English Philosopher, Pennsylvania's Founder: William Penn

Pennsylvania’s Founder: William Penn

William Penn was an English philosopher, entrepreneur, and he had many other occupations. Penn’s most important title was the founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His many accomplishments include writing “No Cross, No Crown,” and colonizing Pennsylvania. Penn also had an unique life full of both hardships and delights.

Penn was born on October 14, 1644, near the Tower of London. His father was Captain William Penn, who later became Rear Admiral William Penn. His mother was Margaret Jasper, who was the daughter of a merchant of Rotterdam and Ireland.

According to Historic World Leaders, during a smallpox attack, Penn lost all of his hair and was forced to wear a wig for the rest of his life.

a merry fellow and pretty good-natured and sings bawdy songs’” (Hudson). In 1666 King Charles II returned Macroom Castle to its original owner. He gave William's father a larger estate and Shangarry Castle outside the city of Cork in Ireland. That fall William travelled to Ireland to manage his father's estate. On September 16, 1670, Admiral Penn died; he forgave his son for all of his "eccentricities." According to Historic World Leaders, Penn’s father paid all of his fines, and commended him on his deathbed to the Duke of

More than thirteen hundred Quakers were released from prison. William’s “holy experiment” achieved much of what he dreamed and more (Figley 40). Immigrants with different religious beliefs- from all parts of Europe- found a welcoming home in Pennsylvania. Born into the ruling class, he embraced egalitarianism. He lived in style and in debt while claiming to be in search of the simple life. According to Peter Thompson’s article, "William Penn," “Penn devoted more intellectual energy to understanding the role of colonies and devising equitable frames of government for them than any other colonial leader” (The English Historical Review). In 1984, more than 300 years after the founding of Pennsylvania, the United States Congress posthumously granted Penn U.S.