The History of the University of Pennsylvania from Its Origin to the Year 1827

Front Matter

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

Preface

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. 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 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, December 20th, 1833.

Chapter I

The

History of the University

of

Chapter I.

Early Education in Philadelphia.—Establishment of the Academy.—Incorporation 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 themselves 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 1711, 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.

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 Reverend 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 co-operation, 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 tranquillity 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 Reverend 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 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 exceed 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 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 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 Whitfield had arrived in America a few years before this pe . 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. 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 Whitfield, 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 Whitfield and Franklin. But the lot having been purchased on ground rent, and money having been borrowed for the completion of the building, 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 Whitfield, "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 the schools were first opened in a private house. It was not till the commencement of the year 1751, 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.

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 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 Thompson, afterwards rendered conspicuous by his office of secretary to the Revolutionary Congress, and venerable in the recollection of Philadelphians 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 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 in 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.

Chapter II

Chapter II.

Organization and Government of the College.—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 attended 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 afterward 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 every thing 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 first commencement of the college took place on the 17th of May, 1757, when its honours were conferred on seven young men who had completed their education within its walls. The names of these earliest graduates were Paul Jackson, Jacob Duché, Francis Hopkinson,Samuel Magaw, Hugh Williamson, James Latta, and John Morgan.

From this period, the institution rose rapidly in importance. The extent and liberality of its plan, conjoined with the excellence of its management, secured it the patronage of the neighbouring population; and it soon acquired a celebrity which attracted numerous students from the distant co

. From Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas, it received much support; and even in the West Indies, many planters preferred it, for the education of their children, to the schools of England. Among the individuals who at various times received its honours, were many who afterwards attained great distinction in their professional, literary, or political career, and thus contributed to spread and exalt its reputation. Both in the advantages which it offered, and the actual support which it received, it was, perhaps, unrivalled, certainly not surpassed by any other seminary at that time existing in the provinces. Only two years after the charter was granted, the number of pupils in the institution amounted to about three hundred, one-third of whom were members of the collegiate department. In the year 1763, according to a statement made by the provost, nearly four hundred individuals were receiving their education in the various branches of the seminary. To appreciate fully the prosperity to be implied from this extensive support, we must take into consideration the limited population and wealth of the country at that period, and must recollect that the colonies had just emerged from a long and cruel war, which had ravaged their borders, exhausted their resources, and even threatened the subversion of their liberties.

The students who came from a distance were, at first, on the same footing with those who resided permanently in the city. Boarding separately, wherever their own inclination, or that of their friends might prompt, they attended the schools during the regular hours, but, in the intervals, had the complete control of their own time and conduct. Inconveniences were thought to arise from this arrangement, which led to the proposition, that a house should be built in the vicinity of the college, sufficiently large for the accommodation of the students from other provinces and the West Indies, where they might be more immediately beneath the eye of the professors, more convenient to the schools, and, at the same time, boarded at less expense than in private families. The trustees, to enable themselves to effect this purpose, without encroaching upon their capital, which was then very small, issued proposals for a lottery; by which, as the contemplated measure was generally approved, they succeeded, in a short time, in raising a sum exceeding two thousand pounds. This was immediately applied to the proposed object; and, in the year 1762, a suitable building was erected on a lot of ground belonging to the trustees, on the north side of the college, where it still stands. The lower story was appropriated to the charity schools, the remainder of the house to the reception of students, who were placed under the care of a steward, and were subjected to such rules as were deemed necessary to maintain order, and promote their health, comfort, and morals. This plan, though not attended with all those advantages which had been anticipated, had been carried into effect at too great an expense of money and trouble to be hastily abandoned; and it appears to have been continued, till the operations of the college were suspended during the war of the revolution.

Chapter III

Chapter III.

Provost and Professors of the College.

As the success of the institution was attributable more to the diligence and abilities of the professors, than, perhaps, to any other cause, we should be doing injustice to their deserts, as well as presenting a very incomplete view of the school itself, were we to pass over, without particular notice, the most prominent among the gentlemen who filled the collegiate chairs.

