Donation of Abiel Smith to the Town of Boston

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This document shows the records of the Selectmen of Boston who kept track of the dispersal of Abiel Smith’s fund for the education and upkeep of schoolrooms for African American children. In 1815, Abiel Smith bequeathed $4,000 for “the maintenance & support of a school or schools…for the instruction of people of color…”

Questions to Consider

1. What kinds of expenses did Abiel Smith’s funds pay for?
2. What do these records tell us about 19th century schooling in Boston?