Gwynedd Friends Meeting Minutes 1776

Gwynedd Friends Meeting Historical Notes

Gwynedd Monthly Meeting for Discipline 1776 - 1778 (Men's Minutes)

Transcribed by James A. Quinn from Microfilm at the Friends Historical Library at Swarthmore College, November 2007. Periods and capititalization to beginning of sentences were added for readability. In 1776, Gwynedd Monthly Meeting consisted of three prepatory Meetings: Gwynedd, Plymouth and Providence. The clerk of the Monthly Meeting is Thomas Evans (1707-1784) of Gwynedd, who is probably the scribe (signature matches). He had been, in 1776, a member of Gwynedd Monthly Meeting since its founding in 1714/5. His handwriting is deteriorating by the end of 1777 and he is replaced as Clerk by Caleb Foulke (1736-1811) in January of 1778 on account of old age.

Background: "the Meeting for Sufferings of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Quakers issued a testimony against usurpation of authority and against insurrections, conspiracies, and illegal assemblies, this last expression being obviously intended to include the provincial conventions and the Continental Congress itself. It would be a mistake, however, to suppose that the Meeting for Sufferings voiced the convictions of all members of the dominant sect in Pennsylvania ; for many of them quietly gave financial support to the Revolution, and some deviated from the principle of non-resistance to the extent of joining the association for defending with arms the lives, liberty, and property of the people, entering military organizations, and signing the test that was later prescribed by Congress and the State." [1]

"The news from Lexington, which was received in Philadelphia five days after the battle, seems to have produced a marked effect upon the "Tory class" there, according to the Diary or Remembrancer of Christopher Marshall, a Quaker patriot of the city, who noted on May 7, 1775 that 'Their language is quite softened, and many of them have so far renounced their former sentiments as that they have taken up arms, and are joined in the association; nay even many of the stiff Quakers, and some of those who drew up the Testimony are ashamed of their proceedings.' It was, in deed, soon after this that a number of young Friends formed a company of light infantry in the American interest, which was under the command of Sheriff Joseph Cowperthwait, and was called the 'Quaker Blues'." [1]

"At length, in November,1775, the Assembly went on record by making defensive service compulsory and 'taxing all non-associators 2 lbs 10s above the regular assessment.' This action, along with other developments of the time, only served to embolden the Quakers, for their Yearly Meeting published a testimony, which was adopted January 20, 1776, advising the members of the society to stand firm in their allegiance and unite against every design of independence. Not content with testimonies and memorials, Quaker merchants and traders, as well as a few others, were in some instances required to apologize for breaches of the regulations established by the Committee of Inspection relating to the admission and prices of commodities, especially of foodstuffs; while in other instances they were denounced as enemies and excluded from all trade or intercourse with the other inhabitants, because they refused to accept Continental currency." [1]

At our monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 30th of the 1st mo 1776

John Forman, Joseph Roberts, George Evans, Ezekiel Cleaver, Thomas Lancaster, Joseph Ambler Junr, John Ambler, Ezekiel Shoemaker, Joseph Butler, and Robert Forman are appointed to attend the service of the Quarterly meeting at Philadelphia and report on it

1st Meeting on first days are generally attended by most of our members. Weekday meetings and those for discipline duly attended by a considerable number. The hour for Meeting in general well observed mostly clear of unbecoming behaviour in Meetings
2nd Love and unity in good degree maintained amongst friends, Backbiting and evil reports discouraged care is taken in respect to differences
3rd There is a care of friends to deal with offenders we hope in the spirit of Meekness without partiality. The delays do at time happen.

1st The friends appointed to speak with Abraham Lukens Junr report that they did accordingly and that he seemed desirous of being continued under the notice of friends but could not well stay this Meeting. Said friends are again appointed to endeavour for an Opportunity to let him know that his transgression must be testified against either by himself or by the ? Meetings.

2nd The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for William Lawrence Junr to Philadelphia monthly Meeting of the Southern District have accordingly done which was read allowed and signed

3rd One of the friends appointed to meet Samuel Jacobs reports that they did accordingly and that he signified to them he thought it would not avail much for him to make any satisfaction to friends because he intended to go with his wife to the Meeting he belonged to. Therefore this Meeting appoints George Evans and Francis Hobson to draw a Testification against him and produce it to our next mo Meeting.

4th Providence friends acquaint this meeting that James Vaux sometime ago assumed a military appearance and joined others in their military exercise and that some friends of their Meeting have visited him to whom he signified to them he had declined meeting with them and did not know he should join them any more, not withstanding by such conduct he has violated the principles of friends. this Meeting appoints John Evans, Francis Hobson & Ezekiel Cleaver to visit him and report how they find him to our next mo Meeting

5th Our women friends acquaint this Meeting that Sarah Stilfield has been Guilty of unchastity and was married contrary to the good order established among Friends to a man that is not of our religious Society. Isaac Jones and Evan Jones are appointed to visit her and report how they find her to our next mo Meeting

6th Our friend John Forman laid down a Certificate from friends of Wrightstown mo Meeting signifiyed that he had performed that weighty service of visiting Families in Company with women friends within the compass of their monthly Meeting to general satisfaction which account is well received by this Meeting

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 27th of the 2nd Mo 1776

1st The friends appointed to acquaint Abraham Lukens Junr with the mind of the Meeting concerning him report that they have not had an Opportunity with him nor is it likely that they will soon. This Meeting continues the said friends to endeavour to find the nature of his transgressions and report thereof to our next meeting.

2nd Hannah Foulke sent in a paper wherein she acknowledges here accomplishing her marriage by the assistance of a Priest with a man that is not of our membership with us and her sorrow for the same. Ezekiel Cleaver and Thomas Shoemaker are appointed to visit her to endeavour to find her Sincerity therein.

3rd The friends appointed to draw a testify against Samuel Jacobs have accordingly done which was read and approved of. John Lucas is desired to serve him with a Copy and acquaint him with his right to appeal

4th the Friends appointed to visit James Vaux report that they did accordingly and that he signifiyed to them that when he joined the military men he then thought he was right but after some time formed some dislike and that he ? discontinued joining them --[This] might be taken for sufficient recantation but they informed him the Meeting would be likely to expect some acknowledgement which they proposed to his serious consideration.

5th The friends appointed to visit Sarah Stilfield report they did accordingly and that she seemed tender and sorrowful for her misconduct and willing to give an acknowledgement. Isaac Jones and Evan Jones are appointed to encourage her to attend our religious meetings and make satisfaction.

6th Plymouth friends acquaint this Meeting that Samuel Davis Junr Joined others in their military Exercises and that friends have treated with him on that account to whom he signified that he had declined Meeting with them and did not intend to join them anymore. Joseph Jones and Thomas Lancaster are appointed to visit him and also to observe his conduct and report as they find to our next mo Meeting

They also acquaint this Meeting that Joseph Williams Enlisted himself with the Soldiers. Joseph Roberts and Isaac Ellis are appointed to visit him if they have an Opportunity and report how they find him to our next monthly Meeting. And that Aquilla Roberts has likewise joined them in their military Exercises. John Roberts and George Morris are appointed to visit him on that account and report thereof to our next monthly Meeting

At our monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 26th of the 3rd mo of 1776

1st Edward Stroud and Hannah Foulke declared their Intentions of marriage with each other for the first time. Joseph Jones and Isaac Ellis are appointed to inspect his conversation and Clearness and report as they find to our next Monthly Meeting

2nd George Pierce and Sarah Richardson declared their intentions of marriage with each other the first time and he produced to this meeting a Certificate of his conversation and clearness from Goshen monthly Meeting dated the 8th instant.

3rd The friends appointed on account of Abraham Lukens report that they have not had an opportunity to know any thing to their satisfaction concerning him therefore are continued in that service

4th The friends appointed to visit Hannah Foulke report that they did accordingly and signified that she seemed desirous to be continued in membership and they believe sincere in her acknowledgement and therefore it is accepted of by this Meeting and received on trial of her future conduct

5th The friend appointed to see Samuel Jacobs with a Copy of the testification of our monthly Meeting against him reports he did accordingly and that he made no objection therefore it is directed to be entered in our minutes as followeth

Whereas Samuel Jacobs had a birthright and was educated amongst us the people called Quakers but for want of giving heed to the good order established amongst us in respect of marriage hath accomplished his before a Priest with a person not of our Society and declines making any satisfaction by condemning the same not withstanding he has been tenderly treated with on that account therefore we do disown him the said Samuel Jacobs from being any longer a member of our Society until he comes to a true sense of his misconduct and condemns the same to the satisfaction of this Meeting which that he may is our desire. Gwynedd monthly Meeting the 24 of the 2nd mo 1776.

6th No account could be had in this Meeting of James Vaux, therefore George Evans and Francis Hobson are appointed to visit him to endeavor to find how he is affected respecting that part of his misconduct

7th The friends appointed to visit Sarah Stilfield have not performed that service therefore continued..

8th One of the friends appointed to visit Samuel Davies Junr reports that he had an opportunity with him and that he seems to be differently disposed from what he was some time ago; and he joined the Military Men in the exercise again and signified that he did not intend to make friends any satisfaction; notwithstandingly this Meeting continues the said friends & desires them to try to convince him of his misconduct.

9th One of the friends appointed to visit Joseph Williams reports that he accidentally met with him but had very little time to speak with him. Therefore this Meeting continues said friends to endeavour to visit him between this and our next Monthly Meeting.

10th One of the friends appointed to visit Aquilla Roberts reports that he spoke with him and that he said that as he had begun he intended to go through with it but as the other friend has not had an opportunity with him this Meeting continues them both to endeavour to convince him of his misconduct

11th Enoch Williams being returned from Maryland offered an acknowledgement to this Meeting of his former misconduct; This Meeting appoints Isaac Jones, Evan Jones, Ezekiel Cleaver and Thomas Shoemaker to visit him in order to find his sincerity in offering his said paper to the Meeting

12th Our Women friends acquaint this Meeting that Sarah Barnes applies to be joined in Membership with us. This Meeting appoints Joseph Roberts and Isaac Ellis to visit her on that account and report thereof to our next Monthly Meeting.

Ed. note: Sarah appears to be a non-friend who is joining as a preliminary measure to marrying William Ellis

13th Application made for a Certificate for Daniel Williams son of William Williams deceased to Abington Monthly Meeting; Joseph Ambler and Cadwallader Roberts are appointed to make necessary enquiry concerning him and provide accordingly

14th Plymouth friends acquaint this Meeting that James Morris has acted in the Military way and says he does not think he was wrong in so doing; John Evans and Ezekiel Cleaver are appointed to visit him on that account and try to convince him of that breach of our discipline and report thereof to our next meeting

[Later, after the Battle of Germantown, James Morris would be the one to levy fines for Quakers missing militia musters in Whitpain. For a while, his home, Dawesfield, was the headquarters for General Washington...]

