The State Constitution of 1790 only suggested that the
"legislature shall, as soon as conveniently may be, provide by
law for the establishment of schools throughout the State, in
such a manner that the poor may be taught gratis"; the
Constitution of 1838 repeated the suggestion and the various laws
which the legislature passed in regard to education were not
enforded. Consequently, with few exceptions, only the
children of parents who were willing and able to pay attened
school, and the amount of time spent there depended upon the
individual family.
