As seen in preceding chapters, there had been notable indications for many years of Williamson's peculiar interest in charitable efforts for boys and girls. Foreign institutions of that sort had greatly appealed to him while abroad, before he was forty, and all through his bachelor life these feelings seem to have gathered power. It has been noted how the Lincoln Institution for soldiers' orphans was one of the first benevolences to which he contributed largely. Other asylums and educational institutions for children later received his substantial aid. In the management of some of them he bore an active part. In the work of the Educational Home for Boys, for instance, he was a member of the Board of Council, a body of representative men giving counsel and aid to the Board of Managers, all of whom were women; and when it was proposed to start a girls' department of the same institution, he became a member of the committee appointed to received contributions to that end. He was a member, also, of the Board of Trustees of the Union School and Children's Home. These and other official duties were quite likely to have increased his knowledge of the need and intensified his feeling; but to go deeper, they were really varied forms of expression of a feeling that had existed for years, of which one of the latest and most expressive was his study of the House of Refuge conditions and his gift to it of $105,000 during the last year of his life.
There is abundant evidence, also, that boys who were dependent on themselves were always especially on his mind. Mr. Helmbold says that he often revealed his deep interest in them by some sudden exclamation like this: "I see so many boys on the street! I think if they had better opportunities they might make good men!" And to a reporter of the Philadelphia Times he said: "It was seeing boys, ragged and barefooted, playing or lounging about the streets, growing up with no education, no trade, no idea of usefulness, that caused me to think of founding a school where every boy could be taught some trade free of expense." He talked with his intimate friends—Mr. Lewis, Mr. Ludwig, Mr. Wanamaker and others—about "the boys" many times, often with emotion that was near to tears.
And he was equally emphatic in his oft-expressed opinion that the abolition of the apprentice system was one of the greatest mistakes of contemporary society.
The thought of founding some sort of an institution for boys came as early as "the fifties" into his mind. Any doubt on this score would disappear after reading the brief preamble to the Foundation Deed presented to the Trustees of the Free School of Mechanical Trades, December 1, 1888. Four times within a few paragraphs he asserts and reasserts this fact:
"The subject of the training and education of youth to habits of industry and economy, and the importance of their learning trades, so that they may be able to earn their living by the labor of their hands, has for a long time received my careful attention."—"For nearly thirty years I have carefully considered this subject, with the intention at the proper time of founding and endowing a free institution."—"The time has now arrived at which I can put my long cherished intention into effect, and devote and dedicate to the object a sufficient fund out of means which have been saved and accumulated for the purpose."—"Now, know all men by these presents, that I, Isaiah V. Williamson, of the City of Philadelphia, merchant, in order to carry out the object I so long have had in view, in the hope of supplying a long-felt want in the community, and with this intention and design of founding and endowing in perpetuity an institution to be known as 'The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades,' and hereinafter designated as the School, do hereby make, constitute, and appoint my friends, John Baird, James C. Brooks, Lemuel Coffin, Edward Longstreth, William C. Ludwig, Henry C. Townsend, and John Wanamaker, the Trustees."
It seems that Williamson's thought, at one time, had been to provide for such a school by will, to be organized after his death; and to that end Mr. Helmbold made a "first rough draft" of a codicil, the manuscript of which he has preserved. It bears marks of dictation, with some of Williamson's characteristic forms of expression. Here we find his scheme in its formative stage, only partly worked out, but of much the same nature as the well rounded-out foundation deed into which it developed. He uses the term "managers" instead of the later "trustees." His opening paragraph raises a complaint afterwards omitted, regarding trades unions: "The subject of the proper training and education of the young to habits of economy and industry, whereby they shall become self-sustaining, has received my careful attention; and the unwarrantable position taken to some extent by Trades Unions and other Labor organizations in regard to apprenticeships—assuming as they do, arbitrarily, to control and limit the number that shall be admitted to learn a trade—is fraught with great danger to the community, in compelling the young to grow up in habits of idleness, leading at times to vice and crime."
Three features of the manuscript notes, however, are of special interest, showing that Williamson then entertained the idea of an institution for both sexes, the girls to be trained, among other things, in cooking and all forms of plain housekeeping; that the title then in mind was the "Institute (or School) for the Mental and Industrial Education of the Young"; and that four million dollars was the amount he was first planning to bequeath, the institution to be "organized as soon as practicable" after his death.