At our monthly meeting held in Gwynedd the 30th of the 4th month 1776

1st Edward Stroud and Hannah Foulke declared their intentions of marriage with each other the second time and nothing appearing to obstruct consent of Parents being had they are therefore left to their liberty to consumonate [sic] their said intentions. Isaac Ellis and John Roberts are appointed to take care that it be orderly accomplished.

2nd George Pierce & Sarah Richardson declared their intentions of marriage with each other the second time and nothing appearing to impede they are therefore left to their liberty to consumonate their said intention; George Evans and Francis Hobson are appointed to see that it be orderly accomplished.

3rd Israel Jacobs, Francis Hobson, John Saunders, Thomas Shoemaker, Thomas Lancaster, Evan Meredith, John Thomas, John Lewis, Cadwallader Roberts, Isaac Williams and Hugh Evans are appointed to attend the service of the next Quarterly Meeting in Philadelphia and report that the Queries were read and considered in this Meeting and we think the following answer nearly contain the state of our Meetings

1st Meetings on first days our Generally attended by most of our Members; Weekday meetings and those for discipline are attended by a number of friends. The hour for meeting in general well observed and friends preserved from unbecoming behavior in Meetings
2nd Love and unity is in a good degree maintained amongst friends. Backbiting and evil reports discouraged & a care remains respecting differences. Care is taken to deal with offenders we hope in a degree of love and meekness and without partiality. The delays sometimes happens

4th David Evans gave in a Certificate for himself and wife & their four Children viz Leticia, Gulielma, Charles & David from Philadelphia Monthly Meeting of the Southern District dated the 27 of the 3rd month last, wherein they recommend him a friend well esteemed amongst them, a diligent attender of Meetings, and serviceable in the discipline of the Church his Wife also a diligent attender of meetings when in health & of a sober conduct & well esteemed and their Children young. They don't think it needful to say much but recommend them with their parents; which was read in this Meeting and well received.

5th The friends appointed to enquire into the Nature of Abraham Lukens Transgressions report that they have not been able to get a true and certain account of it and therefore are continued for that service.

6th The friends appointed to visit Sarah Stilfield not being in this Meeting, therefore that affair is referred to the consideration of our next Monthly Meeting

7th One of the friends appointed to visit Samuel Davies Junr acquaints this Meeting that he and another friend had one accordingly, but that he did not say much nor tell them what he intended to do in future. Therefore this Meeting continues the same friends to visit him and also to inspect his conduct and report thereof to our next monthly Meeting.

8th Plymouth friends acquaint this Meeting that Joseph Williams continues in the Military employment therefore this Meeting appoints Joseph Roberts and Isaac Ellis to draw a Testification against him and produce it to our next Monthly Meeting

9th The friends appointed to visit Aquilla Roberts report that some friends had opportunity with him and that they did not discover any Tokens of Sorrow for his misconduct. Therefore this Meeting appoints Ezekiel Cleaver and John Roberts to draw a Testification against him and produce it to the next meeting

10th There being but two of the friends appointed to visit Enoch Morris in this Meeting who signify that as the other friends are not present they have to decline giving in a report until they have an opportunity of conversing with them the which is deferred till our next monthly meeting

11th James Vaux being in this Meeting and gave a paper wherein he acknowledges his having deviated from the principles of our religious Society so as to associate in order to learn the art of War and condemning his misconduct and desiring friends to pass it by; the which is received by this Meeting for Satisfaction

Ed. note. However, after the Battle of Brandywine, September 1777, James Vaux reverted to the Whig cause and his farm "Vaux Hill" on the Schuylkill in Providence was a center of Military activities for Washington's army. It was sacked by the British for this reason. James Vaux carried out scientific experiments in agriculture, becoming the first person to cultivate red clover in America, and also pioneered the use of anthracite coal for heating and cooking purposes. Accounts of his experiments can be found in early editions of the Franklin Institute Journal. (Vaux Family Papers 1739-1923 as reported by Becky Wynn-Thil on Worldconnect)

12th The friends appointed to visit Sarah Barnes report they did accordingly and had satisfaction in visiting her and are of the mind that she may be received into membership with us. This Meeting confiding in said friends conclude to receive her into membership according to her request.

13th The friends appointed to inquire and provide a Certificate for Daniel William son of Wm Williams deceased to Abington Monthly Meeting have accordingly done which was read allowed of and signed

14th The friends appointed to visit James Morris report that they did accordingly and that he seemed kind but did not tell them what he intended to do in future. This Meeting appoints David Evans and Thomas Evans to visit him in order to try to convince him of the Breach he has made of the discipline.

15th Gwynedd friends acquaint this Meeting that their Preparative Meeting have Chosen our Friend Thomas Shoemaker an Elder for their said Meeting, which is well approved of by this Meeting and the representations to the next Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders at Philadelphia are desired to acquaint that Meeting thereof

Ed. Note: Thomas Shoemaker (1729-1808) was first of that name to remove to Gwynedd. He married Mary Ambler (1732-1796) in 1757 at Gwynedd.

16th Application made for a Certificate for Robert Forman and his Wife Children to East Nottingham Monthly Meeting in the Province of Maryland. Thomas Lancaster and Evan Meredith are appointed to inquire of their conversation and Circumstance and provide for them accordingly.

Ed. Note. Rbt Forman (1736-1812) was a son of John Forman and Elizabeth Naylor. He married Mary Naylor at Gunpowder Meeting in 1776.

17th The Manumition of Mary Robeson of the Township of Whitemarsh in the County of Philadelphia of the Negro Girl named Dinah aged seventeen years and six Months wherein the promises under her hand and Seal that she the said Negro Girl shall be free when she arrives to the Age of eighteen years. Relation being thereto had will more fully appears was read in this Meeting

Ed. Note. Mary Robeson lived in Whitemarsh. Her brother, Jonathan Robeson (m. Catherine Farmer), had been rebuked by the monthly meeting for selling a slave in 1770. The Robesons, descendants of Chief Justice Andrew Robeson (who was a member of the Church of England), had been the proprietors of Indian King Inn in Philadelphia and owned property and commercial interests in what are now Berks and Montgomery Counties as well. There are other families in the Gwynedd/Plymouth/Providence area identified as having slaves in this period who are identified HERE.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 28th of the 5th 1776

1st The friends appointed to attend the Marriages of the two couples left to their liberty to consummate their said intentions by our last monthly Meeting report that they both were orderly accomplished.

2nd The friends appointed to inquire into the nature of Abraham Lukens transgressions report that they have not had an opportunity of hearing anything of him since our last Monthly Meeting. This Meeting on maturely considering some Circumstances attending his case are of Opinion that it will be more for the Reputation of our Society to draw a Testificaiton against him and therefore appoints John Evand and George Morris to draw one and produce it to our next assembly Meeting.

3rd Sarah Stilfield sent in a paper acknowledging herself Guilty of unchastity with the Man she is since Married with and accomplished the same before a Priest; with her Sorrow for the same; desiring friends to pass it by and continue her on trial of her future conduct the which is desirable to be read at the close of a first day Meeting at Gwynedd before our next monthly Meeting

4th Our friend Caleb Foulke gave in a Certificate for himself and his Wife and their Children viz Owen, Hannah, Caleb, Jane and Lowry from Philadelphia Monthly Meeting dated the 26th of the 4th mo last wherein they acquaint this Meeting that they both are friends in good esteem; orderly in life and conversation and careful in the attendance of Religious Meetings, their children Minors. Which was read in this Meeting and well received.

5th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for Robert Forman and his Wife and their five Children viz John, Elizabeth, Joseph, Richard and Samuel to East Nottingham Monthly Meeting in Maryland have accordingly done which was read allowed of and Signed

6th A Certificate was granted in the Meeting for Rachel Naylor to Gunpowder Monthly Meeting in the province of Maryland.

7th Rachel Tyson sent in a paper wherein She Acknowledges her having so far deviated from the principles of friends as to accomplish her Marriage before a Justice with a Man that is not in unity with friends and her Sorrow for the same; desiring friends to pass it by and receive her into membership as her future conduct recommends her. Thomas Lancaster and John Saunders are appointed to visit her in order ot find her Sincerity thereby.

8th The friends appointed to visit Samuel Davies Junr Report that they did not hear whether he continues his Military or not but has attended some Meetings; this Meeting continues Thomas Lancaster and appoints Joseph Roberts to meet him and report thereof to our next monthly Meeting.

9th The friends appointed to draw a Testification against Joseph Williams have accordingly done which was read and approved of. Isaac Ellis and Jacob Evans are desired to serve him with a Copy and acquaint him of his right to appeal.

10th The friends appointed to draw a Testification against Aquilla Roberts have accordingly done; which was read and approved of. Ezekiel Cleaver and John Roberts are desired to serve him with a Copy and acquaint him of his right to appeal.

11th The friends appointed some time ago to visit Enoch Williams gave in their report in Writing Viz: that they had a good deal of conversation with him; that he was very desirous his acknowledgement might be received; and for a considerable time past his life and conversation has been in a good degree orderly and his debts paid. This meeting concludes to receive his said acknowledgement and directs it to be read at the close of a first day Meeting at Gwynedd before our next Monthly Meeting.

12th The friends appointed to visit James Morris report that they did accordingly and that he seemed very kind and said he had entirely declined having any concerns with Military affairs and did not intend to meet with them any more. This Meeting concludes to wait a while and see how he will conduct in future. Thomas Lancaster and John Roberts are appointed to observe how he conducts and report thereof to our next Monthly Meeting.

13th Gwynedd friends acquaint this Meeting that Alexander Scott had applied to their preparative Meeting a considerable time ago to be joined in Membership with us. David Evans and Evan Jones are appointed to visit him in order to find whether he is acquainted with friends principles and Approving of them

14th Application made for a Certificate for Thomas Morgan to Goshen Monthly Meeting. Joseph Roberts and Isaac Ellis are appointed to inquire of his Conversation and Circumstances and provide accordingly.

15th Application for a Certificate for James Lawrence to Haverford Monthly Meeting. Joseph Jones and Thomas Lancaster are appointed to make necessary inquiry concerning him and provide accordingly.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 25th of 6th mo 1776

1st The friends appointed to draw a Testification against Abraham Lukens have accordingly done. Joseph Griffith is desired to serve him with a Copy and acquaint him of his right to appeal.

2nd John Lloyd gave in a Certificate for himself and Susanna his Wife and their four Children to wit. Mary, John, Susanna and Evan from Abington Monthly Meeting dated the 24th Instant wherein they signify that after inquiry made they do not find but that he and his wife have been in a good degree of sober lives and conversation and frequent attenders of Meetings of Worship and discipline and their affairs settled to satisfacction as far as they know and that he has appeared in the Ministry formerly to satisfaction. Mary being grown of years of Maturity it signifies that she is of a sober life and conversation frequent in attending Meetings and clear of Marriage engagements. The other three being minors say they are hopeful which was read in this Meeting and received.

Ed. note: this is John Lloyd (1725-1797) formerly of Moreland twp., a very active Quaker Minister who is married to Susannah Field (1726-1806).

