Early History of the University of Pennsylvania from Its Origin to the Year 1827, 3rd edition

Preface To The Third Edition

There is no institution at the present time in which a more general interest is taken by Philadelphians than in the University of Pennsylvania. Through its various schools and departments its influence is felt in the homes of thousands of our citizens, and with each succeeding year the sphere of that influence is being extended throughout the State. The activity which is always connected with the organization of a new movement has made the public familiar with the history of those departments which have been lately added to the University ; but of the history of the parent school little has been written, and that little is not of easy access to the public. The first contribution in this line was the historical sketch written by the late Dr. George B. Wood in 1827, and printed in the third volume of the Memoirs

iii iv PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.

of The Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 1834. It was subsequently included in | a volume of " Historical and Biographical Memoirs" by Dr. Wood, published in 1872. The next contributions of importance were a Memoir of the Rev. William ( Smith, D.D., Provost of the College, Academy, and Charitable School of Philadelphia, by Charles J. Stille, in 1869; and, in the same year, a History of the Medical Department of the University of Penn- j sylvania, from its foundation to 1865, by 1 Joseph Carson, M.D. The information contained in Dr. Stille's excellent memoir was afterwards used, with additions, in a Life of Dr. Smith by his great-grandson, 1 Horace W. Smith, two volumes, octavo, 1 879-1 880.

Some of these works have been long out of print, and the remnants of the editions of others have been virtually , withdrawn from the channels of trade. In 1893, a bulky pamphlet, containing the history of the University and of its several departments, written by many hands and j edited by Dr. Francis Newton Thorpe,

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PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. v

was issued by the government as one of the publications of the Bureau of Education, under the title of " Benjamin Franklin and the University of Pennsylvania." But it was attended with the fatality common to many of the publications of the government which are classed as Public Documents and are obtainable only through an application to a department or to a member of Congress. Under these circumstances, an alumnus of the University, who takes an interest in its history and who feels that such is the case with many of its graduates, requested the editor to prepare for publication at his expense a new edition of Dr. Wood's History, adding thereto such information regarding the foundation of the institution as has come to light since the History was written. With the permission of the representatives of Dr. Wood, this has been done ; and, as no attempt has been made to bring the history down beyond the time when Dr. Wood closed his labours, the title of his work has been changed to read, " The Early History of the University."

vi PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.

The last six chapters of the book are by the present writer, and he alone is responsible for the views expressed in them. He cannot but feel that Chapter XV. will appear to many unnecessarily long, and that its style is too controversial to be in harmony with that of other portions of the book. The subject, however, — the very origin of the University, — was of such a character that it could not be treated otherwise, and its importance he hopes will be found to justify the length.

Portraits of the early benefactors and professors of the University, together with fac-similes of documents connected with its history, have been added to the present edition ; and the editor wishes to express to Messrs. Harper and Brothers his thanks for the use of the electrotype of the miniature of Franklin which will be found in the volume.

F. D. Stone.

Preface To The First Edition

The author of the following sketch, having been appointed to deliver the anniversary address before the Philomathean Society of the University of Pennsylvania, in the year 1826, was induced to make some investigations into the history of that institution, the results of which were stated, in general terms, on the occasion referred to. In the course of his inquiries, numerous facts presented themselves, which, though not sufficiently important to claim a place in a brief address, appeared to him too much so to be passed over with neglect ; and the idea occurred to him, that a history of the University, for the preparation of which he possessed some materials, was due to the relation in which the Institution was placed to the State and city, and might prove interesting, if not serviceable to the community.

11 Vll viii PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

He accordingly extended his researches, and having accumulated such additional facts and information as appeared essential to the purpose, drew up the following account of the school, and presented it to the Historical Society, as a body peculiarly interested in whatever concerns the past or present affairs of Pennsylvania, and one to whose judgment he was desirous of submitting the question of publication. It is proper to state that, in the collection of his materials, the author had access to the Minutes of the University from its origin, in the form of an Academy, in 1749, to the period at which the history closes. His other sources of information were the works of Dr. Franklin and Dr. William Smith, the periodical journals and newspapers, the public documents of the State, and oral or written communications from gentlemen connected with the school. The reader is requested to bear in mind, that the following historical sketch was prepared in the early part of the year 1827; as otherwise he might be led into error, by considering as applicable to the

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. ix

present time, the references which are frequently made to the period at which the author wrote. It would be a satisfaction to the author, to have it in his power to continue the narration down to the present date, and to conclude with an accurate account of the school as it now exists; but the engrossing nature of his avocations renders this impossible; and he will be under the necessity of contenting himself with some brief notices in the way of notes or appendix in relation to points in which the most interesting changes have occurred.

