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We have examined the events that led to the beginning of the Academy
through primary documents as a way of understanding the motives for the
bequest of Jacob Jones and others.
Through 18th and l9th century sources we have shown how the ideals of Jacob
Jones were rooted in Quakerism and how Jacob, through his will and his
vision of a free school, was able to accomplish what contemporary
Pennsylvania laws could not do.
We have also learned, through the
Trustees' Minute Book, just how difficult it was to start the Academy and
the effort it took to keep it going.
We comprehend the pivotal role that Algernon Roberts played as
administrator of the three wills and as a dedicated Trustee. We witnessed
how our present-day public school system began, with the Academy as a
keystone in the Township school system. It is amazing how one building and
its early history renects the history of our community, past and present!
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