3rd The friends appointed to visit Rachel Tyson report that they did accordingly and had good satisfaction in their visit and believe her sincere in her acknowledgement she gave to friends. Therefore it is received by this Meeting on trial of her future conduct.

4th The friends appointed to visit Samuel Davis Junior report that they have not had an opportunity to speak with him since our last Monthly Meeting but have heard that he continues to make a Military appearance. This Meeting continues said friends and John Forman added to them to endeavour to visit him between this and our next Monthly Meeting.

5th The friends appointed to serve Joseph Williams with a Copy of the Testification of Monthly Meeting against him report that they have not had an opportunity to see him it being reported that he is not to be met with..

6th One of the friends appointed to visit Aquilla Roberts reports that John Roberts had given him a copy of the Testification of our monthly Meeting against him and acquainted him of his right of Appeal and that he told him that he thought he would not.

7th One of the friends appointed to visit James Morris reports he did accordingly and that he told him he had entirely declined all Military affairs and did not intend to be concerned with any of them any more. Notwithstanding this Meeting continues said friends and adds John Forman to endeavour to prevail with him to make satisfaction for that Breach of Discipline.

8th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for Thomas Morgan to Goshen Monthly Meeting have accordingly done which was read allowed of and signed.

9th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for James Lawrence to Haverford Monthly Meeting have done accordingly which was read allowed of and signed.

10th The friends appointed to visit Alexander Scott report that they did accordingly and say that in their Opinion he is deserving to be admitted into membership with us. Therefore his request is allowed of and he is received into fellowship with us.

11th Gwynedd friends report that the acknowledgements of Enoch Williams and Sarah Stilfield were both read at their Meeting as directed.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 30th of the 7th month, 1776

1st John Forman, John Evans Israel Jacobs, Joseph Roberts, John Jones, Isaac Ellis, Thomas Lancaster, Ezekiel Cleaver, George Morris, Joseph Ambler Junr., John Ambler and Jacob Evans are appointed to attend the Service of the next Quarterly Meeting at Philadelphia and report to wit.:

1st Meetings for worship and discipline are attended by a considerable number of friends the hour nearly observed and friends preserved in a good degree from unbecoming behaviour in Meetings.
2nd Love and unity is in a good degree maintained amongst us. Backbiting and evil reports we hope are discouraged and a care remains to end differences.
3rd Friends are careful to endeavour with those under their direction in those repects yet we believe an increase of such care to be necessary.
4th Generally careful as far as appears.
5th As far as appears this Querie is complied with.
6th Friends as far as appears are Generally clear respecting the forefornt of the Querie and very desirous to act agreeably to our Christian friends in the latter part thereof.
7th No slaves bought or sold since last account that we know of. Several lately have been set at liberty. Two yet remain in Bondage.
8th Friends are mostly careful on these accounts, although some are too remiss.
9th Offenders are dealt with in hope in a degree of the spirit of Meekness. The delays may happen.

Answer to the annual queries

1st Two elders deceased since our last account viz: Wm Foulke and Sarah Williams both belonging to Gwynedd particular Meeting and no Memorial yet prepared for them.
2nd. none
3rd Two sober persons have been lately taken into membership with us.
4th Yes

2nd The friends appointed to serve Abraham Luken with a Copy of the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against him reports that he has not had an opportunity of doing it and therefore is continued for that Service.

3rd The friends appointed by a former Meeting and continued by our last to visit Samuel Davis Junr. report that they failed of an opportunity to speak with him and they believe he was not willing they should see him therefore this meeting appoints Joseph Roberts and Thomas Lancaster to draw a Testification against him and provide it to our next monthly Meeting.

4th A Certificate for Elijah Evans from Wilmington Monthly Meeting dated the 16th of the 12th month 1772 was given into this Meeting wherein it is said that during his short stay amongst them he behaved in a good degree orderly and being but a youth they cannot say much which after some consideration is received by this Meeting.

5th The friends appointed to treat with James Morris report that he signified to them that he did not report that his transgression amounted to that height as to require a written acknowledgement. John Forman and John Evans are appointed by this Meeting to visit him to endeavour to convince him that he acted contrary to our Religous principles. John Roberts and Thomas Lancaster are appointed to accompany them.

6th Our Women friends acquaint this Meeting that Mary Goheen has been Married by a Hireling Minister and refuses to make friends any satisfaction but leaves them at liberty. Therefore this Meeting appoints George Evans and Francis Hobson to draw a Testification against her and produce it to our next Monthly Meeting.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 27th of the 8th 1776

1st Joseph Ambler the younger and Elizabeth Forman declared their intention of Marriage with each other the first time. John Evans and John Thomas are appointed to inquire of his conversation and Clearness and report as they find to our next monthly Meeting.

2nd The friends appointed to serve Abraham Lukens with a Copy of the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against him reports that he has not had an opportunity of doing it. Peter Luken is appointed by this Meeting with the said friend for that service.

3rd The friends appointed to draw a Testification against Samuel Davis Junr have accordingly done which was read and approved of. Joseph Jones is desired to serve him with a copy thereof and acquaint him of his right to appeal if he find cause.

4th A Certificate was granted by this Meeting for Margaret Atkins to Warrington Monthly Meeting in York County and one for Hannah Michener to Buckingham Monthly Meeting.

5th A Certificate was given into this Meeting for Mary Robeson from Bradford Monthly Meeting dated the 14th of the 6th month last wherein they signify her to be a Member in unity; that her life and conversation corresponds with her profession and that she has been a recommended Minister for a number of years having a Public Testimony to bear which is well accepted of and although her outward circumstances are somewhat necessitous and indigent they have no desire she should be burthemsome to any Meeting but that she came from which was read and received. Israel Jacobs, John Forman and Joseph Roberts are appointed to visit her.

6th A Certificate was given into this Meeting for Eleanor Pearson daughter of Benjamin Pearson from Exeter Monthly Meeting dated the 26th of the 6th month last signifiying that she has a birth Right in Society with them she being young they need not say much which was read and received.

7th James Morris appeared in ths Meeting and gave in a paper wherein he acknowledgeds that he deviated from his profession in meeting to learn the Military exercise and condemns the said Act which was read in this Meeting and received for satisfaction.

8th The friends appointed to draw a Testification against Mary Goheen have done accordingly which was read and approved of. Moses Coates is desired to serve her with a Copy thereof and acquaint her of her right to appeal.

9th The Meeing on consideration that our next Monthly Meeting will of course fall out in the time of our yearly Meeting therefore it is appointed to be held a Week sooner as usual the third day of next month.

10th Application made for Enoch Williams for a Certificate to Gun Powder Monthly Meeting in the province of Maryland. Evan Jones and Mordecai Moore are appointed to make necessary inquiry concerning him and provide one accordingly.

Ed. note: Enoch Williams will marry Ann Weeks (nee Lancaster) in Maryland in 1778.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 17th of 9th mo 1776

1st Joseph Ambler the younger and Elizabeth Forman declared their intention of Marriage with each other the second time and nothing appearing to obstruct consent of Parents being had they are therefore left to their liberty to consumate their said intention. Evan Jones and John Thomas are appointed to take care that it be orderly accomplished.

2nd John Evans and Mary Lawrence declared their intention of Marriage with each other the first time. John Evans and Evan Jones are appointed to inspect his conversation and clearness and report thereof to our next monthly meeting.

3rd William Ellis and Sarah Barnes declared their intention of Marriage with each other the first time. Joseph Roberts and John Saunders are appointed to inquire of his conversation and clearness and report thereof to our next monthly Meeting.

4th The friends appointed to serve Abraham Lukens with a Copy of the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against him report that it is not done. Therefore they are continued in that service.

5th Our friend Joseph Jones acquainted this Meeting that he did serve Samuel Davis Junior with a Copy of our Monthly Meeting against him. Therefore it is ordered to be entered in our minutes as followeth to wit:

Gwynedd Monthly Meeting the 27th of the 8th 1776

Whereas Samuel Davis Junior hath had his Birth Right and Education amongst friends but but want of keeping to that peaceable principle of Grace in his own heart hath so far deviated therefrom as to be guilty of associating with the Military Men and taking an active part with them in carrying on War the which conduct of his (as we apprehend) to be inconsistent with the principle of the Gospel which breathes peace on Earth and good will to men. Therefor the clearing of Truth and our Religious society from such disorderly conduct we do hereby disown the said Samuel Davis from being any longer a Member thereof or to have any right of Membership amongst us untill by unfeigned repentance and amendment of life he renders himself Worthy of the unity of friends and that he may is what we desire.

Signed by order of said Meeting

Thomas Evans

[Ed. Note: Samuel Davis (s/o Samuel Davis and Jane Rees) of Plymouth twp. was the Captain of a Militia Company during the Revolution. He married Elizabeth Williams (d/o William Williams of Gwynedd and Ellin Foulke). ]

6th A Certificate given into our Monthly Meeting some time ago but not minuted for Mary Dawes from Buckingham Monthly Meeting dated the first of the 7th month last wherein they signify that her life and conversation was in a good degree orderly and at times attended Meetings clear of Marriage engagements and her affairs settled to satisfaction and in Membership with them which was read in this meeting and received.

7th George Evans acquaints this Meeting that Moses Coates told him that he had served Mary Goheen with a Copy of the Testification of our Meeting against her and that she made no objection to it. Therefore it is ordered to be entered in the minutes and is a followeth:

Whereas Mary Goheen had a Birth right and was educated amongst the people called Quakers but for want of giving heed to that which would have preserved her out of mor. she has accomplished her Marriage with a person not of our society with the assistance of an Hireling Minister contrary to the good order esablished amonst us and doth not appear in a disposition to make any satisfaction by condemning the same and therefore for the clearing of Truth we do hereby disown the siad Mary Goheen from being any longer of our Society untill she comes to a true sense of her misconduct and condemns the same to the satisfaction of the Meeting which that She may is our desire.

Signed by order of siad Meeting the 27th of the 8th 1776 Thomas Evans

8th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for Enoch Williams to Gunpowder Monthly Meeting in the Province of Maryland have accordingly done which was read allowed of and signed.

9th Two of the friends appointed to visit Mary Robeson report that they and Israel Jacobs did and had good satisfaction in their said visit. This Meeting appoints Israel Jacobs and Joseph Roberts to take care that she be furnished with such things as are necessary for her and report thereof to a future Meeting.

10th Application made for a Certificate from James Espin and his Wife and their four Children to Haverford Monthly Meeting. Amos Roberts and George Maris (spelled here Marris) are appointed to make such inquiry concerning them as is necessary and provide one accordingly.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 29th of the 10th 1776

1st The friends appointed to oversee the marriage of Joseph Ambler and Elizabeth Forman report that it was orderly accomplished.

Ed. Note: This is Joseph son of John Ambler (1727-1804) and Ann Foulke and Elizabeth (b. 1749) daughter of John Forman (1711-1793) and Elizabeth Naylor (1714-1749).