Philadelphia, Dec. 20th, 1833.

Chapter I

EARLY EDUCATION IN PHILADELPHIA. — ESTAB- LISHMENT OF THE ACADEMY. — INCORPORA- TION OF THE COLLEGE.

In newly-settled countries, the necessity of providing for present subsistence, and the desire of securing those comforts which previous habit has rendered indispensable to the enjoyment of life, are apt to divert the attention from objects of less immediate interest. The settlers, while contending with the physical difficulties of their new situation, have little regard for the intellectual wants of their offspring ; and forgetting, or imperfectly appreciating the advantages they had them-

i

i selves enjoyed in early life, think that they perform all the duty of parents, by procuring for their children an exemption from those inconveniences, which they have learned to regard as the greatest evils. Education, therefore, is more or less neglected; and it not unfrequently happens, that the community, contrary to the usual course of events, falls back, for the first generation, towards a state of ignorance, instead of advancing in knowledge and civilization. This remark applies, to a certain extent, to the early period of our own history. Though a few individuals, born and educated in the colonies, were elevated into distinction by the force of native talent, yet the great majority of those who were remarkable for literary attainments, had either emigrated from the mother country, or had received their education in her schools.

The first colonists of Pennsylvania were, perhaps, less negligent, in providing the means of elementary instruction, than those of most of the other settlements. In the year 1689, only seven years after the foundation of Philadelphia, a public school was established in this city, by members of the Society of Friends, which was incorporated in 1697, and, after undergoing various changes in its organization, received, in 171 1, a final charter from William Penn. Fifteen " discreet and religious persons, of the people called Quakers," were constituted a Board of Overseers, and were vested with all the property and privileges of the corporation, together with the right of supplying vacancies in their own numbers. George Keith, a native of Aberdeen, a man of learning, and famous in the history of the Friends, was the first teacher employed. In the school were taught the Latin language, the Mathematics, and the rudiments of an English education. Though supported by funds derived from the Society of Friends, and under the exclusive direction of members of that society, it was open indiscriminately to individuals of all religious denominations; and, for more than sixty years, continued to be the only public place of instruction in the Province.

But, before the end of this period, the school had become entirely inadequate to the demand of a rapidly increasing population ; and, though private schools were not wanting, still the means even of elementary education were very deficient.* In the higher branches of knowledge, instruction was accessible only to the sons of the wealthy, who were able to support the expense of a residence abroad, either in the mother country, or in one of the older colonies of New England. There was, therefore, an urgent demand for a seminary, founded upon liberal principles and embracing within its plan all those subjects of study, which are necessary to qualify the youth of a growing and prosperous community for the performance of the various duties of public and private life.

* It appears from an extract from the Journal of the Council, given by Proud, in his " History of Pennsylvania/ 9 that a school was opened in Philadelphia, so early as the year 1683, by Enoch Flower, a native of Wiltshire, who taught reading, writing, and casting accounts for eight shillings a quarter.

A want so obvious could not escape the penetration of our great Franklin; and, with his active and patriotic spirit, to be convinced of any public deficiency, was at once to use every exertion for its supply. His attention was accordingly directed, at a very early period, to the means of extending the benefits of education in the city and Province; and, in the year 1743, he drew up the plan of an academy, which he communicated to the Rev. Richard Peters, with the hope, that, as this gentleman was then out of employ, he might be induced to take upon himself the superintendence of such an establishment. Failing, however, in obtaining the desired cooperation, and occupied with other public affairs, which appeared to be of more pressing importance, he dropped the scheme for the time; and the war which soon afterwards broke out between Great Britain and France, the effects of which were extended to the colonies, prevented its renewal for several years. Upon the conclusion of the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle,

and the consequent restoration of tran-

1* quillity in the provinces, his thoughts reverted to the subject; and, in the year 1749, he entered with zeal upon such measures as he supposed would most promote the success of the project. As the first step, he endeavoured to interest in his favour several friends ; of whom Thomas Hopkinson, Tench Francis, and the Rev. Richard Peters seem to have been the most active and efficient. Having secured their approbation and assistance, he next proceeded to write and publish a pamphlet, entitled " Proposals relative to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania," which he took care to circulate extensively among the most respectable inhabitants of the city. The proposals attracted much attention, and several of the most influential citizens, to the number of twenty-four, having met together, determined to associate themselves into a Board of Trustees, for the purpose of carrying the design into effect* Their first object was to establish

* Among the names of those gentlemen are many which are still well known and highly esteemed in

PROPOSALS

Relating to the

E D UC AT ION

0 P

YOUTH

1 N

PENSILVANIA.

