Philadelphia 1720
Charles and his son Even both were
associated with the Quaker religion in some way. Religious Society of
Friends or Quakers as they were better known was a fledgling religion at
this time. In existence for about sixty years, the Quakers were less
ridged than the contemporary religions of the time. The Quakers also took
public stands against slavery and indentured servitude which one over many
common people and enraged land owners. It is possible that Charles was an
indentured servant when he came to the British Colonies or had friends
that were indentured servants and he agreed with the Quakers position on
slavery.
EVEN CATHOLIC
Charles eldest son, Even later appears on
at least one record from the Catholic Church and his descendants to the
present day have all been predominantly Catholic. Charles may have been
disillusioned with the Catholic Church because of the Jacobite problems in
Great Britain. He may have decided to make a new start in the new world
and changed his religious orientation, or he was suspected of being
involved in the Jacobite movement and did a public religion switch for
appearances.
QUAKER WAYS
Early Quakers were also very civic
oriented and often kept records on families in the community even if they
were not a member of the group. One has to remember that the Quakers were
a 'gathering of friends' and not what would be considered a traditional
church. They did not have a central religious leader such as a minister or
a priest and worship in groups that more closely resembled group
discussions. It is possible that Charles had friends in the group or lived
close by and was invited to participate. It is obvious that whether
Charles was a Quaker or not, later in life he and his family were
Catholic.
...so ends the early history of the family.
