 Joseph Smith taught classical studies in his college, called "The Study" at Buffalo

Largely resulting from the lobbying efforts of Reverend McMillan and two of his elders, Judge James Allison and Judge John McDowell, Washington Academy was chartered by the Pennsylvania General Assembly on September 24, 1787, providing for the "education of youths in useful arts, sciences and literature.The first members of the board of trustees included these three men, as well as Reverends Dod and Smith.The board quickly secured a land grant of north of the Ohio River and west of Allegheny River (present-day Beaver County) from the Secretary of the Land Office.