But gradually, as Williamson revolved his great purpose after the cautious manner of years, looking at it repeatedly from all sides, the desire grew upon him to get the scheme started in his lifetime. The counsel of some of his friends confirmed him in this. His attorney, Franklin B. Gowen, formerly President of the Reading Railroad, and a friend in whose judgment he had the greatest confidence—was one of those who urged him not to wait, arguing among other things that if he carried out his purpose while living a collateral inheritance tax would be saved. And there were the examples of other men, either as warning or inspiration—the long controversy over the will of Samuel J. Tilden, illustrating with peculiar force the old story of the uncertainty of bequests; or the experience of Peter Cooper, on the other hand, who for years had the pleasure of seeing Cooper Institute thronged with young men and women who were being fitted, through his bounty, for lives of useful industry. Men before Isaiah Williamson, and men who have come after him, have distributed a large part of their wealth while living; and who can say that his example may not have played some part in shaping the later policy of such men as Andrew Carnegie, with his free libraries scattered all over the land; of Anthony J. Drexel, with the Drexel Institute of West Philadelphia; of P. A. B. Widener, with the Home for Crippled Children, on Old York Road; of Jacob Tome, with the splendid school since located at Port Deposit, Maryland; and of others like them, far and near.
Mr. Helmbold, in consequence of his close relation to Isaiah Williamson as private secretary, knew something of the mental process that had gone on, and of the changed decision in favor of a life-time foundation. Realizing also, more than those who were not in hourly contact with him, his increasing feebleness, the secretary's fear was that it might be put off, until it was too late, and for a year or more, so far as he felt at liberty to do so, he had been urging the aged philanthropist to immediate action of some sort. One day, scarcely half a year before his death, Williamson returned to the office enfeebled after a slight illness, and brought up the subject again, asking his secretary:
"Who do you think would be a good man to take up his matter?"
Mr. Helmbold's relief can be imagined. As he expressed it: "I jumped at anybody." Various names were mentioned, showing how definitely that Williamson had been thinking. But the imperative thing was to get the project going at once.
From that time it was pushed forward with all speed. Within a few weeks the trustees were selected and their consent to serve gained; the two millions of securities were picked out; and the foundation deed was drawn up in all its minute details. This paper, however, bears no marks of haste. Any intelligent man, reading it for the first time, must confess that it is an extraordinary document, striking out here and there on new lines, with nothing similar for a pattern. Aside from legal phraseology that the attorney necessarily gave to it in its final form, the individuality of the donor stamps it throughout, in processes of thought, forms of expression, and completeness of detail. In its original pamphlet form it fills some thirty octavo pages. Following the preamble stating its purpose, the name of the school, the appointment of the trustees and the fiscal trustee—(the Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities), is a schedule of the securities transferred, capital and preferred stocks in banks, railroads and navigation companies, insurance and industrial companies, having a par value of $1,596,000, and later appraised at about $2,100,000; directions are then given for that appraisement at their market value, and a division of the total sum into two parts, one-fifth for a building fund and four-fifths for an endowment fund, the securities "most readily and advantageously salable" to be set aside for the building fund; also regarding the use and investment of those funds, and of accretions by income or future bequests; the purchase of a site, and the erection and outfitting of buildings for the school; the employment of teachers and helpers; the conditions of admission of scholars, and their obligations, care, training, discipline, and records of achievement after leaving the school; closing with provisions for public annual reports of " the operations " of the school, for filling vacancies in the Board of Trustees, and for incorporation if so desired. The core of this document, however—its peculiar and original feature—is of course the part which outlines the nature of the School, as follows:
"C. I direct that the said School shall be known and designated as 'The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades.'
"D. The Trustees shall employ from time to time, at proper compensation to be fixed and established by the Trustees, competent officers, teachers, instructors, agents, mechanics, workmen, and servants to take charge of the said School, and to feed, clothe, educate, and instruct in trades as hereinafter provided all who may be admitted as scholars to the School.
"E. When the School is prepared to receive scholars the Trustees shall from time to time receive and admit to the School as scholars as many able-bodied and healthy young male persons of good moral character, of such ages between sixteen and eighteen years, as may from time to time be determined by the Trustees, as in the opinion of the Trustees the extent, capacity, and income of the School will provide for. Preference shall be given, in the admission of scholars: First, to those born in the city of Philadelphia; second, to those born in the county of Bucks, State of Pennsylvania; third, to those born in Montgomery or Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania; fourth, to those born elsewhere in Pennsylvania; fifth, to those born in the State of New Jersey; sixth, to those born elsewhere in the United States. And in all cases, other things being equal, in the order of preference, the preference shall always be given to the poor. But I especially direct that no scholar who has been properly admitted with reference to the order of preference, shall thereafter be displaced to make way for any later or subsequent applicant who may be higher in the order of preference hereinabove directed to be observed. And the decision of the Trustees as to the number of scholars to be admitted, and as to the conflicting claims of any or all rival candidates for admission, shall be final and conclusive upon all parties. All scholars admitted to the School shall be bound as indentured apprentices to the Trustees, by their parents or guardians or other competent authority, for such respective periods as the Trustees may from time to time determine: Provided, That no indenture shall be for less than three years nor extend beyond the minority of the scholar.
