CHRONOLO GY
O F
SO CI ETY OF FRI ENDS
1 644 — 1 8 28
T N END B Y ALICE N . O W S
P ' B L I S H E D F O R T H E
, Y O ' NG F R I E N D S AS S O C I AT I O N O F P H I LA D E LP H I A B Y F R IEN D S ’ B O O ' ASS O CIATI O N
1 5TH AN D R AC E S T R E E TS 1 895 ’ O P Y R I G H T 1 895 B Y R I E ND S BO O ' ASS O C I AT I O N C , , F ,
P H I AD E LP H I A O F L . PREFACE .
THIS Chronology aims to bring together fa cts th a t h ave lain scattered over the pages o f V oluminous his
tories , and to present them in a form easy for reference .
’ ' ' ’
. a nne s S Samuel M J y History of Friends , ewel s
’ ' o f History , George Fox s Journal , The History m ' Friends in A erica , by James Bowden , and Luke
’ Yor ks hirema n Howard s Chronological Summary in the , have been the prime authorities .
o f o f This list dates and events , with the summaries
d an w t h e the perio s , forms outline hich History Com
’ m itt ee o f the Young Friends Association o f Phil a d e l phia hopes will prove acceptable to those interested in f th d the history o e Societyof Frien s .
A . N . T .
i'rst m th 1 8 95 F on . CHRON O LOGY O F
PE RIODS F R I E ND C ’ I flS TO RY)
I G 1 644—1 65 8 . BEGINNIN .
I ' 1 —1 I . 54 9 S 6 65 . E TEN ION ,
II I R A ' A 1 6 —1 6 8 . 9 60 . O G NI TION ,
' A 1 690—1 99 7 . CONTIN TION ,
1 80 0—1 82 8 . SS S V DI EN ION , . F SOCIETY O FRIENDS . 5
BEGINNING .
1 44—1 6 653 .
TH E beginning of the Society of Friends is considered
’ coincident with the beginning o f George Fox s public ministry , viz . , in the early forties of the seventeenth 1 65 1 century . Before his ministry was confined to the
h e midland counties of England , but late in that year 1 652 1 65 3 entered Yorkshire , and the years and were
n u spent by him in the orthern co nties . Great conv in c e ments attended his labors . Meetings were settled ov e r
h is all the north , and about sixty able ministers became
o f n coadj utors . A large proportion the most promi ent Friends of the first generation were convinced during these two years or a little later . C II RO NO LO G Y O F
on lu fib r u gg.
o f Birth George Fox at Drayton , Leicestershire . Period of greatest spi ritual distress to George
o u rne in s Fox . J y g and questionings .
Beginning of quickening in Leicestershire . B eg inn ' ng o f quickening in IVarwick shire
o f o ttin h am s h l r Beginning quickening in N g e .
o f Beginning quickening in Derbyshire . Beginning o f quickening in adj acent counties o f
middle England . Testimony o f blood o f Christ at a meeting of ' professors .
a nd Travels through Nottingham , Leicester
Derbyshire . Testimony o f true church at meeting o f several
sects at Leicester .
First imprisonment of George Fox , at Not
in h am t g . ff ’ Meetings at Sheri Reckless house . f Release rom prison . Elizabeth Hooten begins preaching in Notting
hamshire .
Arrest of George Fox at Derby . ’ Commitment to S ix months imprisonment in ' o f fo r house correction blasphemous opinions . Justice Bennet gives Fox and his followers the n ame Quakers .
o f ff o f Refusal o ers release . O F D SOCIETY FRIEN S . 7
Testimony against war , oaths , mismanagement
o f n prisons and death pe alty .
o f Release from prison beginning winter . S ff Journey through Leicestershire , ta ordshire
Lich fiel d (visit to ), Nottingham , Derby into
Yorkshire .
Winter in Yorkshire .
o f t Establishment mee ings in Yorkshire .
Entered Westmoreland early in spring .
Meeting at Firbank Chapel . Convincement o f
H o w il l Francis g , John Camm , John and Ann
Au dl an d d H ub b rth rn e o . , probably Richar n Meetings in Westmorela d .
Visit at Swarthmore Hall , Lancashire . Convincement of Margaret Fell and others o f
household . Imprisonment of James Nayl er and Francis l H o wgi l at Appleby . Attack on Friends at W a l ney Island and Ulver
stone . Warrant fo r Fox granted by Justices Sawrey and n Thompso . f Protection o Judge Fell and Colonel West .
Vindication of Fox at Lancaster assizes .
Meeting settled at Swarthmore .
Preaching by about twenty ministers .
Persecution in Westmoreland and Lancashire .
Long Parliament dissolved .
Visit of George Fox to Cumberland . CHRONOLOGY O F
Commitment to prison as blasphemer, heretic
and seducer at Carlisle . Visit o f James Parnel to George Fox in Carlisle
prison . Unavailing efforts for release by Anthony Pear
son and Justice Benson . f Release o George Fox .
n o f Some meeti gs settled in north England .
S r Journey through Westmoreland to wa thmore .
Return to Cumberland .
Journey through Durham , Northumberland and
Cumberland .
o f t Imprisonment Rober Widders at Carlisle .
o f General persecution Friends in North . G ’ reat increase in Friends meetings . — First public whipping of Friend s Mary Fisher
n and Elizabeth Williams , Cambridge, Engla d .
o f S Meetings held in south cotland . S O F S OCIETY FRIEND . 9
I I .
E' TENSION .
1 4—1 65 659 .
TH E six years beginning with 1 654 and ending with ’ 1 65 9 m ay be said to comprise the period O f the Society s 1 654 Extension . In Friendliness secured a foothold in S Ireland , cotland and Wales, while northern preachers, scattering over England , established several centres of infl uence in the eastern and southwestern parts of that
' 1 660 m eeti s were country . By ng settled over all Eng n land and Wales , the larger part of Irela d , and about
S a c half of cotland . This was also a period of foreign i it t v y . Friendly missionaries travelled across the con t inent , visited the Levant , and crossed the Atlantic to
cOl o nies the British in the West Indian islands, and the
North American Coast . As a result , meetings were settled in Hol land and some parts of Germany , in the
Barbadoes and adj acent islands, and in New England n Long Island , Maryland and Virgi ia . CHRONOLOGY O F
l O bruno ugg.
