John Woolman

Michael Heller (Roanoke College)
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John Woolman (1720-1772) is most well known as an activist working to end slavery among Quakers, who were more formally called the Religious Society of Friends. He wrote essays that sought to reverse the effects of oppression both for the oppressed as well as for those whose economic practices hurt others and damaged the environment. He is probably most revered for his

Journal

, a spiritual autobiography written for publication in the manner of Friends, in which he describes how he tried to live in accord with Quaker ideals of peace, equality, and simplicity.

Woolman was born in a Quaker community near Mount Holly, New Jersey, in 1720, and was raised on his parents’ farm. His upbringing and education were thoroughly steeped in the Quaker faith and values of the community. At age

2038 words

Citation: Heller, Michael. "John Woolman". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 21 October 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=4800, accessed 19 March 2024.]

4800 John Woolman 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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