George Fox

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Fox

George Fox is known as the founder of the Quaker religion. He was born in a small hamlet in Leicestershire, England. He was known to be different from other children even at a young age. He was quite religious and observed people constantly. He was known for his honesty and integrity. His mother was a descendant of a famous Protestant martyr, and his father was a minister, which probably had early influence on his thinking.

George would spend much time shepherding sheep in the Leicestershire hills. It was during these teen-age years that he began to search for direct inner communion with God. He would study his Bible and --in silence--open his heart to God. It was here that the "Quaker silence" was begun.

When George Fox was nineteen he left his family and began traveling the countryside to discover the true religion that a humble, honest person could live by. He watched and listened and thought about each thing. He memorized the Scriptures. He was trying to find spiritual truths but no one that he talked to, whether a religious leader or layman, seemed to have the answers he desired. He was ridiculed and persecuted by many. It was a time of great religious upheaval in England. Fox objected to the idea that individuals could not communicate directly with God through their own inner light and that a priesthood was needed. He was jailed many times for these beliefs. The Friends also believed in the equality of women, the equality of all people, and later would be instrumental in the abolition of slavery in England. One of his greatest adherents was Wiliam Penn. Another important Quaker was noblewoman Margaret Fell, who with Fox help open education to working class families in England, and ministered to prisoners. The Quakers became one of the most influential groups in modern history taking their message around the world through introductions made by Margaret Fell. They became an important part of the founding of the United States and are reknowned for their integrity and honesty in business particularly in their dealings with indigenous people.

notes

From Pembrokeshire History on line

"George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends, came to Pembroke and Haverfordwest [Wales] in 1657 and, before long, there were Quaker meetings held at Redstone, near Narberth, Puncheston, St. David's, Newport, Jameston and Haverfordwest. By 1661 Lewis David of Llanddewi Velfrey and others were imprisoned for their beliefs and their persecution continued until they emigrated to Pennsylvania where David had purchased 3,000 acres of land from William Penn. There they settled in townships which they named Haverford and Narberth."

Links to additional material:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Fox
• Immigration of the Irish Quakers into Pennsylvania, 1682-1750, with their early history in Ireland, by Albert Cook Myers. Published 1902 by The author in Swarthmore, Pa .
• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8844249