"F. All scholars admitted to the School shall be fed with good, wholesome food; plainly, neatly, and comfortably clad, and decently and fitly housed and lodged. They shall also, if in the opinion of the Trustees they have not been sufficiently educated before their admission, be thoroughly instructed and grounded in the rudiments of a good common-school English education, embracing spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, history, particularly of the United States, and also such of the natural and physical sciences and lower mathematics as in the opinion of the Trustees it may be important for them to acquire, to fit themselves for the trades they are to learn. In describing this course of English education I do not intend to make it obligatory that all the branches I have named shall be taught, or that those not named shall be excluded, nor do I intend that any one fixed or established course shall be taken by all the scholars, I leave all this to the discretion of the Trustees, but I request that they shall at all times bear in mind the fact that the main object I have in view is to train young men to mechanical trades, so that they may earn their own living, and that while the acquisition of any branches of an English education which may be of aid to them in their several trades is necessary and important, any higher or advanced knowledge which might render them dissatisfied with or unfit for their employments is unnecessary and may be disadvantageous. I expressly direct that each and every scholar shall be compelled to learn and be thoroughly instructed in one good mechanical trade, so that when they leave the School on the completion of their indentures they may be able to support themselves by the labor of their own hands.
"I leave to the discretion of the Trustees the selection of the several kinds of mechanical trades to be taught, and the determination of the particular one that shall be taught to and acquired by each scholar, but I particularly desire that the taste, capacity, intelligence, and adaptability of each scholar be ascertained and considered before assigning him to any particular trade. Among the trades which may be taught are those of baker, blacksmith, bricklayer, butcher, cabinet-maker, car-builder, carpenter, carriage-maker, coppersmith, the crafts of constructing, managing, and repairing electrical appliances and apparatus, foundryman, gas-fitter, gold-beater, harness-maker, hatter, locksmith, machinist, marble-mason, moulder, painter, paper-hanger, pattern-maker, plasterer, plumber, printer, saddler, shoemaker, steam engineer, slater, stone-cutter, stonemason, tailor, tinsmith, tiler, turner, wheelwright, and many others. In mentioning these several trades I do not intend to make it obligatory upon the Trustees to teach all of them, nor do I intend to exclude any of those which are not mentioned, and I authorize the Trustees to the extent that the cultivation, care, and adornment of the lands and grounds connected with the School will admit, to instruct such of the scholars as show taste and capacity for the occupation, in the art of farming and gardening, or either.
"I desire and direct that the moral and religious training of the scholars shall be properly looked after and cared for by the Trustees, but that there be no attempt by the Trustees at proselytism among the scholars, and no favoritism shown by the Trustees to any particular sect or creed. I especially direct that each scholar shall be taught to speak the truth at all times, and I particularly direct and charge as an imperative duty upon the Trustees that each and every scholar shall be thoroughly trained in habits of frugality, economy, and industry, as above all others the one great lesson which I desire to have impressed upon every scholar and inmate of the, School is that in this country every able-bodied, healthy young man who has learned a good mechanical trade, and is truthful, honest, frugal, temperate, and industrious, is certain to succeed in life, and to become a useful and respected member of society.
"I desire and direct that the physical training of the scholars shall be carefully attended to, that they shall have proper exercise and recreation, so that so far as such a result can be brought about by training and care, each one may grow up with a sound mind in a sound body.
"I direct that the boarding, lodging, clothing, education, instruction in trades, and all other advantages to be derived by the scholars under this deed, shall in all respects be gratuitous, and that under no circumstances shall any charge be made to any scholar for the same, or any fees, rewards, or other compensations be accepted by the Trustees from or on account of any scholar.
"G. If, in the opinion of the Trustees, any scholar should become incompetent to learn or master a trade, or become intractable or insubordinate, or be guilty of vice or crime, he may be expelled from the School by the Trustees, and I direct that all indentures shall be so drawn as to permit this to be done. I particularly direct that the decision of the Trustees as to whether a scholar deserves expulsion under this article G shall be final and conclusive upon the subject. And I further direct that the Trustees, by and with the consent of the other party to any indenture, and of the scholar, may cancel the indentures of any scholar for any reason which in the judgment of the Trustees is good and sufficient.
