At a Stated Meeting of the Board of Education of the “Pennsylvania Society for promoting the Abolition of Slavery, &c., “held 12th mo. 8th, 1853, the Committee appointed to report a plan of collecting Statistics, &c., produced the following, which was accepted.

To the Board of Education. The Committee appointed to consider of, and report to the Board the best method of ascertaining the present state of education among the colored population of our city and districts, in order that those who succeed us in this concern may at future periods, have some data from which they can form an estimate of the progress made by this class of our citizens in school learning, &c.

Recommend, That with the concurrence of the Society, our Visiting Agent be instructed to collect and arrange in tabular form the following and such other items of information as may be thought necessary to represent the present state of education among them, in addition to the duties heretofore assigned him. viz:—

The number over twenty years of age who can read and write and who understand the simple rules of arithmetic.

The number over twenty years of age who can read and write legibly, do. do. who can read only, do. do. Slave born, do. do. born free in Slave States, do. do. who cannot read or write, do. of Libraries, date of organization, number of volumes, &c., do. of Libraries Societies, date of organization, &c., do. of children attending schools, and whether Public or Private Schools, do. of children over eight years old, not attending School.

Your Committee further recommend that the Agent be directed to ascertain the number employed as teachers, the number of artizans, the number who have learned trades, the number who work at their trades, and the number employed in the higher departments of labor, such as clerkships, &c. &c., so that our successors may also be enabled to note their progress in these respects. POWELL STACKHOUSE, BENJAMIN COATES, BENJAMIN C. BACON, Committee. SIMEON COLLINS, Philadelphia 12th mo. 8th, 1853. In accordance with the recommendation of the Report, BENJAMIN C. BACON was appointed, in Fourth Month, 1854, to perform the service therein named; and at the stated meeting of the Board in First Month, 1856, DILLWYN PARRISH, JOSHUA T. JEANES, and BENJAMIN COATES were appointed to assist the agent in its revision and publication. DILLWYN PARRISH, Chairman of the Board of Education. T. ELLWOOD CHAPMAN, Secretary.

PREFATORY NOTE. Those friends of the Colored people of this city, who have visited their Week-day and First-day Schools for a number of past years, notice with pleasure their greatly improved condition. Those who have, for a like period, mingled with adults in their Evening Schools, Libraries, Literary Associations and Churches, are much gratified to see how steadily they advance in knowledge and refinement.

The want of well authenticated facts relative to the number, character and condition of their various schools, and the state of education among adults, as they were thirty or forty years ago, has long been seriously felt. By comparing the present with past periods of their history, such information would enable all concerned in vindicating the character and rights of this oppressed people more effectually to repel the slanders of their enemies, and to correct the erroneous impressions of some of their friends, respecting their readiness and capacity to acquire learning.

The facts having been collected by a personal canvass of a member of the Society, in whose ability and integrity they have full confidence, are believed to be correct. Philadelphia, First Month, (January,) 1856.

NOTE TO PRESENT EDITION. The first Edition of these statistics having been exhausted, it was deemed advisable to re-print them, to which we append the letter of W.J. Mullen, the Prison Agent, containing, as it does, valuable and interesting statistics, bearing on the moral condition of the colored people. Philada., 6th month, 1859.

0003 3

PAGINATION INCORRECT

0004 3

STATISTICAL INQUIRY. I.DAY AND EVENING SCHOOLS. In the Springs of 1853, the Board published a report of their School Agent, containing a comparative statement of the condition of these schools for the month of January and February, in the years 1852 and 1853. The following revised edition of that report, contains a sketch of their history for the year 1854:-

1. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. * Grammar Schools, (a) Sixth street above Lombard. Establish in 1822.Boys' school, James M. Bird, Principal, and three female assistants; total 228; average attendance 208. Girls' school, Maria C. Hutton, Principal, three assistants. Total 252; average attendance 193. *The total number and average attendance of these schools, was taken from the Controller's last Report. In consequence of the Consolidation Act, the year was changed from July to January, so that the Report is for one year and a half. (a) Schools thus marked as Libraries. Primary School, in the same building. Established in 1841. Jane Barry, Principal, and two assistants. Boys 105; Girls 98; total 183; average attendance 150. Roberts Vaux Unclassified School, Coat's street near Fifth. Established in 1833. David R. Murrell, Principal, and one female assistant. Boys 112; Girls 24; total 136; average attendance 93. West Philadelphia Unclassified School, Oak Street. Established in 1830. Mary A. Delamater, Principal, and one assistant. Boy 46; Girls 51; average attendance 78. Corn Street Unclassified School. Established in 1849. Sarah L. Peltz, Teacher. Boys 18; Girls 29; total 47; average attendance 32. Frankford Unclassified School. Established in 1839. William Coffee, Teacher. Boys 18; Girls 13; total 31; average attendance 25. Holmesburg Unclassified School. Established in 1854. Maria Shade, Teacher. Boys 13; Girls 12; total 25; average attendance 19. Banneker School, Paschaville. Established in 1841. E. M. Biddle, Teacher. Boys 16; Girls 16; total 32; average attendance 15.

0005 5

The condition of Colored Public Schools generally, was formerly not as good as that of the Charity schools, but they have improved very much within a few years past. Owing to reminiscence on the part of parents, about twelve years ago the Grammar schools were on the point of being given up. The alarm was given—public meetings were held by the colored people, and an agent of their own appointed to visit from house to house and urge the people to duty. Our Board was also actively engaged in the matter. The schools were saved, and for the last three years have so increased in numbers that one teacher has been added to each school, making the full complement. The school house has recently been remodelled.