2nd John Evans and Mary Lawrence declared their intention of marraige with each other the second time and nothing appearing to obstuct are left to their liberty to consumate their said intention. John Evans and Evan Jones are appointed to see that it be orderly accomplished.

3rd William Ellis and Sarah Barnes declared their intention of marriage with each other the seond time and nothing appearing to impede are left to their liberty to consumate their said intentions. Joseph Roberts and Joht (sic) Saunders are appointed to take that it be orderly accomplished.

4th Joseph Ambler, Isaac Jones, David Evans, George Evans, Isaac Ellis, Evan Jones, Jonathan Robeson, Evan Meredith, Caleb Foulke and Thomas Evans are appointed are appointed to attend the service of the next Quarterly Meeting at Philadelphia and report that

1st Meetings for religious worship and discipline are attended by a considerable number of friends altho some of our members are deficient the hour nearly observed by such who attend we have not any to charge with unbecoming behaviors in Meetings.
2nd Love and unity is in a good dgree maintained amongst us. Talebearing, Backbiting and evil reports we hope are discouraged and a care remains to end differences when they appear.
3rd Care is taken to deal with offenders in love aqnd we hope without partiality

5th One of the friends appointed to serve Abraham Lukens with a copy of the Testification of our monthly meeting against him reports he did accordingly and that he made no objection. Therefore it is ordred to be read at the close of a first day meeting at Gwynedd before our next monthly meeting.

6th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for James Espin and whis wife and children to Haverford Monthly Meeting have not performed that service therefore are continued.

7th Samuel Starr laid down a paper wherein he acknowledges his having so far deviated from the wholesom rules established amongst friends as to accomplish his marriage with a person not joined in membership with friends before a Magistrate and a degree of sorrow for said breach desiring friends so far to pass it by as to continue him in membership as his future conduct may recommend him. This Meeting appoints George Evans and David Evans to visit him to endeavour to find his sincerity therein.

8th Application made for a Certificate for Daniel Williams (son of Hezekiah) to Warrington Monthly Meeting in York County. John Evans and George Maris are appointed to make necessary inquiry conserning him and provide one accordingly.

9th Application made for a Certificate for Enos Tyson to Gun Powder monthly Meeting in the province of Maryland. Joseph Roberts and Isaac Ellis are appointed to make necessary inquiry concerning him and provide one accordingly.

10th Ezekiel Cleaver, Thomas Lancaster and Francis Hobson are appointed to settle with Hugh Foulke for the maintanence of Rachel Roberts and report thereof in our next Monthly Meeting.

11th Application made for a Certificate for James Vaux in order to proceed in marriage with a young woman belonging to Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. Israel Jacobs and Francis Hobson are appointed to make the needful inquiry concerning him and provide one accordingly.

Ed. Note James Vaux married Susannah Warder 9 March 1777 in Philadelphia.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 26th of the 11th month 1776

1st The extracts of our last yearly Meeting being now come to hand were read in this Meeting to general satisfaction.

2nd The friends appointed to oversee the Marriage of John Evans and Mary Lawrence report that it was orderly accomplished.

3rd The friends appointed to oversee the Marriage of William Ellis and Sarah Barnes not being in this Meeting on account thereof will be expected at our next Monthly Meeting.

4th Gwynedd friends report that the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against Abraham Lukens was read at their meeting as Directed.

5th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for James Espin, his wife and their four children vis. David, Israel, Jane and Lilla (Zilla?) to Haverford monthly Meeting have accordingly done which was read, allowed of and signed.

6th A Certificate was granted by this Meeting for Sarah Griffith, Daughter of Phineas Griffith to Exeter Monthly Meeting.

7th The friends appointed to inquire and provide a Certificate for Daniel Williams (son of Hezekiah) to Warrington Monthly Meeting in York County have accordingly done which was read allowed of and signed.

8th The friends appointed to visit Samuel Starr report that they did accordingly and that they did not discover any other than that he was sincere in what he offered in writing to our last monthly meeting therefore his paper is received on trial of his future conduct.

9th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for Enos Tyson to Gunpowder Monthly Meeting in the province of Maryland have accordingly done which was read allowed of and signed.

10th The friends appointed to settle with Hugh Foulke for the maintenance of Rachel Roberts report that they did accordingly and find this Meeting indebted to him four pounds seventeen shillings and sixpence and that he is not willing to support her any longer without a shilling a week advances; but that Joshua Foulke is willing to keep her another year at the rate of two shillings a week which this Meeting agrees to pay him therefor.

11th The friends appointed to inquire and provide a Certificate for James Vaux to proceed in Marriage with a friend belonging to Philadelphia Monthly Meeting have accordingly done which was read allowed of and signed.

12th Gwynedd Overseers acquaint this Meeting that Mordecai Roberts joined the Military men in their exercise and wholely neglects the attendance of our religious Meetings and has been visited by some friends of our preparative Meetings nothwithstanding which this meeting appoints John Forman and David Evans to visit him ato endeavour to convince him of his misconduct.

13th Application made for a Certificate for Edward Stroud Junr. and his Wife to Abington Monthly Meeting. Joseph Jones and Thomas Lancaster are appointed to make necessary inquiry concerning therm and provide one accordingly.

14th Application mad for a Certificate for Thomas Jacobs to Chester Monthly Meeting. George Evans and Frances Hobson are appointed to make the needful inquiry concerning him and provide accordingly.

At our monthly meeting held in Gwynedd the 31st of 12th mo 1776

1st The yearly meeting of London Epistle and the Epistle from the siad Yearly Meeting to our last yearly Meeting and a minute of the Meeting for Sufferings of the 20th of instant were all read in this Meeting to general satisfaction.

2nd The friends appointed to attend the Marriage of William Ellis and Sarah Barnes report that it was orderly accomplished.

3rd The friends appointed to inquire and provide a Certificate for Edward Stroud Junr. and Hannah his wife to Abington monthly Meeting have done accordingly. which was read allowed of and signed.

4th A Certificate was granted by this Meeting for Sarah Pierce to Goshen monthly Meeting.

5th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for Thomas Jacobs to Chester monthly meeting have accordingly done which was read allowed of and signed.

6th The friends appointed to visit Mordecai Roberts gave a favourable account of him signifying that he seemed willing to make friends any satisfaction in his power therefore this meeting condescends to wait some longer time to see whether his life and conversation will manifest the sincerity of what he said to the friends who visited him.

7th A considerable time we hope to good purpose was spent in this meeting on the weighty service of visiting friends in their families; our friend John Forman expressed a freedom in his mind to make some progress therein; John Lloyd and David Evans were named who we hope may find freedom to engage in the service our friends John Evans was also named and We hope as he weighs the matter closely in his mind will find it safest to make some trial therein.

8th Our women friends acquaint this meeting that Ann Roberts daughter of Robert Roberts tanner deceased has been Guilty of fornication and is charged with drinking spiritous Liquour to excess; this Meeting appoints Isaac Ellis and Thomas Lancaster to visit her on that account and if they find no token of real Contrition are desired to draw a testification against her and produce it to our next monthly Meeting.

1777

All through 1776 and 1777, before the British invasion, people fled Philadelphia for the countryside. Tories fled because of threats and persecution from the Committee of Public Saftey and anti-Tory mobs. Whigs fled because of the impending invasion of the city from Howe's army which had invaded New Jersey. After the occupation of Philadelphia by Howe following the Battle of Brandywine, there were few people left in the city except Tories and Quakers. This was offset to some degree by Tory refugees entering Philadelphia. Of the 4000 or so able bodied men left in Philadelpia about 1000 enlisted in the British militias, but few were Quakers. In addition about 2000 men deserted Washington's army and joined the British [1]. Washington encircled the city in an effort to starve the British out.

Some notes of meetings held before the British invasion of Pennsylvania in September:...

Marriages at Gwynedd and Plymouth (meeting sanctioned): William Hallowell m. Mary Roberts; Alexander Scott m. Jane Evans; Isaac Jones m. Gainor Ambler; Hugh Lloyd m. Christian Morgan

Isaac Ellis is married by a "Priest". The next month (5th) we learn Isaac Ellis has been associating with the militia

Rees Bell m. Elizabeth with the help of a Priest (we later learn this is only one of his offenses as friends saw it)

The testification disowning Mordecai Roberts was read 24th 6th mo 1777; at this same meeting John Roberts of Gwynedd Meeting was still continuing as a Captain of the militia (first reported 3rd month). He is disowned 7th month, 1777. Mordecai Roberts will later fight at Germantown. (This John Roberts has not been definitely placed. I suspect this is the son of John Roberts of Whitpain, whose father made him an executor of his will after the war, but left everything to his brother "Squire" Job Roberts. The other possibility appears to be Mordecai's brother "Squire" John Roberts. It is not clear to the author of this page which side Mordecai fought for as there is evidence both ways. Looking through militia lists, it appears that John Roberts was a captain of the Northampton County militia [8]. Militia from Northampton county were in charge of the supply depot at Gwynedd Meeting when the British foragers made a surprise attack there in 1778, and it is likely that the disowned Gwynedd Quaker John Roberts was in charge there. At that time Northampton County contained most of northeast Pennsylvania.)

7th month: Robert and Abraham Jones acknowledge serving in the Militia. (they are not disowned until 1779 when they have also married outside of meeting).

September 11: Battle of Brandywine; September 25: Sally Wister begins her journal at the home of Hannah Foulke (widow of William) at Pennlyn in Gwynedd, where her family had taken refuge from Germantown. October 4: Battle of Germantown... interestingly, at the 9th month Meeting, all the proceedings against militia men and armaments makers are postponed...

Att our Monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd the 23rd of 9th mo 1777

1st Christopher Marshall Jr. and Elizabeth Flower declared their intention of Marriage with each other the second time and he produced a Certificate of his Clearness from Philadelphia Monthly Meeting dated the 29th of the 9th month last and nothing appearing to obstruct (his father's Consent being had) are therefore left at liberty to Consumate their said intentions. Roland Evans and Peter Lukens are appointed to see that it be orderly accomplished.

ed. note: One entry in the diary of Christopher Marshall Jr.' father (also named Christopher) mentions, "My son Christopher sent me a present of a small keg of pickled oysters, and requested my coming to sup at his house this evening, the which I complied with, and spent the evening in innocent, cheerful, conversation with John Adams, Thomas Cushing, Samuel Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, delegates from Boston." He and his brother Charles furnished a large amount of medicines and surgical supplies, " for the use of different battalions of Continental forces." Apparently like the Wisters, Christopher is a refugee from Philadelphia, but he is staying in Providence township. His wife, Elizabeth Flower, is also from a wealthy Philadelphia merchant family. (Source: Gene Ballentine Rooks' Worldconnect db)

2nd The case of Josiah Wood is for divers considerations referred to the consideration of our next Monthly Meeting

3rd Robert and Abraham Jones's acknowledgement is referred to the further consideration of a future Meeting.

4th Gwynedd friends report that the Testification of our monthly Meeting against Deborah Jackson was not read at their Meeting therefore it is ordered to be done before our next Monthly Meeting.

