Fox, George (1624-1691), an English religious leader, founded the Society of Friends, or Quakers, about 1647. He taught that the presence of the “Inner Light” in the individual should guide that person’s faith and actions. His followers were called Quakers because Fox once told a judge “to tremble at the word of the Lord.” See Quakers .
As a young man, Fox believed that he had received a divine call, and began going from place to place preaching his ideas of religion. Fox advised people to give up their worldly pleasures. He was imprisoned several times for his teachings. Fox made missionary journeys through Ireland, Scotland, the Caribbean, North America, and the Netherlands, and attracted many followers. He was born in Leicestershire, England, in July 1624.. He died on Jan. 13, 1691.