Within the past year very marked changes have taken place in West Philadelphia school, and the St. Mary's street Primary school. The former has been removed from the hovel in which it was so long kept, to the basement of the Colored Baptist Church, and has so increased in numbers that the Directors have added another teacher, and are desirous of getting a still larger room. The latter school has been removed from its former location to the basement story of the Grammar schools in Sixth street, which has been fitted up on purpose for its accommodation. Since its removal, the better class of parents do not object to sending their children to it, and the number of scholars has increased so much that extra seats have been introduced.

2. Charity School, * *The year of these schools begins about the first of September, and ends with the following summer vacation. Institute For Colored Youth, (a) Lumbered street above Seventh, Establish in 1852. Charles L. Reason, Principal; Grace Mapes, assistant Teacher in the Female department. Males 15; Females 16; total 31: average attendance 26. Raspberry Street Schools, (a) corner of Locust and Raspberry streets. Established in 1770. Boys' School, John W. Strokes, Principal, and one female assistant; total 90; average attendance 64. Girls' School, Martha Cox, Principal, and one assistant; total 79; average attendance 53. Adelphi School, (a) Wager street. The Girls' department established in 1838, the Infant department in 1835. Girls' department, Anna M. Kite, Principal, one assistant; total 70; average attendance 42. infant department, Catharine Shipley, Principal, and one assistant; total 95; average attendance 61. Shepherd School, (a) Randolph street above Parrish. Established. 0006 6in 1850, Anna Buzby, Principal and one assistant; total 60; average attendance 40. School for the Destitute at the House of Industry, corner of Seventh and Catharine streets. Established in 1848. Sarah Lewis, Principal, and two assistants; total both sexes 100; average attendance 75. School for the Destitute, Lombard street above Seventh. Established in 1851. Sarah Luciana, Teacher; total both sexes 73; average attendance 45. Infant School, corner of South and Clifton streets. Established in 1827. S.C. Swan, Principal, and two assistants; total 150; average attendance 85.

The unpretending title of the “Institute for Colored Youth,” does not convey an adequate idea of the relation it sustains to the other schools. It is, in fact, the pioneer High School, and on that account alone cannot be too highly appreciated. But for the liberal spirit of the Trustees of the several funds given for its endowment, there might be nothing to answer the purpose of a High school for many years to come. Having commenced with seven pupils only, the present state of the school is all the more gratifying.

A considerable number of the scholars belonging to both the Raspberry street and Adelphi Girls' schools are so large and backward, that they would be ashamed to enter the Public Primary schools, and would do so reluctantly, if at all. Hence their greater usefulness. Adults are sometimes seen in the two former.

The Sheppard school is a great blessing to the part of the city in which it is located. As it is quite select, and as none but girls attend it, a large portion of those who fill its seats would sooner stay at home than go to Coates' street School.

The two schools for the destitute are objects of increasing interest. The Managers of the one at the House of Industry, introduced the industrial feature in a small way during the late fall and winter. A shoemaker was employed to superintend, and materials furnished for the larger boys to work up into shoes, for the use of the school. The experiment was satisfactory. The one in Lombard street is much better accommodated than formerly. Since the removal to their new location, a successful experiment has been made in a limited way, to introduce the home feature. Twelve of the children have been indentured to the Teacher, with power to bind them out as fast as she finds suitable places for them. The usefulness of both schools would be greatly increase, 0007 7if the majority of the children who attend them could be controlled in the same manner.

As no public provision is made for the instruction of children too young to attend the Primary schools, the two infant schools are watched with deep interest. They are both in a very satisfactory state.

3. SCHOOLS CONNECTED WITH BENEVOLENT AND REFORMATORY INSTITUTIONS. * *The reports of these Institutions are made for each calender year. House of Refuge (a) corner of Poplar and William streets. Established in 1850; supported in part by the State. The Boys' school has a principal and one assistant male teacher. Largest number of inmates at any one time 88; average for the year 75; sessions from 5 to 7 1/2 A.M., and from 5 1/2 to 8 P.M., the evening session on Saturday being omitted.

The Girls' school has one female teacher. Largest number of inmates at any one time 44; average for the year 36; one session from 2 to 5 P.M. Being schools of discipline as well as of instruction, the order is excellent, and the scholars make fair progress in their studies. Their last session in the week is principally devoted to reading the Bible or sacred history. A considerable number of the boys, when not in school, work at some useful trade. The girls are occupied with making garments, mending, washing and other domestic duties out of school.

Orphans' Shelter, in 1822, under the care of an association of women Friends. It has a principal and one assistant female teacher, and is conducted principally upon the infant school plan. Number of inmates at the close of the year 73. There are always a few too small to be in school. Being apprenticed at an early age, there are seldom any over ten years old to attend.

Home for Colored Children, Girard avenue above Ridge Road. Established in 1855. It is under the control of a board of lady managers, assisted by a board of male trustees. It contains at present 19 inmates. Its design is to take the entire control of destitute colored children of both sexes, instruct them mentally and morally, and place them as apprentices in some useful occupation with persons interested in their welfare. It is proposed to incorporate the Institution, procure funds, and erect a building adapted to the purpose, which will accommodate the numerous applicants who seek the protection which such a home affords.

4. PRIVATE SCHOOLS Established in No. of Scholars on roll 0008 8Sarah M. Douglass, Institute Building, Lombard street above Seventh, 1835 30 Margaretta Forten, 92 Lombard street, 1850 10 Amelia Bogle, 12th street below Spruce, 1841 17 Adam S. Driver, Barclay Street above Sixth, 1850 37 Elizabeth Clark, corner Fifth and Gaskill streets, 1850 40 Emeline Higgins 4, Rasberry street, 1840 30 Ada Hinton, 6 Locust street, 1849 20 Sarah Gordon, 9 Rodman Street, 1849 30 Diana Smith, Prosperous Alley, 1836 15 Emeline Curtis, 62 Gaskil street, 1850 12 Sarah Ann Gordon, Bonsall street above Tenth, 1852 20 Ann McCormick, Brown street above Fourth, 1854 30 George W. Johnson, Lombard street above Seventh, 1854 40 Summary of the Day Schools. Total. Average Attendance. Public Schools, 1031 821 Charity Schools, 748 491 Benevolent and Reformatory Schools,.. 211 Private Schools, 331 ———- 2321

S. M. Douglass teaches higher branches than are taught in Public Grammar Schools. The Managers of the Institute, in whose building her school is kept, have made an arrangement with her by which she will at all times have 25 girls preparing for admission into their school.

