Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Samuel WOOLMAN
[Volume 35 Page 189]
Page 177
"SAMUEL WOOLMAN. Samuel Woolman, son of John Woolman, one of the first settlers of West Jersey, and Elizabeth his wife, was born in Rancocas, in the year 1690. The child of believing parents, and educated in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, he early saw the beauty of holiness, and gave up his heart to seek after the things that pertain to life and salvation. In or about the year 1714, he married Elizabeth Burr, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Burr. She also had the privilege of a religiously guarded education, her parents being, in the language of a memorial of Burlington Monthly Meeting, "ancient and valuable Friends, who long bore an honorable esteem among us." Blessings of various kinds attended the young couple, and they had their share of trials. On the 27th of the Second month, 1718, his father, John Woolman, was taken from
them by death, and in less than a week, his mother was also gathered, here the storms and trials of time assail not. Samuel and wife had many children to provide for; but being blessed with a moderate estate, and sufficient health to labor for their daily wants, they were content, and no doubt often felt their hearts glow with gratitude, as they saw the evidences of Divine grace being at work, in the hearts of their hopeful flock. Their son John has left this testimony concerning his father: "In his lifetime he manifested much care for us, his children, that in youth we might learn to fear the Lord; often endeavoring to imprint in our minds the true principles of Virtue, and particularly to cherish in us a spirit of tenderness, not only towards poor people, but also towards all creatures, of which we had command."
Samuel Woolman was early introduced into service in the church, as respects the administration of the discipline, and, some years before his death, was appointed an elder. He sympathized with his son John in his exercises on behalf of the negroes, and on reading a manuscript of his "On keeping slaves," he proposed a few alterations, and appeared well satisfied with the concern.
In the Eight month, 1750, he was taken with a fever, which soon
reduced his strength. As he lay one night so ill that all expectation of his recovery had ceased, he spoke to his son relative to the above
manuscript, and queried with him whether he expected soon to lay it
before Friends in order for its publication. At the close of the
conversation relative thereto, he said, "I have all along been deeply
affected with the oppression of the poor negroes; and now, at last, my
concern for them is as great as ever."
He made mention of his end, which he believed was now near; and signified, that though he was sensible of many imperfections in the course of his life, yet his experience of the power of Truth, and of the love and goodness of God from time to time, even until now, was such, that he had no doubt but that in leaving this life, he should enter into one more happy.
The next day hearing of the decease of his sister Ann, he
expressed his expection that she had been willing to depart from this world. On being informed that she was, he said, "I also am free to leave it." Afterwards adding, "I hope I shall shortly go to rest." He continued in a quiet, weighty frame of mind, retaining his faculties until near his end. His decease took place before the close of the Eighth month, 1750."
[Volume 31 Page 117]
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