5th We do not find that the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against Richard Richardson Junr was read at Providence therefore it is desired that it may be done before our next Monthly Meeting.

6th The friends who was desired to Visit James Stroud has not performed that service and therefore was continued.

[Editor's note: The reason for this visit is probably this: "To his Excellency the President of the Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.
The Return of the magistrates of Philadelphia County of the names of Persons proper to be appointed to search for and take account of Flour, etc. - for Plymouth and Norristown: James Stroud, Conrad Callinger, Andrew Crawford. Indorsed, Read in Council, August 1, 1777, ordered to lie on the Table" - in other words, James Stroud was being appointed to intercept any grain or goods going into Philadelphia and seize them as part of the plan to starve the British out of Philadelphia. In addition, James Stroud had been appointed by the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania as one of three commissioners for Philadelphia County, to seize the estates of Loyalists joining the British army. On November 1777, Archibald Thompson, Robert Loller and William Antes wrote that James Stroud had refused this commission (Historical Sketches by the Historical Society of Montgomery County, 1895), possibly because of the objection of Gwynedd Meeting. This James Stroud (left a will 1788 in Plymouth twp.) was the son of Edward and Catharine Stroud and is probably the older brother of the Edward Stroud who married Hannah Foulke.]

7th Elijah Evans's acknowledgement is referred to further consideration.

8th The case of Jacob Rodes and that of Rees Bell was Both referred to further consideration.

9th The friends appointed to draw a Testification against Jane Sutch (Turk?) have accordingly done which was read and approved of. John Ambler and Joseph Butler desired to serve her with a Copy thereof and acquaint her of her right to appeal.

10th David Harry gave in his Certificate from Philadelphia monthly Meeting dated the 27th of the 6th month last wherein they signify that he sometimes attended their Meetings and clear of Marriage engagements and recommending him as a member of our religious Society. was read in this Meeting and received

11th Our friend John Thomas acquainted this Meeting of a concern on his mind to attend the Yearly Meeting at little Creek and a few Meetings in his way there and back again. this Meeting concurs with him in his said concern his ministry tending to satisfaction and his conversation exemplary. John Evans is appointed to assist the clerk to get it for him against he want it.

12th At the request of Mary Robeson her niece Elizabeth Robeson is received into membership with us.

Ed. Note. By the 10th month, Gwynedd is in the war zone and its meeting house has become a hospital (note the next meeting is held "in" Gwynedd instead of "at" Gwynedd). Three or four dozen dead are buried in what was then the front yard of the Meeting House between the Meeting House front door and Sumneytown Pike. Washington's forces are dispersed all through the territory of Gwynedd MM with the main camp in Whitpain township, and British raiding parties sortie out of Philadelphia, sometimes led by Evan Thomas, a disowned former member of Gwynedd Meeting. Not surprisingly few show up at the monthly meeting and little business is conducted. After the Battle of Germantown, according to the Moore family stories, Washington camped at their home in Montgomery township. Mordecai Moore, son of a wealthy Philadelphia Quaker family with Maryland origins built the house on route 202 now known as the Knapp farm house, now owned by the Montgomery Township Historical Society.

Two days after the battle of Germantown the Quakers in the city of Philadelphia sent a deputation to Howe and thence to Washington with testimonies on the ungodliness of war. In their communication to the latter, they made use of the opportunity to assert the innocence of themselves and of their Society of imputations cast upon them ; to explain that the aim of their body was to seek only for peace and righteousness in the world, with equal love to all men.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd the 28th of 10th month 1777

1st John Loyd, John Evans, David Evans, Thomas Lancaster, Joseph Ambler Junr., and Caleb Foulke are appointed to attend the service of the next Quarterly Meeting at Philadelphia if way may be opened for them and report Vizt.:

1st Our Meetings both for worship and discipline are generally pretty well attend and the hour nearly observed and in a good degree preserved from the other Indecencies mentioned in this Query.
2nd Love and unity are a good degree preserved among us. Talebearing, Backbiting and Evil Reports are discouraged and a care remains on the mind of friends to end differences when come to knowledge.
3rd Offenders are dealt with We believe in meekness and without partiallity.

2nd No account of Christopher Marshall Junr. marriage to be had in this Meeting.

3rd The cases of Josiah Wood and of Robert and Abraham Jones, Elijah Evans, Jacob Rodes and Rees Bell are all referred to the consideration of a future Meeting.

4th The Testification of our Monthly Meeting against Deborah Jackson was not read at Gwynedd Meeting as directed therefore ordered to be done before our next Meeting.

5th The friends appointed to visit James Stroud has not performed that service.

6th The friends appointed to serve Jane Turk with a Copy of the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against her not being in this Meeting therefore are continued for that service.

7th No account of the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against Richard Richardson Junr being read at Providence as directed.

Ed. note: During this time, the Quaker elder Thomas Shoemaker's Gwynedd township house was first plundered by Washington's army, then (thankfully) occupied by officers who kept the foragers away. The troops took livestock and hay for the army without paying. Abraham stated that they did not even leave a milk cow for the famly with small children and when they bought a new one it was taken too. Their neighbors were treated likewise. However, this was stopped when three officers took residence at the house: Capt. Richard Taylor (father of President Zachary Taylor), Capt. William Cunningham and Capt. Francis Taylor - all from Virginia - and part of Greene's Corp. They had the prime tormenter arrested on 24 October 1777, and made him run the gauntlet after which the families in the neighborhood where no longer bothered. According to Abraham Shoemaker, Richard Taylor told Thomas Shoemaker, he had "been in nine battles and would be in ninety-nine more before the British gained the day." [5] Thomas Shoemaker's land was the southwest corner of the intersection of present day North Wales Rd. and Welsh Rd, just outside Lansdale.

At the same time, the British, who were facing starvation in Philadelphia, sent out foraging parties too, and they could not stop if they intended to hold Philadelphia. In addition to foraging they sent parties of light horse into the countryside intent on arresting rebel leaders in the neighborhoods. The Hessians in particular had a reputation for plundering. Every neighborhood held persons who were Whigs, Tories or trying to mind their own business. Officially, the Quakers were in the latter camp, pretending to ignore the war.

At our Monthly Meeting held at the home of John Evans in Gwynedd the 25th of the 11th month 1777. Our Meeting house being taken up by the Soldiers for an Hospital

1st The Extracts of our Yearly Meeting being come to hand were read in this Meeting to General Satisfaction.

2nd The friends appointed to attend our last Quarterly Meeting report they did not by reason of the difficulty of attending it.

3rd One of the friends appointed to oversee the marriage of Christopher Marshall and Elizabeth Flower report that it was orderly accomplished.

4th The Cases of Josiah Wood, Jacob Rodes, Robert and Abraham Jones being deliberated in this meeting and Israel Jacobs, George Evans appointed to visit them--

Isaac Ellis and John Saunders are appointed to visit Rees Bell and Elijah Evans and report thereof to our next Monthly Meeting.

5th Gwynedd friends report the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against Deborah Jackson was read their Meeting as directed.

6th The friends appointed to visit James Stroud report they did accourdingly and found him in the same disposition as the other friends had being still unwilling to acknowledge his conduct to be amiss. this Meeting concludes to visit a month longer to see if in that time he may change his sentiments.

7th Benjamin Penrose gave in his Certificate from Abington Monthly Meeting dated the 28th of the 7th month last giving a good acoount of his Life and Conversation and his affairs being settled to satisfaction and clear of marriage engagements which was read this Meeting and received.

8th The friends appointed to serve Jane Tuck (Turk?, Such?) with a Copy of the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against her report that they did accordingly therefore it is ordered to be enetered on our minutes and is as followeth:

Whereas Jane Tuck being a descendant of the people called Quakers had a birth right and Education amongst us but when she grew to Years of maturity she so far deviated from our Testimony against a hireling ministry as to Consummate her marriage before a preist with a man not of our Society and having wholy neglected the attendance of our religious Meetings for all whcih conduct she has been treated with by her friends to bring her to a sense of her transgressions but our Labour of Love not having the desired Effect therefore for the clearing of truth and our Christian professions we disown the said Jane Such (Tuck?, Turk?) to be any longer a member of ou Religious Society untill she shows ardent tokens of her sincerity in condemning her offences to the satisfaction of friends. that she may is our sincere desire.

9th Providence friends report that the Testification of our Monthly Meeting against Richard Richardson Junr. was read at their Meeting as directed.

10th A friend acquaints this Meeting that Job Lukens (being as he supposed a constable) did serve warrants on some friends and others for not associating to learn the military exercises and is negligent in attending our religious Meeing. this Meeting appoints Daniel Williams and Thomas Evans to visit him on that account and report thereof to our next monthy Meeting.

At our Monthly Meeting held in Gwynedd at the house of John Evans the 30th of the 12th month 1777

1st The General Yearly Meeting of London Epistle and the Epistle from that Meeting to our Yearly Meeting were both read in the Meeting to General satisfaction.

2nd The friends appointed to visit Josiah Wood, Jacob Rodes, Robert and Abraham Jones report that they have not performed that service therefore are continued. Likewise the friends appointed to visit Rees Bell and Elijah Evans have not performed the service therefore it is continued.

3rd But little account to be had of Plymouth friends concerning James Stroud. their Meeting condescends to wait another month and appoints Israel Jacobs and John Evans to visit him and report thereof to our next monthly Meeting.

4th Phebe Hays Certificate from Richland Monthly Meeting dated the 21st of the 8th month last was given into this Meeting which was read and received.

5th A Certificate was granted by this Meeting for our friend Mary Robeson to Bradford Monthly Meeting.

6th One of the friends appointed to visit Job Lukens reports that they did accordingly and notwithstanding they had but little encouragement to wait with him. this Meeting appoints John Evans and Ezekiel Cleaver to visit him and report thereof to our next Monthly Meeting.

7th Gwynedd friends acquaint this Meeting that Griffith Hugh is grown Ancient and his effects all run out. is an immediate necessity. Evan Jones and Thomas Shoemaker are appointed to provide him a home and necessaries.

8th Gwynedd friends acquaint this Meeting that our friend Evan Jones is appointed an Overseer for their Meeting to act in conjunction with the friends heretofore Chosen which is well approved of by this Meeting.

1778

At the beginning of 1778 Caleb Foulke replaced Thomas Evans as clerk of Gwynedd Monthly Meeting - handwriting and spelling somewhat improve.

In January 1778, the British were still in Philadelphia and Washington was camped at Valley Forge and some of his officers and troops dispersed throughout the countryside in what is now Montgomery County. Sally Wister's journal [4] for 1778 describes the situation through the eyes of a 16 year old girl at home of Hannah Foulke and her son Jesse in Gwynedd. Gwynedd township was on the front lines of the war behind the American line. Providence meeting was in a similar circumstance a bit farther behind the lines. Plymouth meeting was in no man's land between the two armies.