PHILADELPH I A: Printed in the Year, M.DCC.XLIX.

[FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF FRANKLIN'S PROPOSALS FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUTH.]

f

THOMAS HOPKINSON.

certain regulations for their own government. It was determined that they should not " for any services by them as trustees performed, claim or receive any reward or compensation." It was also determined that the original number of twenty-four should "always be continued, but never exceeded upon any motive whatsoever;" and that vacancies should be supplied by the choice of the board from among the inhabitants of Philadelphia, or persons residing in its immediate neighbourhood. These rules were established as fundamental, and declared to be unalterable : others were also drawn up, adapted to the object in view, but alterable at the pleasure

Philadelphia. They were James Logan, Thomas Lawrence, William Allen, John Inglis, Tench Francis, William Masters, Lloyd Zackary, Samuel McCall, Jr., Joseph Turner, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Leech, William Shippen, Robert Strettell, Philip Syng, Charles Willing, Phineas Bond, Richard Peters, Abraham Taylor, Thomas Bond, Thomas Hopkinson, William Plumsted, Joshua Maddox, Thomas White, and William Coleman. Benjamin Franklin was chosen president, and William Coleman treasurer, of the board.

of the board. They were signed by the trustees on the 13th of November, 1749.

Having thus constituted themselves governors of the proposed institution, they proceeded to provide funds for its establishment; and on the day following that of the signature, very liberally subscribed among themselves a sum exceeding two thousand pounds, to be raised in five yearly payments, " declaring it to be for the encouragement of their useful, good, and charitable undertaking ; and to enable themselves and their successors to begin, promote, continue, and enlarge the same, humbly hoping, through the favour of Almighty God, and the bounty and patronage of pious and well-disposed persons, that it might be of great and lasting benefit to the present and future rising generations." To the amount thus contributed, very considerable additions were afterwards made by subscriptions among the citizens, by gifts and legacies from charitable individuals, and by various other means which will be noticed more particularly hereafter. But as these funds

JAMES LOGAN.

were not immediately available, it was necessary, in the commencement, to have recourse to a loan; and the trustees accordingly borrowed eight hundred pounds, on their own joint bond.

The next object was to procure a suitable building ; and in this they were remarkably fortunate.* The celebrated Whitefield had arrived in America a few years before this period. Though excluded from the churches of Philadelphia, and compelled to preach in the fields, such was the power of his eloquence, that immense crowds were collected to hear him, and a fervour of religious feeling was excited in the community, of which the annals of the country had afforded no previous example.

* I find it mentioned on the minutes of the Board of Trustees, that a lot of ground in Sixth Street was offered to them by James Logan, upon which to erect an academy, "provided it should be built within the term of 14 years." The offer was declined, as ** the new building was, in all respects, better suited to their present circumstances and future views." The trustees, however, expressed "a most grateful sense of his regard to the academy," and returned him " their sincere thanks for his kind and generous offer."

In this state of the public mind, it was proposed to erect an edifice, which might serve the double purpose of a charity school, and a place of public worship for Whitefield, and other ministers Of the gospel, similarly circumstanced. Little difficulty was experienced in obtaining adequate subscriptions ; a lot was procured in Fourth, near the corner of Mulberry Street ; and a large building was speedily raised, which is still standing, and well known to Philadelphians by the name of the Academy* At that time, however, it was called the New Building, and as people of almost every religious denomination had been concerned in its erection, it was vested in trustees selected from different sects, among whom were Whitefield and Franklin. But the lot having been purchased on ground rent, and money having been borrowed for the completion of the building,

* It maybe proper to state, that one-half of this building has been recently removed, and a church erected on its site by a Society of Methodists. — December, 1833.

The church has since been removed. — Note to the present edition.

.-i'K :..r. n*X AND A L the trustees, after the expiration of a few years, found themselves involved in an increasing debt, which the subsidence of the original enthusiasm left them without the means of discharging. Things were in this condition, when the project of an academy was announced. It was thought that the objects of both establishments might be attained by a combination of their resources ; and as Franklin was a member of each body of trustees, an agreement was effected, by his agency, satisfactory to both parties. A conveyance of the new building was made to the trustees of the Academy, on the conditions, that the debt, now amounting to nearly eight hundred pounds, should be discharged ; that a free school should be maintained on the premises ; and that in the house already built, or in one to be built for the purpose, a place of worship should be set apart for the occasional use of such ministers of the gospel as the trustees might judge qualified to " teach the word of God and especially, that its free and uninterrupted use should be permitted to the Rev. Mr. George