About sixty persons in ministry . ’ Introduction of Friends principles into Irel and
by William Edmundson .
o f H al h ead Visit Miles , Miles Bateman , and
James Lancas ter to north Ireland .
English Friends visit Scotland .
H alh ead Miles and James Lancaster in Glasgow ,
Stirling, Edinburgh , Dumfries .
Thomas Holmes and John Ap ' John minister in
Wales . John Stubbs refuses oath o f allegiance to Crom
well and leaves army . George Fox travels through midland counties
and visits Drayton . Arrested by Colonel Hacker near close of year
and sent to London . William Dewsbury preaches in Yorkshire and m idland . S ff George Whitehead labors in Norfolk and u olk .
Meetings held in London . Edward Burrough and Francis H o wgil l preach in London . John Camm and John Au d l and hold great out in door meetings Bristol .
Oxford visited by Elizabeth Fletcher , Elizabeth
Audl a nd Havens, John Camm and John
during the year . O F S SOCIETY FRIEND . 1 1
H al h ead Cambridge visited by Miles , James
Lancaster , James Parnel and George White
head .
H ub b erth o rn Richard imprisoned at Norwich . George Whiteh ead and James Lancaster im
prisoned at Norwich .
James Parnel imprisoned at Cambridge .
l h a Miles H a e d imprisoned at Berwick .
Riots in Bristol near close of year .
William Dewsbury imprisoned at York , and at
Northampton with others . n Ireland visited by Edward Burrough , Fra cis
H o w il l g , Elizabeth Fletcher and Elizabeth S mith .
Meetings settled in Dublin and south of Ireland . Burrough and H o wgil l sent to England by the
Lord . Deputy . William Edmundson and others preach in north
of Ireland . Barbara Bl angd o n arrives in Dublin and re
proves Deputy .
n John Stubbs and William Caton preach in Ke t .
Convincement of Samuel Fisher . N S ff George Whitehead continues in orfolk , u olk n a d Essex . James Parnel arrested at C oggesh al and impris n o ed in Colchester . George Whitehead and four others imprisoned
E m u nd sb u r in d y . CHRONOLOGY O F
Humphrey Smith and others imprisoned at h m E vers a .
Ambrose Rigge imprisoned in Southampton . Ann Au d l and imprisoned at Banbury f o . Ann Downer in house correction , London George Baily imprisoned at Newgate and Bride
well , London . i l Francis H o wg l has interview with Cromwell .
IVil l ia m S Caton and John tubbs visit Calais ,
France (in summer) .
i lia m IV l Caton and John Stubbs visit Holland . ’ George Fox s interview with Cromwell , begin f ning o year .
and o f Release , and travels in east , middle south
n E gland . George Fox arrested in Cornwall and imprisoned
at Launceston until Seventh month , O . S .
(September . n f Return to Lo don a ter release .
Interview with Cromwell .
Samuel Fisher has interview with Cromwell . Cromwell releases William Dewsbury and others
in Northampton . Cromwell releases George IVhit eh ead and others
E d m u n b u r in d s y . Cromwell releases Humphrey Smith in Evers
ham .
\Vill ia m Caton and John Stubbs ill ' treated a nd n imprisoned at Maidsto e .
B B l an d o n a n arbara g imprisoned in Irel d . F S OCIETY O FRIEND S . 1 3
Cruel sentence passed on George Whitehead in
Suffolk .
l er James Nay imprisoned at Exeter .
His famous entry into Bristol .
Na l er Cruel punishment of James y in London .
f Na l er Imprisonment o James y in Bridewell . f Death o John Camm .
Death of James Parnel in Colchester prison . William Caton and John Stubbs again visit Holland r Mary Fisher visits Ba badoes . Arrival Anne Austin and Mary Fisher in Bos
ton In summer .
Imprisonment of Anne Austin and Mary Fisher . S ent to Barbadoes . Arrival and banishment of eight more Friends
at Boston . t Passage of persecu ing law in Boston , Eighth m b . onth , O . S . (Octo er )
General meeting at Balby . Expostulation and banishment of Nicholas
Upsall from Massachusetts . ’ Elizabeth Harri s Introduces Friends books in
Virginia .
Thomas Loe travels in Ulster and M u nster . George Fox journeys over all Wales and part of S cotland .
B u rn t John yea imprisoned in Carlisle .
General persecution in England .
George Baily imprisoned in France . CHRONOLOGY O F
William Ames labors in Holland . m George Robinson goes on mission to Jerusale . Josiah Cole and Thomas Thurston arrive in Vir
ginia close o f year .
Robert Fowler builds ship , the Woodhouse , for
use of Friends . The Woodhouse brings eleven Friends to New
Amsterdam .
Short persecution in New Netherlands .
Arrival Anne Burden and Mary Dyer in Boston .
Friends visit Plymouth , Mass . Mary Clark and other Friends whipped an d
imprisoned in Boston . S Persecution in alem . n Passage of more severe persecuting law in Bosto ,
. S . Eighth month , O . ( October ) t f Toleran action o Rhode Island . General meeting at John Crooks ’ in Bedford
shire .
o f Convincement Isaac Penington .
B u rn eat S John y and Wm . Dewsbury visit cot
land .
a George Whitehead imprisoned t Ipswich . George Fox writes several epistles to Cromwell
concerning Friends . 3 September , death of Oliver Cromwell .
Cruel persecution in Massachusetts . Act of death penalty for returned Friends passed I n Boston . F 1 5 SOCIETY O FRIENDS .