"H. All scholars who have not been previously expelled, or whose indentures have not been canceled as provided for in article G shall leave the institution as scholars and cease to be the recipients of its benefits on the completion of the periods of their several indentures. But nothing in this article contained shall be construed to prevent the Trustees from employing as agents, teachers, instructors, workmen, or in any capacity, any scholar who has served his full time in the School and has left the same with a good character. And the Trustees may in their discretion provide for such a system of money premiums and rewards dependent upon good character and proficiency as shall enable those of the scholars entitled to its benefits to receive from the Trustees, when they leave the School at the full expiration of their indentures, a sum of money not exceeding in the aggregate fifty dollars to any one scholar, which sum of money shall be paid by the Trustees out of any of the moneys received by them as income of the School."
Aside from the deed of trust Isaiah Williamson repeatedly expressed his views, less formally but no less clearly, by letter or in conversation. In a letter dated December 13, a copy of which was sent to each Trustee, the founder said: "I have thought it proper and fitting that, at the beginning of the undertaking, I should bring to your attention my own views about the details of the establishment and the management of the School, and submit for your consideration some suggestions of my own, which have been the result of patient and careful consideration of the subject which is now committed to your hands." He then mentions his preferences in regard to a site; suggests that it would be well not to bother themselves about the question of buildings until the location has been finally chosen; advocates the "Home Life" method for the School; suggests that farm buildings on whatever property purchased should be utilized, if possible; and the boys might be set at work at once, making bricks or quarry stone on the place, for new buildings; that the erection of a large central building with lecture rooms and the like, might be deferred "until it is demonstrated that the School will be a success, and until the number of inmates is sufficient to justify the expenditure"; and gives his opinion that it would be well to locate the School near some flourishing village or town, where the boys could attend churches of different denominations, according to their preferences. "I have prepared this letter," he says in conclusion, "with no intention of controlling your own judgments upon the various matters touched upon." The reasons he gives for the "Home Life" idea are of special interest:
"I am decidedly in favor of what is called 'Home Life,' as distinguished from that of one large institution; and, from all I have read and reflected upon the subject, I think the advantages of the former System are as follows:
"1. The boys will be under better moral control by being inmates of small homes and having the advantages of home life.
"2. It avoids the necessity of large structures, and the consequent temptation to erect imposing buildings and make an architectural display.
"3. It enables you to feel your way, and to provide from time to time only such buildings as can readily be filled by scholars; whereas, if the other plan of one large institute is adopted, there might be a much larger expenditure made than could actually be required for those who apply for admission."
The seven trustees chosen by Williamson were not only men of demonstrated ability in large affairs, but belonged to his circle of friends.
John Baird was a successful and wealthy marble merchant, who had begun with hard work, polishing marble by his own toil in the cellar of his building on Ridge Avenue, and had a wide practical knowledge of the field of mechanical trades. At this time he was President of the City Bank.
James C. Brooks, as president of the Southwark Foundry and Machine Company, also contributed a valuable technical knowledge. Though the youngest man on the Board—forty-five at that time—he had had large experience as an iron-worker, was known for remarkable executive ability, and was an intimate friend of Longstreth as well as of Williamson.
With Lemuel Coffin, Williamson had close business relations in the early days of the drygoods business, his great abilities eventually admitting him to partnership in the firm that had been Williamson, Burroughs & Company; and at this time he was head of the drygoods firm of Coffin, Altemus & Company, a vestryman of Holy Trinity Church, and devoted to church work.
Edward Longstreth's acquaintance with Williamson had not been so long as that of the other trustees, but he was a special friend of Mr. E. Y. Townsend, through whose recommendation and influence he consented to serve. He had a machine-shop experience to contribute, from the time he started as an apprentice in the Baldwin Locomotive Works until he became the General Manager and a partner—on physician's order retiring in middle life, with a fortune.
William C. Ludwig, as already noted, had been closely associated with Williamson for many years in charitable work; also in business in former years, and on the corporation boards of various railroads. He began life as a compositor on a newspaper in Reading, where he was born. Like Williamson, on attaining his majority, he went to Philadelphia, started in drygoods on Third Street, and retired with a fortune at about the end of the Civil War. Later he busied himself in various banking, insurance and railroad enterprises. In social intercourse, or summer outings at Bryn Mawr and elsewhere, they had often talked over the scheme of the industrial school, Ludwig making many valuable suggestions.