M. Forten and A. Hinton teach branches similar to those taught in Grammar Schools, the former being the only one that takes boarding scholars All the others teach nothing more than the elementary branches. The proprietors of female schools all teach plain sewing, and most of them add ornamental kneedle work, and knitting.

5. EVENING SCHOOLS. Raspberry Street Schools commence on the first Monday in October and continue five months. Five sessions are held each week.

Men's School, John W. Stokes, Principal, and three male assistants. Total 138; average attendance 50.

Women's School, Mary Roberts, Principal, and four assistants. Total 255; average attendance 63.

Apprentices and Young Men's School at the New Institute commences on the first Monday in November and continues fourth months. Charles L. Reason, Teacher.

The Raspberry Street School were established many years ago, and were formerly conducted by voluntary teachers. They always enjoyed a large share of the public confidence, but since the paid system of 0009 9teaching was introduced, they have become more efficient than ever before. None are admitted to the Men's Schools under 18 years of age.

The school taught by C. L. Reason happily supplies, the want of apprentices and others who cannot attend Day Schools, but are too young to enter the Raspberry Street School.

GENERAL REMARKS The teachers of the Institute for Colored Youth, and of all the private schools, are of their own complexion. All the others are white.

No register is kept in any school denoting standard of scholarship, nor is there any system of rewards for exciting emulation.

When the Sheppard Schools was established it was feared by some that the Coat's Streets School would be injured thereby, but the contrary proves to be the fact. So, also, some feared that the Grammar Schools would be injured by the establishment of the Institute for Colored Youth, but the former were never so well attended, or in so prosperous a state as at present.

The irregular attendance of scholars, (unavoidable in a majority of cases) particularly in the larger and more advanced schools, imposes considerable extra labor upon teachers, prevents a thorough classification, and makes the recitations less spirited than they otherwise would be. Of all men and women who labor for no good of others, none are more deserving than the faithful teachers of these schools.

It would be interesting to know the amount of school tax paid by people, but the expense already incurred by the Board is so great that is not practicable to procure the information at present. The census taken by our Society in 1837-8 showed very clearly that they paid something more than their proportion of poor tax, and it is presumed they have not been of late years, if ever, deficient in their proportion of school tax.

The numbers of children over 8 years of age, and under 18, not in school, was found to be 1620. As the canvass was mostly made in the spring and summer, it is quite probable that the number is nearer 2000 during the fall and winter months.

0010 10

II. SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 1. Schools attached to their own congregations and conducted by their own teachers. In school Admitted Dismissed In school Teachers Teachers at the during or left at the at the at the beginning the during closeof beginning close of the year. the year. of the of the of the year. year. year. year. First Baptist, corner Eleventh and Pearl streets, 70 24 2 92 10 12 Union Baptist, Little Pine street above Sixth,- 47 14 0 61 8 8 Shiloh Baptist, corner Clifton and South streets, 48 32 1 79 7 8 Oak street Baptist, Oak street, West Philadelphia, 44 10 0 54 9 8 Bethel, Sixth street above Lombard,- - - 524 76 97 503 37 27 Brick Wesley, Lombard street below Sixth, - - - 116 76 65 127 16 23 Union, Coates street below York, Avenue, 67 147 5 209 7 20 Little Wesley, Hurst street below Lombard,- - - 100 81 87 102 18 6 Zoar Brown street above Fourth,- - - 80 5 55 30 10 7 Mount Pisgah. Locust st. above Till, West Phila.- 39 13 45 7 5 2 Israel, corner Fifth and Gaskill streets, - - - 78 15 15 78 10 7 Frankford, - - 57 0 0 57 5 5 Holmesburg, - 23 5 18 10 5 5 Little Wesley Mission, Seventh street below Dickerson, - - 50 10 0 60 4 6 Allen Chapel, rear 72 Christian street, - - - 20 10 0 30 5 5 First Presbyterian, Seventh street below Shippen, 40 10 0 50 4 4 Second do St. Mary street above Sixth, - 25 2 0 27 7 5 Central do Lombard street below Ninth, - 66 32 0 98 7 9 St. Thomas, corner Fifth Adelphi streets, - - 183 15 0 198 11 11 ——— ——- ——— ———- ———- ——— 1677 577 390 1882 185 181 2. Schools under the supervision of White Missions and Individuals . St. Andrew's Church, Phil. Ins., Lombard street above Seventh. Male Department, - 143 46 34 155 12 12 Male do - 35 4 4 Infant School, 40 1 1 ——- ——- ——- ——- ——- ——- 143 46 34 230 17 17 Ladies Union City Mission, corner Seventy street and Bradford's Alley. Infant School. - - 0 65 0 65 1 1 Young Men's City Mission, Bedford street below. Eighth, - - - 30 35 5 60 3 6 Family, of Morris L, Hallowell, 211 Filbert street, 42 0 2 40 3 3 ——— ——— ——— ———- ——— ——— 215 146 41 395 24 27

The schools connected with the Brick Wesley and Union Methodist Churches were conducted wholly by white teachers from the time they were established till about ten years ago, when they came under their own supervision. Two important objects were gained by this assumption of new duties, viz:—An increased spirit of self reliance in their congregations, and the mental improvement of those employed as teachers.

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ADULT EDUCATION. 1. Table showing the number who can red, write and cipher, &c.