Popular sympathy fo r sufferers in Boston and
Salem . m General eeting for discipline at Balby , York
S . shire, and kipton Brutal treatment of Friends by stu dents at O x
ford and Cambridge . Journey of Josiah Cole and Thomas Thurston
from Virginia to New England . Josiah Cole labors among Indians on Martha ’ s
Vineyard and in Plymouth .
Meetings settled in Virginia and Maryland .
William Ames travels in Germany .
John Stubbs and Samuel Fisher in Rome . Samuel Fisher and Edward Burrough visit Dun
kirk , France .
S n at William alt impriso ed Morlaix in France .
Christopher Birkhead imprisoned at Rochelle . In March banishment of several Friends fro m
Boston .
. S . Eighth month , O (October ) , execution of Marmaduke Stephenson and William Robin
a son t Boston . Banishment and whipping of
other Friends .
Richard Cromwell deposed .
’ General Monk gives order in Friends favor . 1 6 CHRONOLO G Y o r
I I I .
ORGANI' ATION .
—1 1 660 689 .
’ TH E third period in Friends history begins with the 1 660 Restoration of Charles II . in and ends with the 1 689 . passage of the Toleration Act in It , therefore, very nearly coincides with the reigns of the last two
Stuart kings . Viewed externally it is the period of persecution ' viewed internally it is the period o f organi i n t z a t o . The Massachuse ts cruelties belong principally to this period , while , with the exception of short inter f vals ollowing royal indulgence , persecution in the British Isles was severe and continuous during the
er u whole thirty years . Under pressure from this p sec ’ tion , the Society crystallized . Friends principles were , ably and clearly presented in the writings of Penn ,
Penington and Barclay . A great common cause bound the members to each other . The necessary machinery for a federation of meetings came into existence '
Monthly , Quarterly and Yearly Meetings were estab l ish ed m , and the epistles and advices of these eetings
o f o f laid the foundation the discipline . Another result the home persecution was the emigration o f Friends to
N I rl ff . the e w Vo d . New Jersey o ered the first asylum 1 6 70 The Friendly emigration began about , and was greatly increased after the grant o f Pennsylvania to
IVil l iam in 1 81 Penn 6 .
CHRONOLOGY O F
General meeting removed to London . ’ Humphrey Smith s vision o f great fire in
London . f Rising of Fi th Monarchy men , Eleventh month ,
1 660 . . . , O S (January ) Proclamation forbidding Quakers to meet fo r
worship . General persecution throughout United King
dom . Persecution milder in Ireland owing to f f character o o ficials .
Hat controversy begun by John Perrot .
’ Friends marriage rite pronounced legal . Katherine Evans and Sarah Cheevers im
prisoned at Malta .
IVil liam Ledd ra hanged in Boston , First month ,
O . S . (March . ) IVenl o ck Christison condemned to death Fourth r month , O . S . ( June) , but eleased .
Vagabond Act passed in Massachusetts , Third
. . no month , O S (May), death penalty longer f en orced . King ’ s missive delivered to Samuel Shattuck
Seventh month , O . S . (September), ordering
accused Quakers sent to England fo r trial . N Vagabond Act suspended , inth month ,
O . S . (November . ) Massachusetts sends deputies to London with
address to King . Interview between George Fox and M assa ch u
setts deputies . F 1 SOCIETY O FRIENDS . 9
Bill against Friends introduced in Parliament ,
t . S . . Fif h month , O (July ) d Efforts of Frien s to prevent passage of Bill . John Philly and William Moore imprisoned by
Inquisition in Hungary .
Vagabond Act revived in Massachusetts . Barbarous treatment of Quaker women in
Massachusetts . Persecuting Bill against Friends passes Parlia
ment .
. S . . Receives royal assent , Third month , O (May )
Corporation Act passed . Displaced all magis
trates not in sympathy with persecuting bill .
Persecution general , prisons crowded , nearly all
noted Friends in prison . George Fox in
Leicester j ail .
Twenty Friends die in Newgate . Richard Hub
rn b erth o one of t hose who died .
n \V S a rtic u Co vincements in ales and cotland , p l l ar y Aberdeen . 1 2 66 . Death of Edward Burrough ( , O John
Au l and S d . and Humphrey . mith ’ Thomas L u rting s adventure with pirates in i Med terranean . Cruel treatment of Elizabeth Hooten and Edward
Wharton in Massachusetts . Continued convincement and persecution in
Scotland . George Fox travels in England and Wales
H o w il l i Francis g committed to Appleby Ja l . CHRONOLOGY O F
Sarah Cheevers and Catharine Evans released
from prison in Malta .
Continued persecution in Massachusetts .
George Fox imprisoned at Lancaster .
r m nir Margaret Fell imprisoned and p e u ed .
Passage of Conventicle Act against all dissenters ,
Fifth month , O . S . (July . )
General persecution , prisons crowded , twenty
five Friends die in Newgate .
One hundred and thirty ' seven Friends sen
tenced to transportation , but sentence executed f in only e w cases .
Cruel persecution in Bristol .
r John B u nyeat visits Barbadoes .
o f o f M assa ch u Death John Endicott, Governor m setts , First onth , O . S . (March). f f Commissioners inter ere in behal of Quakers .
Persecution subsides in Mas sachusetts . John B urnyeat travels in Virginia and Mary f land , and endeavors to counteract in luence
of John Perrot . George Fox prem u nired and removed to Scar
borough Castle . in Plague London .
o f Relaxation persecution . f Parliament meets at Ox ord .
o f Passage Five Mile Act .
o f Convincement John Roberts .
o f S Death amuel Fisher and William Caton .
Convincement of David Barclay of Ury . O F 2 1 SOCIETY FRIENDS .
S evere persecution in Scotland .
George Fox released from Scarborough , travels
in England . Prophecy of Thomas Ihh et and great fire in
London .
' Destruction Bull and Mouth meeting house .
Removal to Devonshire house .
