Benjamin Franklin
1 Franklin Court (314-322 High [Market] Street)
Many of Franklin’s Quaker friends lived very close to his house and printing shop at 1 Franklin Court. Others lived in what was then the “countryside.” Click on the names at the left to see where Franklin's Quaker associates lived and learn about their dealings with Franklin. Flags will point to the locations of their homes.
Isaac Norris
“Fairhill,” on the road to Germantown
Born in Philadelphia, Isaac Norris practiced a secular version of Quakerism; he was very active politically and sometimes allowed his Quaker peace testimony to take second place to maintaining political power. Norris had a career in the Pennsylvania state legislature where he headed the “Quaker Party” and was Speaker of the House from 1751 until his death. A political ally and mentor of Franklin, Norris is known to have suggested the inscription on the State House bell: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof.”
Anthony Benezet
North side of Chestnut Street, above 3rd Street
French born Anthony Benezet had a deep-seated passion for teaching; he taught at the Friends’ School in Germantown as well as at the Friends’ Public School in Philadelphia, where he also succeeded in establishing a girls’ school. Benezet had a strong association with John Woolman in his anti-slavery efforts, and was able to convince Franklin to turn toward the abolitionist cause in 1769. Benezet devoted the final years of his life to teaching African American children. Benezet’s fortune was left to the School for Coloured Children, which is today called the Anthony Benezet School.
Israel Pemberton
312 Chestnut Street
A wealthy, liberal patron of many of Philadelphia’s public institutions, Israel Pemberton was known as the “King of the Quakers” for his role as a leader of the meetings of the Friends. A prominent businessman as well as a devout Quaker, Pemberton was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Hospital. He and his brothers were among several of the Quakers arrested and banished to Virginia in 1777 for their pacifist principles.
James Pemberton
“Evergreen,” country house near 23rd and South Streets
Brother to Israel Pemberton, James Pemberton was a successful merchant who was also prominent in public life and in the affairs of Quaker meetings. He was the clerk of the “Meeting for Sufferings” and one of the co-founders of the Pennsylvania Hospital. Pemberton was also a member of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society where he succeeded Franklin as president in 1790. Exiled to Virginia with his brothers for his pacifist pinciples, James Pemberton was one of many Quakers who withdrew from the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1756 because of conscientious scruples against war.
Samuel Rhoads
63 Spruce Street
Born in Philadelphia, Samuel Rhoads was the son of the mayor of Philadelphia who had been a member of the First Continental Congress. Rhoads was apprenticed to Samuel Rawle, a Philadelphia Quaker merchant whose business he later continued. In 1765, Rhoads married Sarah Pemberton, the daughter of Israel Pemberton. Eventually Rhoads followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming mayor in 1774.
Hugh Roberts
Church Alley between 2nd and 3rd Streets
A Quaker merchant who seems to have exemplified the characteristics of a “good Quaker,” Hugh Roberts was the “sort of Friend with whom Franklin had a great deal in common.” A participant in many intellectual and humanitarian pursuits, Roberts was active in the Library Company, the Union Fire Company, the Pennsylvania Hospital, as well as the Junto, a club of acquaintances founded by Franklin for mutual improvement. Elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751, Roberts had strong connections with Franklin, both politically and personally.
James Logan
“Stenton” [4601 N. 18th Street]
James Logan emigrated to Pennsylvania from Ireland in 1699, coming to the
colony as secretary and agent for William Penn. He also served the
colony as Provincial Secretary, Commissioner of Property, President of the
Council, and Governor of the Colony, as well as Chief Justice. Unlike many
of his fellow Quaker politicians, Logan was generally pro-defense (and
consequently an important ally of Benjamin Franklin) and relegated his
religious stance on pacifism to a secondary position. In 1738, Logan
retired to his 500-acre estate known as “Stenton,” outside of
Philadelphia. Here he involved himself in the study of literary works,
scientific pursuits, and the affairs of Native Americans, assembling one of
the largest private libraries in the colony.
John Bartram
Kingsessing, on the Banks of the Schuylkill
A farmer and self-taught botanist, John Bartram is considered the “Father of American Botany.” Bartram was a close friend of Franklin with whom he founded the American Philosophical Society. Besides his interest in soil improvement, his discovery of the first known ginseng in America and his publications of botanical observations, Bartram had many humanitarian interests. He freed his slaves but was ultimately disowned by Friends for his Unitarian views although he continued attending Meeting for Worship.
Abel James
“Chalkley Hall” [Wheatsheaf Lane & Sepviva Street]
A great friend of Franklin, and an ardent book collector, Abel James spent most of his life in Philadelphia as a partner in the importing and shipping firm of James and Drinker. James was an active member of the Friendly Association for Regaining and Preserving Peace with the Indians by Pacific Measures.
