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Beginning in 1681, the Quaker experience in North America took an amazing turn. In what has been termed a "holy experiment" in statecraft, William Penn (1644-1718), a young English convert to the Society of Friends, established a colony based on Quaker ideals. In payment for a debt owed Penn's father, the English Crown granted Penn a large tract of land in North America. Penn returned to England and advertised the new colony to encourage people to move there. He wrote of fine lands and forests, a noble river, wild animals, and furs. The new government, he promised, would promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. All were welcome-tradesmen, men without means, and idealists eager to contribute to good government.

Hope of relief from the social and political ills of Europe drew Quakers from England and Northern Ireland. Mennonites and kindred groups came from the Rhine country in Europe. The first settlers were overwhelmingly Quaker, and Penn testified to the colony's auspicious start.

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9y ago

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