Caleb Foulke, the new clerk, won and lost a fortune after the war importing tea and textiles from England to Philadelphia. He was a son of Hannah Foulke, the head of the househould where Sally Wister was staying (Caleb had his own place on Swedesford Road not far from the Meeting house). Caleb Foulke's wife was a sister of Sally Wister's mother. Both Mrs. Jane Foulke and Mrs. Lowry Wister were the daughters of Owen Jones who was the last Provincial Treasurer of Pennsylvania under British rule. Amos Foulke, Caleb's brother, was married to another sister. Caleb had been the business partner of his wife's brother Jonathan Jones and Amos had been the business partner of his wife's brother Owen Jones. In 1765 Caleb Foulke had signed the non-importation agreement boycotting British goods in opposition to the Stamp Act. He, and his father in law were involved in business and politcal activities in Philadelphia with Benjamin Franklin and other merchants of the city. When the American forces leave Montgomery County it is at the home of Caleb Foulke, Clerk of Gwynedd Meeting that General Smallwood, later Governor of Maryland dines for breakfast.

At our monthly meeting held at the house of John Evans in Gwynedd the 27th of the 1st month 1778

1st John Forman, John Lloyd, John Evans, David Evans, Israel Jacobs, Isaac Ellis, Thomas Shoemaker, Thomas Lancaster, Caleb Foulke and Moses Hobson are appointed to attend the service of the next Quarterly Meeting at Philiadelphia & report

[here are omitted to response to the Queries as they are about the same as before. Apparently Quaker good order was accomplished by doing things by formula.]

2nd Josiah Wood being in this Meeting and gave a paper which on reading did not appear satisfactory. Therefore it is returned him and desired he should consider it weightily and endeavour to make it more to the satisfaction of the Meeting.

3rd Jacob Rodes being in this Meeting and his case being deliberated which it referred to the consideration of a future Meeting. Isaac Ellis and Thomas Lancaster are appointed to inquire how he conducts and report thereof to our next monthly Meeting.

4th Robert and Abraham Jones being in this Meeting and their case coming under consideration this Meeting is of Opinion that their acknowledgement be under the notice of friends some longer time and Israel Ellis and Thomas Lancaster are appointed to see how they behave and report thereof to our next monthly Meeting

5th One of the friends appointed to visit James Stroud reports that he did accordingly and signifies that he appears to be in the same disposition he was when the other friends visited him therefore this Meeting appoints Isaac Ellis and Thomas Lancaster to draw a Testification against him and produce it to our next monthly Meeting.

6th One of the friends appointed to visit Job Lukens reports that he did accordingly and that he said he was sorry he had acted as constable and served fines for not associating to learn War. This Meeting condescends to wait a month longer to see if time will bring him to a clearer sense of his offences and the same friends are desired to observe his conduct and thereof to our next monthly Meeting.

7th The case of Rees Bell and that of Elijah Evans are both referred to the consideration of our next monthly Meeting.

8th Application made for a Certificate for Gill Penninton [Pennington] to Buckingham monthly Meeting. Evan Jones and John Ambler are appointed to make necessary inquiries conserning him and provide one accordingly.

9th It being mentioned in their Meeting that several Ministers and Elders are deceased and no memorial provided for them therefore John Forman, John Evans, David Evans, Israel Jacobs, Evan Jones, Isaac Jones, Ezekiel Cleaver, George Maris, Caleb Foulke and Thomas Evans are appointed for that service.

10th Caleb Foulke is appointed a Clerk for Gwynedd Monthly Meeting in stead of Thomas Evans who by reason of age and inability now resigns.

At our Meeting held in Philadelphia the 2nd Day of the second month 1778

1st The important subject referred from last Meeting respecting the religious Education and instruction of our youth coming under our solid and weighty consideration and that part of the Extracts from the minutes of the Yearly Meeting relating thereto being read:

A Religious concern and devise prevailed among us for the real advantage of the rising generaton and their advancement in righteousness that they may be preserved from the vanities of the and coruuptions of the world and trained up in a conduct becoming our holy profession and that parents and others who are entrusted with their Education may be united to Circumspection and care in the discharge of their imcumbent duty Respecting them For which purpose monthly Meetings are desired to appoint suitable friends to take this and the other matters mentioned in the minutes of the Yearly Meeting particularly under their care and in order that they may be encouraged and strengthened to engage in the service the following friends are appointed to visit and assist the several Monthly Meetings and to proceed therein as best widom may direct and report their care to a future Meeting in order that a assessment thereof may be sent to the next Yearly Meeting viz:

David Baion, John Elliot Junr., Charles West, David Estarigh, William Brown, Thomas Hallowell, John Gracey, Abraham Siddon, Samuel Lloyd, Abraham Cadwallader, John Forman, David Evans, Samuel Lee, Joseph Penrose, Joseph Lukens and John Evans.

Exctracted from the Minutes

Joseph Bringhouse Clerk

The following friends were appointed to take the several matters contained in the said minute under their care vizt John Lloyd, Thomas Shoemaker, Ezekiel Cleaver, Evan Jones, Joseph Roberts, Isaac Ellis, George Evans and Francis Hobson.

2nd Josiah not being present his case is referred to the consideration of a future Meeting

3rd The cases of Jacob Rodes and Robert and Abraham Jones are continued under the care of the friends appointed last month.

4th Sarah Roberts sent in a paper acknowledging that notwithstanding that she was favored with many privileges condusive to a sober circumspect life yet through inattention to the reproofs of unerring wisdom she had been sofar Seduced to commit the sin of unchastity with the man to whom she is since married and desiring friends would pass by her offence and continue her under their care and notice. Which paper is received and ordered to be read at the close of a first day Meeting at Gwynedd before our next Monthly Meeting.

5th The friends appointed to prepare a Testification against James Stroud report that it was drawn but friends who had the care of it not being present that case is referred to our next monthly Meeting.

6th It appears by the report of the Friends to whom the care of Job Lukens's case was recommended that he is still in the neglect of the attendance of our religious Meetings and doth not offer any acknowledgement for his Violation of our Christian Testimony against War. therefore this Meeting appoints Evan Jones & John Evans to draw a Testification against him and produce the same to our next monthly Meeting.

7th On Consideration of Rees Bells case & that of Elijah Evans it is considered that they be referred to the consideration of our next Meeting. Israel Ellis and Joseph Roberts are desired to make inquiry Whether their conduct is consistent with what they offer to the Meeting.

8th The friends appointed to provide a Certificate for Gill Pennington not having performed that service are continued.

9th Adrian Dawes attending this Meeting with a Certificate from Buckingham monthly Meeting dated the 2nd Day of the 2nd month 1778 acquainting that he has settled his affairs to satisfaction is clear of marriage engagements and recommending him as a young man having a right of membership to the care and notice of this Meeting which is received.

Note also:

"ON SATURDAY LAST (FEBRUARY 15, 1778), a considerable body of British Light Infantry, accompanied by a party of light horse, made an excursion into the country as high as a place called the Spring-House Tavern (Gwynedd Township, Philadelphia County), about sixteen miles from Philadelphia, where they made prisoners a Major Wright of the Pennsylvania Militia, and a number of persons in the Civil Department such as Magistrates, Assessors, Constables, etc., who were pointed out by the Tories inhabiting that neighborhood. The enemy went in three divisions, part of them through Germantown, where they broke many windows, seized all the leather, stockings, etc., and returned to Philadelphia on the evening of the same day, after having committed many other acts of licentiousness and cruelty on the persons of those they term Rebels." (Burlington, NJ, sheet put out by Whigs [2])

At our monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd the 31st of the 3rd month 1778

1st The case of Josiah Wood is further continued and Joseph Roberts and Jacob Evans desired to remind him that his case has long been before the Meeting and if they find him in a suitable disposition to encourage his offering to Satisfaction for his deviation.

2nd The case of Jacob Rhodes and Robert and Abraham Jones are still continued under the care of Isaac Ellis and Thomas Lancaster who are desired to write them to attend our next monthly Meeting.

3rd The paper for acknowledgement sent into that Meeting by Sarah Roberts was read as directed.

4th The friends appointed to draw a Testification against James Stroud was produced the same which after some alteration was approved and signed. Joseph Roberts and Jacob Evans are desired to deliver him a copy and acquaint him of his right of appeal.

5th The Testification against Job Lukens as directed last month was now approved of produced and after some alteration was approved and Signed. Enos Lewis and Joseph Griffith are desired to deliver him a Copy and acquaint him with his right of appeal.

6th The case of Rees Bell coming under consideration of the Meeting and it appearing that his conduct in one instance is such as to induce the Meeting to defer the receiving his acknowledgement which referred to the consideration of a further meeting.

7th The case of Elijah Evans is continued on account of his being absent from his usual place of abode so that no opportunity has been had with him since last meeting.

8th A certificate was provided for Gill Pennington to Buckingham monthly Meeting.

9th Adrian Dawes by a friend Requested a Certificate in order to proceed with a friend to Kingwood monthly Meeting in New Jersey. Thomas Lancaster and John Roberts are desired to make necessary inquiry and provide one if they find him clear.

10th It having been mentioned in this Meeting that divers of our members have for a considerable time visited in Philadelphia and as it is a time of trial and difficulty this Meeting thinks to acquaint friends in Philadelphia with the name of the persons in order that inquiry may be made whether their conduct is consistent with our religious profession. the Committee for Sufferings are appointed to take this matter under consideration and write to friends of Philadelphia a state of the case. They agree to meet for that purpose and some other matters now recommended the second second day in next month. at 11 oclock at this house.

The above minute can be compared to this message from George Washington to the disowned Quaker John Lacey of Buckingham (commanding the Pennsylvania militia) written the prior month:

To Brigadier General Lacey, Pennsylvania Militia.

February 18th. 1778.

Sir,

The communication between the city and country, in spite of every thing hitherto done still continuing and threatening the most pernicious consequences; I am induced to beg you will exert every possible expedient to put a stop to it. In order to this, to excite the zeal of the militia under your command and make them more active in their duty, I would have you to let every thing actually taken from persons going into and coming out of the city, redound to the benefit of the parties who take them. At the same time, it will be necessary to use great precaution, to prevent an abuse of this privilege, since it may otherwise be made a pretext for plundering the innocent inhabitants. One method to prevent this, will be to let no forfeitures take place, but under the eye, and with the concurrence of some commissioned officer.

Any horses captured in this manner, fit for the public service, either as light or draft horses, must be sent to camp to the Quarter Master General, who will be directed to pay the value of them to the captors.

I cannot but think, your present position is at too great a distance from the city, and puts it in the power of the disaffected, very easily to elude your guards, and carry on their injurious commerce, at pleasure. I would recommend to you, to remove to some nearer post, and not to depend upon fixed guards, but to keep out continual scouts and patroles, as near the city as possible; to ramble through the woods and bye ways, as well as the great roads. The strictest orders should be given to these parties, even when necessary, and the intention is evident, to fire upon those gangs of mercenary wretches who make a practice of resorting the city with marketing.

I am informed, a considerable reinforcement is coming to your aid.

I am Sir, Your Most Obedt.