The only lawyer on the board was Henry C. Townsend. His brother, E. Y. Townsend, of the Cambria Iron Company, was one of Williamson's longest and closet friends, and he himself had for many years enjoyed his friendship and confidence. He was a man of the quiet sort, rarely seen in Court, having a lucrative law practice in administering large estates, and thoroughly conversant with the real estate business, knowledge which proved most valuable in the future work of the board.
John Wanamaker had for years been closely attached to Isaiah Williamson. A strong affection had gradually developed between the older and the younger man, revealing mutual humor, and sympathetic points of view, especially regarding efforts in behalf of "the boys." The subject of industrial schools for boys was the occasion of many and long conferences together. His confidence in Wanamaker showed itself in more ways than one. Sometimes when they sat together at some board meeting or public assembly, he would whisper: "Thee will speak for me, as well as for thyself, John, at this meeting."
A preliminary meeting of the Trustees was called for November 24, 1888, in this form:
"A Meeting of the Trustees to be appointed under the Deed of Trust from I. V. Williamson, founding and endowing the Williamson Free School, will be held at the office of the Cambria Iron Company, South Fourth Street, on Saturday the 24th of November. You, having kindly consented to act as one of such Trustees, are requested to be present at that meeting."
This meeting was mainly devoted to an informal discussion of the donor's plans, and some slight changes in the proposed deed of trust were suggested.
The red-letter day, however, was December 1, 1888, when the Trustees met again with Isaiah Williamson, at the office of the Cambria Iron Company, to accept the foundation deed and sign its conditions. The old man had to be wheeled in from his carriage in a rolling chair, but his spirit was alert and joyful. Mr. Gowen and Mr. Helmbold were also present. John Wanamaker presided at the opening, though declining a nomination as permanent president. Upon the formal organization of the board, Mr. Baird was chosen president, Mr. Brooks treasurer, and, according to Mr. Williamson's suggestion in the deed, Mr. Helmbold was selected as secretary. Mr. Gowen read the deed, Mr. Williamson's plans were freely discussed, the necessary papers were signed, and the deed was ordered printed for the use of the Trustees and for limited circulation.
Reports of this meeting of course appeared at once in the city papers, and the news went around the world. A few days later the Foundation deed, also, was printed in full in the daily papers. With scarcely an exception the newspaper reports and editorial comments were full of appreciation and praise for the philanthropist, both for the greatness of the idea and for his purpose to get it partly realized, at least, while living. Here and there, however, a discordant note was heard. Some of the Trades Union people were at first inclined to criticize the apprenticeship features, as was to be expected. One editorial writer asked indignantly why Isaiah Williamson proposed "to spend all his money upon big, strapping boys, and let the poor delicate girls take care of themselves"; suggested that it was questionable whether Girard College had really been a benefit to those raised and educated in it; and predicted that "Williamson's institution" would become "a great pauper factory instead of a place where boys could be taught to fight the battle of life successfully." Some thought it would be a great mistake to locate such a school out in the country, and that it should be in the city at the very center of industrial enterprises. Others hailed the quiet, shy, reticent little man as one of the greatest philanthropists and benefactors of the race, to be named with such men as Astor, Cooper, Girard, and Peabody.
The leading journals of other cities all over the country added their tribute of praise. The New York Tribune's editorial ended in this way: "The gift is as sensible as it is magnificent. It is at least open to doubt whether the man who makes two colleges stand where one was enough before has rendered a real service; but a school like this will fill a great want, and is a sign of a wise reaction. The venerable man who lightens up his closing years with an act of such splendid magnificence may take some pleasure in the thought that he has illustrated the existence of the purest motives that can guide the human soul, and has helped to give men a better opinion of mankind." The New York Sun, assuming that the total gift to the School would eventually be from five to fifteen millions, said: "There never was anything in the Girard bequest; at its lowest figures it is fitting, therefore, that there should be nothing in history like Mr. Williamson's vast gift. It surpasses in magnitude the aggregate benefactions of Peabody; it exceeds the magnificent Girard bequest; at its lowest figures it is larger than the entire endowment of Harvard, Yale or Columbia; and at its largest limit it equals the combined wealth of these three great universities. Yet, with characteristic modesty, the donor calls his institution a School. Such figures stagger the imagination. Only two gifts in human history stand in the same rank. One is the application by Senator Leland Stanford of $22,000,000 of his fabulous wealth to found a university; and the other is the gift of 50,000,000 francs, or $10,000,000, by Baron Hirsch, the great Vienna banker, in aid of the Hebrew charities of Europe."
While these comments were based on too large an assumption, it is a fair indication of the approval expressed throughout the nation at that time.