Whitefield, " whenever he should happen to be in the city, and desire to preach therein."* These conditions have been complied with ; and to this day a charity school has been maintained, and a room kept open in the building, for the convenience of itinerant preachers. This transaction took place in December, 1749; but, as many alterations were to be made in the edifice to fit it for the new purposes to which it was to be applied, and the trustees were desirous of carrying their design into immediate effect, it became necessary to procure temporary accommodations ; and

* Mr. Thompson Westcott, in his " Historic Mansions of Philadelphia," says that all the original buildings occupied by the Academy have been removed, and that " a hall was built on the rear portion of the ground, in which a room was dedicated for the use of ministers of the gospel of religious sects, stipulated for when the new building was erected to accommodate Whitefield in 1 74 1. Apartments for the Charity School were also prepared, and those institutions were until lately (1877) held upon the old site, so that after one hundred and thirty-six years a portion of the ground upon which the Academy was built was still devoted to its original purposes, — to free education and to free r -

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WILLIAM ALLEN.

the schools were first opened in a private house.* It was not till the commencement of the year 175 1, that they were introduced into the new hall ; on which occasion, the usual solemnities were observed, and a sermon was preached by the Rev. Richard Peters, f

The views of the trustees were at first wisely directed to the communication of that elementary knowledge, which is most essential to the citizens of a rising community, and the acquisition of which is a necessary step towards the attainment of speech op religious topics." Since Mr. Westcott wrote, the Charity Schools have been closed, and a number of free scholarships in the University established in their stead. While no portion of the original building remains, the University still holds a small interest in the site of the old Academy. — Note to the present edition.

* In the house of Mr. Allen in Second Street. Westcott's " Historic Mansions of Philadelphia." — Note to the present edition.

f This gentleman, though a clergyman, was employed in the secular office of provincial secretary. He was a man of high standing and very considerable influence ; and was the successor of Franklin in the presidency of the Board of Trustees.

the higher branches. For the present, therefore, they restricted their establishment within the limits of a simple academy, deferring a further extension of the scheme, till the success of their first efforts should have demonstrated its practicability, and smoothed the way for its accomplishment.

In the Academy were embraced one school for the Latin, one for English, and one for the Mathematics, under the care of three masters with their assistant ushers, the principal of whom had the title of rector. A charity school was also opened, in which the children of poor citizens were instructed gratis. It is worthy of observation, that among the teachers originally employed in the Academy was Charles Thomson, afterwards rendered conspicuous by his office of secretary to the Revolutionary Congress, and venerable in the recollection of Ehiladelphians for his virtues and abilities, as well as for the advanced age which he attained. He was, during four years, one of the tutors in the Latin school, at the end of which time he left it in pursuit of other business, having discharged the duties of his office with entire satisfaction to his superiors.

Finding the schools to prosper, and to present a good prospect of permanent usefulness, the trustees resolved to apply for a charter, which was readily granted them by the proprietors. By this instrument, which bears date July 13th, 1753, they were incorporated by the name of the " Trustees of the Academy and Charitable School in the Province of Pennsylvania."

A continuance of prosperity soon induced them to extend their views beyond the limits within which they had originally restricted themselves. To the branches before taught, were now added Logic, Rhetoric, Natural and Moral Philosophy ; and it was as a teacher of these sciences that the Rev. Wm. Smith, who in the future became highly distinguished, was introduced into the institution.* The study of the Greek language was joined with that

* For further details concerning Dr. Smith, see supplementary chapter to the present edition.

of Latin ; and, a course of instruction having thus been adopted equal in extent to that usually pursued in the highest seminaries, nothing more was requisite to place the Academy of Philadelphia on the footing of a collegiate establishment, than the right of assuming the title, and the privilege of conferring degrees upon the students. The hope of obtaining collegiate honours has always exercised a powerful influence over the youthful mind; and every seminary, however extensive may be its plan, and whatever the qualifications of the teachers, must labour under great disadvantages, if destitute of that command over the diligence of its pupils, with which the power of giving or withholding these honours invests it. As the effects of this deficiency of the Academy began to be experienced in the desertion of some of the best students, who sought in other seminaries that testimonial of their proficiency which was denied them in their own, it was recommended by the teachers to the Board of Trustees, that application should be made for such additions to their charter as might invest them with the rights of a collegiate body. The application was accordingly made ; and an additional charter was granted by the proprietors, dated June 16th, 1755, by which the former style of the board was changed into that of -"The Trustees of the College, Academy, and Charitable School of Philadelphia," and all the powers conferred upon them which are usually attached to such a title. The condition, however, was annexed to this charter, that the trustees and professors, before entering on the performance of their offices, should respectively take and subscribe the customary oaths or affirmations of allegiance to the King of Great Britain.

