Savanna Meadows

A little brief history of William Penn, he was born on October 14, 1644 in London. He was born into an Anglican family. Later on in life he joined The Religious Society of Quakers at the age of 22. The Quaker religion believed in the possibility of direct contact with God. They believed that it’s possible to have a deep connection with God. They have a deep Christian roots in their religion. Eventually, problems aroused with William’s father due to his new founded religious views. Later on William became good friends with George Fox, who was the founder of the Quakers. He travelled around Europe and England with him and their ministry. His education was taken at Chigwell School in Essex. His religious views got him removed him from school and was arrested several times. In court he was found not guilt by the jury. That led to the Lord Mayor sending William and the jury to jail on a charge of contempt of court. That is the offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law and its officers. The jurors fought their cases from court and won. William then decided to find a free Quaker settlement in America. In 1675, he was asked to resolve an issue of land dispute between Quaker property owners in the American colony of West New Jersey. In 1677, a group of Quakers went to West New Jersey. William did not go, but he was still active in the project.  In 1682, he moved to Pennsylvania. As soon as he arrived he started to plan the new colony’s government. William Penn said, "Justice is the insurance which we have on our lives and property. Obedience is the premium which we pay for it." I think this quote means is that Justice is what punishes or takes care of something happening. Whether it’s a disaster, or a crime. We pay with following the rules. That’s how it’s like insurance. Following the law is crucial for a well functioning society. That’s my best interpretation on it.

                                    Works Cited

"William Penn." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. Web. 03 May 2016. <http://www.biography.com/people/william-penn-9436869>.

"Brief History of William Penn." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, 2012. Web. 03 May 2016. <http://www.ushistory.org/penn/bio.htm>.

Tolles, Frederick B. "William Penn." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 03 May 2016. <http://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Penn-English-Quaker-leader-and-colonist>.