Background
Woolman, John was born on October 19, 1720 in Ancocas, West Jersey (now New Jersey). Son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Burr) Woolman.
journalist merchant religious leader tailor early abolitionist
Woolman, John was born on October 19, 1720 in Ancocas, West Jersey (now New Jersey). Son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Burr) Woolman.
John received about ten years of schooling and for the rest of his life voraciously read and pursued his own education.
As a young man, Woolman moved to Mount Holly where he worked as a tailor. This trade would support him at times throughout his life. He owned his own tailor shop for a time, but his desire for a deeper spiritual life led him to simplify his life. Deeply pious, he became a recorded minister of the Society of Friends (1743) and for thirty-seven years served as chairman for the quarterly business meeting in Burlington County. He began to travel extensively, thirty-nine trips in twenty-five years, ministering to Quaker communities throughout the Thirteen Colonies.
The Journal of John Woolman
Serious Considerations on Various Subjects of Importance
Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes
Some Considerations on Keeping Negroes, Part Second
Considerations on Pure Wisdom and Human Policy, on Labor, on Schools, and on the Right Use of the Lord's Outward Gifts
Considerations on the True Harmony of Mankind, and How it is to be Maintained
Based in Mount Holly, New Jersey, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Woolman traveled through frontier areas of British North America to preach Quaker beliefs, and advocate against slavery and the slave trade, cruelty to animals, economic injustices and oppression, and conscription. In 1772, he travelled to England, where he urged Quakers to support abolition of slavery.
An advocate against slavery and the slave trade, cruelty to animals, economic injustices and oppression, and conscription.
the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) , United States
Married Sarah Ellis, October 18, 1749.