G. WASHINGTON. [6]

Ed. note: At this time General Lacey was sometimes headquartered across Sumneytown Pike from Gwynedd Meeting in the stone part of the house that still exists at the corner with Swedesford Rd. (according to Howard Jenkins) which at that time was an Inn. Note that the battles in September occurred at harvest time, so difficulty in marketing farm produce doubtless created economic hardship. On the other hand, there were plenty of hungry armies wanting food...

"Sunday, 26th (April). Wind northerly, the air cool, weather very fine. The two troops of the 17th Dragoons returned and [having] surprised a Post of 50 men of the Rebels at North Wales meeting-house, killed 12, took 6 prisoners, the rest fled. Brought in 2 waggons loaded with camp equipage." (Journal of Captain John Montressor, an engineering officer in the British service [2]) After this attack, the supply depot at Gwynedd Meeting was moved to Crooked Billet (Hatboro) where General Lacey had also removed and the Northampton Militia stationed at Gwynedd went home [2].

At our monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd the 28th of the 4th month 1778

1st The following friends are appointed to attend the serve of our next Quarterly Meeting Vizt: John Lloyd, David Evans, John Sanders, John Ambler, George Evans, Thomas Lancaster, Israel Jacobs, Isaac Williams and report [here the answers to the Queries are given again]

General George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr.

March 20, 1778

To Brigadier General Lacey, Pennsylvania Militia:

Head Quarters. Valley Forge, 20th. March 1778.

Sir,

Sunday next, being the time on which the Quakers hold one of their general Meetings, a number of that Society will probably be attempting to go into Philadelphia. This is an intercourse that we should by all means endeavour to interrupt, as the plans settled at these meetings are of the most pernicious tendency. I would therefore have you dispose of your parties in such a Manner, as will most probably fall in with these people, and if they should, and any of them should be mounted upon Horses fit for the draft or the Service of light Dragoons, I desire they may be taken from them and sent over to the Qr. Master General, any such are not to be considered as the property of the parties who may seize them as in other cases. Communicate the above orders to any of the officers of the Continental Army who may command scouting parties upon your side of the Schuylkill.

G. WASHINGTON.. [6]

2nd The friends appointed to the case of Josiah Wood report they visited him and encouraged him to attend this meeting and offering an acknowledgement which he gave them expectation he would do But as he is not present the same friends are continued to keep his case under their care another month.

3rd The friends appointed to encourage Jacob Rodes and Robert and Abraham Jones to attend this Meeting not having fully performed that service are continued.

4th The friends appointed to serve James Stroud with a copy of the Testification of our monthly Meeting against him report they performed that service and that he did not give them any determinate answer whether he intended to appeal or submit to the Judgement of the Meeting.

5th The friends appointed to deliver Job Lukens a Copy of the Testification of our monthly Meeting against him report they performed that service and that he did not make any objection it is therefore directed to be entered in the minutes and is as follows:

Whereas Job Lukens having a birth right in Society with us the people called Quakers But for want of duty regarding that unerring guide the principle of divine grace in his own heart he so far deviated from our ancient principles as to undertake to act as a Constable for serving summons on such as did not attend to learn the military exercise and also his negligent in the attendance of our religious meetings friends having from time to time Visited him and tenderly labored with him in order to bring him to a true sight of his Error but our Labors not having hitherto had the desired Affect therefore for the clearing of Truth we do testify against him the said Job Lukens and hereby desown him to have any furhter right of membership with us untill he from a true sense of his transgressions condemns the same to the satisfaction of this Meeting that he may is our sincere desire.

6th The Objection to the receiving Rees Bells' acknowledgement still remaining it is concluded to keep his case under consideration another month.

7th The case of Elijah Evans is further continued for the same Reasons.

8th A Certificate was produced for Adrian Dawes as directed last month.

9th The friends appointed to take under consideration the case of Several of our members removed to Philadelphia report they met and after taking the same under consideration it was thought best to prepare Certifcates for such as were Clear and some friends being moved to make inquiry prepared to make Certificates for Peter and Jonathan Robinson Recommending them to the care of Philadelphia monthly Meeting which was approved of and signed by the clerk. (?)

10th Gwynedd Overseers acquaint the meeting that Evan Thomas has left his usual place of abode and that it is reported he now resides in Philadelphia and is active in military employment. David Evans and John Ambler are desired to make inquiry and endeavour to treat with him in that matter. [This is Evan Thomas, son of Richard and Elizabeth (Walton) Thomas of Hilltown twp., Bucks County.]

from Loyalists of Pennsylvania [1]: "On February 14th, 1778, Hovenden s troop of Philadelphia Light Dragoons went up the Bristol road, and Captain Evan Thomas with his Bucks County Volunteers took the Bustleton road. On their return they brought back most of the officials of Bucks County. During the same month they made other forays into the County of Bucks, as the result of which they captured a number of Continental soldiers, a quantity of cloth greatly needed by Washington s army at Valley Forge, and a drove of 130 cattle. About a month later the Queen s Rangers, the New Jersey Volunteers, and other troops to the num ber of about 1,500 men engaged in foraging expeditions into New Jersey..."

11th James Egbert makes application to be Received into membership with us and the friends of Plymouth acquainting the meeting that his life and converation was sober and that he attended their meetings. John Evans and Ezekiel Cleaver are desired to visit him in order to make inquiry into the grounds of his commitment and report to our next meeting.

12th Our friend John Lloyd acquainted this Meeting that he had a desire to attend the Yearly Meeting at West River in Maryland and some Meetings in his way. This Meeting having good Unity with his Ministry his life and Conversation being Exemplary and Sympathizing with him in his undertaking leaves him to his liberty to proceed therein as truth shall open his way. Recommending him in divine keeping.

The Clerk is desired to provide him with a copy of this minute.

13th Since Last Meeting came to hand an Epistle from the Spring Meeting of ministers and Elders in Philadelphia conatining some seasonable advice and exortation and a near Sympathy with those under difficulties which has been read in our several first day Meetings.

Ed. Note: "When, at length, the Pennsylvania militia under Brigadier General Lacey was strengthened, the farmers of Bucks and Philadelphia Counties found it more difficult to reach the Philadelphia market. Many of them were captured, and some were condemned by court-martial to be hanged. Later, those caught conveying produce to the British were deprived of their teams and laden wagons, and were in many cases subjected to a flogging. Lacey s operations were now so successful in cutting off supplies from the city that on May 1, 1778, the Queen s Rangers, the Philadelphia Light Dragoons [Loyalist], and other regiments were dispatched to destroy the energetic officer and his command [Battle of Crooked Billet]. Taken by surprise, twenty-six of the Americans were killed, and some of the prisoners and wounded were put to death in brutal ways by their Tory captors." [1]

At our Monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd the 5th month 26th 1778

1st The Friends appointed to attend the Quarterly Meeting report that some of them attended others were prevented by the difficulty of Traveling and have in charge the recommedning the attention of their Meeting the minutes of the Quarterly Meeting in the 2nd month last respecting the religious education of the Youth.

2nd Josiah Wood attending the Meeting gave a paper directed to the Meeting as follows: I acknowledge that I have so far deviated from that peaceable principle professed by friends as to be concerned in making weapons for War for which I am Sorry and desire friends so far to pass by my Offense as to continue me under their care as my future conduct shall bespeak me worthy which being satisfactory to friends is agreed to be received on trial of his future conduct.

3rd Our women friends acquaint the Meeting that Hannah Shoemaker is recommended by Gwynedd Preparative Meeting to fill the Station of an Elder which this Meeting Approves of.

4th The women friends brought in papers of Acknowledgement given into their Meeting by Rebecca Jones acknowledging sorrow for her conduct in committing the sin of unchastity and desiring to be continued under the care of friends and one from Jane Osborn expressing sorrow for her transgression in marrying with the assistance of a Priest and desiring to be continued under the notice of friends. John Evans, David Evans and Evan Jones are desired to visit Rebecca Jones and Thomas Evans and George Maris desired to visit Jane Osborn and report what disposition they find them in to a future meeting.

5th A certificate was prepared by the Women friends for Mary Evans to Exeter Meeting which was approved of and signed by the Clerk.

6th The friends appointed to the case of Jacob Rodes and Robert and Abraham Jones Cases are Continued not having fully performed that service agreeable to their appointment.

7th Rees Bell's case is still Continued under consideration another meeting.

8th The case of Elijah Evans having been long on the minutes and he still continuing absent from his friends and usual place of abode and there not appearing any prospect of advanage in waiting longer with him in his present circumstance therefore the Meeting concludes to desire Joseph Roberts and Isaac Ellis to prepare a Testification against him and produce to our next Meeting.

9th One of the friends appointed to treat with Evan Thomas reports that he had an opportunity with him and that he acknowledges that he is in a Military Employment which he does not appear to be desposed to decline therefore the Meeting appoints Evan Jones and Thomas Shoemaker to prepare a Testification against his conduct and produce the same to our next Meeting.

10th The preinds appointed to visit James Egbert report they have conference with him and extended such Advice to him as occured and thought him worthy of the tender regard of friends yet think it may be advantagious to him to inform himself more fully with the principles of friends before he Joins in membership with them which the Meeting approves of and continues his request to the consideration of a future Meeting.

Between this meeting and the sixth month meeting the British evacuate Philadelphia and the American army leaves for New Jersey. It was the Quaker custom to ignore the War in their minutes as much as possible.

At our monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd the 30th of the 6th month 1778

1st The friends appointed to visit Jane Osborn not having performed that service owing to an unexpected change in the family are therefore continued.

2nd The friends appointed to visit Rebecca Jones not having had an opportunity with her since last Meeting are continued.

3rd The friends appointed to visit Jacob Rodes report that he is still desirous of being continued under the notice of friends though not so careful in attending Meetings as would be satisfactory to friends but as he has been united to more diligence therein the Meeting concludes to continue his case under the care of Thomas Lancaster and Isaac Ellis the friends formerly appointed.

4th The friends appointed to the case of Robert and Abram Jones case report they had an opportunity with them since last Meeting and as their case requires the further care and sympathy of friends it is also continued under the care of Thomas Lancaster and Isaac Ellis.

5th Rees Bell's case is Continued. Thomas Evans, George Maris, and Caleb Foulke are desired to visit him and report to our next Meeting.

6th The friends appointed to draw a Testification against Elijah Evans produced an essay but the Meeting being informed that he is returned therefore appoints Isaac Jones and David Evans to acquaint him how far the Meeting has proceeded in his case and to report to the next meeting what disposition they find him in.

7th A Testification against the conduct of Evan Thomas is directed by the minute of last month was now read and being approved of by the Meeting was signed by the Clerk. Evan Jones and Thomas Shoemaker desired to endeavor to serve him a Copy and acquaint him with his right to appeal.

8th The Meeting having under consideration James Egbert's application to join in membership with friends and some Seasonable and encouraging Exortations extended towards him leave the same under consideration antoher month.

