Seventy-four "sundry inhabitants in the County of Nansemond, on the south side of the Nansemond River, Residing within the ancient & well known Bounds of Yates free school" represent that donations by several individuals were made in land, money and slaves for the support of the poor and the support of a free school, with the benefits accruing to all residents living within the bounds. Management of the property, as directed by the testators, was placed in the hands of the vestry or trustees of the Episcopal Church. But, the petitioners contend, when the testators made their donations, they had no idea that the "Great Revolution in church as well as state" would defeat their intent of general public benefit. As it stands now, the petitioners explain, only a small number of residents are members of the Episcopal Church and there are many other different religious affiliations within the covered area. The result is that the trustees of the donated property are selected by only one tenth of the affected population and the majority has no say in who controls the management of the property. The petitioners therefore pray that a law be enacted providing that all the male persons of lawful age residing within the bounds of the donations be allowed to vote for the selection of twelve men to act as trustees "for the management and ditribution of property donations relating to schools and the poor."
Result: Reported.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