No. of Read, Read Read Cannot Free Born Slave adults write and only. read. in Slave born over 20 and write States. but years. chiper legib- manu- in the ly. mitted. simple rules. First Ward, 223 25 23 47 128 136 37 Second Ward,- - 349 36 54 76 183 156 57 Third Ward, 275 60 48 68 99 118 48 Fourth Ward, - - - 1427 262 199 273 693 561 186 Fifth Ward, 1818 350 285 310 873 747 212 Sixth Ward, 151 21 25 34 71 41 25 Seventh Ward, - - - 1867 431 337 311 788 708 213 Eight Ward, 969 204 192 199 374 356 147 Ninth Ward, 76 20 16 19 21 24 11 Tenth Ward, 208 40 39 42 87 64 44 Eleventh Ward, - - - 37 2 11 5 19 14 3 Twelfth Ward, - - - 234 53 35 42 102 78 28 Thirteenth Ward, - - - 69 15 12 15 27 15 8 Fourteenth Ward, - - - 233 34 46 66 87 61 28 Fifteenth Ward, - - - 157 20 26 29 82 46 22 Sixteenth Ward, - - - 82 17 12 13 40 25 7 Seventeenth Ward, - - - 70 13 8 11 35 16 10 Eighteenth Ward, - - - 4 1 1 0 2 1 0 Nineteenth Ward, - - - 114 6 20 18 70 37 26 Twentieth Ward, - - - 99 22 12 15 50 33 11 Twenty-first, Ward, - - - 2 0 0 1 1 0 2 Twenty-second Ward, - - - 36 7 4 7 18 6 8 Twenty-third Ward, - - - 249 30 43 48 128 75 33 Twenty-fourth ward, - - - 252 41 34 37 140 53 46 ——— ———- ——— ——- ——— ——— ——- 9001 1710 1482 1686 4123 3371 121

The Agent found it difficult in some cases, to determine who could read. When doubts existed upon the subject the question generally was, “Can he read tolerably free, and easily in the New Testament?” If an affirmative answer was given, he was classed as a reader.

To determine who could write was nearly as difficult. In doubtful cases the question was, “Can he write well enough to write letters to his friends?” An affirmative answer was deemed sufficient.

As the number of men who can cypher is considerably greater than that of women, and as the former were not generally at home to answer for themselves, no satisfactory information could be obtained in some cases. In other cases the information obtained lacked clearness. Where doubts existed, and especially if the parties inquired of seemed not to comprehend the meaning of ciphering in the simple rules, the question was asked, “Can he work out sums on a slate through long division?” 0012 12If that failed to elicit the proper answer, the attempt was then made to ascertain whether he was in the first class in certain schools named; if so, it was taken for granted that he understood the simple rules of arithmetic.

The table may seem dry and uninteresting, but let the reader analyze it a little, and he will find it instructive. The large number who cannot read (4123) may startle him at first, but let him consider that free born persons, in slave States, are so nearly on a level with the slaves, as far as school privileges are concerned, that he may add them to the slave-born, making the number 4583—difference to their credit, 460. Then let him suppose that 140 of those who cannot read were born on our own soil, a very moderate calculation, and he will have 600 as the number who learned to read, at least, since they came from the slave States. He will readily believe, however, that the number is much greater than that, if he will take the trouble to visit the evening schools and Sunday schools where adults are instructed. Such memoranda as the following, taken from the canvassing books of the Agent , will serve to strengthen this belief.

“The wife Sarah has learned to read tolerably well since she was 40 years old-never received any instruction worth mentioning.” “Pretty good scholar-went to school only two months—slave-born.” “Reads and writes, and is wholly self taught.” “Went to school but six weeks—can read write.” “Though a slave for 50 years, she began when about 65 years of age, to attend Sunday school, with crutch and staff, (being very lame,) and got so as to read tolerably well in the Bible-is now about 80, and goes to Sunday school and Church, when able.” “Can read, write, and cypher, though he never attended school.”

2. Libraries and Literary Associations. Public Library and Reading Room in the Institute for Colored Youth. Established in 1853 by the Managers of the Institute. From the 2nd Annual Report of the Librarian, dated 4th mo. 1st, 1855, we learn that there were then about 1,300 volumes belonging to the Library. The number of readers were 450, of whom 233 were males, and and 217 females. New applicants, 127. Number of books loaned out during the year, - - 4,088 “ “ “ in the Reading Room, - - 1,555 ——— Total, - - 5,642

The interest in the Institution was represented to be steadily increasing 0013 13and many parents were commended for their exertion to secure the attachment of their offspring to it.

Philadelphia Library Company. Organized in 1833. Incorporated in 1837. Number of volumes in the Library, 200. Weekly lectures upon literary and scientific subjects are given, by the members and others, from the first week in October till the following May in each year. Discussions are held after each lecture.

Unity Library Company. Organized in 1851. Number of volumes 500. It has weekly lectures for three months in winter, by its own members and other persons of their own color, after which discussions are held.

Banneker Institute. Organized in 1854. A library is contemplated. It is composed of younger members than either of the others. It has lectures and discussions in season.