The first provost, the Rev. Dr. William Smith, was eminent for his various learning, and general ability. Many yet living can bear witness to his eloquence as a preacher; and his published works exhibit, in a very favourable light, his powers of composition. Born and educated in Great Britain, he emigrated to this country about the commencement of the year 1754, and soon after his arrival, was employed in the academy to teach those higher branches, which were at that time introduced into its course of studies. In the performance of this duty, he acquitted himself so well, and, in other respects, gave so much satisfaction to the trustees, that when the institution assumed the form of a college, he was unanimously chosen to fill the office of provost. Thus placed at the head of the seminary, he not only employed in its support the talents for teaching, with which he was eminently endowed; but also exerted himself, with much zeal and success, in enlarging its pecuniary resources. Though, for a time, rendered unpopular with the predominant party, by interfering in those contentions between the legislature and the governors which formed the principal feature in the local politics of the province, he was yet enabled by his talents to command the respect of the public; and in Great Britain, such was the esteem in which he was held, that on a visit he was induced to make to that country, in the year 1759, to escape the resentment of the Pennsylvania legislature, he was received into the highest society, and, at the recommendation of the archbishop of Canterbury and several of the principal bishops, was honoured by the University of Oxford, with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. The circumstance which exposed him to the ill-will of a numerous party at home, secured him the favour of the proprietors and their friends; and by the influence which he possessed in England, he was enabled, at a subsequent period, very materially to promote the interests of the college. His exertions in its favour were indeed such as frequently called forth the decided approbation of the trustees; and though absent on several occasions, and at one time put under arrest by the legislature, his talents and influence were thought so essential to the prosperity of the school, that he was always maintained in his station, and teachers, when necessary, were temporarily employed to supply his place. On the occasion of his arrest, the classes under his care were directed to attend him at his place of confinement. As the events of Dr. Smith's life are intimately connected with the history of the institution over which he presided, we shall have more than one opportunity of again alluding to them, in the details which follow.

The office of vice-provost and rector of the academy, was occupied by the Rev. Dr. Francis Allison. This gentleman had long been engaged in the business of instruction, and was among the first who established regular schools in the province. That he must have acquired considerable eminence as a teacher, is evinced by the fact, that at a time when honorary degrees were in much higher esteem than at present, that of Doctor of Divinity was spontaneously conferred upon him by the University of Glascow. Before his election to the vice-provostship, be had for several years been attached to the academy as rector, and master of the Latin school. As in the case of Dr. Smith, his election was unanimous; and the names of both these gentlemen, with their respective titles, were, by direction of the trustees, inserted in the charter of the college. Their duties, as professors, were to preside over the philosophical studies of the different classes, and Dr. Allison assisted also in teaching the languages. For more than twenty years they were the main supports of the institution, with which they remained connected up to the period of that change in its affairs which was brought about during the troubles of the revolution.

Of the other; members of the faculty, the Rev. Ebenezer Kinnersley, professor of English and oratory, was perhaps the most conspicuous. Having been associated with Franklin in the prosecution of his investigations into the subject of electricity, he acquired a taste for that science, which induced him to procure a set of apparatus, calculated to exhibit an exemplification of its newly discovered principles, by varied and pleasing experiments. Thus provided, and at the time engaged in no other employment, he was prevailed on by Franklin to exhibit these experiments publicly, and to accompany them with explanatory lectures; the first, probably, which were delivered on a scientific subject in Philadelphia. The plan succeeded so much to his satisfaction, that he made a journey through most of the colonies, delivering his lectures in the capital towns, and even visited the West Indies on the same errand. In an article of the American Magazine for October, 1758, written, there is every reason to believe, by Dr. Smith, it is stated, that Mr. Kinnersley was "the chief inventor of the electrical apparatus, as well as author of a considerable part of those discoveries in electricity published by Mr. Franklin, to whom he communicated them. Indeed," the author of the paper goes on to say, "Mr. Franklin himself mentions his name with honour, though he has not been careful enough to distinguish between their particular discoveries. This, perhaps, he may have thought needless, as they were known to act in concert. But though that circumstance was known here, it was not so in the remote parts of the world to which the fame of these discoveries has extended." Coming, as this account probably does, from one so closely associated with the subject of it as the provost of the college must have been with one of the professors, it may be received as the statement of Mr. Kinnersley himself. It must, however, be confessed, that Franklin, in his memoirs, has admitted no claim of this or any other person to a participation in the discoveries which he made and announced; but merely states, that he resorted to the assistance of Mr. Kinnersley, as a neighbour and man of leisure, in the performance of his experiments. The electrical apparatus collected by Mr. Kinnersley must have been extensive; for after his death, it was purchased by the trustees of the college, according to a valuation made by impartial and well qualified judges, for the sum of five hundred pounds. Mr. Kinnersley was introduced into the institution in the year 1753, as the successor of David James Dove, who was the first teacher of the English school. In 1772, the state of his health rendering a voyage to a warm climate advisable, he resigned his station, after having performed its duties for the space of nineteen years.