Tag Archives: Quakers

Religion in Genealogy Part 1: Quakers and Shakers

The role religion plays in genealogy is quite pronounced. In this blog I will be detailing two major groups: Quakers and Shakers. Quakers Quakers (also called Friends) are members of a Christiandenomination, called the Religious Society of Friends that was formed in England during the mid-17th century by George Fox. Fox believed that it was possible to have a close connection with Christ without formal preaching by clergy. Quaker beliefs are different between individuals based on each follower’s personal relationship with God. Traditionally, Quakers attend congregational gatherings, referred to as Monthly Meetings, where they sit in silence, waiting for the … Continue reading →

How Far Would You Go?

Recently a mother was fined over $3000 for barging into a home where her 15 year old daughter was and taking her home. This occurred after the police had failed to step in and take the girl out of what the mother believed was a dangerous situation staying her 17 year old boyfriend and his mother. How can the law penalize a mother for protecting her child? It made me think how far would I go to protect my child? How far would you go? Would you protect your family regardless of the cost to yourself? Would you take up … Continue reading →

Friendly Persuasion (1956)

“Friendly Persuasion” stars Gary Cooper as Jess Birdwell, father of a Quaker family. He and his wife Eliza (Dorothy McGuire) have raised their children to adhere to all the Quaker beliefs – in fact, Eliza is a Quaker minister. They behave with decorum, they don’t fight, drink, or smoke, and they seek the Lord in everything they do. They are living a peaceful life until the outside world threatens everything they hold dear. The year is 1862, and the Civil War is drawing close to their Indiana home. Many men in the community have taken up arms to defend their … Continue reading →

Home to Harmony – Philip Gulley

The Episcopalians have the “Mitford” series, the Mormons have the “Fairhaven Chronicles,” and now the Quakers have “Home to Harmony.”Author Philip Gulley, himself a Quaker minister, brings to life a small town where every child can safely walk to the drugstore for a soda and where progress just isn’t to be thought of. Our character, Sam Gardner, was born and raised in Harmony and left for a time to go to college and begin his ministry. A wife and two sons later, he misses the idyllic life he had as a child and takes his family back to Harmony. He … Continue reading →