IV. OCCUPATIONS. 1. Mechanical Trades. Bakers 4 Chair Maker 1 Baker and Brewer 1 Coach Painter 1 Barbers 248 Confectioners and Pastry Cooks 7 Barber and Bootmaker 1 Coopers 9 Barbers and Musicians 6 Cracker Bakers 3 Basket Makers 2 Cupper and Leecher, and Dress Blacksmiths 22 Maker 1 Blacksmith and Calico Stamper 1 Currier 1 Blacksmith and Shoemaker 1 Dentists 5 Bonnet Presser 1 Distiller 2 Book Binder and Basketmaker 1 Draughtsman, Sign and Ornamental Boot and Shoemakers 66 Painter 1 Boot and Shoemakes and Musicians..2 Dress Makers 565 Boot and Shoemaker, Musician and Dress and Shirt Makers 50 Music Teacher 1 Dress and Shirt Makers, and Bootmaker, Barber and Tailor 1 Miliners 2 Brass Founder 1 Dress and Shirt Maker, and Pastry Brick Layers 9 Cook 1 Brick Layers and Plasterers 4 Dyers 9 Brick Makers, (3 branches, Embroiderers 9 Moulders, Setters, and Burners,)53 Embroiderers and Dressmakers 3 Brick Maker and Musician 1 Embroiderer and Milliner 1 Brush Maker 1 Embroiderers and Shirt Makers 2 Cabinet Makers 20 Embroiderers and Tailoresses 2 Cabinet and Chair Maker, House Embroiderers and Dress and Shirt Painter and Glazier 1 Makers 4 Cake Bakers 5 Forgemen 6 Carpenters 49 Gardeners 2 Carver 1 Garment Cutters 2 Carver and Gilder 1 Glove Maker 1 Carver and Turner 1 Gold and Silver Pencil Finisher 1 Caulkers and Gravers 3 Hatters 4 0014 14Hair Workers 5 Sand Paper Maker 5 Hair Worker and Dressmaker 1 Sheet Iron Workers 4 House and Ship Carpenter 1 Ship Carpenters 5 House Painters and Glaziers 7 Shirt and Dressmakers 70 House and Sign Painters and Shoemakers 46 Glaziers 3 Shoemaker and Musician 1 Ink and Blacking Maker 1 Shoemaker and Carpenter 1 Iron Moulder 1 Sign and Ornamental Painter 1 Ladies' Shoemakers 4 Silver Smith 1 Lampblack Maker 1 Spectacle Maker 1 Machinist 1 Stationary Engineers 9 Manufacturing Chemists 2 Sterotyper Moulder and Caster 1 Map Mounters 2 Stove Finisher 1 Mason and Bricklayer 1 Stove Maker 1 Mason and Plasterer 1 Sugar Refiner 1 Masonic and Odd Fellow's Tailors 20 Regalia Makers 2 Tailoresses 29 Millers 4 Tailoresses and Dressmakers 23 Milliners and Dressmakers 45 Tailoresses, Shirt and Dressmakers, Millwright 1 and Embroiderers 2 Mineral Water Maker 1 Tallow Chandler 1 Paper Box Makers 3 Tanners 24 Paper Hangers 2 Tanners and Curriers 6 Paper Maker 1 Tanner and Morocco Dresser 1 Pastry Cooks 10 Tanner and Musician 1 Plasterers 14 Tanners and Stationary Engineers....2 Plumbers 2 Tanner and Type Caster 1 Portrait, Sign and Ornamental Tinsmiths 3 Painter, Teacher of Phonography, Turners 3 the Guitar, Singing, and Umbrella Makers 2 Daguerreotypist 1 Upholsterers 2 Potters 2 Upholsteresses 2 Pressman 1 Varnish Manufacturer 1 Printer 1 Vest Makers 2 Printers' Ink Maker 1 Weavers 16 Rectifier 1 Weaver and Blacksmith 1 Rigger 1 Weavers and Dressmakers 2 Rope Maker 1 Wharf Builder 1 Rope and Brickmaker 1 Wheelwright 1 Rope and Brickmaker and Wire Workers 2 Blacksmith 1 Wrought Nail Maker 1 Saddle and Harness Maker 1 ———- Sand Makers 12 Total 1,637

2. Other Occupations. Artists 5 Midwife 5 Assistant in Pencil Factory 1 Musicians 1 Captains of Coasting Vessels 2 Music Teachers 2 Clerks 5 Musicians and Music Teachers 5 Hat Store 1 Physicians 1 Indian Doctor 1 School Teachers 1 Livery Stable Keepers 2 Trimming Store 2 Lumber Merchants and Proprietors ———- of Transportation Lines 3 Total 59

In the year 1838, our Society published a pamphlet entitled “Register of Trades of Colored People in the City of Philadelphia and Districts.” 0015 15The material for the work was collected from the canvassing books of the Agents employed to take the census, published by the Society the same year, and by the further inquiries of the principal one of those Agents among the various trades. The whole number having trades, according to that estimate, was 997. Six trades therein mentioned, are not found in the present trade list, viz.: Black and White Smiths, Chair Bottomers, Fullers Scythe and Sickle Maker, Stone Cutter, and Tobacconists. It makes no mention of Artists, Clerks, Lumber, Merchants,&c.

The material for the present list was obtained by a personal canvass from house to house, and embraces the whole consolidated City. The whole number having trades, exclusive of those mentioned under the head of “Other Occupations,” is 1652. Forty-one trades are here mentioned that are not found in the “Register” before mentioned, viz.: Carver, Carver and Gilder, Chair Maker, Coach Painter, Distillers, Draughtsman, Embroiderers, Gardeners, Garment Cutter, Glove Maker, Gold and Silver Pencil Finisher, Ink and Blacking Maker, Iron Moulder, Lamp Black Maker, Machinist, Manufacturing Chemists, Map Mounters, Masonic and Odd Fellows' Regalia Makers, Paper Box Maker Paper Hangers, Printers' Ink Maker, Rectifier, Rigger, Saddle and Harness Maker, Sheet Iron Workers, Shirt Makers, Silver Smith, Spectacle Maker, Stationary Engineers, Stereotype Moulder and Caster, Stove Finishers, Stove Maker, Tallow Chandler, Umbrella Maker, Upholsterers, Varnish Manufacturer, Vest Makers, Wharf Builder, and Wire Workers.

Less than two-thirds of those who have trades follow them. A few of the remainder pursue other avocations from choice, but the greater number are compelled to abandon their trades on account of the unrelenting prejudice against their color.

