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]
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.
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]
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]
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]
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:
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]
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:
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.
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]
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.
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]
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.”
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]
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]
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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]
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:
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]
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]
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]
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]