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Founded in the early 1760s by the charismatic preacher Joseph Nichols, the Nicholites shared many similarities with the Quakers, including dedication to nonviolence and antislavery and were one of the first religious groups in America to make the manumission of slaves a requirement of membership. As with Quaker meetings, the Nicholites’ meetings consisted of silent contemplation of the “Inner Light”, punctuated by sermons from members who felt moved to speak. However, the Nicholites differed from the Quakers in their emphasis on plainness from wearing undyed clothing to not having flowers in their gardens.
The Nicholite movement started in Delaware and quickly spread to Maryland. Joseph Nichols' ministry was brief and ended with his death in 1770. After his death, many followers chose to migrate to North Carolina, particularly the Deep River area of Guilford County. By the end of the 18th Century, most of the Nicholites in the northern states had joined the Quaker faith, but the sect continued in North and South Carolina until the early decades of the 19th Century.
List of Nicholite Surnames
- Anderson
- Charles
- Chipman
- Horney
- Linager/Linegar
- Nichols
- Pegg
- Standley
- Wheeler
- Willis
References
Joseph Nichols and the Movement of the Nicholites
The Nicholites of Jamestown and Deep River (Scroll down through the family list to find the article.)