' t New meeting house built in Gracechurch s reet . l Estab is hment of monthly meetings .
Perrot controversy settled at meeting in London .
Death of Richard Farnsworth . George Fox recommends establish ment of
schools .
a Robert Barclay appe rs in ministry .
William Penn unites with Friends . Arrest and imprisonment o f William Penn in
Cork .
William Penn appears in ministry . William Penn p u blishes Truth Exalted and ’ Sandy Foundation Shaken . Imprisonment of Penn in Tower P u blishes
he r 0 Innocency with Open Face, and N ' Cross , No Crown . fl f Release of Penn through in uence Duke o York . Margaret Fell released from prison by King ’ s
order .
First general meeting in London .
Death of Josiah Cole and Thomas Loe .
o f H o w ill Death Francis g in Appleby jail , 1 6 68 . . ( , O S ) 2 2 CH R ONOLO G Y O F
George Fox travels in Ireland . Marriage O f George Fox and Margaret Fell at
Bristol . Marriage o f Robert Barclay and Christiana Mol
lison at Aberdeen .
a Margaret Fox again imprisoned at Lanc ster,
released by King 1 670 .
Robert Barclay publishes his first book , Truth ' Cleared from Calumnies . Conventicle Act renewed and persecution re
animated .
Meeting' houses at H o rsl eyd o w n and R at clifi
destroyed . Gilbert Latey saves IVh eel er Street meeting
house . ’ Celebrated trial o f IVil l iam Penn and I Vil l iam
Mead at the Old Bailey . Released from Newgate by Admiral Penn pay
ing fines . f Death o Admiral Penn . ’ l m I Vil ia Penn again imprisoned . First Friends ’ meeting in New Jersey settled at
Shrewsbury . John B urnyeat and IVil liaIn Simpson visit
Barbadoes . in William Simpson dies Barbadoes . Extensive travels o f John B u rnyeat in American
colonies .
Fo x George with others visits Barbadoes .
Friends visit Antigua , Jamaica and Nevis . F SOCIETY O FRIENDS . 2 3
n William Penn travels on conti ent . Visits
the Princess Elizabeth .
George Fox and others arrive in Maryland .
' All the colonies visited and meetings fo r dis n cipl i e established .
Controversy with Roger Williams .
Robert Barclay walks in sackcloth in Aberdeen . f Death o Elizabeth Hooten in Jamaica . Marriage o f William Penn and Gu lielm a
rin tt Sp ge .
General Yearly Meeting in London . Representa
tion proposed .
Charles II . issues Declaration of Indulgence .
Persecution arrested , large numbers of Friends
liberated . John Bunyan released through infl uence of
Friends .
Convincement of Friends in Carolina .
Persecution revived in Massachusetts . Controversy between Friends and Thomas
Hicks, Baptist . Penn publishes Reason against Railing ' and ' Counterfeit Christian Detected . George Fox returns to England and is im W prisoned at orcester .
n First representative Yearly Meeting in Londo . Representation decided to be d iscontinued for a
season .
o f n n Revocation of Declaration I dulge ce .
Revival of persecution . CHRONOLOGY O F
f Acquittal o George Fox by Sir Matthew Hale . IVil lia m Penn publishes treatise concerning ’ ' l oaths, England s Present Interest , Sau ' Smitten to the Ground .
il l iam Death o f IV Bayly .
George Fox resides at Swarthmore Hall .
William Edmundson visits Barbadoes . IVil liam Edm undson writes epistle to America
concerning slavery . Public discussion at Aberdeen between divinity students on one side and Robert Barclay and
George Keith on the other . ’ King Philip s IV ar in New England causes
trouble to Friends . m William Ed undson visits Rhode Island , travels
through eastern New England to Piscataway .
Friends under John Fenwick settle Salem , West
New Jersey . Disaffection o f \Vil k inso n and Story in regard
to establishment of discipline . Standing committee ( Meeting fo r Sufferings)
established . IVilliam Ed mundson travels in New England
and southwest . Friends subj ected to trial in colonies during
Indian wars .
’ Indian war and Bacon s rebellion in Virginia . IVil l iam Penn concerned with New Jersey with
other Friends . IV Separation into East and est Jersey .
2 6 CHRONOLOGY O F
houses closed in London . Meetings held in f o . streets . Constancy Friends in Bristol King less willing than formerly to relieve
Friends .
1 681 First general Yearly Meeting in New Jersey , at
Burlington .
East Jersey comes into hands of Friends . William Penn receives grant of Pennsylvania
from Charles II . f n Movement o colonists to Pen sylvania . 1 682 Robert Barclay appointed Governor o f East Jersey l m IVil ia Penn visits Pennsylvania . f Philadelphia ounded . f General Assemb ly o province meets at Chester . f Settlement o Pennsylvania proceeds rapidly . f Welsh colonists settle Haver ord , Merion and
Radnor . x n 1 6 83 Great Treaty with the Indians at Sh a ck am a o .
fo r f Only trial in the colony witchcra t, acquittal .
1 83—85 t 6 Germans se tle Germantown . 1 683 First s chool opened in Philadelph ia by Enoch w Flo er . 1 684 William Penn returns to England .
Fo x George again visits Holland . John
B u rn eat y visits Scotland . 1 685 Decided that Friends in Pennsylvania and
n New Jersey constitute o e yearly meeting .
o f I I Death Charles . A f I I ccession o James . F SOCIETY O FRIENDS . 2 7
Friends address the King in behalf of suffering
members .
Insurrection of Monmouth . About thirteen hundred Friends liberated by
James .
George Fox gives the meeting ' house at Swarth
more to the Society .
Death of Anne Whitehead , Robert Widders and
David Barclay .
James issues Declaration of General Indulgence .
Expulsion of Fellows of Magdalen .
Clergy refuse to read Declaration of Indulgence .
s William of Orange land at Torbay .