CONCLUSION. Information relation to property, pauperism, and crime, was not contemplated in this publication, but facts bearing upon either subject are so deeply interesting, that no apology need be made for introducing the following brief statements, contained in a neatly printed pamphlet prepared by a committee of colored citizens of Philadelphia, in 1855, memorializing the Legislature for the restoration of the right of suffrage which they enjoyed for 47 years prior to the adoption of the present constitution in 1838.

We [of Philadelphia] possess $2,685,693 of real land personal estate, 0016 16and have paid $9,766 42 for taxes during the past year, and $396,782 27 for house, water, and ground rent. We have had incorporated 108 Mutual Beneficial Societies having 9,762 members, with an annual income of $29,600 00, and a permanent invested fund of $28,366 00, which is deposited in various institutions among the whites, who derive a large profit therefrom. One thousand three hundred and eighty-five families were assisted by these Societies to the amount of $10,292 38 during the year 1853. It is evident from the facts that these charitable institutions must materially relieve the distress of families and maintain a large portion of our poor under circumstances which would otherwise throw them upon public charity. Again, as to crimes among us, by a letter of Judge Kelly, written in answer to certain questions put to him, it is shown that for the three years up to 1854 the commitments of colored persons to the Philadelphia County Prison have gradually decreased, while those of the whites for the same period have markedly increased.

The New York Independent published, a few years since, a series of six letters from a Philadelphia correspondent, over the signature of A. H. B. They are written in a very friendly spirit, and contain much valuable information respecting the colored population of our city. The last one is devoted in part to the subject of education. The concluding paragraph is so just and so hopeful in its tone, that we give it entire. “There is one idea that has often suggested itself to my mind in contemplating the condition and progress of these people, which may, perhaps, seem strange in such a connection. It is the nobility of human nature, in itself considered. I have often, it is true, been struck with the same idea from other sources. It is a natural thought to any one who looks at what mankind have done, and especially what the great men of the world have done. When we think of Shakespeare and Gibbon, of Kant and Neander, in the world of books; when we remember the Reformation and the American Revolution, and the names of Luther and Washington, we cannot fail to be impressed at once with a feeling of awe and gratification at what man, as man, is, and what he can do. But when I see a people pinioned by so many discouragements, and bruised under such a complicated and heavy mass of difficulties as the colored people, steadily and surely elevating themselves above their circumstances; when I behold the immense mountain of prejudice that rests upon them, tottering and almost rising bodily from its base, I am struck with a degree of admiration and amazement that I seldom feel on any other occasion, at the intrinsic strength and infinite tendencies of humanity.” 0017 17The following letter FROM that indefatigable friend of humanity, Wm. J. Mullen, is so encouraging to the friends of the colored man that it, together with the additional information obtained from him, is here appended. Philadelphia, 12th of March, 1859.

RESPECTED FRIEND,—Your letter of the 11th inst., has been received. You desire to know whether I “can furnish any statistics, drawn from the commitments to our prisons, showing the improved condition of our colored population.” In reply, I am happy to say that I can, and I think the best mode of meeting your wishes will be to furnish a list of the number of colored persons who were tried, convicted and sentenced each year to labor in the Philadelphia County Prison, from October 19th, 1835, the date of its commencement, till December 31st, 1858.

What is true of this one prison, it seems altogether likely would prove true of the others, when judged by the same rule.

With these preliminary remarks I subjoin a catalogue of those sentenced to prison, after trial and conviction, carefully drawn from official sources. Year Col'd Males. Col'd Females. Total. 1835 * 53 23 76 1836 92 41 133 1837 92 38 130 1838 84 36 120 1839 105 41 146 1840 76 40 116 1841 78 27 105 1842 77 38 115 1843 59 13 72 1844 52 12 64 1845 68 18 86 1846 56 18 74 1847 58 20 78 1848 46 18 64 1849 67 8 75 1850 35 10 45 1851 54 15 69 1852 71 13 84 1853 57 17 74 1854 49 11 60 1855 53 20 73 1856 44 9 53 1857 43 18 61 1858 61 19 80

*2 months 11 days.

The population of our country is found to double itself every 25 0018 18years. We may conclude then that growing cities, like Philadelphia and New York, double their number not less often at least.

The above list covers 23 years and something over. The colored, moreover, multiply quite as fast as the white. Now the schedule shows that on neither one of the last ten years has the sum of colored persons sentenced been so large as that of 1836, when the city population was not even half of what now is, and that the sentenced of 1857 fell short by 15 if those of 1835 (less than 3 months.)

To myself it seems that above list shows the condition, moral and civil, of the colored race, to have greatly improved within the last 23 years, and to be far higher at this moment than it was at the commencement of that period. Trusting that these statistics may be satisfactory to yourself and the noble Society represented by you,

I remain, my dear sir, Very respectfully yours, WM. J MULLEN, Prison Agent. In this letter we have the number of colored persons compared together for a succession of years; we now present a comparison of the convicts both white and colored for the same period.

WHITE. COLORED. TOTAL Males. Females. Total. Males. Females. Total. Both Colors. 1835* 70 10 80 53 23 76 156 * 1836 150 22 172 92 41 133 305 1837 136 18 154 92 38 130 284 1838 120 8 128 84 36 120 248 1839 99 15 114 105 41 146 260 1840 75 11 86 76 40 116 202 1841 91 20 111 78 27 105 216 1842 91 15 106 77 38 115 221 1843 92 10 102 59 13 72 174 1844 79 9 88 52 12 64 152 1845 95 8 103 68 18 86 189 1846 95 9 104 56 18 74 178 1847 86 11 97 58 20 78 175 1848 83 13 96 46 18 64 160 1849 88 13 101 67 8 75 176 1850 99 10 109 35 10 45 154 1851 157 20 177 54 15 69 246 1852 212 21 233 71 13 84 317 1853 171 28 199 57 17 74 273 1854 181 25 206 49 11 60 266 1855 133 23 156 53 20 73 229 1856 146 29 175 44 9 53 228 1857 171 37 208 43 18 61 269 1858 230 33 263 61 19 80 343 —————————————————————————————— 2950 418 3368 1530 523 2053 5421 ——————————————————————————————

*2 months, 11 days. 0019 19

If we compare the aggregate number of colored persons convicted in each three years, we will find a gradual decrease amounting to near one-half in twenty years, whilst on the side of the whites, as will be seen from the above list, there has been a considerable increase.

