ABSTRACT
Quakers and their Allies in the Abolitionist Cause, 1754–1808 presents the history of men and women working in racially and economically diverse Quaker networks in Greater Philadelphia (including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware) during a time of great social, economic and political change. The book blends the new research of distinguished international scholars with that of emerging ones as it investigates the work of a select group of weighty Quakers, and some less known, with a few non-Quaker allies in the pursuit of abolition, charity and benevolence. Together the essays in this volume underscore the choices some Quakers and their allies made to press for social change. The intent of this book is not to present the definitive and comprehensive overview of Quaker religion or Quaker anti-slavery activism. Instead, the volume describes the life choices of six Quakers: Anthony Benezet, John Woolman, Sarah Woolman, Warner Mifflin, Nicholas and Richard Waln. This text also looks at one ex-Quaker, Samuel Meredith, and two non-Quakers, Benjamin Franklin and Ann Elizabeth Fortune, to illustrate the individual conflicts and strategies implemented to address important debates on slavery, leadership, Quaker values and acts of benevolence.