Flight of James to France .
f f a Beginning o Reign o Terror in Irel nd . n Frie ds exposed to great danger . Death of Rebecca Travers and William Dews
bury .
at German Friends Germantown ( Philadelphia),
S testify against negro lavery . f Accession o William and Mary . f Passage Toleration Act . Friends relieved rom
o f swearing to oath allegiance .
Death of Alexander Parker . 2 8 CHRONOLOGY O F
I V
CONTINUATION .
— 1 690 1 799 .
TH E position o f Friends in England was changed by the passage o f the Toleration Act . The Society became
u a tolerated sect, its members s bject to no persecution save distraint and imprisonment fo r no n ' payment o f
f o f w tithes . There ollowed about a century hat has
been variously styled Quietism , Formalism , Declination ,
Deterioration . Here , the more general term Continua d tion is use . The first generation of Friends passed away during the early part o f the period ' with it de parted the proselytizing zeal ' ord erly living and the
a o f m intenance of discipline became the aim the Society .
o f It was a time great commercial prosperity , and
Friends were among the most prosperous Englishmen . They increased in wealth and decreased in numbers f S t . and piri uality A ter the middle of the century , ff n e orts were made to return to the old standi g , but the ’ o f S pirit the Society s youth was no more . Yet apathy does not express the condition o f affairs during this
f infl u period . Schools were ounded ' money, time and ence were given to sociological problems ' prison reform
a n l n o f received much ttention in E g a d , the abolition negro slavery and the care O f the Indians in America . The development of Pennsylvania proceeded rapidly f f 1 5 6 n during the first part o the period . A ter 7 Frie ds ceased to be the controlling political power in the
y . colon , but remained a moral power SOCIETY O F FRIEN DS . 29
n l u O bru u gg.
S Death of Robert Barclay , Thomas althouse and n John Bu r yeat . F o x . 1 690 Death of George Eleventh month ,
O . S . n Convinceme t of Thomas Story . Beginning of controversy with George Keith in
' America . William Penn deprived o f governorship of Penn
sylvania . Pennsylvania annexed to New York under
Colonel Fletcher . Friends in America contribute for redemption
of Barbary cap tives .
Philadelphia Monthly Meeting disowns Keith . ’ Other meetings follow Philadelphia s example . ’ w Keith s follo ers , called Christian Quakers , set
u p separate meetings .
D eath of Stephen Crisp . Colonel Fletcher arrives in Philadelphia with
military retinue . Military defence demanded for Pennsylvania
and New York .
Assembly refuses to levy a war tax . Maintains
its charter rights . William Penn reinstated in governorship o f
Pennsylvania . George Keith brings his case before London
Yearly Meeting . 30 CHRONOLOGY O F
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting issues advice dis co u raging importation o f negroes and exhort
o f ing to conscientious treatment slaves . Death of Patrick Livingstone and Gu l iel m a
rin tt Sp ge Penn . London epistle warning Quaker shipmasters
against arming their vessels . Parliament passes bill intended to relieve non tithe payers from ruinous exactions in ecclesiastical courts by allowing distraints t o
be made in civil courts . w London Yearly Meeting diso ns Keith . Keith makes unsuccessful attempts to form sepa
rate party in England . f Death o Andrew Sowle .
One hundred and thirty ' four Friends imprisoned
fo r ' during year non payment of tithes .
f fo r A firmation Act passed seven years, relieving f h Friends rom taking oat s .
al l hil l William Penn marries Hannah C o w .
Convincement of Richard Claridge .
John Fothergill appears in ministry .
William Penn charters school in Philadelphi a . Snake in the Grass ' controversy with Charles
Leslie . Friends in England present remonstrance con
f r cerning bill o censorship of press .
nn The Welsh settle Gwynedd , Pe sylvania .
o f Death Charles Marshall . O F D SOCIETY FRIEN S .
Yellow fever in Philadelphia .
William Penn again arrives in Pennsylvania .
Death of John Crook . George Keith ordained priest in Established f Church o England . Society reported prosperous though su fl ering for
' non payment of tithes . Friends contribute for redemption of Barbary
captives .
William Penn recalled to England . Thomas Chalkley makes Philadelphia his resi
dence . New charter granted Pennsylvania (before ’ n Pe n s departure) .
Accession of Queen Anne .
d o f Friends ad ress Queen , who assures them pro i n t ect o .
Ne w a nd Jersey becomes royal province , East
West Jersey merged .
of n Oppression Lord Cornbury , royal gover or . f Last Friend redeemed rom Barbary . ’ George Keith s missionary j ourney to America .
Bo wnas Keith challenges Samuel to disputation .
Meeting at Hempstead , Long Island , and
malicious action of Keith .
S B o wn a s amuel imprisoned by Cornbury, through
’ Keith s misrepresentations .
a De th of Margaret Fox .
f u B o nas Release o Sam el w . CHRONOLOGY O F
o f John Evans , deputy governor Pennsylvania,
attempts to carry out warlike policy . John E st a u gh and Richard Gove carried to
Martinique by French privateers . f Death o Ambrose Rigge . Pennsylvania l a w concerning affirmation declared
unconstitutional by governor .
v f o f Death of Tacy Da ies (wi e Richard Davies), l in B ak l . John g , Gilbert Latey , Ann Camm
Thomas Chalkley visits Indians . Beginning o f Ranter disturbance o f meetings in
Cumberland . f Death o Thomas Camm . Prosecution Richard Claridge fo r teaching with f out license rom bishop . f Death o Richard Davies . Governor Gookin succeeds Evans in P ennsyl
vania . Trouble in Pennsylvania concerning affirmations
f r and money o war . Meeting fo r Sufferings addresses Queen Anne on f subject o religious toleration .
D eath o f John Banks and IVil l ia m Crouch .
Friends still suffer seve rel v fo r non ' payment of
tithes . Pennsylvania passes act prohibiting importation
o f negroes . Annulled by British government . Chester Q u arterly Meeting brings subject o f
Slavery before Philadelphia Yearly Meeting .