Colored persons convicted in 1835, 36, 37, (21/4 years), - 339 “ “ “ 1838, 39, 40, - - - - - -382 “ “ “ 1841, 42, 43, - - - - - -292 “ “ “ 1844, 45, 46, - - - - - -224 “ “ “ 1847, 48, 49, - - - - - -217 “ “ “ 1850, 51, 52, - - - - - -198 “ “ “ 1853, 54, 55, - - - - - -207 “ “ “ 1856, 57, 58, - - - - - -194

If the year 1836, with its 133 colored convicts, be contrasted with 1856, having 53 convicts; 1837 and its 130 colored prisoners, with 1857 with 61, or 1839 numbering 146 convicts to 1858 with only 80, the improvement will be more strikingly manifest.

In the years 1836, 37 and 38, the total number of convicts was 837, of whom the colored formed 45 76/100 per cent., whilst in 1856, 57 and 58, we find 840 convicts, (about the same number,) of whom the colored portion amounts to 23 9/100 per cent.

The following table exhibits the character of the crimes of which the colored people are convicted, embracing a period of 11 years, ending 12th month 31st, 1858. It will be found that the crimes of larceny, burglary, horse-stealing and receiving stolen goods, together amount to 92 16/100 per cent. of the whole, leaving 7 84/100 per cent. for all other crimes, and that larceny alone constitutes 88 78/100 per cent.

CRIMES OF THE COLORED CONVICTS IN MOYAMENSING PRISON. Tot- 1848.1849. 1850.1851. 1852.1853. 1854.1855. 1856.1857. 1858. al. CRIMES M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F Assault and Battery, with intent to kill. 2 1 3 1 4 1 2 1 2 18 Bigamy.. 1 1 Passing Counter- feit Money... 1 1 1 1 4 Larceny.43 16 58 8 27 10 49 11 62 13 52 12 41 10 47 17 40 8 41 17 56 19 657 Malici- ous Mischief 1 1 2 Arson.. 1 1 Burglary 7 3 2 1 2 1 16 Misdem- eanor.. 2 4 2 4 1 3 3 1 1 21 Riot... 1 2 1 4 Carry- ing Con- cealed Weapons. 1 1 1 3 Mayhem.. 1 1 Receiv- ing Stolen Goods.. 3 1 2 1 1 8 Adult- ery.. 1 1 Horse Steal- ing.. 1 1 —————————————————————————————————- 46 18 67 8 35 10 54 15 71 13 57 17 49 11 53 20 44 8 43 18 61 19 738

0021 20

The degree of the crimes may be judged from the following statement of the terms of sentences of these colored persons: TERM OF SENTENCES MALES FEMALES TOTAL PERCENT Under Six Months, . 260 68 328 44.32 Over Six Months, . . 118 41 159 21.49 One Year and over, . 153 43 196 26.46 Two Years and over . 32 5 37 5. Three Years and over 17 1 18 2.43 Murder, . . 2 2 .27 ______ ______ ______ ______ 582 158 740 100.

EASTERN PENITENTIARY. By reports of the Inspectors of the Eastern Penitentiary, we find that the numbers admitted therein during the several years since 1835, are as stated in the following table:

Whites Colored Total Males. Females. Total. Males. Females. Total. both colors. 1836 81 3 84 51 8 59 143 1827 100 1 101 58 2 60 161 1838 109 6 115 55 8 63 178 1839 96 3 99 65 15 80 179 1840 86 2 88 46 5 51 139 1841 82 1 83 37 6 43 126 1842 99 3 102 40 40 142 1843 111 2 113 38 5 43 156 1844 99 7 106 27 5 32 138 1845 109 6 115 22 6 28 143 1846 87 3 90 23 4 27 117 1847 85 1 86 33 5 38 124 1848 86 2 88 30 3 33 121 1849 101 2 103 23 2 25 128 1850 111 5 116 29 5 34 15 1851 110 12 122 19 6 25 147 1852 109 4 113 12 1 13 126 1853 101 5 106 10 1 11 117 1854 99 2 101 20 3 23 124 1855 115 11 126 19 1 20 146 1856 118 9 127 17 2 19 146 1857 191 8 199 31 7 38 237 1858 172 3 175 29 3 32 207

From this table we have the following comparison between periods 10 years apart: In this year 1836, '37 and '38, number of colored convicts, 182 Bearing to the whole number the percentage, - - - - - - - 37.76 0021 21In 1846, '47 and '48, numbered of colored convicts, - - 98 Per centage of whole number, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27.07 In 1856, '57 and '58, number of colored convicts, - - - - - - 89 Percentage of whole, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15.08

We here see that in 20 years the number of convicts has decreased one-half, whilst the per centage is nearly two-thirds less. This includes the convicts from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. We now present the number of convicts from Philadelphia County during the last five years ending 12th mo. 31st, 1858.

White Convicts Colored Convicts Total Men. Women. Total. Per cent. Men. Women.Total. Percent. both colors 1854 46 1 47 77.05 11 3 14 22.95 61 1855 62 5 67 83.75 12 1 13 16.25 80 1856 56 6 62 87.32 7 2 9 12.68 71 1857 74 7 81 76.40 21 4 25 23.60 106 1858 46 2 48 90.57 4 1 5 9.43 53 —— —- —— ———- —— —- —— ——— ——- 284 21 305 82.21 55 11 66 17.79 371

It will be noticed that whilst the number of colored offenders has evidently decreased the whites have increased, so that the comparative percentage of the two colors are, in 1854, 77.05 to 22.95, whilst in 1858 it is 90.56 to 9.44.

