The Gilpin family, arriving, as part of an initial large wave of Quakers in America, carved out a place in American History. Their exploits as Quakers in America, are representative of the experiences of many Quakers. Coming to America, at the invitation of William Penn, and becoming deeply embroiled in significant events in American History, the Gilpin's were early founders of Pennsylvania. Their Quaker background proved to be of primary importance the decisions the family made when facing significant events, like the French and Indian wars and the American Revolution. From their peaceful relations with Indians to their involvement in the American Revolution, their pacifist belief system influenced their action. However, not all members …show more content…
The document discusses the "outrages and violence" perpetrated on the Quaker inhabitants of Philadelphia PA thusly, ”That the outrages and Violences perpetrated on the properties of and on the divers of the persons of Philadelphia”. When discussing the homes of Quakers being invaded, destroyed, defaced and robbed. It decries “Riotous procedings which are shameful to the Christian Name”. Further, it continues to discuss, in detail, why the Quakers stuck to their pacifist beliefs. The Quakers state that, “as they could not join in the shedding of blood of their fellow men , for whom Chist died, and who came to save mens live, not to Destroy them” in good Christian conscience, they cannot take up arms against other humans whom "Jesus died for." They beg the general assembly of Pennsylvania to help to protect them and, at the least to stop legal proceedings against them. 10 Unfortunately, this persecution of Quakers continued throughout the Revolution, and deeply effected the Gilpin …show more content…
Quakers relinquished any and all involvement in government, including disbanding the Assembly. A new Holy Experiment began in Pennsylvania, in which Quakers became deeply involved in charitable works, building schools hospitals and asylums. 21 This devotion to charitable works continues to this day. This was marked the end of the Quakers as a political force in Pennsylvania politics. The Gilpin family remained devoted to the Quakers ideals of peace and benevolence, later becoming prime movers in the Abolitionist movement and had long tem involvement in the Underground