CHRONOLOGY O F
n Be j amin Lay disowned in England .
Benjamin Lay settles in Barbadoes , begins his
l r opposition to s ay e y .
Death of William Penn . Philadelphia meeting advises Friends not to buy
or sell Indians . Form of Afli rm ation in England changed to
present form . Richard Claridge warns Friends against South
Sea schemes . f Friends in Ireland obtain A firmation Act . Massachusetts Friends released from paying
f r o f taxes o support church ministers .
Death of George Whitehead . Law concerning affirmation settled in Pennsyl
vania .
B wnas Samuel o again visits America . First minute o f London Yearly Meeting con
' cerning slave trade . The practice not a ' commendable nor allowable one . f Accession o George II . Ralph Sandiford publishes A Brief Examina
o f tion of the Practice the Times , against
negro slavery .
Society reported in prosperous condition . Chester Friends bring slavery before Phil a d el
fo r phia Yearly Meeting the fourth time . Meeting cautions Friends against buying
negroes . (Advice repeated nearl y every year until O F DS SOCIETY FRIEN . 35
Anthony Benezet comes to Philadelphia . Benjamin Lay removes to Philadelphia (perhaps 1 732)
Thomas Penn arrives in Philadelphia . Remains
nine years . in John Penn arrives Philadelphia . Remains
one year . Friends petition Parliament fo r relief from minor persecutions and long imprisonments
' for non payment of tithes . Bill for relief of petitioners passes the House of
u o f Commons , but is defeated in the Ho se
Lords through opposition of the clergy . John Fothergill and James Gough become
prominent ministers . Friends settle in vicinity of Potomac in Mary
land and northern Virginia .
Thomas Chalkley visits Tortola . Great con in m nt v ce e in that island .
Death of Thomas Chalkley in Tortola . James Logan writes letters defending use of arms f in de ence . ’ Anthony Benezet teaching in Friends public
school in Philadelphia . S E h Death of Thomas tory and John st aug . m John Woolman appears in inistry . Do Friends observe former advices of o u r
Yearly Meeting not to encourage the importa ' t tion of negroes, not to buy them af er imported ' Philadelphia required this query CHRONOLOGY O F
to be answered annually by subordinate meet
ings . John Woolman writes bill of sale fo r negro f f woman , and therea ter re uses such business
transactions . Death of John Fo th ergil l
i Prosperity in Pennsylvan a .
Irish affirmation act made perpetual .
Rising in Scotland around Charles Edward .
Friends address King George II . expressing
loyalty to government . John Woolman travels in Maryland and
Virginia .
John Woolman begins writing against slavery . Benjamin Franklin excites to military measures
in Pennsylvania . Anthony Benezet establishes evening schools for
negroes . Anthony Benezet begins writing on subj ect o f
slavery .
Death of James Logan .
G i al d a ad d i E l is ' ak i ' regor an c en r opte , ( n ng h sp e ng i ak i ff in 1 752 i b i countr es), t ng e ect , wh ch y ear eg ns i ' 1 s t i ad o f M 25 h a t . S b w th anuary , nste rch eptem er 1 4 h 3d d S b t . H f n ma e eptem er ence orth , the mo ths, ’ b d i F i d s l b in i ' a a as num ere n r en s ty e , eg w th nu ry
First mon th . '
f B n Death o Samuel o w as . Proposition in England fo r establishment o f ’ women s yearly meeting for discipline . r) F D S 3 SOCIETY O FRIEN . 7
Mary Peisley and Catherine Peyton visit meet 1 —4 75 3 . ings from Carolina to New England , Samuel Fothergill visits meetings from Georgia
to New England . First printed writings of John Woolman ' Con siderations on the Keeping of Negroes
u I Philadelphia Yearly Meeting min te, mport
ing , selling or purchasing slaves prohibited .
Liberation of slaves advised . Indian outbreak and depred ations along Penn
sylvania frontier .
Money and militia raised for defence , but war
not declared . Declaration of war against Indians in Penn
sylvania, against remonstrances of Friends . S everal Friends resign seats in Assembly . Correspondence bet ween Governor Morris and
Privy Council . Attempt in Parliament to make members o f A Pennsylvania ssembly take oath of allegiance .
English Friends prevent passage of bill .
Most Friends leave the Assembly . Pennsylvania ceases to be governed by Friends ’ peaceful principle Philadelphia Yearly Meeting establishes stand — S ff n ing committee, Meeting for u eri gs . Association of Friends formed for gaining and preserving peace with the Indians by pacific ' measures . h Treaty at Easton wi t Indians . 38 C H R ONOLO G Y O F
Virginia Yearly Meeting adopts query intended
to prohibit trade in slaves .
Second treaty o f Easton . London Yearly Meeting issues advices not to
engage in slave trade . Daniel Hollis dies in IVinch est e r j ail while im
fo r ' o f prisoned non payment tithes , aged
ninety ' seven Death caused by inj uries f f received at time o arrest shortly be ore .
f r Accession o Geo g e III . Friends address King . London Yearly Meeting seriously considers
f o f supposed declension o Society . Committee concerned Friend s appointed to visit Q uarter l y and Monthly Meetings in endeavor to
restore ancient zeal . London Meeting makes slave trade a disownable ff o ence .
Sub ' committee of the general committee vi si ts
Quarterly and Monthly Meetings .
V All meetings in England reported isited . London Yearly Meeting encourages Friends ’
schools and printing of religious books .
Ravages by Indians in western Pennsylvania .
I l m an John Vo o visits Indians . Francis Hart (E ng ) tried for libel on account f o f the disownment o Mary Jc rom . Jury
brought in verdict guilty . New trial and
acquittal .
Peace declared between England and France .
Treaty w ith Indians ends Indian wars . O F S OCIETY FRIENDS . 39
Renewal in London Yearly Meeting o f proposi ’
tion for women s yearly meeting for discipline .