This relative change will be more apparent when we compare it with the years 1848, '49 and '50.

White Convicts Colored Convicts Total Males. Females. Total. Per Males. Females. Total. Per Both cent. cent. colors. 1848 34 34 85. 6 6 15. 40 1849 32 2 34 77.27 8 2 10 22.73 44 1850 34 4 38 64.41 17 4 21 35.59 59 ——- —- ——- ———- —— —- —- ———- —— 106 74.13 37 25.87 143

The whites in these three years were 74.13 per cent. colored “ “ “ “ 25.87 “ In the three years 1856, 57, and 58 “ “ “ the whites were 83.04 “ “ “ “ colored “ 16.96 “

Thus showing a manifest improvement compared with the whites in the last eleven years.

If we add together the Philadelphia convicts, both in the Penitentiary and Moyamensing prison, we have the following result: White. Colored. 0022 221848,49, and 50, Moyamensing, - 307 184 “ “ Penitentiary - 106 37 ——- ——— 413 221 Being 65.09 per cent. for whites, 34.91 per cent. for colored, whilst 1856, 57 and 58 gives: White. Colored. Moyamensing - 646 194 Penitentiary - 191 39 ———- ——— 833 233 Which gives 78.22 per cent. for whites, 21.78 for colored. The crimes of which the colored convicts in the Penitentiary were convicted, during the last five years, are given below. Year. Lar- Ars- Attem- High- Burg- Burg- Man- Assault Mis- Rob- To- ceny on. pt to way lary. lary slaugh- and Bat- deme- bery.tal. pois- Rob- and er. tery anor. on. bery. Lar- with ceny. intent to kill. 1854 4 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 14 1855 11 2 13 1856 5 1 1 1 1 9 1857 21 1 2 1 25 1858 1 1 1 2 5 —— —- —- —- ——- —— ——- ——- —— —— —— 42 3 1 1 9 2 3 2 1 2 66

We have find Larceny, Burglary, Highway Robbery, and Robbery constitutes 84.84 per cent. of the whole criminal, not quite so large a portion as that shown by Moyamensing Prison, which was 92.16 per cent.

The table below gives the sentences of colored prisoners from Philadelphia for five years.; YEARS. 9 1 14 15 16 18 2 26 21/2 23/4 3 31/2 4 5 To- mo- ye- mo- mo- mo- mo- ye- mo- ye- ye- ye- ye- ye- ye-tal nths ar nths nths nths nts ars nths ars ars ars ars ars ars 1854 3 6 3 2 14 1855 1 6 2 2 1 1 13 1856 5 1 2 1 9 1857 9 1 3 1 4 1 1 2 1 2 25 1858 1 2 1 1 5 * —- —- —- —- —- —- —- —- —- —- —— —- —- —- —- 1 21 1 5 2 7 11 1 2 1 8 1 1 4 66

*This person convicted in 1858 of burglary, and sentenced to five years, was received 4th month 19th, and discharged on habeas corpus, 5th month 17th, having been proved innocent. 0023 23

Of these 66 prisoners, 38 were convicted for the first time, 18 for the second time, and the remaining 10 three or more times. Their general habits are classified thus: Abstainers 8 Moderate drinkers .28 Sometimes intoxicated 21 Often intoxicated : 9 which would justify us in asserting that 88 per cent of the crimes committed by them are the result, directly or indirectly, of the use of intoxicating drinks. That this is rather below than above the true figures may well be inferred, when we consider the large number of taverns and grog shops many of which are unlicensed, to be found in those sections which are largely inhabited by colored persons. It is stated that in the Third and Fourth Wards alone there are 374 places where liquor is sold, and allowing an addition for part of Fifth and Seventh Wards, we may safely conclude there are 450 to 500 liquor venders in that section of the city. It would be unreasonable to expect that a portion of the community against whom there exists such an unrelenting prejudice, and who are deprived of it the civil and social privileges accorded to other classes, should be free from the commission of crimes which are inseparable from the evil associations by which they are surrounded.

The percentage of those who abstained from intoxicating drinks in the Penitentiary at the close of the years 1856, 1857 and 1858 respectively, was 3.02, 1.50 and 2.23 per cent. of the whole number of prisoners, which goes to confirm our belief that the percentage above given is less than the actual state of the case.

Regarding the natives of these 66 prisoners, we find that 37 were born in Pennsylvania, 8 in other Free States, 19 in Southern States, and 2 in the West Indies.

HOUSE OF REFUGE This Institution is intended rather to prevent than a punish crime, ye yet since some are committed to its care who otherwise would be lodged in prison, it would seem proper to notice it here, although the colored department having so recently been organized, a comparison with the white inmates can hardly be instituted.

During the last five years there were received into it, exclusive of those returned after escape or indenture, 1955 youths of whom 417 were colored, which gives us 21.33 per cent. for the colored against 78.67 per cent. for the whites. 0024 24Of this number there were received from Philadelphia 1768,—1385 of whom were white and 383 colored, giving the percentage 78.34 for white and 21.66 per cent. for colored. Of the commitments 100 were made by the courts of Philadelphia, 72 being whites and 28 colored. The commitments of whites by court, are to the whole number from Philadelphia 4.07 per cent., whilst those of the colored are 1.58 per cent.

The number of commitments to the white department has increased from 534 in the five years from 1836 to 1840, to 1955, in the five years ending 1858.

Of the colored youth received during the past five years, the nativities of 303 were ascertained, of whom 41 or 13.20 per cent. were born in the southern States and West Indies.