9th Our friend John Lloyd Returned the minute of this Meeting of the 4th month last which he was furnished with endorsements from the Yearly Meeting of West River and Gunpowder monthly Meeting acquainting that his Company and labors of love amongst them was truely acceptable.

At our monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd the 28th of the 7th month 1778

1st The following friends are appointed to attend the ensuing Quarterly Meeting Vizt: John Lloyd, John Evans, Ezekiel Cleaver, George Evans, Thomas Lancaster, Isaac Ellis, George Maris, Ezekiel Shoemaker, Jacob Evans, Joseph Roberts Junr., and Caleb Foulke and report [here again are the same answers to the queries]

[annual queries] - Memorial written for Elizabeth Morgan, a minister deceased since last year and also for Robert Jones, Daniel Morgan, John Jones, Sarah Williams, William Foulke

2nd The friends appointed to visit Jane Osborn report they performed that service and laid before her the necessity of a more diligent attendance of Meetings and that she is still desirous of being continued under the notice of friends her case is continued under the care of the friends last appointed.

3rd The friends appointed to visit Rebecca Jones report that they had performed that service and finding her in a weak state of health owing to indisposition of Body extended such advice to her as Occured suitable to her situation. Her case is continued under the care of the friends last appointed.

4th The friends appointed to have the care of Jacob Rodes case report that he is still deficient with respect to the attendance of Meetings. The same friends are Continued to Labor further with him and acquaint him that except he manifests the Sincerity of his acknowledgement by a more dilignet attendance of Meetings, friends will be under the necessity of declaring their disapprobation of his conduct.

5th Robert and Abraham Jones's case is continued under the care of Thomas Lancaster and Isaac Ellis who are desired to visit them and endeavour to strengthen them by advising to a diligent attendance of Meetings and such other advice as they may stand in need of.

6th Rees Bell has been visited since our last Meeting by the friends appointed who report that they labored with him and endeavord to convince him of the inconsistency of his conduct with our Christian principles by complying with a demand made for fines in lew of Military service and recommended to his serious consideration whether it would not conduce more to his peace to suffer than Comply with such demands which he signified he would take under consideration his case is continued another month on trial of his future conduct under the care of Isaac Ellis.

7th The friends appointed to make inquiry and endeavor to have an opportunity with Elijah Evans and having heard from him are continued to perform that service and are desired to produce the Testification drawn against him to our next Meeting.

8th It being reported that Evan Thomas is gone away with the English army so that there is not any prospect of serving him with a copy of the Testification against him therefore it is directed to be entered in the minutes as follows:

Whereas Evan Thomas having had a birthright in Society with us the people called Quakers but of late having left his wife and Children and went to Philadelphia to reside and having taken an Active part in War contrary to the peacable principles we profess to the World one friend having had an opprotunity of treating with him in order to Convince him of the Inconsistency of his conduct with his professions he appeared kind but as he had engaged in war seemed inclined to continue in the practice therefore for the clearing of truth we do hereby disown him the said Evan Thomas from being any longer a member of our community with us until he by a Godly sorrow for his past conduct condemns it to the satisfaction of friends that he may is our desire.

Biographical Sketches of Loyalists, vol 2, p. 353 (Sabine's Loyalists, 1864): "Evan Thomas. Of Pennsylvania. He commanded a company of Loyalists called the Bucks County Volunteers; and for a time was engaged in predatory warfare in the vicinity of Philadelphia. At on time his company acted with the Queen's Rangers, embarked on expeditions with them, and considered themselves as under Simcoe's protection. Attainted of treason and estate confiscated. Settled at New Brunswick. He died at Pennfield, December 1835, aged ninety, leaving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren." Evan Thomas was the son of Richard Thomas of Hilltown twp., Bucks Co., PA, one of the slave owners visited by the Committee formed to persuade members of Gwynedd to free their slaves.

9th The Meeting taking under consideration James Egbert's application of joining in membership with friends and there appearing good account of his life and conversation being sober and Circumspect it is agreed that he be received into membership desired to attend our Meetings for Discipline.

10th Samuel Starr requests a Certificate to Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. George Evans is desired to call on Israel Jacobs to assist him in making the necessary inquiry into his conduct and provide the same against our next monthly Meeting.

Afterwards (August - December 1778)

We learn above Rees Bell's offense was paying the fine for not mustering. He was not disowned.

The next month (8th) James Egbert, now a member, requests marriage to Mary Dawes. Other 1778 marriages in the last half of the year- David Shoemaker m. Jane Roberts; Daniel Morgan m. Mary Lloyd.

Jane Osborn and Rebecca Jones made acknowledgement and were continued in membership. South Fork MM in Viriginia reported Mary Burson attended their meetings and was "respectable" so Gwynedd did not proceed against her.

Elijah Evans had joined the Whig (American) militia and acknowleged his offense. A testification was drawn up 27 of 5th month 1778 and he was disowned anyway.

Owen Morris and Mary Evans of Philadelphia MM and Isaac Walton of Abington brought Certificates with them to Gwynedd.

Israel Jacobs got a Certificate from Gwynedd to Goshen. :Cadwalader Foulke, Hannah Roberts and Christianna Lloyd got certificates to Abington and Phebe Way to Richland.

Dec 1778 - Robert Jones continued with the Military.

1778 Marriages made by a "Priest"; Jane Osborn; Rebecca Jones; Sarah Roberts; Hannah Kenderdine; Caleb Richards; Isaac Williams of Hatfield; Mary Burson (residing in Virginia); William Ellis, Joseph Conard; Joseph Williams. Joseph Conard, Joseph Williams and William Ellis publicly acknowledge their sorrow in 1779 and are continued in membership.

1779

New Members: Elizabeth Butterwack, Ruth Scotten, Certificate from Kingwood MM, NJ for Hannah Dawes, Martha Morris from Chesterfield MM, Rebecca Bond from Abington.

Members leaving: Rachel Carpenter to Philadelphia MM, northern division. Isaac Williams and three children (Mary, Elizabeth and Hannah) to Uwchlan. Margaret Coleman, Mary Starr & John Naylor to Philadelphia.

John Saunders visited Chester Quarter as a traveling Quaker Minister.

Ann Ambler and Sarah Jacobs are made Elders.

1779 Marriages sanctioned by Gwynedd MM: Richard Moore (son of Mordecai & Elizabeth) and Letitia Evans (daughter of David and Letitia) ; Evan Evans to an unidentified Exeter friend;

1779 Marriages made by a "Priest": Robert and Abraham Jones; John Davies s/o William Davies; Jane Michener; John Harry of Plymouth who also paid his militia muster fines, expressed no remorse and was disowned.; Hannah Worrilow; Mary Lukens; Ruth Phipps; Elizabeth Rosater. So in the end Robert and Abraham Jones were disowned for marrying out of unity instead of joining the militia.

Caleb Richards paid a fine for not mustering with the militia for which he ackowledged his error but which was not thought sincere.

Daniel Jeanes and Jonathan Jones were disowned for joining the English army, but Jonathan Robinson could not be found and the allegations against him not proved when this reader put the microfilm back at the end of 1779 - Gwynedd was writing Quakers in New York if they had seen him. [Interestingly Isaac Taylor (m. Hannah), who lived in Whitpain and is convicted of treason by the American side in 1779 is not mentioned. Apparently he is not a Quaker. Taylor (the son of Jonathan Taylor d. 1776 & Mary) had been arrested for taking farm produce to Philadelphia during the British occupation and was let off with a warning. Apparently the warning was insufficient as he went to Philadelphia again and left with the British army in the summer of 1778. His farm was confiscated by the government in 1785 and bought back by Morris Taylor, Isaac's brother in 1790.]

Mary Jones was reproached for leaving her husband Humphrey Jones and going to Philadelphia "which gave rise to a report prejudicial to her character". She was unrepentent and was disowned.

Comments by the transcriber. Gwynedd Friends Meeting was a divided meeting during the Revolution. Most of elders of the meeting seem to have been steadfast in upholding the peace testimony and worked hard in what was a difficult situation out of their control. Somewhere around one to two dozen young men joined the Whig cause, two as company commanders, and most of these men were disowned and left Gwynedd, Plymouth and Providence after the War. Another half dozen perhaps were Tories, some leaving with the British army. For more information on Gwynedd in the Revolution check out our new Meeting History [3] or Howard Jenkins' History[2]. Starting about 1778 it appears that most of the marriages are unsanctioned, and I suspect most of these Friends left the Society and many relocated to other parts.

Curiously there was a moratorium on disowning people for joining the American side during the occupation of the Gwynedd Monthly Meeting area from September 1777 to June 1778 and the fines show that some Quakers were not fined the maximum amount, including for instance, all the men in the Rees Harry family. There was a "timely" replacemnent of the clerk of the monthly Meeting with Caleb Foulke, a man with whig sympathies who had been politically active in Philadelphia from the time of the Stamp Act, knew Ben Franklin, and whose wife was related to several of the officers on the American side from Pennsylvania. In 1780, after the British had gone, Caleb Foulke, resigned as clerk and went back to Philadelphia. Caleb Foulke through business connections or apprenticeships mentored many of the most important men of the next generation in Gwynedd. He went on to make and lose a fortune in commerce and land speculation, at one point teaming up with Samuel Preston Moore, uncle of the Moore family in Montgomery township, in an unsuccessful attempt to buy tens of thousands of acres in New York from the Whartons (later to become the area around Coopertown). Two generations after the Revolution Joseph Foulke says, "No one ever heard of a Foulke that was a Tory."

To a modern reader, the disownments for marrying non-Friends seems very odd and contrary to the spirit of the Society of Friends, which began as a movement advocating individual choice and thinking for oneself. These disownments were a contributing factor to the decline in membership in the 19th century. During the first decades at Gwynedd such disownments were non-existent, but by 1750 the practice became part of the discipline and persons who had married many years before were brought before the Meeting and asked to apologize. The tendency to become more and more rule bound continued until it caused the Hicksite/Orthodox schism. This practice was discontinued at the end of the nineteenth century.

References cited for the author's side comments:

1. The Loyalists of Pennsylvania. Wilbur H. Siebert, The Ohio State University Bulletin, Vol. 24, No. 23, published 1920.

2. Historical Collections of Gwynedd, by Howard M. Jenkins, self-published 2nd edition, 1897

3. 300 Years of Worship and Service at Gwynedd Friends Meeting, by Laurie Halse Anderson, published to the Gwynedd Web Site 2005.

4. Sally Wister's Journal.

5. This story is detailed in The Philadelphia Campaign, Volume II, by Thomas J. McGuire who on pages 146-8 relates the story told by Thomas Shoemaker's son Abraham 70 years later.

6. The Olde Bucks Resource Pages. Correspondence of General Lacey.

7. See the numerous genealogies published on this web site for additional information on individuals or search our web site or USgenweb from our history home page.

8. 1778, May 14 – Muster Roll of Capt. John Roberts' Company, 1st Batt. Northampton Co., Pennsylvania - found in Pennsylvania Archives, Series 5, volume VIII.