Parliament passes Stamp Act . Committee o f men d ecide it n o t desirable to comply with proposal concerning women ’ s
meeting .
Stamp Act repealed . English Friends visit north Holland and Ger S many . ociety much reduced on continent . New York Yearly Meeting forbids selling o f
slaves . d John Woolman goes to Englan . Visits Lon in don Yearly Meeting , travels midland and
northern counties .
r ' Death of John Woolman at Yo k from small pox .
h r il l Death of Samuel Fo t e g . Virginia meeting makes t rafli c in slaves disown
able . in Continental Congress meets Philadelphia . Philadelphia Yearly Meeting cau tions to keep
from excitement and violence of the times . Beginning o f Pennsylvania Society for Abolition
of Slavery . ffl in Warner Mi emancipates his slaves . London Yearly Meeting advises to keep clear of spirit of parties and to cherish principle o f
' peace and good will to all . Philadelphia advices for faithfulness to peace
principles . CHRONOLOGY O F
Friends in New England suffer from effects of
war . b Friends in Pennsylvania contri ute to their relief.
Inhabitants of Pennsylvania petition Assembly, drawing attention to charter rights o f Friends not to be obliged to do or suffer any act or
' thing contrary to their religious persuasion , and pleading with the Assembly fo r con
cil iat o ry measures .
Elias Hicks becomes prominent in ministry . Friends ’ settlements increase in western Virginia
and Maryland .
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting makes slave ' hold
O ff ing a disownable ence . Old Colonial Assembly o f Pennsylvania comes
to an end . f n Friends testify against war are, co tinental
money , taxes to support war, contributing sup
f r plies o war .
ff u fo r Much su ering end red these testimonies .
f Ne w Representatives rom England , Virginia and North Carolina attend Philadelphia Yearly
f r Meeting o consultation . English Friends petition King and Commons fo r peaceable adj ustment o f difficulti es with colo
nies . New York Yearl y Meeting requires m anumission
o f slaves . Friends fined and imprisoned for refusing support
to war .
CHRONOLOGY O F
London Yearly Meeting adopts more severe rules
o f against those marrying out the Society . London Yearly Meeting petitions the House o f
f r a o f Commons o bolition slave trade . f Beginning o Abolition Society in London .
f ' Surrender o Cornwallis . Friends ill treated f h because o not celebrating t e event . Disowned members try to obtain share in prop f erty o Society . Design frustrated by legal advice o f Nicholas l VVa n . New Engl and Meeting reports all members free
' from slave holding . Large number American Friends visited meet
ings in Great Britain and Ireland . ’ VVo m en s Yearly Meeting in London receives reports from Quarterly meetings and issu es
advices .
Beginning of manumission in Carolina .
Friends address George Washington , expressing n loyalty to gover m ent . ’ \Vo m en s Yearly Meeting ( London) receives
representative constitution .
I stt n Ve o w boarding school proposed . (Opened
Friends begin to settle in Canada .
Friends journey to Sandusky to visit Indians . Tr u stees first appointed to hold general stock o f Society instead of cashiers nominated at each n d Yearly Meeti g . (Englan ) F S OCIETY O FRIENDS . 43
ff Friends j ourney to Canandaigua , N . Y . to e ect
treaty . Baltimore and New York Yearly Meetings b e
gin systematic work among Indians . English Friends petition the House o f Common s on subj ect of sufferings fo r tithes and the
ecclesiastical claims .
r l l t m Stephen G e e appears in inistry . Three Friends live among Oneidas to teach I n
dians civilized living .
Nich o l ites M The in aryland unite with Friends .
Beginning of doctrinal controversy in Ireland . Joseph Lancaster begins teaching poor children d in a she . Three Friends go to live among Senecas at re
quest o f Indians . Friends preserved from inj ury during rebellion
in Ireland . Committee appointed to visit Irish meetings re
port Society very weak . n Hannah Barnard begi s travels in England ,
Scotland , Wales and Ireland . Several withdraw from the Society in Irel and or
are disowned . 44 CHRONOLOGY O F
V .
DISSENSION .
1 —1 2 800 8 8 .
A B O ' T the beginning o f the present century doctrinal controversy appeared among Friends with disastrous 1 9 results . As early as 7 7 Friends in Ireland became involved in controversy concerning the inspiration o f ' few the scriptures, and in a years were weakened and dismembered . English Friends were engaged in doctrinal discussion during the first quarter o f the
o f century . Trinitarian views were held by many the F d leaders , and the body of rien s in England has ' always been considered orthodox . American Friends became divided in sentiment on several points , two t parties appeared in the Society, and af er some years
f f r ' o y e . con usion , Philadelphia Yearl Meeting organized f Two main branches o Friends have since existed .
of New The Yearly Meetings York , Ohio, Indiana and 1 2 8 Baltimore divided in 8 . O F SOCIETY FRIENDS . 45
O ranul u b gg.
London Meeting fo r Sufferings defends S o ciet v against accusations of m onopolizing corn and fl our during time of scarcity
Defection continues in Ireland . Hannah Barnard ’ s ministry obj ected to in Lon
don Yearly Meeting . Hannah Barnard advised to refrain from preach
ing and to return home . Hannah Barnard returns home after unsuccess
ful appeals to other meetings . Baltimore Meeting presents memorial to Congress
concerning spirituous liquors among Indians . Rigid enforcement of discipline decided on in
Ireland . Irish Friends divided in opin ion and decreased
in numbers .
Doctrinal controversy among English Friends ,
notably , Thomas Foster Unitarian
views, Joseph Gurney Bevan
rinit arian T views . Disownment o f Hannah Barnard by her own
Quarterly Meeting in New York . Friends in America contribute to relief of Friends and others In distress from famine in Great
Britain and Ireland . Philip Dennis goes to teach agriculture among
Wabash Indians . CHRONOLOGY O F
’ f Joseph Lancaster s school made a ree school . London Yearly Meeting reports remissness in
instructing youth in Christian principles . English Friends legally confirmed in right to
d fo r hol meetings discipline with closed doors . London Yearly Meeting subscribes for benefit
American Indians . Small tract fo r instruction of children circulated
among English Friends .
