Martin Academy (Kennett Square, Pa.)

The Martin Academy was a Hicksite Quaker school established in 1880 by a bequest of Samuel Martin (1802-1880) for the purpose of affording the children of Friends and others a thorough and guarded eucation at a small cost. The building and grounds of the Martin Academy adjoined the grounds of Kennett Square Friends' meeting house, and the school probably was founded about 1875. Upon the death of Samuel Martin in 1880, under the terms of his will, Kennett Monthly Meeting assumed charged of the school. The Board of Trustees was appointed by this meeting on 3rd of 8th mo. 1880 to “have charge of the property and fund donated by the late Samuel Martin to Kennett Monthly Meeting of Friends and to assume such other responsibilities incurred thereby as designated in his Will.” These Trustees made frequent reports at first and then reports were submitted to the Monthly Meeting once a year giving number of students, teachers, financial situation, and other pertinent facts. In 1910 it was decided to close the school and to use the Samuel Martin educational fund “to assist the children of Friends and other worthy people in obtaining an education.”

In the influenza epidemic of 1918, the school building was used as an emergency hospital. The property was sold in 1921, and the proceeds were added to the original fund which was distributed by trustees appointed by the meeting until 1931 when the final statement of the Distributing Committee of the Martin School Fund was received by the meeting.