidenote: London Grove]

The statement that Negroes were being educated in 1765, induces one to believe that Friends’ children were provided for. Three schools were mentioned in 1779, in which the masters and many of the employers were Friends. In 1789 a school was established at Nantmeal under a special committee of Uwchlan Meeting; it was reported discontinued in 1787. The meeting at London Grove, established (1792), reported no schools in its compass before the end of the century; although an elaborate plan was drawn up for the establishment of school funds.

[Sidenote: Sadsbury]

[Sidenote: Lampeter boarding school]

[Sidenote: Three schools]

Youths’ meetings were established by Sadsbury as early as 1739 and instances in which poor children were educated are cited for 1769. The first committee seems to have been appointed for schools in 1779. A school was reported for Sadsbury in 1782, but was later discontinued for a brief time, which cannot be definitely determined. In 1792 it was agreed that Lampeter Preparative might have permission to establish a boarding school. A plan for funds was drawn up, but no success reported in raising them until 1798. Three schools are reported established, and under the care of Quaker masters in 1797.

[Sidenote: Total, 18 or 19 schools]

The entire number of schools set up by the above named meetings was eighteen or nineteen.