England abolishes Slave Trade . London Meeting fo r Sufferings reports draft o f
catechism, but subj ect was dismissed . Journey o f William Allen and Stephen G rel l et
on continent . Disownment o f Thomas Foster V era x by ff h Ratcli e Mont ly Meeting .
Elizabeth Fry first visits Newgate .
Ohio Yearly Meeting established . London Yearly Meeting confirms disownment o f
Thomas Foster .
English Friends . visit Friends In Germany and n France (Pyrmont, Westphalia and Minde ,
e . Prussia Cong nies , France)
Joseph John Gurney appears in ministry . Association formed fo r Improvement of Female
Prisoners in Newgate . E nglish Friends petition King o f Sweden and Norway fo r toleration of Friends in those
countries .
f r l l t 20 Third continental j ourney o Stephen G e e . F S OCIETY O FRIENDS . 47
English Friends petition the House of Commons
concerning penal code , asking that death
far penalty be restricted as as possible . Many English Friend s (Trinitarian) visit
America . First open disrespect to Elias Hicks in Phila
delphia .
\V au a hk o nnett a Friends open Indian school at p g ,
Ohio . Some members of Philadelphia Meeting for S u f ferings hold an unofficial meeting to obstruct
labors of Elias Hicks . Two or three elders appointed to wait on Elias when he should arrive in Philadelphia on way to Balti more
Yearly Meeting . Elias Hicks attend s Baltimore Yearly and
es Southern Quarterly Meetings , and com
thence to Philadelphia . Elders wait on Elias Hicks on his arrival in Philadelphia and charge him with preachi ng
false doctrines . Ten Philadelphia elders demand another inter h view with Elias Hicks . He denies their aut or
ity , but agrees to meet them at Green Street
' f l meeting house . Unsatis actory resu t . Green Street Monthly Meeting indorses Elias ’ Hicks s certificate .
Doctrinal controversy at Wilmington , Del . over signatures ' Paul ' and ' Amicus ' intro
d u d l f r ff ce in Phi adelphia Meeting o Su erings . CHRONOLOGY O F
’ A f o f micus (de ender Friends principles , attacked by Paul publishes declaration as su ming p erso na l responsibility fo r views
expressed . Contending factions strive in Philadelphia meet
fo r ings ' disturbances in meetings worship ,
enmity and contention in disciplinary meetings . Friends present petition to the House o f Com mons fo r gradual termination o f negro slavery
in British dominions . Extracts from Writings o f Primitive Friends concerning the Divinity o f our Lord and ' S u aviour Jesus Christ , bro ght forward in
fo r ff Meeting Su erings , Philadelphia . Passed
o f d is in spite obj ections , printed but not
tributed . Extracts ' embodied in minutes to Yearly n Meeti g .
This document, popularly called The Creed ,
suppressed by Yearly Meeting . Supreme Court of France allows affirmation of
i Friends I n C vil cases . Increasing dissension in the Society and grow ing assumption o f authority by Philadelphia
f r ff s Meeting o Su ering . Philadelphia Meeting fo r Sufferings refuses t o receive representatives from Southern Quar
t erl y Meeting, and denies right of Quarterly
Meetings to change their representatives .
CHRONOLOGY O F
f assist reedmen in North Carolina . (Last f act unitedly per ormed by Friends . ) Committee appointed by weight to visit
su b ordinate meetings .
Yea rl v w f During General Meeting eek , con er ' ence of Friends ( non orthodox ) prop ose a
' ' o f u quiet retreat from this scene conf sion , ff and issue address to that e ect .
Conference adjourns until Sixth month . Green Street Monthly Meeting asks to be received
u . by Abington Q arterly, and is received
Fifth month . Committee appointed ( Arch Street) in 1 82 6 proposes to lay down Green Street Monthly Meeting and transfer members n t to Norther dis rict . Radnor withdraws from Philadelphia Quarterly
and (Arch Street) is received by Abington .
Mt . Holly leaves Burlington for Bucks , other Friends in Phil adelphia j oin Byberry and
Darby . Darby and Byberry institute meetings
f r o worship in Philadelphia . Abington establishes meeting for disciplin e in
fo r Philadelphia , called Monthly Meeting
Friends of Philadelphia . Sixth month — General meeting of Friend s ' (non orthodox ) adopt epistle . Yearly Meet
f r ing appointed o Tenth month . — n Tenth month . Yearly Meeti g of Friends
assembles at Green Street . Representatives
f IVestern rom Abington , Bucks , Concord , and O F D 1 SOCIETY FRIEN S . 5
Southern Quarterly Meetings ' Mount Holly ,
Chesterfield and Radnor, Monthly .
Address to Friends within the meeting adopted ,
also epistle to Baltimore Yearly Meeting . o Yearly Meeting appointed for Fourth m nth , 1 2 8 8 . h — Eleventh mont Separation at Salem , Bur l n lingtou and O a .
h — H ad d o nfi l Twelfth mont Separation at e d .
Test and Corporation Acts repealed in England . Friends ’ affirmation made valid in criminal
cases . London Yearly Meeting refuses correspondence
with Green Street Yearly Meeting . Second month — Separation at Shrewsbury and
Rahway . — Fourth month Th e reorganized Yearly Meet
f s ing o Friends a sembles in Philadelphia . Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting of Friends es
l i h ed n t ab s . Representative Committee appoi t
ed to act during recess of Yearly Meeting . — Fourth month . ( Arch Street) Yearly Meeting proceeds to lay down meetings and disown
members . — Fifth month Separation in New York Yearly
Meeting .
In Summer , Separation in Indiana Yearly
Meeting . S In Autumn , eparation in Ohio and Baltimore
Yearly Meetings .