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Chapter II

ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT OF THE COL- LEGE. — FIRST GRADUATES. — PROSPERITY OF THE COLLEGE.

It may not be amiss to describe more particularly the organization and mode of government of the institution, at this period. It consisted of three departments, those of the College, Academy, and Charity Schools, the last of which, however, was connected with the two former in no other way than as it was under the authority of the same board of trustees. The College and Academy were much less distinct. They were not only connected through the medium of the trustees, but were managed by the same faculty of professors ; and the students belonging to the two departments were often mingled together in the same classes. The distinction seems to have been simply this, that those pupils whose object was to go through a regular course of instruction, and ultimately receive the honour of graduation, were considered as members of the College; those who attained merely the English and mathematical schools, without pursuing classical or philosophical studies, as members of the Academy ; and they were associated under the same teachers only when engaged in those subjects which were common to all. By this arrangement, while young men desirous of a liberal education, either as a preparation for entering upon one of the learned professions, or simply as an accomplishment, were provided with the means of attaining it, others, of humbler views, and with more limited resources, were enabled to acquire a degree of knowledge suitable to their future prospects. The plan was well adapted to the condition of the country at a time when schools, even of the inferior kind, were scarce, and it was desirable to effect much at as little expense as possible. At a subsequent period, however, this complexity of arrangement operated to the disadvantage of the higher branch of the seminary, both by taking away that unity of object, which in this, as well as all other pursuits, is essential to the greatest success, and by producing on the public mind an impression, that the whole institution was calculated rather for primary instruction than for completing the education of youth.

In the collegiate department was a grammar school, in which boys were taught the rudiments of the learned languages, previously to their entrance into the regular classes of the College. Of these classes there were only three, the freshman, junior, and senior ; and the term of study was confined to the same number of years. Experience has shown that this period is too short for the attainment of the requisite knowledge by youth of ordinary abilities and industry; and, in the competition which afterwards arose among the numerous colleges of this country, the arrangement was injurious to the interests of the school of Philadelphia. But, at first, no disadvantage was experienced; and, perhaps, the prospect of a speedy completion of the preparatory studies tended to favour its success at a time, when it was necessary for young men to commence the business of life at as early a period as possible.

The College and Academy were under the immediate direction of a faculty, composed of the professors, of whom the principal had the title of provost, and the second in authority, that of vice-provost and rector of the Academy. The professors, five in number, were assisted, when necessary, by ushers, who were possessed of no authority in the government of the institution. The duties of the faculty were, to meet occasionally, and inquire into the condition of the schools, and conduct of the scholars; to see that the laws were observed, and the plans of education carried into effect ; and, when any deficiency in the arrangements of the institution was observable, to propose such regulation for the sanction of the trustees, as they might deem likely to be conducive to its prosperity.

On the charitable foundation, there were two schools, one for boys, and another for girls, which were taught respectively by a master and mistress, with occasional assistants. The boys were instructed in reading, writing, and arithmetic ; the girls in reading, writing, and sewing. The schools were under the immediate care of the trustees, to whom applications for admittance were to be made. The number of charity scholars was seldom much short of one hundred.

The whole property and government of the institution were, by the charter, vested in the Board of Trustees, which retained its original constitution. In conferring the powers before mentioned upon the faculty of the College and Academy, the trustees reserved to themselves the exclusive privileges of making laws ; of appointing all the officers of the seminary ; of inflicting on the students the severer punishments of degradation, suspension, and expulsion; of conferring the ordinary and honorary degrees; and, finally, of deciding in all matters of high importance to the institution. But in everything which related to the students, though, for fear of abuse, they thus reserved the power in their own hands, they generally decided according to the recommendation of the faculty, whose better opportunities of forming an accurate judgment entitled them to this deference.*

* The names of the first trustees have been mentioned in a previous note. The following is a list of those who were subsequently elected members of the board, up to the period of its dissolution. They- are given in the order of their election. It will be observed that the highest station, influence, and talent in the Province, were secured in the government of the College.

Isaac Norris, Thomas Cadwalader, James Hamilton, Alexander Stedman, John Mifflin, Benjamin Chew, Edward Shippen, Jr., William Coxe, Thomas Willing, Jacob Duch6, Jr., Lynford Lardner, Amos Strettell, Andrew Elliott, John Redman, John Penn, John Lawrence, John Allen, Isaac Jones, Richard Penn, Samuel Powell, Thomas Mifflin, William White, James Tilghman, Robert Morris, Francis Hopkinson, George Clymer, Alexander Wilcox, John Cadwalader, and James Wilson.